How Much Does It Cost To Rent a Moving Truck? (2024)
Written by
Moving to a new home is exciting, but it can also be stressful and expensive. Renting a moving truck instead of hiring a full-service moving company can help you save money, but with so many factors to consider, it can be difficult to create an accurate budget.
In this article, we’ll cover how much it costs to rent a moving truck based on factors such as size, vehicle type, and distance traveled. We’ll also provide some tips for getting the best value for your dollar.
Average Daily Cost To Rent a Moving Truck
The average daily cost to rent a moving truck is $1,000, but it can range between $30 and $3,500.* This doesn’t include taxes, fees for mileage, or other additional costs. There are several factors that determine how much it will cost to rent a moving truck, including:
- Driving distance
- Duration of rental
- Time of year
- Truck size
- Vehicle type
*Costs in this section sourced from estimates found on Angi.
Cost To Rent a Moving Truck by Size
The size of your home and the number of belongings you need to move determines which size moving truck you need. In general, the larger the truck, the higher the cost. Here’s a breakdown of the most common truck sizes and the associated rental costs.
Note: The average costs listed in this section were sourced from Angi. Max payload and cargo space capacities were pulled from provider websites.
Small Trucks
Small trucks are an excellent option for those who need to move out of a studio or one-bedroom apartment. These trucks are 10 or 12 feet long with a max load capacity of 2,500–3,500 pounds. The average cost to rent a small moving truck is $20–$30 per day, with additional fees for mileage.
Midsize Trucks
If you are moving out of a two- or three-bedroom apartment or a small house, your best option is a midsize truck. These trucks range from 14–20 feet in length and typically have a max load capacity of 4,000–6,000 pounds. The average cost to rent a midsize moving truck is $40–$80 per day, with additional fees for mileage.
Large Trucks
For those moving out of a large home with four or more bedrooms, a large truck is necessary. Large trucks are 22–26 feet long and usually have a max load capacity of 10,000 pounds. The average cost to rent a large moving truck is $60–$100 per day, with additional fees for mileage.
- If you are moving a long distance and want to make a cost-efficient decision, renting a moving truck is often the best choice. By opting to rent a moving truck, you can save a considerable amount of money compared to hiring a full-service long-distance moving company.
Cost To Rent a Moving Truck by Vehicle Type
Most people picture box trucks when they think of moving, but you have several vehicle types to choose from. Each truck type offers unique features and capabilities. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of moving trucks you can rent, plus the average costs for each one.
Note: All pricing information for this section was gathered by requesting quotes for a weekend move in Rockford, Illinois.
Cargo Vans
Cargo vans are an excellent option for those who need to move a small number of items, such as those moving out of a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Cargo vans are compact and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for city driving and navigating tight spaces.
Renting a cargo van can cost $20–95 per day, depending on the size and company. Additional mileage fees may apply. Here are a few options we found:
| Moving Truck Provider | Van Description | Max Payload | Cargo Space | Daily Rental Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Budget |
Cargo van |
3,400 lbs. |
323 cubic feet |
$20 |
|
Enterprise |
Compact cargo van |
1,480 lbs. |
123 cubic feet |
$80 |
|
Enterprise |
Cargo van |
3,700 lbs. |
260 cubic feet |
$75 |
|
Enterprise |
Heavy duty cargo van |
4,080 lbs. |
224 cubic feet |
$77 |
|
Enterprise |
Heavy duty XL cargo van |
3,950 lbs. |
254 cubic feet |
$80 |
|
Enterprise |
High roof cargo van |
3,700 lbs. |
245 cubic feet |
$95 |
|
U-Haul |
Cargo van |
4,030 lbs. |
246 cubic feet |
$20 |
Pickup Trucks
Pickup trucks are a versatile option if your move involves a very small number of items or a short distance. These trucks are typically more affordable than cargo vans and may be easier to drive and park. They come with an open cargo bed, which makes it easier to load and unload large items.
Renting a pickup truck can cost $20–$115 per day, depending on your specific model and rental company. Additional mileage rates may apply. We have listed a few options available from moving truck providers below. However, regular car rental companies also offer pickup trucks.
| Moving Truck Provider | Truck Description | Bed Size | Max Payload | Towing Capable? | Daily Rental Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Enterprise |
Standard pickup |
Up to 6 feet |
1,800 lbs. |
No |
$65 |
|
Enterprise |
1/2-ton pickup |
6–8 feet |
2,000 lbs. |
No |
$65 |
|
Enterprise |
3/4-ton pickup |
6–8 feet |
4,000 lbs. |
Yes |
$100 |
|
Enterprise |
1-ton pickup |
6.5–8 feet |
6,000 lbs. |
Yes |
$115 |
|
U-Haul |
Pickup |
8 feet |
2,280 lbs. |
Yes–up to 6,000 lbs. |
$20 |
Box Trucks
Box trucks, or cargo trucks, are the most common type of moving truck available for rent. They range in size from 10–26 feet and are suitable for all types of moves, whether you are moving from a small apartment or a four-bedroom house. Most box trucks come with a loading ramp, allowing loading and unloading heavy items with a hand truck or dolly.
Renting a box truck can cost $20–$100 per day, depending on the truck size and rental company. Additional mileage fees may apply. Here’s an overview of the box truck options available from popular providers:
| Moving Truck Provider | Truck Description | Max Payload | Cargo Space | Daily Rental Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Budget |
12-foot small truck |
3,610 lbs. |
380 cubic feet |
$20 |
|
Budget |
16-foot medium truck |
4,460 lbs. |
658 cubic feet |
$30 |
|
Budget |
26-foot large truck |
10,000 lbs. |
1,698 cubic feet |
$77 |
|
Enterprise |
15-foot parcel van |
5,000 lbs. |
800 cubic feet |
$75 |
|
Enterprise |
16-foot cabover truck |
7,500 lbs. |
960 cubic feet |
$90 |
|
Enterprise |
26-foot box truck |
10,000 lbs. |
1,800 cubic feet |
$100 |
|
U-Haul |
10-foot truck |
2,850 lbs. |
402 cubic feet |
$20 |
|
U-Haul |
15-foot truck |
6,385 lbs. |
764 cubic feet |
$30 |
|
U-Haul |
17-foot truck |
6,160 lbs. |
865 cubic feet |
$40 |
|
U-Haul |
20-foot truck |
5,700 lbs. |
1,016 cubic feet |
$40 |
|
U-Haul |
26-foot truck |
12,859 lbs. |
1,682 cubic feet |
$40 |
Tow-Behind Trailers
Tow-behind trailers are a cost-effective option for those who already have a vehicle with towing capabilities. These trailers come in various sizes, from small utility trailers to large enclosed trailers, making them suitable for moving a range of items.
Renting a tow-behind trailer from U-Haul typically costs $15–$35 per day. Here is an overview of the options:
| Trailer Description in Feet | Max Payload | Cargo Space | Daily Rental Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
|
4 x 8 cargo trailer |
1,650 lbs. |
142 cubic feet |
$15 |
|
5 x 8 cargo trailer |
1,800 lbs. |
208 cubic feet |
$19 |
|
6 x 12 cargo trailer |
2,480 lbs. |
396 cubic feet |
$30 |
|
4 x 7 utility trailer |
1,770 lbs. |
26 square feet |
$15 |
|
5 x 8 utility trailer |
1,890 lbs. |
38 square feet |
$19 |
|
5 x 9 utility trailer with ramp |
1,650 lbs. |
43 square feet |
$25 |
|
6 x 12 utility trailer |
2,670 lbs. |
74 square feet |
$30 |
|
6 x 12 utility trailer with ramp |
3,710 lbs. |
74 square feet |
$35 |
Cost To Rent a Moving Truck by Distance
The distance you need to travel will significantly impact the cost to rent a moving truck. The more miles you put on the truck, the higher the cost will be. You can also expect a different pricing structure if you plan on returning the truck to the same store versus a one-way truck rental with a different drop-off location.
Local Moves
Here’s what the top moving truck providers charge for a local round-trip move in Rockford, Illinois. These rates assume you rent a box truck and that the pick-up and drop-off locations are the same:
- Budget: $20–$77 per day, plus 69–92 cents per mile
- Enterprise: $75–$100 per day, plus 39 cents per mile
- U-Haul: $20–$40 per day, plus 99 cents per mile
For a local move, be sure to weigh the cost of renting a bigger truck versus making multiple trips. A smaller truck will cost less in rental fees, but you may end up paying more in mileage fees.
Long-Distance Moves
Here is how the above providers structure their rates for cross-country and interstate moves. Because Enterprise does not typically offer truck rentals with a different drop-off location, we did not include it in this list.
- Budget: Flat fee of $2,097–$4,659 covers up to five days of use and unlimited miles
- U-Haul: Flat fee of $2,544–$3,882 covers up to five days of use and 1,287 miles
Note that additional fees will apply if you exceed the rental length or mileage specified by the provider.
Additional Considerations
Distance can affect other moving costs, including fuel and tolls. Be sure to factor in the cost of fuel when you set your moving budget, and find out whether there are any tolls along your route. Many GPS systems will allow you to optimize your route for fuel efficiency or to avoid tolls, rather than simply selecting the fastest route. Adjusting the settings on your GPS could help you save money on your long-distance move.
Cost To Rent a Moving Truck by Move Duration
The duration of your move can impact the cost of renting a moving truck, especially for local moves. Since moving companies typically use a daily rate for local moves, each day that you keep the truck will increase your total cost.
Long-distance moves, on the other hand, often come at a flat rate that covers a certain number of days. Your costs will stay the same as long as you return the truck undamaged within that window. For instance, if you rent a U-Haul truck to move from New York to Florida, your rate will be the same whether you use the truck for two days or the full five.
If you suspect you will need the moving truck beyond the allotted number of days, ask the rental company what fees will apply. Be sure to factor in the cost of fuel, tolls, and insurance, too.
Cost To Rent a Moving Truck by Location
The cost to rent a moving truck may vary depending on the location you’re renting from. Rental rates tend to fluctuate based on factors such as demand, competition, and local taxes—all of which are heavily influenced by location. Mileage fees may also vary by location. Different rental locations for the same company in the same area may even charge slightly different rates.
To help you understand how location affects truck rental costs, we requested quotes from the top moving truck providers for local moves in different cities. Here are the rates we received:
| City | Budget | Enterprise | U-Haul |
|---|---|---|---|
|
New York City |
$20–$40 per day, plus 89–99 cents per mile |
$119–$129 per day, plus 29 cents per mile |
$20–$40 per day, plus $2.49 per mile |
|
Los Angeles |
$20–$40 per day, plus $1.09 per mile |
$85–$275 per day, plus 49 cents per mile |
$20–$40 per day, plus $1.39 per mile |
|
Chicago |
$30–$77 per day, plus 92 cents per mile |
$75–$165 per day, plus 49 cents per mile |
$20–$40 per day, plus $1.49 per mile |
|
Houston |
$20–$60 per day, plus 99 cents per mile |
$110–$295 per day, plus 49 cents per mile |
$20–$40 per day, plus $1.09–$1.29 per mile |
|
Phoenix |
$20–$70 per day, plus 89 cents per mile |
$65–$300 per day, plus 35 cents per mile |
$20–$40 per day, plus $1.09 per mile |
|
Philadelphia |
$20–$40 per day, plus $0.92–$1.12 per mile |
$49–$150 per day, plus 69 cents per mile |
$20–$40 per day, plus $1.99 per mile |
Note: The price ranges above represent the lowest- and highest-priced box trucks available at each location when we requested quotes. In some cases, such as for Enterprise’s New York City location, the price for a 26-foot box truck was not listed, so the actual range could be slightly different.
Cost To Rent a Moving Truck by Move Date
The timing of your move can also significantly impact your truck rental costs. Rental companies typically charge higher rates during peak moving seasons to balance supply and demand. This season runs from May through September, coinciding with the end of the school year and the span of summer vacation. During this time, rental companies experience higher demand for moving trucks, which can result in higher rental rates.
To minimize your moving costs, avoid moving during peak season if at all possible. Instead, plan your move for the off-season of October through April. If you have to move during peak season, book your rental as early as possible to ensure availability. Depending on the rental company, you may even benefit from an early bird discount.
Prices may also vary based on the day of the week. Because most people wait for the weekend to move, rates for weekday rentals are typically lower than rates for weekend rentals. If you have flexibility in your move date, consider renting a truck during the week to save money. Rental companies may also offer discounts or promotions for weekday rentals to attract customers.
Additional Costs
Compared to even the most affordable moving companies, renting a moving truck is often the most cost-effective way to move. However, it’s important to factor in additional costs beyond the rental rates and mileage fees, such as the following:
- Insurance: Most rental companies offer insurance options to cover the rental truck and your belongings during the move. Be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions of any damage waiver or moving insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not.
- Packing supplies: If you plan to self-pack, you can purchase packing supplies from stores, such as The Home Depot or Lowes, but some truck rental companies also sell them. You can save money by checking online marketplaces for used materials or asking local businesses for free boxes left over from deliveries.
- Moving services: For a local move, you might be able to save money by recruiting friends and family to help. However, for long-distance moves, you may want to hire professional movers to lighten your load. While this will add to your moving costs, it will save you time and effort.
- Moving equipment rentals: Unless you plan to hire professional loaders, you may also need to rent moving equipment such as dollies, furniture pads, and straps. These additional rental costs can add up quickly.
- Fuel and tolls: If you are traveling a long distance, you may encounter toll roads along the way. Some rental companies offer toll packages to help reduce the cost of tolls, so be sure to inquire about these options when you reserve your truck. You should also factor in the cost of gasoline, especially for long-distance moves.
How To Find a Moving Truck Rental Company
Here are some steps to follow when selecting a moving truck rental company:
- Research rental companies: Check online reviews and ratings to get an idea of the quality of service offered by different rental companies. You can also ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations.
- Compare rental rates: Once you have a list of potential rental companies, compare their rates and fees. Look for companies that offer competitive rates and transparent pricing and include mileage, fuel, and insurance costs for an accurate comparison.
- Consider truck size: Not every company or location offers the full range of truck sizes. Decide what type and size of truck you need and eliminate companies that don’t offer a suitable option.
- Check availability: If you are planning a last-minute move or moving during the busy season, your options may be limited by availability. To avoid this issue, book your rental well in advance.
- Read the rental agreement: Carefully read the terms and conditions of the rental agreement before signing. Look for hidden fees that may be added to your rental and ensure that you understand the company’s policies regarding insurance, fuel, and mileage.
- Consider additional services: In addition to truck rentals, some companies offer services such as packing, loading, and unloading. Consider these services if you need extra assistance with your move, but don’t forget to factor in the cost.
Our Conclusion
The cost to rent a moving truck can vary depending on factors such as truck size, rental location, move duration, and move date. Our research shows that the cost to rent a moving truck can range from $15–$115 per day, plus mileage fees and other associated costs. U-Haul typically offers the lowest rates but the highest mileage fees. Enterprise offers the inverse, and Budget generally falls in the middle.
To find the best moving truck rental, compare quotes from multiple providers and make sure you understand the terms of your rental agreement. To keep costs down, time your move for a weekday during the off-season months of October through April. Booking your rental early can also help you save money.
FAQ About Renting a Moving Truck
What is the cheapest company to rent a truck from?
The cheapest company to rent a moving truck from depends on the specifics of your move. Budget, U-Haul, Penske, The Home Depot, and Budget all offer competitive rates, and each company comes with its own pricing pros and cons.
What is the best day to rent a moving truck?
The best day to rent a moving truck depends on your needs and preferences. In general, the most cost-effective moving days are weekdays. Demand for moving trucks is higher on weekends, which leads to higher rental rates and limited availability.
What is the biggest truck I can rent to move?
The biggest truck you can rent to move is a 26-foot box truck. However, not every company or rental location offers this option.
What are the advantages of renting a moving truck?
The advantages of renting a moving truck include cost-effectiveness, control, flexibility, convenience, and privacy. This DIY moving method can be a great option for those who want to save money, maintain control over the moving process, and have the flexibility to move on their own schedule.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
