How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Moving Truck One Way?
Aug 21, 2026
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Is a rental truck affordable for your next out-of-state move?
It’s no secret that renting a truck can be budget-friendly for a local move, but how do prices stack up for long-distance moves?
Let’s review how rates are figured, look at some example quotes, and learn more about U-Pack®, an easier DIY moving solution.
Cost to rent a truck for one-way moves
Renting a moving truck costs more than just the quoted price, and those low daily rates you see advertised don't apply when you're moving out of state and keeping the vehicle multiple days.
While the initial cheap rental truck rates can seem reasonable based on the distance you’re driving, keep in mind that there are hidden fees like taxes and liability coverage. Many companies also add fees such as environmental or technology charges. Many companies also add fees such as environmental or technology charges.
If the rental doesn’t have unlimited miles, the extra ones are expensive, often around $1 per mile. Plus, you’re stuck footing the bill for fuel, and gas prices can greatly impact your moving costs.
Moving truck price comparison
We compared quotes from Budget®, Penske®, and U-Haul® to help you get a sense of potential prices for a move in October 2026. These quotes are examples only for a 1,700-mile move from Salt Lake City, UT, to Nashville, TN. Actual costs will vary based on your moving details.
| Company | Budget | Penske | U-Haul |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26’ Truck | $4,457 | $3,452 | $3,875 |
| Liability coverage | $507 | $761 | $206 |
| Environmental fee | N/A | $15 | $5 |
| Estimated taxes and fees | $447 | $315 | $332 |
| Estimated fuel* (1,700 miles) | $1,026 | $710 | $694 |
| Total cost | $6,437 | $5,253 | $5,112 |
*Fuel costs were based on AAA’s average fuel prices at the time of posting in August 2026, using each company’s estimated MPG for their equipment.
Learn more about U-Haul rates.
Is U-Pack cheaper than rental trucks for out-of-state moves?
For the same move from Salt Lake City to Nashville, U-Pack offers two moving equipment options. Both came in at lower prices than any of the three quotes listed above.
- 17 linear feet in a moving trailer: $3,587
- 3 ReloCube® moving containers: $4,256
U-Pack pricing is transparent. There are no extra fees, fuel surcharges or taxes, and standard liability coverage is included in the cost.
Compare rental truck prices to U-Pack rates for your long-distance move
It’s easy to compare prices with a free, no-obligation U-Pack quote. Use our convenient online quote form or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a helpful consultant.
If you have any questions about how U-Pack compares to truck rental, let us know!
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