How Much Does It Cost to Rent a U-Haul Truck?

U-Haul is one of the most widely recognized truck rental companies in the country, and for good reason — they have locations nearly everywhere, a range of truck sizes, and a pricing structure that looks simple at first glance. But the actual cost of renting a U-Haul truck depends on several factors that can push a seemingly low base rate into something much higher by the time you return the keys.

Here's how the pricing actually works.

The Base Rate Is Just the Starting Point

U-Haul advertises its trucks using a base rental rate, which covers the truck for a set period — typically one day for local moves. You've probably seen rates like $19.95 or $29.95 advertised. Those numbers are real, but they reflect only the most basic component of your total cost.

For local, in-town rentals, U-Haul charges that low daily rate plus a per-mile fee. The mileage charge is where costs climb quickly. Depending on the truck size and your location, per-mile rates typically range from around $0.89 to $1.49 per mile — sometimes higher in certain markets. A move that involves 50 miles of driving round-trip can add $50 or more to your bill before you factor in anything else.

For one-way moves (renting in one city and dropping off in another), the pricing structure changes. U-Haul sets a fixed mileage allowance for one-way trips, and the total cost is based on distance, truck size, and current demand in those markets. One-way rental rates are generally higher upfront but don't charge separately by the mile.

Truck Size Affects the Rate

U-Haul offers several truck sizes, and larger trucks cost more to rent. Common sizes include:

A 10-foot truck rented locally will cost less per day than a 26-foot truck. For long-distance one-way moves, the size difference in pricing becomes more pronounced.

What Actually Gets Added to Your Bill 📋

Beyond the base rate and mileage, several add-ons can significantly affect your total:

• Fuel: U-Haul trucks are rented with a set fuel level and must be returned at the same level. If you return the truck with less fuel, U-Haul charges a refueling fee — typically at a rate higher than what you'd pay at the pump yourself. Filling the tank before return is almost always cheaper.
• Damage protection plans: U-Haul offers optional coverage products (Safemove, Safemove Plus) that range from roughly $14 to $28 per day. These are optional, but declining them means you're responsible for damage to the truck.
• Moving equipment rentals: Dollies, furniture pads, and moving blankets are rented separately and add to the total.
• Environmental fees: Most rentals include a small environmental or equipment fee.
• Taxes: State and local taxes apply and vary by location.

One-Way vs. Local: The Cost Difference Is Significant

This is one of the most important distinctions in U-Haul pricing. Local rentals are billed daily with per-mile charges — they're designed for moves within the same city or metro area. One-way rentals are designed for moves between cities or states and are priced differently, often as a flat package that includes a mileage allowance.

One-way moves typically cost more overall, but they eliminate the need to drive back to the pickup location, which saves time and miles. Pricing for one-way rentals fluctuates based on demand — moving into a high-demand city during peak moving season (late spring through summer) will often cost more than moving in the opposite direction or during off-peak months.

When You Rent Matters 🗓️

Peak moving season runs roughly from May through September, and weekend rentals — especially at the beginning and end of the month — tend to be more expensive and harder to book. Renting mid-week or mid-month, or moving outside of peak season, can lower both the base rate and the odds that your preferred truck size is unavailable.

Variables That Shape Your Final Cost

No two U-Haul rentals cost exactly the same because the total depends on:

• Truck size selected
• Local vs. one-way rental type
• Number of miles driven (for local rentals)
• Distance between cities (for one-way rentals)
• Pickup location and market — pricing varies by city and region
• Time of year and day of week
• Optional coverage and equipment rentals
• How much fuel is used
• State and local taxes

A local 10-foot rental for a short move in a mid-size city might total $60–$90 when all is said and done. A one-way 20-foot truck rental across several states during summer could cost several hundred dollars or more. The range is wide.

What U-Haul Doesn't Always Make Obvious

The advertised rate is a marketing figure. It reflects a specific set of assumptions — usually the smallest truck, shortest local use, minimal mileage — that may not match your actual move. Before booking, it's worth using U-Haul's own online quote tool with your actual pickup location, drop-off location, truck size, and dates to see a more realistic estimate.

Your final bill depends on exactly how far you drive, what you add on, how much fuel you use, and where you're renting. Those are the pieces that only your specific move can answer.