U Haul Cost Calculator & Price Guide

U-Haul is a national truck and trailer rental company, and its pricing follows a simple pattern. You pay a base rate for the vehicle, a charge for each mile you drive, and fees and optional protection on top. For local moves, the base rate is per day. For one-way moves, the price is quoted as a package that bundles the mileage allowance.

This page explains how those pieces fit together and gives published figures for each. Prices change by location, truck availability, and date, so confirm the current quote with U-Haul directly before you plan a budget. Data check date: Oct 11, 2026.

Local rentals charge a daily rate that depends on the truck size. The listed rate is the starting price per day, and mileage is billed separately.

A larger truck costs more per day. Choose the size based on how much you are moving. A truck that is too small can mean a second trip, and one that is too large adds cost for no benefit. Small trucks and cargo vans suit a studio or a few large items, while bigger box trucks suit multi-bedroom homes.

For local rentals, mileage is charged for every mile driven, in addition to the daily rate. Published figures vary because the sources describe different vehicle classes and check dates.

Some of the figures above apply to a pickup truck or cargo van, and others to box trucks. The three sources do not match exactly, which is a reminder that mileage charges can vary by location and over time. Fuel is paid by the renter on top of the mileage charge, so budget for gas as well.

To estimate a local rental, use this formula: the daily rate, plus miles driven times the per-mile charge, plus fuel, fees, and any protection plan you choose. The examples below show how the math works for a 30-mile, one-day local move.

The 10-foot example is the daily rate of $19.95 plus 30 miles at $1.19. The 26-foot example is the same mileage on the larger truck's daily rate of $49.95. Add the cost of moving equipment, such as dollies or pads, if you need them, and expect taxes and fees to be added at checkout.

Long-distance rentals are priced differently. The quote covers a set number of days and miles, and the price depends on the distance and the direction of travel, since some routes are in higher demand than others. The table shows all-in cost estimates for different move sizes and distances.

Going over the included days or miles adds charges.

If you expect delays loading or driving, book enough days up front, since a late return can mean extra charges. Driving a large truck long distance also adds fuel, which can be a large part of the final cost on a cross-country trip.

• Truck size. Bigger trucks cost more per day and use more fuel.
• Distance. Local moves pay per mile. One-way moves are priced by route.
• Time of year and demand. End-of-month and summer weekends tend to be busy, and availability is tighter.
• Pickup location. Rates differ between markets.
• Fees and protection. Environmental fees, taxes, and optional damage protection add to the base quote.
• Extras. Moving pads, dollies, boxes, and a tow dolly or trailer are priced separately.

Published U-Haul figures can disagree because they come from different dates and locations, and some are all-in costs while others show only the base rental.

Treat this as a planning range, then enter your pickup location, dates, and truck size on the company's reservation page to get a live quote. The live quote is the only figure that reflects current availability and fees.

Rental trucks are not the only way to move. Full-service movers load, drive, and unload for you, and portable storage containers let you pack at your own pace. A truck rental is usually cheapest in direct cost but requires your own time, lifting, and driving. If you are moving heavy furniture, hiring local labor to load and unload can make the job easier without the cost of a full-service mover. Compare quotes for your specific distance and inventory.