U-Haul truck rentals start at $19.95 a day, but that’s just the advertised rate and does not include the full cost of getting your belongings from one home to another. Your real total depends on the truck size, mileage, move distance, dates, fuel, insurance, and fees.
To help you budget more accurately, HireAHelper dug into its Rental Truck Price Database and refreshed this guide with current 2026 pricing research. We’ll break down what people actually pay for U-Haul rentals, how local and one-way pricing works, and which add-ons can change your final receipt.
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Kevin Kato is a travel and home services writer with over 20 years of experience as a professional mover.
Having been both a professional mover and a crew leader, Kevin has seen it all in the world of moving: hectic moves, unique packing, bizarre accident claims, truck mishaps, or just run-of-the-mill moves as advertised; there is virtually no situation Kevin hasn't managed. Today, Kevin provides his insights as Kevin The Mover for professional movers and "movees" everywhere.
HireAHelper has spent more than a decade helping people plan moves, book moving labor, and compare the real costs behind DIY moving options. That gives us a close look at what rental truck customers actually run into before, during, and after moving day.
This guide draws from HireAHelper’s proprietary Rental Truck Price Database, along with fresh quote checks completed through our Hands-On Research Process. We also compare U-Haul with Budget, Penske, U-Box, and other options based on what the numbers show, not on which company owns the truck.
HireAHelper’s Rental Truck Price Database is built from thousands of real rental truck transactions completed by HireAHelper customers over several years. It covers moves of different sizes, distances, locations, and truck rental brands, giving us a broader view than advertised base rates or one-off online quotes.
That makes a big difference with U-Haul, because the first number you see is rarely the final number you pay. A quote might not show the full effect of mileage, insurance, taxes, fuel, moving equipment, or extra time. By looking at completed moves, we can see what renters actually paid and how prices change by location, move date, truck size, and one-way versus local rentals. We update this data regularly as new moves come through our platform.
A U-Haul usually costs about $130 to $175 for a local move and about $1,900 to $3,700 or more for a long-distance or cross-country move, depending on your home size, route, truck size, and move date.
That is a much wider range than the price printed on the side of the truck, but it is also a more useful way to plan. The sections below show what real U-Haul customers paid, why the $19.95 rate only tells part of the story, and how U-Haul compares with other rental truck companies.
The real total cost of a U-Haul is usually lowest for local moves and rises quickly once you move across state lines. That is because local rentals are mostly shaped by mileage and time, while long-distance rentals also depend on route, destination, equipment availability, and fuel.
The table below uses HireAHelper’s Rental Truck Price Database to show average all-in U-Haul costs by home size and distance. These totals include the base rate, mileage, fuel, taxes, and fees.
Real-World U-Haul Rental Costs: Total Average Price| Truck Size | Local Move Costs (50+mi) | Long-Distance Move Costs (800+mi) | Cross-Country Move Costs (2000+mi) | Average Home Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup / 10-foot | $95 - $116 | $644 - $788 | $1,479 - $1,807 | Studio (700 sq ft) |
| Pickup / 15-20 foot | $109 - $133 | $839 - $1,025 | $1,762 - $2,153 | 1-2 bedroom apartment (1100 sq ft) |
| Pickup / 15-20 foot | $117 - $144 | $984 - $1,203 | $2,211 - $2,703 | 2-bedroom home (1500 sq ft) |
| Pickup / 20-26 foot | $124 - $152 | $1,073 - $1,311 | $2,491 - $3,045 | 3+ bedroom home (2000 sq ft) |
*Source: HireAHelper Rental Truck Price Database.*
The biggest thing to notice is how quickly distance changes the bill. Local moves stay in the low hundreds in these examples, while cross-country moves can reach several thousand dollars. Truck size matters too, but distance is the bigger jump.
The U-Haul $19.95 rate is a daily rate, but it only applies to local rentals for the pickup truck, cargo van, and 10-foot box truck. It also only covers the base price.
Mileage, fuel, taxes, optional insurance, environmental fees, moving blankets, dollies, and extra time all cost more. For example, a 10-foot truck may start at $19.95, but 30 miles at $1.19 per mile adds $35.70. That brings the rental to $55.65 before gas, taxes, coverage, or other fees.
So yes, the $19.95 rate is real. It is just the starting point, not the final receipt.
Budget can be cheaper than U-Haul for some local moves, while U-Haul and Penske are often close in costs for long-distance moves. It depends on the route, truck size, mileage allowance, and date.
For short local moves, U-Haul is often a strong option because its daily starting rate is low and locations are easy to find. But if Budget includes more mileage or has a lower per-mile rate in your market, it may cost less. For one-way moves, compare U-Haul with Penske in your area for the most affordable prices, especially if mileage flexibility matters.
Cost Comparison of U-Haul, Budget, and Penske by Move Type| Brand | Local Move | One-Way Long-Distance Move | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | Often strong for short local moves with low mileage | Often competitive because of wide availability | Short local moves, one-way moves, broad pickup options |
| Budget | Can be competitive when included mileage helps | Varies heavily by route and availability | Local moves with more driving than expected |
| Penske | Often higher for short local moves | Can be competitive on long-distance routes | One-way moves where unlimited mileage matters |
The smartest way to compare is to get quotes from all three companies for the same truck size, date, route, and estimated mileage. A lower daily rate does not always win if the mileage fee, fuel use, or included miles cost more than expected for your particular move.
U-Haul prices local and one-way moves differently. For an in-town rental, you pay a daily base rate plus a per-mile charge. For a one-way move, U-Haul gives you a flat rate that includes a set number of rental days and a mileage allowance for your route.
That difference matters because the cheapest-looking option is not always the one with the lowest final bill. Local moves are most affected by how many miles you drive, while one-way moves are more affected by truck size, route, timing, drop-off location, and whether you need extra days or miles.
For local moves, U-Haul box trucks currently start at $19.95 to $49.95 per day, depending on truck size. That daily rate does not include mileage, fuel, taxes, environmental fees, optional coverage, or moving equipment.
Current U-Haul local box truck rates are:
Pickup trucks and cargo vans also start at $19.95/day, plus mileage and fees, for local in-town rentals.
The daily rate is only the starting point. For local rentals, mileage is usually what changes the total most. The table below shows how quickly a short 30-mile rental can move beyond the advertised rate.
A one-day local U-Haul rental with 30 miles driven can cost about $44 to $86 before taxes, optional coverage, fuel, and supplies. The smaller vehicles start on the lower end, with the biggest box trucks being the most expensive due to the higher daily rate and mileage prices.
Estimated Cost for a 1-Day Local U-Haul Move (30 Miles)| Truck Size | Typical Cost Structure | Total Typical Cost Before Taxes and Optional Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup Truck | $19.95 base rate plus about $0.79/mile | About $43.65 |
| Cargo Van | $19.95 base rate plus about $0.79/mile | About $43.65 |
| 10-Foot Truck | $19.95 base rate plus about $1.19/mile | About $55.65 |
| 15-Foot Truck | $29.95 base rate plus about $1.19/mile | About $65.65 |
| 20-Foot Truck | $39.95 base rate plus about $1.19/mile | About $75.65 |
| 26-Foot Truck | $49.95 base rate plus about $1.19/mile | About $85.65 |
Note: These estimates are pre-tax and do not include optional insurance, fuel, environmental fees, or equipment rentals. Mileage rates vary by location and date.
Here is what that can look like in real life with a 15-foot truck:
That total can climb again if you rent a dolly, add furniture pads, buy boxes, drive more miles, or keep the truck for another day. For many local moves, those smaller extras can shift the final price by another $20 to $75.
U-Haul offers one-way rentals with a flat-rate model instead of charging the local daily rate plus every mile. Your quote includes the truck, a set number of days, and a mileage allowance based on your pickup and drop-off locations.
That flat rate depends on several factors:
This is why a one-way U-Haul quote can change by route and direction, even when the mileage looks similar. If a lot of trucks or trailers are leaving one market and not enough are coming back, U-Haul may price that route higher to manage inventory.
The flat rate also does not include everything. Fuel, optional insurance, equipment rentals, additional days, and additional miles can still raise the final cost.
Estimated U-Haul Long-Distance Truck Costs, Example 1,200-Mile Move| Truck Size | Example Base Rate for 1,200 Miles | Estimated Fuel Cost | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Foot Truck | About $1,015 | About $350 | About $1,365 |
| 15-Foot Truck | About $1,249 | About $420 | About $1,669 |
| 20-Foot Truck | About $1,530 | About $420 | About $1,950 |
| 26-Foot Truck | About $1,703 | About $420 | About $2,123 |
Source: HireAHelper Rental Truck Price Database.
These examples are useful for budgeting, but they are not guaranteed quotes. A popular route in peak moving season may cost more, while a lower-demand route may be at a much lower price.
Driving a U-Haul cross-country usually costs about $2,500 to $4,000, depending on truck size, route, fuel, move date, and how many days you need. HireAHelper’s data shows that a cross-country move of 2,400 miles averages around $3,366, though larger homes and peak-season moves can cost more.
For example, a 20-foot truck moving roughly coast to coast may include the flat one-way rental rate, several hundred dollars in fuel, optional coverage, and possible add-ons like furniture pads or a dolly. If you go over the included mileage or need extra days, U-Haul currently charges $1.00 per extra mile and $40 per extra truck day.
Cross-country costs are most affected by:
If you do not want to drive a large truck across the country, you might want to look into U-Box, moving containers, freight trailers, and Penske. Penske may be worth checking for long-distance moves where mileage flexibility matters. U-Box or other moving containers may work better if you want to avoid the drive and can wait longer for delivery.
Yes, you can usually rent a U-Haul for more than one day, but the rules depend on whether it is a local or one-way rental. For a local move, you may be able to extend the rental by contacting the store before the truck is due back. If another customer has already reserved the truck, you may need to return it on time.
For long-distance, one-way moves, U-Haul includes a set number of days based on your route. You can buy extra days when you book, which keeps your contract accurate and helps the destination location plan for your return. If you realize during the move that you need another day, contact U-Haul before the truck is due back. Extra time may be allowed, but it is not guaranteed if the truck is already reserved for another customer or needed at that location.
There is no discount for returning a one-way rental early, so build in enough time without overestimating too much.
Current U-Haul prepaid fees for extra one-way rental days are:
If you exceed the mileage allowance on a one-way move, U-Haul currently charges $1.00 per extra mile.
U-Haul fees can include mileage, fuel, optional coverage, environmental or recovery fees, equipment rentals, taxes, and extra charges for one-way overages. The environmental fee is small, but it is worth noting because it is one of the line items people may not expect. U-Haul says in-town rentals may be charged $1 per day up to $5, while one-way rentals may be charged a flat $5 environmental fee.
Some fees apply broadly, while others only apply if you return the truck late, bring it back with less fuel, exceed your included miles, or return it somewhere other than the agreed drop-off location.
Most U-Haul renters should budget for more than the daily base rate. Common fees and add-ons include:
The biggest avoidable fee is usually fuel. To make sure you don’t get charged, take a photo of the fuel gauge at pickup and refill the truck to that same level before you return it.
One-way rentals include a set number of days and miles, so the main thing to watch is going over those limits. In-town rentals are more open-ended because you pay per mile, but one-way rentals can get expensive if your route or timing changes.
Common long-distance and one-way fees include:
One-way rentals can be convenient, but the details and constraints of the contract matter. Before you leave the lot, check your drop-off location, due date, mileage allowance, and fuel level.
U-Haul prices can change from day to day, even for the same truck size in the same market. The base rate may stay the same, but the mileage rate, availability, or one-way quote can change due to demand, inventory, route direction, and move date.
We saw this play out with local mileage rates during our hands-on research. In one Florida quote, the mileage rate was $1.19 per mile on a Tuesday. When we checked the same move for a Saturday, the rate rose to $1.39 per mile. On a 30-mile move, that adds $6. On a longer local move or a multi-trip move, the difference adds up faster.
"It is a common misconception that booking online pays for your rental. In most cases, your credit card is only used to hold the reservation."
One-way pricing can also change based on where U-Haul needs its equipment. A trailer moving out of one state may cost far more than the same trailer moving in the opposite direction, even when the mileage is similar. That is because U-Haul is pricing based on more than distance. The company is also managing where trucks and trailers end up.
That unpredictability is why it helps to compare dates, pickup locations, and nearby truck sizes before booking. The next two sections show how much timing and location can change the price.
The best day to rent a U-Haul is usually a weekday, especially Monday through Thursday, because demand is often lower than it is on weekends. Friday can still be busy because many people use it to start a weekend move, so it may not be as cheap as earlier weekdays.
In our quote checks in Florida, the same local rental ended up costing more on Saturday than on Tuesday because the mileage rate changed.
We saw the same pattern in a couple more markets:
If your schedule is flexible, start by checking Monday through Thursday. Even if the daily base rate looks the same, the mileage rate may be lower.
Your pickup location can affect your U-Haul price because inventory and demand vary by market. A truck in one city may have a different mileage rate than the same truck in another city on the same day.
Comparing real quotes from Los Angeles and Columbus, Ohio, showed the difference clearly:
Ten cents per mile may not sound like much, but it adds up if you are driving 50 miles, making multiple trips, or picking up the truck far from home. For one-way moves, the difference can be even bigger.
Before booking, check a few nearby pickup locations if available. A slightly farther location may still save money if the mileage rate, truck availability, or one-way quote is better.
Five main factors drive U-Haul pricing: distance, rental duration, truck size, timing, and add-ons. You may not be able to control all of them, but understanding each one can help you avoid paying more than you need to.
For local moves, this is usually the single biggest expense because you pay a fee for every mile you drive on top of the base rate. For long-distance moves, the distance determines your flat rate, and you will face overage charges if you exceed the mileage allowance for your route. The section on How U-Haul’s Pricing Structure Works goes into more detail.
Local rentals are charged in 24-hour cycles, so keeping the truck for a second day instantly doubles your base rental fee. Long-distance quotes come with a set number of days included; needing the truck longer will trigger additional daily fees. You can read more in the section explaining Can You Rent a U-Haul for More Than a Day?
The daily base rate increases as the truck gets bigger—a 26-foot truck costs more per day than a cargo van. Larger trucks also have lower fuel efficiency, meaning you will spend more at the pump. To learn more, see our section on U-Haul Truck Sizes and Price Structure
Moving during peak times—like weekends, summer, or the end of the month—often leads to higher rates due to increased demand. We cover all of this and more in the section Weekend vs. Weekday Pricing
While smaller individually, costs like damage protection, environmental fees, and equipment rentals (dollies, furniture pads) add up to increase your total. Here’s more information on How U-Haul Fees Work
A 15-foot U-Haul can go up to about 400 miles on a full tank, but gas is still your expense. U-Haul’s mileage estimates are based on ideal driving conditions, so a fully loaded truck, hills, bad weather, towing, or stop-and-go traffic can lower your actual MPG.
U-Haul Truck MPG and Miles Per Tank| Truck Size | MPG | Fuel Tank Size | Total Number of Miles Per Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-foot | 12 MPG | 31 gallons | 372 miles |
| 15-foot | 10 MPG | 40 gallons | 400 miles |
| 20-foot | 10 MPG | 40 gallons | 400 miles |
| 26-foot | 10 MPG | 60 gallons | 600 miles |
Bring the truck back with the same amount of fuel it had when you picked it up. If you drive off the lot with 3/4 of a tank, you must return it with 3/4 of a tank. If you return it with less, U-Haul will charge you for the missing fuel plus a service fee for the inconvenience. To avoid the penalty, just take a picture of the fuel gauge before you leave and top it off right before you return.
For longer trips, fuel becomes a major line item. While U-Haul estimates that its 10-foot trucks get up to 12 MPG and its larger trucks get up to 10 MPG, these numbers are for ideal driving conditions. Once your truck is fully loaded with furniture and boxes, your fuel efficiency will likely drop.
U-Haul trailer rentals can start around $14.95 per day for local moves, but hitch installation is a separate cost if your vehicle is not already tow-ready. U-Haul says trailer hitches generally cost about $150-$300 before installation, with the full price depending on your vehicle, wiring, parts, and labor.
If you already have a hitch, renting a trailer can be much cheaper than renting a full box truck. U-Haul offers small enclosed cargo trailers, open utility trailers, tow dollies, and auto transports.
Here is a quick look at common local trailer rental prices. Small cargo and utility trailers are usually the lowest-cost options, while ramp trailers and vehicle trailers cost more because they handle heavier or more specialized loads.
U-Haul Trailer Rental Prices| Trailer Type | Trailer Size | Trailer Dimensions | Typical Daily Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Trailer | Small | 4′ x 8′ | $19.95 |
| Cargo Trailer | Medium | 5′ x 8′ | $24.95 |
| Cargo Trailer | Large | 6′ x 12′ | $34.95 |
| Utility Trailer | Small | 4′ x 7′ | $14.95 |
| Utility Trailer | Medium | 5′ x 8′ | $24.95 |
| Utility Trailer | Large with ramp | 5′ x 9′ | $29.95 |
| Utility Trailer | XL with ramp | 6′ x 12′ | $39.95 |
| Vehicle Trailer | Tow Dolly | N/A | $49.95 |
| Vehicle Trailer | Auto Transport | N/A | $69.95 |
| 16ft Flatbed Utility Trailer | Toy Hauler | 8.6’ x 16’ | $89.95 |
*Note: Prices are estimates for local moves and exclude taxes and hitch installation fees. One-way trailer prices vary by trailer size, origin, destination, and move date.*
Cargo trailers are a good fit for small apartment moves, dorm moves, and overflow from a larger move. Because they are enclosed, they help protect boxes and furniture from the weather during the drive.
Key features:
Real-world costs:
Utility trailers work well for tall, awkward, or outdoor items, but your load is exposed to weather and road debris. Use a tarp and tie-downs if you are moving anything that needs protection.
Key features:
Real-world costs:
U-Haul gives you a few ways to tow a vehicle, depending on what you are moving and what your tow vehicle can safely handle.
Real-world costs:
Important rules:
You need an approved towing setup before you can rent a U-Haul trailer. At a minimum, your vehicle needs a hitch system rated for the trailer and cargo weight, the right hitch ball, the correct wiring connector, working trailer lights, safety chain attachment points, and external mirrors on both sides.
U-Haul trailers typically work with 1 7/8-inch or 2-inch hitch balls, but the right setup depends on the trailer, your vehicle, and the load you plan to tow. U-Haul also has vehicle-specific rules, including weight requirements and hard-top requirements for some SUVs and Jeeps.
If your vehicle does not already have the right hitch setup, you can have one installed before renting. If you are starting from scratch, budget several hundred dollars for the full setup. That cost may still be worth it if you are moving a small load, already own a tow-capable vehicle, or plan to use the hitch again later.
U-Box pricing depends on how many containers you need, how far they are going, and whether you need delivery, storage, or shipping. Instead of driving a rental truck yourself, you load one or more portable containers, and U-Haul moves or stores them for you.
This can be a good option if you do not want to drive a large truck or your move-in date is uncertain. The main thing to watch is space. U-Box containers only come in one size, so larger homes usually need several.
Average U-Box Costs by Home Size| Home Size | Number of U-Boxes | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / one-bedroom | 1-2 | $439.96-$1,971.49 |
| 2-bedroom apartment / small home | 2-4 | $561.87-$2,948.55 |
| 3-bedroom home | 3-5 | $654.75-$3,607.18 |
| 4-5 bedroom home | 5-7+ | $654.75-$4,086.67 |
*Source: HireAHelper U-Box pricing analysis.*
U-Box can be affordable for smaller moves, but the price climbs as you add containers, so this option might be best if you’re moving a studio that only needs one or two U-Boxes. Larger home may need five or more before distance, delivery, or storage are factored in, so the costs can really add up.
Unlike rental trucks, U-Box containers come in one standard size:
One U-Box usually holds about one room to one and a half rooms of furniture. A studio may fit in one container, while a 3-bedroom home will usually need several.
"The U-Haul $19.95 rate is a daily rate, but it only applies to local rentals for the pickup truck, cargo van, and 10-foot box truck. It also only covers the base price…For example, a 10-foot truck may start at $19.95, but 30 miles at $1.19 per mile adds $35.70."
One helpful part of U-Box is that you can usually reserve more containers than you need and only pay for the ones you use. For example, if you order four but only fill three, U-Haul typically picks up the empty one and does not charge you to ship it. Confirm the current terms when you book.
U-Haul damage coverage can add about $15-$60 or more per day, depending on the truck, route, rental length, and coverage level. It is optional, but check before you decline. Many personal auto policies and credit cards do not cover moving trucks the same way they cover rental cars.
U-Haul’s main options are SafeMove, SafeMove Plus, SafeTow, and SafeTrip. On a 4-day rental, SafeMove at about $15 per day would add about $60. SafeMove Plus, at about $28 per day, would add about $112.
SafeMove is U-Haul’s standard coverage for moving trucks, pickup trucks, and cargo vans. Rates vary, but local quotes often start around $15 per day. It typically includes:
SafeMove does not include liability coverage, and exclusions still apply.
SafeMove Plus includes everything in SafeMove, plus added liability protection. It typically includes:
SafeTrip is U-Haul’s roadside protection add-on. It may help with:
SafeTow covers trailers, towing equipment, and the vehicle being towed. U-Haul may also offer rental-specific options, such as collision damage waiver for some pickup truck and cargo van rentals.
Before choosing, compare U-Haul’s coverage with your own auto policy and credit card benefits so you know what you would be responsible for if something is damaged.
U-Haul sells supplies like boxes, tape, mattress bags, locks, stretch wrap, and tie-downs, and rents equipment like furniture pads and dollies. Small items may only cost a few dollars, but bundles and specialty supplies can add $15-$70 or more to your total.
U-Haul also has an unused-box buyback program, so you can return unused U-Haul boxes with your receipt. For moving-day equipment, renting is usually cheaper than buying.
U-Haul Equipment and Supply Costs| Item | Estimated Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Furniture pads | About $5/half-dozen | Rental price. Helpful for protecting furniture from scratches. |
| Furniture dolly | About $7-$10 | Rental price. Flat platform with four wheels for heavy furniture. |
| Utility dolly | About $7-$10 | Rental price. Standard upright hand truck for boxes and smaller furniture. |
| Appliance dolly | About $10-$15 | Rental price. Heavy-duty dolly with straps for appliances and bulky items. |
| Small box | About $1.39 each | Good for books, tools, canned goods, and other heavy items. |
| Medium box | About $2.04 each | A common all-purpose box for kitchen items, decor, and household goods. |
| Large or extra-large box | About $2.48-$3.49 each | Better for lighter, bulkier items like bedding, towels, and lampshades. |
| Box bundles | About $69.95 and up | Kits can include boxes, tape, packing materials, markers, and a box knife. |
| Mattress bag | About $16.95 and up | Helps protect a mattress from dust, dirt, and moisture during the move. |
| Lock | About $5-$17 | You need your own lock for the back of the truck. |
| Packing tape | About $5-$9 | Price depends on roll count, dispenser, and tape type. |
| Stretch wrap | About $11-$30 | Useful for wrapping furniture, bundling loose items, or keeping drawers closed. |
| Tow rope | About $4-$25 | Basic rope or tie-downs can help secure items, but choose the right rating for the job. |
| Auto transport accessories | About $13-$40+ | May include straps, tire straps, tow dolly parts, or related towing accessories. |
*Note: Rental prices may vary slightly by location and whether you are moving locally or one-way.*
Supplies add up fast during a full-home move. Before checkout, compare your list with what you already have so you are not paying for extras you will not use.
Moving Help is U-Haul’s online marketplace for local labor providers who can load or unload a truck, trailer, storage unit, or U-Box container.
Pricing varies because each provider sets their own rates. If you add more movers or more time, the total goes up. Hiring these movers can still be worth it if you have stairs, heavy furniture, a long carry, or a tight loading schedule.
U-Haul Moving Help often costs about $200 to $300 for two movers for two hours, though rates vary by market. Most bookings use a two-hour minimum, so a $100-per-hour crew would cost about $200 before tips or added fees.
Moving Help is convenient, but U-Haul acts as the marketplace, not the moving company. If there is a cancellation, damage, or service issue, U-Haul’s terms say the matter is between you and the service provider.
If you want the savings of a DIY move with more support when booking loading and unloading help, HireAHelper gives you another option. Instead of only listing companies, HireAHelper adds built-in protections that can make the moving labor side of your rental truck move feel less risky.
Key benefits include:
You can see how HireAHelper works or browse top-rated movers near you to compare real pricing and reviews.
By now, you know the price of the truck, the gas, and the labor. But there are still a few details that can trip you up at the counter. Here is what you need to know about paying for your rental and who is actually allowed to drive it.
It is a common misconception that booking online pays for your rental. In most cases, your credit card is only used to hold the reservation. When you arrive at the store to pick up your truck, you will need to present a physical card or another accepted payment method.
Here’s the typical two-step process:
Note: If you use a debit card, make sure you have enough money available for the hold, not just the base rate. Your bank may take a few days to release any unused hold amount after the rental is returned.
Yes, U-Haul accepts cash, but paying with cash at pickup usually requires a deposit. U-Haul says cash payments must be handled in-store.
Note: If you rent with a credit or debit card, U-Haul says no deposit is required, and you may still be able to pay cash when you return the equipment.
U-Haul discounts are usually partner offers, not standard truck-rental discounts for every customer. U-Haul’s current discounts page lists hotel offers from brands such as Choice Hotels, Motel 6/Studio 6, and Wyndham, along with other moving-related deals.
For the most up-to-date offers, check U-Haul’s official Discounts page before you book. To stretch your savings further, compare those offers with a weekday rental. A Monday-through-Thursday booking may lower your mileage rate or improve availability, which can matter more than a small promo.
The rules are simple and strictly enforced:
You do not need a commercial driver’s license to rent a U-Haul moving truck, including the largest 26-foot truck.
The best way to save on U-Haul is to control the costs that change: mileage, fuel, truck size, move date, coverage, supplies, and labor.
Here are a few ways to keep the total down:
The daily rate is only one part of the bill. Mileage, fuel, insurance, supplies, labor, taxes, and fees all affect what you actually pay.
A U-Haul rental usually costs more than the daily rate once mileage, fuel, fees, and optional coverage are included. Many local U-Haul rentals start around $95 to $152 before fuel, taxes, insurance, and add-ons. Long-distance base rental costs can range from about $644 to $1,311, while cross-country base rentals in HireAHelper’s data range from about $1,479 to $3,045. Your final receipt will usually be higher once fuel, coverage, fees, and moving equipment are included.
Local rentals use a daily rate plus mileage. One-way rentals use a flat rate with set mileage and day allowances, but extra miles, extra days, fuel, and add-ons can still raise the total.
To save, compare weekday quotes, avoid peak moving dates when possible, and choose a truck size that keeps you from making extra trips. For the most accurate number, use U-Haul’s estimator or compare moving labor through HireAHelper if you need loading or unloading help.
This analysis uses HireAHelper’s Rental Truck Cost Database, which includes 10,000 real rental truck transactions from the past six years. The dataset covers moves of different distances, home sizes, and locations, and includes 12 rental truck and moving container brands commonly used across the U.S.
Unlike online quote-only estimates, this data reflects what customers actually paid after mileage, coverage, taxes, fuel, add-ons, extra time, and other fees were included.
HireAHelper reviews and refreshes this data throughout the year as new move records become available. For this 2026 update, we also checked current U-Haul pricing pages, policies, and hands-on quotes for trucks, U-Box containers, trailers, and hitch installation.
Want the complete dataset behind these figures? Reach out to our press team at press@hireahelper.com for full database access.
For this refresh, HireAHelper reviewed U-Haul’s online booking flow, current policy pages, and real quote examples for common DIY moving situations. That included a low-cost local U-Haul rental, a long-distance U-Box container move, and a tow-it-yourself setup with hitch installation.
We recorded line-item costs, including rental fees, mileage, fuel, delivery, taxes, and add-ons, then compared those findings with HireAHelper’s Rental Truck Cost Database. This helps show what renters may actually pay, not just the advertised starting rate or a broad industry average.
Here are three examples from that research.
This example shows a short local U-Haul rental built around the $19.95 daily rate. It is the kind of rental that may work for a small in-town move, quick furniture pickup, or dorm move.
Real Quote: Cheapest Possible U-Haul Rental| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Rental fee | $19.95 |
| Mileage charge ($1.19 per mile x 25.2 miles each way) | $59.98 |
| SafeMove insurance | $15.00 |
| Vehicle License/Cost Recovery Fee | $1.20 |
| Environmental fee | $1.00 |
| 4.2 gallons | $17.47 |
| Tax | $6.80 |
| Total | $121.40 |
*Note: This quote is based on a 10-foot truck, the largest U-Haul truck size that starts at $19.95 per day, for a local Miami move of 25.2 miles each way. *
Even in a low-cost example, the final total is more than 6 times the advertised rate once mileage, gas, coverage, fees, and tax are included.
U-Box is U-Haul’s container option for people who want to load their belongings without driving a truck long distance. This quote tested a Florida-to-Texas container move.
Real Quote: U-Box Container, Florida to Texas| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| U-Box container, including 1 month of use | $109.95 |
| 2 dozen furniture pads | Free |
| Shipping, guaranteed delivery | $1,353.00 |
| Truck delivery fee | $97.45 |
| Total | $1,560.40 |
*Note: This quote is based on one U-Box container shipped from Miami, Florida, to Austin, Texas.*
At $1,560.40, U-Box can be competitive with a one-way truck once fuel, driving time, and long-distance stress are factored in.
U-Haul also sells and installs trailer hitches for customers who want to tow a trailer with their own vehicle. This quote shows the cost of getting a vehicle tow-ready before renting the trailer.
Real Quote: U-Haul Trailer Hitch Installation| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Hitch and parts | $271.80 |
| Wiring and service plan | $40.95 |
| Installation fee | $120.00 |
| Taxes | $30.31 |
| Total | $463.06 |
*Note: This quote is based on hitch installation pricing for a 2019 Ford F-150 in Miami, Florida.*
A trailer can still be a lower-cost option for small moves, but the hitch setup matters. If your vehicle does not already have a hitch, add that cost before comparing it with a truck or U-Box.
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