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Cheapest Moving Truck Rentals (2025)

Budget earned our top pick for cheap moving truck rentals based on our local and long-distance price comparison. Read our guide to compare our other top recommendation and find the right rental for your move.

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Written by
Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz
Written by
Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz
Updated 09/15/2026

A cheap moving truck rental costs about $30 to $159 per day for local moves, based on our secret-shopping quotes. We chose Budget as the cheapest option, with the lowest local and long-distance rates in our comparison. Renting a moving truck can help you save on professional moving costs while giving you more control over your schedule and expenses.

To find the cheapest truck rental options, our team researched the best moving truck rental companies and requested sample quotes for local and long-distance moves. We compared costs, truck sizes, mileage policies, discounts, and services. We also analyzed our 2026 survey of 1,000 U.S. homeowners who moved within the last two years to learn how rental truck users budgeted and what additional costs they encountered.

Key Takeaways

  • A cheap moving truck rental costs about $30 to $159 per day for local moves, with one-way long-distance rates ranging from $935 to $1,467 in our comparison.
  • Budget had the lowest quotes for both local and long-distance rentals, making it our top pick for budget-conscious movers.
  • Mileage and fuel are common added expenses, with 53% of rental truck users in our survey reporting each type of charge.

The 5 Cheapest Moving Truck Rental Companies

We found the following companies offer the cheapest moving truck rentals:


Our Picks for Cheap Moving Truck Rentals

We compared rates using trucks suited to roughly two- to three-bedroom moves, which aligns with the most common choices among rental truck users in our 2026 survey of 1,000 homeowners nationwide who moved within the last two years. We priced a local move in Phoenix and, when available, a one-way move from Phoenix to Dallas.

Budget

Budget Truck Rental offers moving trucks and cargo vans along with towing equipment, moving supplies, and optional protection plans. The company stands out for its range of discounts, including savings for students, AARP members, military personnel traveling with orders, police, firefighters, EMTs, and motor club members. Budget also includes unlimited mileage on one-way rentals, which can make costs more predictable for long-distance moves.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Includes unlimited mileage on one-way rentals
  • Offers numerous discounts and promotional deals
  • Provides three moving truck sizes plus cargo vans

Cons

  • Doesn’t operate outside the continental U.S.
  • Includes a set mileage allowance for one-way moves rather than unlimited mileage

Cost

Budget doesn’t publish general rental rates on its website, so you must enter your move details to see pricing. During our secret shopping, we found that rates varied based on the truck size, move type, location, and availability.

For a local move in Phoenix, Budget quoted us $29.99 per day plus $0.69 per mile for a 16-foot truck. For a long-distance move from Phoenix to Dallas, the company quoted us $935.10 for a 16-foot truck with unlimited mileage. An automatically applied 10% discount reduced the long-distance price from $1,039.

We also found that Budget’s cargo van was unavailable for our Phoenix move, even when we searched about a month in advance, which could limit your options if you need a smaller vehicle.

These quotes don’t include optional protection, fuel, moving supplies, or other add-ons.

Moving Services

Budget offers loading and unloading assistance through third-party providers, along with towing equipment and moving accessories. The company also offers PlatePass, which allows renters to use participating electronic and cashless toll roads and pay applicable tolls and service fees after the rental.

Here’s a list of Budget’s moving services and products:

  • Car carriers and tow dollies
  • Loading and unloading assistance
  • Moving and packing supplies
  • PlatePass toll payment service
  • Protection plans
  • Roadside assistance
  • Truck and cargo van rentals

Truck Sizes

Budget offers the following rental vehicle sizes:

  • Cargo van
  • 12-foot moving truck
  • 16-foot moving truck
  • 26-foot moving truck

Insurance Options

Budget offers three optional protection packages: Value, Choice, and Complete. The Value package includes a physical damage waiver and roadside assistance, while the Choice package adds supplemental liability coverage. The Complete package provides additional protection, including cargo and personal accident coverage.

Coverage terms and availability can vary by state, so review the protection options offered with your specific rental.


U-Haul

U-Haul offers competitive pricing and a wide selection of moving trucks, equipment, supplies, and additional services. The company also offers mobile pickup and return through Truck Share 24/7 at participating locations. U-Haul stands out for its range of add-ons, including moving labor, storage, towing equipment, and packing supplies.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Sells a wide selection of moving and packing supplies
  • Offers multiple optional protection plans
  • Sells a wide selection of moving and packing supplies

Cons

  • Has changed reservations to different locations on short notice, per some customer reviews
  • Includes a set mileage allowance for one-way moves rather than unlimited mileage

Cost

U-Haul local truck rentals start at $19.95 per day, plus mileage and fees. Larger trucks have higher starting rates, with advertised prices ranging up to $49.95 per day for a 26-foot truck. One-way rental prices vary based on the truck size, moving date, and route.

To compare real-world pricing, we also requested quotes for sample local and long-distance moves. For a local move in Phoenix, U-Haul quoted us $39.95 for a 20-foot truck, plus $0.99 per mile. For a long-distance move from Phoenix to Dallas, the company quoted us $1,285 for a 20-foot truck, including up to five days of use and 1,264 miles.

These quotes don’t include optional protection, fuel, moving supplies, or other add-ons. U-Haul also offers a $50 reservation guarantee if it fails to meet the agreed-upon time, place, and equipment size.

Moving Services

U-Haul offers several add-on services and products for moving truck rentals, including storage, moving supplies, and labor through its Moving Help Marketplace. Moving Help connects customers with third-party providers for services such as packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking.

Here’s a list of the company’s services:

  • Auto transports and tow dollies
  • Damage protection plans
  • Loading and unloading assistance (third-party)
  • Long- and short-term storage services
  • Mobile app
  • Moving and packing supplies
  • Packing and unpacking assistance (third-party)
  • Roadside assistance
  • Trailer hitch sales and installation
  • Truck and cargo van rentals
  • U-Box portable moving and storage containers

Truck Sizes

U-Haul offers the following rental vehicle sizes:

  • 8-foot pickup truck
  • 9-foot cargo van
  • 10-foot moving truck
  • 15-foot moving truck
  • 20-foot moving truck
  • 26-foot moving truck
  • 29-foot moving truck

Insurance Options

U-Haul offers two primary protection options for moving trucks. Safemove includes a damage waiver, cargo protection, and medical and life coverage. Safemove Plus adds supplemental liability coverage and additional protection for accidental truck damage.

You can also purchase Safetrip, which provides supplemental roadside protection for issues such as jump-starts, lockouts, lost keys, and fuel delivery.


Penske Truck Rental

Penske offers five rental vehicle sizes and includes unlimited mileage with one-way truck rentals. The company also provides 24/7 roadside assistance and offers discounts for AAA members, military personnel, and college students. Penske has fewer truck sizes than some competitors, but its fleet includes options for moves ranging from small apartments to larger homes.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Includes unlimited mileage on one-way rentals
  • Offers discounts for AAA members, military personnel, and college students
  • Provides 24/7 roadside assistance

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer a low-price guarantee
  • Has fewer truck sizes than some competitors

Cost

Penske rental prices vary based on the truck size, location, rental period, and move type. The company also offers lower rates to customers who pay online when booking.

For a local move in Phoenix, Penske quoted us $135 for a 16-foot truck with unlimited mileage. Paying online reduced the price by 10% to $121.50. For our long-distance move from Phoenix to Dallas, Penske quoted us $1,467 for the same 16-foot truck with unlimited mileage, or $1,320.30 when paying online.

These quotes don’t include optional protection, fuel, moving supplies, or other add-ons.

Moving Services

Penske offers several moving-related products and services in addition to truck rentals, including:

  • Car carriers and tow dollies
  • Loading and unloading assistance through moving partners
  • Moving and packing supplies
  • Moving planning tools and checklists
  • Packing assistance through moving partners
  • Roadside assistance
  • Storage options through moving partners

Truck Sizes

Penske offers the following rental vehicle sizes:

  • High-roof cargo van
  • 12-foot moving truck
  • 16-foot moving truck
  • 22-foot moving truck
  • 26-foot moving truck

Insurance Options

Penske offers several optional protection products for rental trucks. Its Limited Damage Waiver can reduce your financial responsibility for accidental damage to the rental truck, subject to the rental agreement’s terms and exclusions. Penske also offers protection for cargo, personal injuries, and supplemental liability, along with additional roadside assistance coverage.

Protection options and availability can vary, so we recommend reviewing the coverage offered with your specific rental before booking.


Enterprise Truck Rental

Enterprise is best known for car rentals but also offers an extensive selection of trucks and cargo vans. The company provides 24/7 roadside assistance and has a particularly broad vehicle lineup, including several options for personal moving and hauling. However, Enterprise doesn’t offer one-way truck rentals, so it’s better suited to local and round-trip moves than long-distance relocations.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Charges relatively low per-mile rates based on our secret shopping
  • Offers a wide selection of trucks and cargo vans
  • Provides 24/7 roadside assistance

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer one-way truck rentals
  • Offers fewer moving-specific add-ons than some competitors

Cost

Enterprise doesn’t publish standard nationwide truck rental rates, so pricing depends on your location, vehicle, rental period, and mileage.

For our local move in Phoenix, Enterprise quoted us $90 per day plus $0.18 per mile for a 16-foot cabover truck. The company’s larger 20-, 24-, and 26-foot box trucks appeared in our search but required us to call the rental location for availability.

Enterprise doesn’t offer one-way truck rentals, so we couldn’t request a comparable quote for our long-distance move from Phoenix to Dallas. Renters planning a long-distance move would generally need to return the truck to the original rental location, which can add mileage and fuel costs.

These quotes don’t include optional protection, fuel, moving supplies, or other add-ons.

Moving Services

Enterprise offers fewer moving-specific services than U-Haul or Budget. Its truck rental locations primarily focus on vehicle rentals, with towing-capable pickup trucks available at select locations.

Enterprise offers the following rental vehicles and equipment:

  • Box trucks
  • Cabover trucks
  • Cargo vans
  • Parcel vans
  • Pickup trucks
  • Towing-capable pickup trucks

Truck Sizes

Enterprise offers one of the largest vehicle selections in our review, although availability varies by location. For personal moving and hauling, its fleet includes:

  • 1/2-ton pickup truck
  • 3/4-ton pickup truck
  • 1-ton pickup truck
  • Compact cargo van
  • Cargo van
  • Heavy-duty cargo van
  • Heavy-duty XL cargo van
  • High-roof cargo van
  • 15-foot parcel van
  • 16-foot cabover truck
  • 20-foot box truck
  • 24-foot box truck
  • 26-foot box truck

Insurance Options

Enterprise offers several optional protection products, including a Damage Waiver, Supplemental Liability Protection, Roadside Assistance Protection, and Personal Accident Insurance. Roadside Assistance Protection covers certain chargeable incidents, such as lost keys, lockouts, and fuel outages, while Personal Accident Insurance provides benefits for accidental death, medical expenses, and ambulance expenses. Protection options, costs, and availability can vary by location.


The Home Depot

The Home Depot Truck Rental offers local truck and van rentals with unlimited mileage, making it a practical option for short-distance moves and hauling projects. Its in-house fleet includes flatbed trucks, pickup trucks, cargo vans, and a 12-foot box truck. The Home Depot also sells a wide range of moving supplies and rents tools and equipment. For larger or one-way moving trucks, select locations offer rentals through Penske.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Expands its truck selection through a partnership with Penske
  • Includes unlimited mileage on in-house vehicle rentals
  • Provides access to a wide selection of moving supplies and equipment rentals

Cons

  • Has only one in-house box truck size
  • Limits in-house rentals to round-trip moves

Cost

The Home Depot advertises local truck rentals with unlimited mileage starting at $29, while van rentals start at $19. Rates vary based on the vehicle, rental period, and location.

For our Phoenix-area move, The Home Depot quoted us $159 per day for its 12-foot box truck with unlimited mileage. This was the largest of the company’s moving trucks available in our search, but it’s smaller than the 16- to 20-foot trucks we priced from most other providers. The truck has 515 cubic feet of cargo space and is designed for moving one to two rooms.

The Home Depot requires its in-house vehicles to be returned to the pickup location, so we couldn’t get a comparable one-way quote from Phoenix to Dallas. The company offers larger and one-way moving trucks through its partnership with Penske.

The rental price doesn’t include fuel or optional moving supplies.

Moving Services

The Home Depot focuses on truck rentals, moving supplies, and equipment rather than full-service moving assistance. Its moving-related products and services include:

  • Box truck rentals
  • Cargo van rentals
  • Flatbed and pickup truck rentals
  • Moving and packing supplies
  • Moving dollies
  • Penske moving truck rentals at select locations
  • Tool and equipment rentals

Truck Sizes

The Home Depot offers the following vehicles through its in-house rental program:

  • 8-foot flatbed truck
  • 8-foot pickup truck (available in select areas)
  • 10-foot flatbed truck
  • 12-foot box truck
  • Cargo van

Select locations also offer the following Penske trucks:

  • 12-foot moving truck
  • 16-foot moving truck
  • 22-foot moving truck
  • 26-foot moving truck

Insurance Options

The Home Depot requires renters to provide a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance when renting its in-house vehicles. Unlike some of the other truck rental companies we reviewed, the company doesn’t advertise optional protection plans for its in-house rental fleet.

Customers renting a Penske truck through The Home Depot can choose from Penske’s protection options.


How Much Does a Cheap Moving Truck Rental Cost?

Based on our secret-shopping quotes, a local moving truck rental costs about $30–$159 per day before mileage and other fees, depending on the company. For a one-way move from Phoenix to Dallas, our quotes ranged from $935–$1,467.

Price matters most to truck renters. In our 2026 survey of 1,000 U.S. homeowners who moved within the previous two years, 58% of respondents who primarily used a rental truck or van said price was the most important factor when choosing a moving service.

Your final moving truck cost depends on the truck size, distance, rental period, and mileage policy. Some companies charge by the mile for local moves, while others include unlimited mileage. Fuel, optional protection, moving supplies, and other add-ons can also increase your total.

Comparing Truck Rental Costs by Company

Budget had the lowest rates in our comparison for both local and long-distance rentals. U-Haul had the next-lowest local base rate, while Enterprise had the lowest per-mile fee. Enterprise and Home Depot didn’t offer comparable one-way rentals from Phoenix to Dallas, and Home Depot’s largest in-house truck was smaller than the trucks we priced from the other companies.

CompanyLocal QuoteLong-Distance QuoteTruck Size SampledCapacity
Budget$29.99/day + $0.69/mile$935.10, unlimited mileage*16-foot3–4 rooms
U-Haul$39.95/day + $0.99/mile$1,285, 1,264 miles included20-foot2–3 bedrooms
Enterprise$90/day + $0.18/mileN/A16-foot3–4 rooms
Penske$135, unlimited mileage$1,467, unlimited mileage16-foot2–3 rooms
Home Depot$159/day, unlimited mileageN/A12-foot1–2 rooms

*Budget’s long-distance quote included an automatically applied 10% discount.

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Homeowner Insights

Midsize trucks were the most popular rentals in our 2026 moving survey. Among respondents who primarily used a rental truck or van, 25% rented a 16–20-foot truck, the most common size reported. Another 24% rented an 11–15-foot truck.


How To Save Money on a Moving Truck Rental

You can save money on a moving truck rental by comparing rates and planning your rental carefully. Use the tips below to reduce your costs and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Compare the full estimated cost of each rental, not just the advertised daily rate. Mileage, fuel, taxes, and fees can all affect what you ultimately pay. A rental with a higher base rate may cost less overall if it includes unlimited mileage, especially for a longer move.

Choose a truck with enough room for your belongings without paying for significantly more space than you need. Going too small could mean making additional trips and spending more on mileage and fuel. Check each company’s capacity recommendations to help narrow down the right size for your home.

Your moving date can affect both rates and truck availability. If you have some flexibility, compare prices for a few nearby dates before reserving your truck. Moving outside of busier periods may give you more options and potentially a lower rate.

Check for available discounts before you book. Some rental companies offer reduced rates for military members, students, association members, or other groups. You may also save by reserving online or paying in advance, but check the cancellation terms before choosing a prepaid rate.

Supplies, equipment rentals, and optional protection can add to your total. Think about what you already have and what you’ll actually need for the move before adding extras. For example, you may be able to use your own moving blankets or buy boxes separately rather than getting everything from the truck rental company.

Quick Tip

  • Looking to rent a moving truck but not sure how to get started on your moving process? We put together an ultimate moving checklist and a list for pre-move planning to help you organize and prepare for your move.

What Do Homeowners Say About Moving Truck Rental Costs?

Our 2026 moving survey found that rental truck costs can extend beyond the advertised rate. The survey included 1,000 U.S. homeowners who moved within the last two years. Most truck renters who set a budget stayed within it, but additional charges, services, and changes from the original quote could affect the final cost.

Most Truck Renters Stayed Within Their Budget

Among respondents who primarily used a rental truck or van, 64% set a moving budget. Of those respondents, 54% spent about what they planned and 26% spent less, while 21% went over budget. Setting a budget can give you a target as you compare rental options. Leave room for harder-to-predict expenses, especially if your move involves a longer drive or additional help.

Fuel and Mileage Are Common Additional Costs

About 53% of rental truck users reported paying a fuel or fuel surcharge, and the same percentage paid a mileage charge beyond the base price. Another 20% said unexpected costs or fees were a challenge during their move. Mileage and fuel can make up a meaningful part of your moving expenses, so the advertised rental rate may not give you a complete picture of what you’ll pay.

Some Truck Renters Use Additional Moving Services

Your truck may be only one part of your moving budget. Our survey found that 40% of rental truck users also used storage and 31% paid for help moving large or heavy items, while some also used packing, appliance moving, or loading and unloading services.

Think about which parts of the move may require extra help. Hiring help for heavier or more time-consuming tasks can make a DIY move more manageable, but be sure to account for those services in your overall moving budget.

Final Costs Don’t Always Match the Original Quote

Around 48% of rental truck users said their final price matched their original quote exactly, while 16% paid more and 16% paid less. Give yourself some room between your quoted price and your maximum moving budget. That can make an unexpected change in the final bill easier to manage.


Should You Rent a Moving Truck or Hire Full-Service Movers?

Renting a moving truck may be a better choice if keeping costs down is your priority, while full-service movers are better suited if you want more help with the move. With a truck rental, you’ll generally handle the driving, packing, loading, and unloading yourself. Compare the main differences below to decide which option better fits your budget and move.

Factor Moving Truck RentalFull-Service Movers
CostLower because you provide most of the laborHigher because professional labor is included
DrivingYou drive the rental truckThe moving company handles transportation
Packing and loadingYou handle these tasks or pay separately for helpAvailable as part of full-service moving packages
FuelYou pay for fuelFuel costs are factored into your moving price
ConvenienceRequires more hands-on workRequires less work from you

FAQs About Cheap Moving Truck Rentals

What is the cheapest moving truck rental company?

Budget was the cheapest moving truck rental company in our price comparison. It had the lowest quote for both our local move and our one-way move from Phoenix to Dallas. Your rate may differ based on your location, moving date, truck size, and mileage.

How old do you have to be to rent a moving truck?

You typically need to be at least 18 or 21 to rent a moving truck, depending on the company. Age requirements can also vary by vehicle and location. Some companies may have additional requirements for younger renters.

Do you need a commercial driver’s license to drive a moving truck?

You generally don’t need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to rent and drive a standard moving truck. A valid driver’s license is usually sufficient for consumer rental trucks, including larger box trucks. Local licensing rules and company requirements can vary.

Do you need insurance to rent a moving truck?

You may not have to buy the rental company’s optional protection, but you should make sure you have adequate coverage before driving the truck. Personal auto insurance and credit card rental coverage don’t always extend to moving trucks. Review your existing coverage and the rental company’s protection options before pickup.

Is a one-way or round-trip moving truck rental cheaper?

A round-trip rental is often more practical for a local move, while a one-way rental can save you money and driving time on a long-distance move. One-way rates may include different mileage allowances and rental periods, so the lower daily rate isn’t necessarily the cheaper option. Compare the total price for your specific route when both options are available.


Our Rating Methodology

We evaluate moving truck rental companies using our detailed rating methodology, along with research specific to this guide. We review company websites, rental policies, truck sizes, mileage terms, discounts, and additional services. We also request sample quotes for local and long-distance moves, using comparable truck sizes when available, to evaluate rental costs across providers.

For this guide, we also considered results from our 2026 survey of 1,000 U.S. homeowners who moved within the previous two years. We used responses from homeowners who primarily rented a moving truck or van to better understand costs, budgeting, truck sizes, and additional services.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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