How Much Is a U-Haul? 2024 Rental Cost Guide
Planning a move is stressful enough without unexpected truck rental bills. If you are asking yourself, how much is a U-Haul, the short answer is that it depends entirely on whether you are moving locally or long-distance. U-Haul prices are calculated using a base fee combined with either a mileage rate or a flat rate that includes a set number of miles and days.
Understanding the pricing structure before you book can save you hundreds of dollars. This guide breaks down exact cost expectations, hidden fees, and practical tips to keep your moving budget on track.
Understanding Local vs. One-Way U-Haul Costs
U-Haul categorizes moves into two distinct types: local and one-way. Each type uses a completely different pricing model, which heavily impacts your final bill.
Local Move Pricing
For a local move—where you pick up and drop off the truck at the same location—U-Haul charges a low daily base rate, plus an additional fee per mile driven.
- Cargo Vans & Small Pickups: $19.95 per day + $0.59 to $0.99 per mile.
- 10-foot to 15-foot Trucks: $29.95 to $39.95 per day + $0.79 to $0.99 per mile.
- 20-foot to 26-foot Trucks: $39.95 to $49.95 per day + $0.99 to $1.19 per mile.
Keep in mind that you are also responsible for refilling the gas tank to the exact level it was at when you picked up the vehicle. If you return it with less fuel, U-Haul will charge a steep refueling fee.
One-Way Move Pricing
If you are moving to a new city and dropping the truck off at a different location, your pricing model changes. One-way rentals are quoted as a flat rate that includes a specific number of allowed miles and days.
- Small Moves (Cargo Van/10-foot Truck): Typically range from $150 to $500 depending on the distance.
- Medium Moves (15-foot to 20-foot Truck): Usually cost between $300 and $1,200.
- Large Moves (26-foot Truck): Often range from $400 to $2,000+ for cross-country trips.
The beauty of a one-way rental is that mileage and time are pre-calculated. However, if you exceed your allotted miles or keep the truck past your scheduled drop-off date, you will face heavy penalty fees.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out for
When calculating how much a U-Haul will cost, the base quote is rarely the final price. You must factor in several additional expenses that often catch movers by surprise.
Fuel Expenses
Moving trucks are notoriously heavy and get poor gas mileage. A 26-foot truck fully loaded with your belongings might only get 6 to 8 miles per gallon. Depending on the length of your move, gas can easily add $50 to $300+ to your overall budget.
Moving Insurance (Safemove)
U-Haul offers optional damage protection plans, ranging from basic cargo insurance to full physical damage coverage.
- Safemove: Usually costs $15 to $30 per day and covers cargo damage, windstorms, rollover, and limited medical/life coverage.
- Safemove Plus: Offers up to $1 million in supplemental liability protection, typically costing around $30 to $50 per day.
Before purchasing U-Haul insurance, check your personal auto insurance policy and renter's/homeowner's insurance. Many policies already cover rental trucks, saving you an extra $20 to $50 a day.
Equipment Rentals
Trucks do not come with moving supplies automatically. If you need dollies, furniture pads, or hand trucks, you will pay rental fees per item:
- Utility Dolly: ~$10 per rental
- Furniture Pads (dozen): ~$5 to $10 per rental
- Tow Dolly (for towing a car): ~$45 to $60
- Auto Transport Trailer: ~$150 to $180
Environmental and State Fees
Depending on the state where you pick up your truck, you may encounter small environmental or recycling fees, as well as local taxes that apply to vehicle rentals.
Tips to Save Money on Your U-Haul Rental
Because truck rental prices fluctuate based on demand, a few strategic decisions can lower your total cost significantly.
- Move during off-peak times: Renting a truck at the beginning or end of the month—as well as during peak moving season (May through September)—is significantly more expensive. If possible, plan your move for the middle of the week or the middle of the month.
- Book in advance: While U-Haul allows last-minute bookings, availability drops quickly, and prices can rise as supply tightens in your area.
- Calculate mileage precisely: For local moves, map out your route ahead of time. Taking detours or getting lost will directly increase your mileage fees.
- Ask for price matching: If competing local moving truck companies like Penske or Budget offer a lower rate, mention it. While U-Haul doesn't have an official price-match guarantee, local dealers sometimes have flexibility to earn your business.
Conclusion
So, how much is a U-Haul? For a quick local move across town, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 after adding gas and mileage. For a long-distance, one-way move, expect to budget between $300 and $2,000+ depending on the truck size and distance. Always get an official online quote directly from U-Haul, read the fine print regarding mileage limits, and factor in fuel and insurance to get a realistic picture of your final moving costs.
