Rental Truck Fuel Calculator
Fuel can be one of the biggest expenses when renting a moving truck. Use this calculator to estimate fuel costs based on your trip distance, the truck's fuel efficiency (MPG) and current gas prices.
Not sure of your truck's MPG? Check the comparison charts below.
Find your truck's MPG
Use the charts below to find the average MPG for common moving truck brands and sizes.
U-Haul®
| Truck Size | Fuel Type | Tank Size | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 feet | Unleaded | 31 gallons | up to 12 |
| 14 feet | Unleaded | 40 gallons | up to 10 |
| 17 feet | Unleaded | 40 gallons | up to 10 |
| 20 feet | Unleaded | 57 gallons | up to 10 |
Budget®
| Truck Size | Fuel Type | Tank Size | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 feet | Unleaded | 35 gallons | 6 - 10 |
| 16 feet | Unleaded | 35 gallons | 6 - 10 |
| 24 feet | Diesel | 55 gallons | 6 - 10 |
Penske®
| Truck Size | Fuel Type | Tank Size | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 feet | Unleaded | 35 gallons | up to 12 |
| 16 feet | Unleaded | 37 gallons | up to 12 |
| 22 feet | Diesel | 50 gallons | up to 10 |
| 26 feet | Diesel | 50 gallons | up to 10 |
Gas cost examples
Below are some of the most common long-distance moving routes in the U.S. See how much fuel would cost if you rented a truck for these moves.
| Route | Miles | Gas Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA to Los Angeles, CA | 2,900 | $1,628 |
| Denver, CO to Orlando, FL | 1,840 | $1,033 |
| Oakland, CA to Austin, TX | 1,740 | $977 |
| Minneapolis, MN to Phoenix, AZ | 1,640 | $920 |
| Baltimore Highlands, MD to Denver, CO | 1,600 | $898 |
| Portland, OR to Phoenix, AZ | 1,300 | $730 |
| San Diego, CA to Portland, OR | 1,080 | $606 |
| Houston, TX to Denver, CO | 1020 | $572 |
| New York, NY to Atlanta, GA | 870 | $488 |
| Denver, CO to Dallas, TX | 800 | $449 |
The above chart is based on an average of 8 MPG for rental trucks and a national average gas price of $4.49/gallon in September 2026.
Other things to consider
Once you get an estimated cost from the calculator, remember that it’s just that — an estimate. Many factors determine fuel consumption in a rental truck, which can impact costs. These include:
- Vehicle specifics. While our fuel cost estimator uses an average MPG, rental trucks can get anywhere from 6 to 12 miles per gallon. And on a long-distance trip, that difference can add up to hundreds of dollars.
- Fuel type. Some trucks require diesel, which is typically more expensive than unleaded gas.
- Weight. While loading the truck, keep in mind that heavier loads require more fuel. Consider getting rid of unwanted items before the move to reduce the load.
- Maintenance. A well-tuned vehicle with properly inflated tires is best for MPG. Ask about maintenance practices before reserving a truck, and check the tires before hitting the road.
- Towing. Extra weight requires more gas, so towing a vehicle or a cargo trailer also impacts fuel use.
- Driving habits. Driving faster increases wind resistance, which requires the truck to work harder and use more gas. Some rental truck companies recommend driving at lower speeds for safety, but it’s also smart for better MPG.
Learn more about the ways gas prices can affect your move
How to calculate fuel costs manually
If you want to do your own gas cost estimate, you’ll need to know three things: the trip distance, the average price of fuel, and how many miles per gallon (MPG) the moving truck gets. Once you know those numbers, calculate gas costs using the following equation:
Miles ÷ MPG x Gas Price = Minimum Fuel Cost
(Miles = total distance of the trip)
(MPG = Moving Truck average miles per gallon)
(Gas Price = average cost of gas per gallon)
For example, if you’re planning to drive 850 miles in a U-Haul® truck that gets 10 miles per gallon, and gas averages $4.49, you should budget around $382 for gas.
Move without paying extra for fuel
If you’re worried about the costs of fuel, you can avoid paying at the pump by moving with U-Pack®. It’s a different type of moving service — you pack and load, and we handle the driving. U-Pack rates include fuel, so no surprises at the pump.
Get a quote and see how the price compares to truck rental. Or if you prefer to talk to someone, a moving consultant can help — just call 844-362-5303844-594-3077.
U-Haul® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. Budget® is a registered trademark of Budget Truck Rental, LLC. Penske® is a registered trademark of Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.