If you’re planning a move, renovation, or large item transport, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: how much does it cost to rent a U-Haul? U-Haul is one of the most well-known truck rental companies in North America, offering a range of vehicles from small vans to large moving trucks. However, the cost of renting one can vary widely depending on several factors such as distance, duration, truck size, and additional services.
In this article, we’ll explore the real costs of renting a U-Haul, the hidden fees to watch out for, and tips to save money on your next move.
What Is U-Haul?
Before we dive into prices, it helps to understand what U-Haul actually offers.
U-Haul is an American moving equipment and storage rental company founded in 1945. It provides do-it-yourself moving services, allowing customers to rent trucks, trailers, and moving equipment for short or long distances. The company operates across the United States and Canada, with thousands of locations that make pick-up and drop-off convenient.
U-Haul’s services include:
- Truck and van rentals
- Trailers and towing equipment
- Moving supplies (boxes, packing materials, etc.)
- Storage units
- Car shipping and hitch installation
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a U-Haul?
U-Haul’s pricing structure is a combination of base rate, mileage, and additional fees. Unlike flat-rate rentals, your final cost depends on how far you drive and for how long you keep the truck.
Let’s break it down.
1. Local (In-Town) Moves
If you’re moving within the same city, U-Haul offers in-town rentals with a base rate plus per-mile charge.
Typical costs include:
- Truck size base rate: $19.95 to $39.95 per day
- Mileage rate: $0.79 to $1.29 per mile (depending on location and demand)
- Fuel cost: Based on how much gas you use
So, for a local move covering 20 miles in one day, you might spend:
- Base rate: $19.95
- Mileage (20 miles × $1.09): $21.80
- Gas refill: $10–$15
Total: Around $50–$60
2. Long-Distance (One-Way) Moves
For longer moves where you drop off the truck at another U-Haul location, the pricing is different. U-Haul gives a flat rate based on:
- The distance between pickup and drop-off points
- Truck size
- Rental duration
Example (approximate rates):
- 10-foot truck (1–2 rooms): $300–$400 for 500 miles
- 15-foot truck (2–3 rooms): $450–$600 for 500 miles
- 20-foot truck (3–4 rooms): $600–$800 for 500 miles
- 26-foot truck (4+ rooms): $900–$1,200 for 500 miles
These prices usually include an allowed mileage limit and a set number of days. Extra miles or days will increase the total.
U-Haul Truck Sizes and Prices
The type of vehicle you choose has a big impact on cost. U-Haul offers several sizes to match different moving needs.
| Truck/Vehicle | Capacity | Average Daily Base Rate | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Van | 1 room | $19.95 | Small local deliveries |
| 10-ft Truck | Studio to 1-bedroom | $19.95 | Small moves |
| 15-ft Truck | 1–2 bedrooms | $29.95 | Apartment moves |
| 20-ft Truck | 2–3 bedrooms | $39.95 | Medium homes |
| 26-ft Truck | 3–4 bedrooms | $39.95–$49.95 | Large houses |
These are base rates only. Mileage, insurance, taxes, and fees will add to the total.
Additional U-Haul Fees to Consider
When calculating how much it costs to rent a U-Haul, you should account for extra charges that can significantly raise the final price.
1. Mileage Fees
As mentioned earlier, in-town rentals are charged per mile, while one-way rentals often include a limited mileage allowance. Extra miles cost $0.40–$1.29 each.
2. Fuel Costs
You must return the truck with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up. If not, U-Haul charges a refueling fee, which is more expensive than gas station prices.
3. Insurance
U-Haul offers several optional insurance plans:
- Safemove: $14–$28 per day (basic coverage for accidents or damage)
- Safemove Plus: $28–$50 per day (includes liability and more protection)
These aren’t mandatory but are highly recommended for long trips.
4. Environmental and Administrative Fees
U-Haul often adds small fees ($1–$5) for environmental or admin purposes.
5. Equipment and Accessory Rentals
If you rent dollies, furniture pads, or tow trailers, they’ll add to the total:
- Appliance dolly: $10–$12/day
- Utility dolly: $7–$10/day
- Furniture pads: $5–$10 for a pack
6. Taxes
Local sales tax rates apply to the total rental amount and vary by state.
Example: Local Move Cost Estimate
Let’s take a real-world example of a short move across town:
- 15-ft truck base rate: $29.95/day
- Mileage: 25 miles × $1.09 = $27.25
- Insurance (Safemove): $14
- Fuel (2 gallons @ $4): $8
- Taxes and fees: $5
Total: Around $85–$95
Example: Long-Distance Move Cost Estimate
Suppose you’re moving 600 miles from Los Angeles to San Francisco using a 20-ft U-Haul truck:
- Flat rental rate: $750
- Mileage allowance: 600 miles included
- Fuel (10 MPG average): $240 (if gas is $4/gallon)
- Insurance (Safemove): $28/day × 3 days = $84
- Taxes and fees: $25
Total: Around $1,100–$1,200
One-Way vs. Round Trip Rentals
When renting a U-Haul, you’ll need to decide between one-way and round-trip rentals.
- One-way rentals let you drop off the truck at a different location. They’re ideal for long-distance moves.
- Round-trip rentals (or in-town rentals) require returning the truck to the same location, which is often cheaper if you’re not moving far.
Typically, one-way rentals cost more due to additional logistics and vehicle relocation.
Tips to Save Money on U-Haul Rentals
- Book Early: Prices rise during busy moving seasons (May–September). Booking early locks in lower rates.
- Return on Time: Late returns can cost $40–$100 extra per day.
- Avoid Weekends: Weekdays often have lower base rates.
- Use Smaller Trucks if Possible: The smaller the truck, the cheaper the rate and fuel costs.
- Check for Discounts: U-Haul offers deals for students, military members, and AAA customers.
- Refuel Yourself: Always refill before returning to avoid expensive U-Haul fuel charges.
- Compare with Competitors: Companies like Budget Truck Rental, Penske, and Enterprise sometimes offer lower rates for similar services.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Even though U-Haul advertises rates as low as $19.95 per day, the actual cost is usually higher due to mileage, gas, and extras. Some hidden costs include:
- Extra miles beyond allowance
- Cleaning fees if the truck isn’t returned tidy
- Damage or missing equipment charges
- Late return penalties
Always read the rental agreement carefully before signing.
Alternatives to U-Haul
While U-Haul is the most recognized name in moving, other companies might offer better pricing or service in specific cases.
Some popular alternatives:
- Budget Truck Rental – Often cheaper for one-way moves.
- Penske Truck Rental – Offers unlimited mileage on some rentals.
- Enterprise Truck Rental – Great for short-term business rentals.
- Home Depot Truck Rental – Ideal for small local moves or DIY projects.
Customer Experience and Reviews
U-Haul generally receives mixed reviews from customers. Many praise its availability and convenience, while others mention hidden fees or long wait times during pickup and return.
Common pros:
- Wide availability nationwide
- Variety of vehicle sizes
- Easy online booking
Common cons:
- Per-mile charges can add up
- Fuel and insurance costs
- Older vehicles in some locations
For more background about the company, you can check U-Haul’s Wikipedia page.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does it cost to rent a U-Haul?
On average:
- Local move: $60–$120 total
- Long-distance move: $300–$1,200 depending on truck size and distance
While the advertised base price may seem low, your actual total will depend on mileage, duration, fuel, and add-ons. With smart planning and early booking, you can significantly cut costs and make your moving experience smoother.
Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, U-Haul offers one of the most flexible and affordable options for do-it-yourself moving. Just be sure to budget realistically — and don’t forget those hidden extras.
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