U-Haul Rates: What to Expect for a Long-Distance Move

What you should know about U-Haul truck rental rates

If you’re considering a U-Haul® truck for an upcoming move, knowing how rental rates work is an important deciding factor. U-Haul’s advertised prices of as little as $20 per day are enticing, but you might not realize that those rates are only for local (in-town) moves with the smallest truck. 

Rates for out-of-state rental truck moves are significantly more expensive. Let’s explore how U-Haul calculates rates for long-distance moves. We’ll also look at a price example and learn how you can move more affordably and efficiently with U-Pack®, another DIY option with no truck driving.

How U-Haul pricing works

U-Haul typically offers daily rates starting at $19.95 for local moves. That means you’ll pick up and return the truck to the same location. But the lowest price applies only to the smallest truck and doesn’t include damage coverage, roadside assistance, taxes or the mileage surcharge, which starts at $0.89 per mile. You’ll pay out of pocket for fuel, and U-Haul’s gas mileage is low compared to a personal vehicle.

For out-of-state moves, you’ll get a price for a set number of days with the truck to travel up to a certain number of miles. Additional miles or days will cost extra. The base rate does not include fuel, damage coverage, roadside assistance, taxes and fees. Plus, driving a rental to another state could mean adding the expense of towing a personal vehicle.

U-Haul cost estimate for an out-of-state move

To help you better understand U-Haul prices, we looked at a quote for a move from Las Vegas, NV, to Indianapolis, IN, in August 2025. We used the recommended truck size for a 3-bedroom home. Prices were accurate at the time of posting, but actual moving costs will vary.

*Rate for up to 7 days and 2,181 miles.
** Based on AAA’s average gas price of $3.17 per gallon at the time of posting, using the truck’s estimated MPG from U-Haul’s website.

If you needed to tow a personal vehicle with the U-Haul truck, you'd pay an additional $375 plus any extra fuel costs for decreased gas mileage.

How do U-Pack rates compare for the move?

U-Pack suggested the equivalent space of 17 linear feet in a moving trailer for the same 3-bedroom home move from Las Vegas to Indianapolis for only $5,422. The price included equipment, delivery, transportation and standard liability coverage. There is no extra charge for fuel, and taxes do not apply.

Ready to check your rate?

U-Pack offers affordable DIY moves without having to drive a U-Haul truck and pay extra for fuel. Get a free online quote for your out-of-state move today to check your rate. You can also call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.

If you have questions about how U-Pack compares to truck rental or the difference between our rates and U-Haul’s, let us know in the comments.