The cheapest moving truck company for local moves under 50 miles is U-Haul, while Budget or Penske might be your best bet for any cross-country moves over 400 miles.
When it comes to moving, there are a lot of decisions to make, from what kind of movers to get to what you should pack first. And one of the most important decisions you can make is choosing the right rental truck for your move.
But to make the best decision, cost isn’t the only factor you should consider. We’ve done the research for you and have compiled a list of 7 trusted moving truck companies that can fit any move. If you’re planning a budget-friendly DIY move, then this list will help you find the perfect moving truck.
Table of Contents
Ranked: The Cheapest Rental Moving Trucks of 2026
For this guide, we evaluated each brand across local, interstate, and long-distance moves in two truck sizes (typically 15 ft and 26 ft).
While some might consider the cheapest truck to be the one with the lowest base rate, we wanted to look at numbers closer to what your final bill might look like. So we compared base rates, mileage charges, insurance, and other common fees to rank the cheapest moving trucks. Here is an overview of our findings:
| Rank | Company | Best For |
| 1 | Budget | Best Overall Value for Long Moves |
| 2 | U-Haul | Most Affordable one-way option |
| 3 | Penske | Best for Reliability on Long Hauls |
| 4 | Enterprise | Best Daily Flat-Rate Pricing |
| 5 | Home Depot | Best for Small or Hourly Jobs |
| 6 | Ryder | Best for Business or Large Moves |
| 7 | Hertz | Best Cargo Van for Light Moves |
Note: Rankings may change by distance; some companies have additional fees that only kick in after a certain number of miles travelled.
Cheapest Moving Trucks by Move Distance
Sometimes, how cheap a truck is depends on how far you’re driving it, and some companies come out ahead for a cross-country move rather than a short local one. The table below outlines at a glance which trucks are best for which distances and situations.
| Move Distance | Cheapest Option | Why |
| Local (< 50 miles) | U-Haul / Home Depot | Low base rates, limited mileage |
| Regional (100–300 miles) | Budget | Lowest per-mile costs |
| Long-Distance (400+ miles) | Budget / Penske | Flat or unlimited mileage options |
| Small Apartment | Hertz / Home Depot | Cargo vans, hourly pricing |
| Reliability-First | Penske | Newer fleet, guaranteed reservations |
How Moving Truck Rental Pricing Works
As mentioned, the cheapest moving truck option might not be the company that offers the cheapest base price. The total amount you pay is built from several components:
- Base Rate: The flat fee for reserving the truck, often charged per day.
- Per-mile fees: Most companies charge a per-mile fee for local rentals, and some one-way moves include a set fee.
- Insurance: Optional protection plans that can add $14–$30 per day to your total.
- One-Way vs. Round-Trip: One-way moves typically have higher flat rates and will charge you for mileage. Round-trip rentals are a bit cheaper but require you to return the vehicle to the same place you picked it up.
Total Cost Structure by Brand
We compared base rates, one-way mileage fees, basic insurance, and the cost of any add-ons for each company to get a number that’s closest to the actual final cost. Here’s the breakdown for each moving truck company:
| Company | Local Base Rate | Mileage Fee | Insurance (Basic) | Add-On Fees |
| Budget | $29.99– $39.99 | $0.79/mile | ~$20/day | Low |
| U-Haul | $19.95+ | $0.99–$1.09/mile | $14–$28/day | Medium |
| Penske | $69.99+ | Unlimited (One-Way) | $25–$35/day | Low |
| Enterprise | $89.99+ | $0.29–$0.79/mile | $10–$20/day | Medium |
| Home Depot | $19 / 75 min | N/A (per hour) | $15–$25/day | High |
| Ryder | Quote Only | Quote Only | Quote Only | Medium |
| Hertz | $39.99– $89 |
Quote Only |
$12–$20/day | Low |
Hidden Costs That Can Change the Cheapest Option
Mileage fees may not seem like a big deal at first. And for short-distance moves, they might not be! But the longer the drive, the more those mileage fees are going to add up. In some cases, it may make more sense to pay a higher price up front and avoid more expensive mileage fees.
While both U-Haul and Budget pair low base costs with relatively low mileage fees, the math changes quickly when it comes to longer distances. Here are the two companies’ price options:
- U-Haul: $19.95 base + $0.99/mile
- Budget: $29.95 base + $0.79/mile
If you drive more than 50 miles, Budget actually becomes the cheaper option because of that lower mileage rate, despite the higher starting price.
Companies offer different insurance rates as well, which can slightly change the calculations. Insurance can range from $14-$30/day. Companies that offer more affordable base options typically offer cheaper insurance coverage as well. If you opt into insurance coverage, Budget and U-Haul continue to be the cheapest options until the 32-mile mark.
“Most rental contracts require trucks be returned with the same fuel level. If you forget, expect to pay highly inflated refuelling fees (sometimes $8.00+ per gallon!).”
Fuel efficiency is another major consideration. Since you can’t exactly shrink your home to fit into a smaller truck, you’re usually stuck with the truck size you need. However, you can choose a newer truck. Companies with newer fleets (like Penske or Enterprise) often have vehicles with significantly better fuel efficiency compared to companies that keep older trucks on the road for years. Especially during cross-country moves, that difference in MPG can save you a surprising amount of money at the pump.
The bottom line: If you are only comparing the base price of each truck company, you won’t be getting the full picture. The cheapest option on paper might turn out to be the most expensive after you add up mileage fees, insurance, the cost of a full tank of gas, and other factors that go into moving and renting a truck.
Is a Cheaper Rental Truck Better?
The cheapest price doesn’t always mean the best experience or features. While the most budget-friendly option may be great for local moves or light loads, you could end up with an older truck with a higher chance of breaking down and worse fuel efficiency. You may also have to pay more for insurance, equipment rentals, and mileage. Here are some other things to consider about opting for the lowest price:
- No-frills: You get what you pay for, basic transportation with fewer upsells.
- Extra fees add up: If you have to pay for extras just to get what you need, it potentially erases your initial savings.
- Less support or fewer locations: This is especially true for one-way moves.
Pro Tip: If there’s anything to prioritize, it should be safety. Choose a company with good reviews, well-maintained vehicles, and clear rental terms.
The 7 Cheapest Moving Trucks of 2026
Below are our ranked picks for the cheapest moving truck rentals, based on price analysis across local (<50 miles), regional (400–999 miles), and cross-country (1000+ miles) moves.
1. Budget Truck Rental – Best for Overall Value on Long Moves
Budget Truck Rental tops our list thanks to consistently low prices that offer exceptional value, especially for long-distance moves. Budget’s promo codes and low mileage rates make it one of the most affordable options, even after you add insurance and fees.
Budget is a strong competitor to U-Haul and punches above its weight for local moves, making it one of the most well-rounded companies on this list. If your move is regional or cross-country, Budget often delivers the best value without sacrificing important features and support. Customers can expect round-the-clock roadside assistance from Budget. Just be aware of extra charges when purchasing insurance upgrades.
Budget: Cost Breakdown
| Move Distance | Mileage Fee | Total Median Cost |
| Local (<50 mi) | $0.79/mi | $79.20 |
| Regional (400 – 999 mi) | Unlimited | $590.44 |
| Cross-Country (1000 – 1799 mi) | Unlimited | $1,043.82 |
Budget Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lowest mileage fees in the category
- Frequent online discount codes
- Strong value for long-distance.
Cons:
- Limited same-day availability
- Smaller fleet vs. U-Haul
- Higher insurance tiers add up fast.
What to Know Before Renting from Budget
- Truck Sizes: Cargo van, 12 ft, 16 ft, 26 ft
- Mileage Policy: Local = per mile; One-way = unlimited usually included
- Fleet Quality: Reliable mechanical condition, though generally older than Penske
- Insurance Options: Damage waivers, supplemental liability, personal accident, and cargo
- Booking Tip: Always hunt for a promo code online before you book; they are almost always available
2. U-Haul – Best for Affordability on Short Moves
U-Haul lands at our #2 spot, primarily due to its competitive local rental rates and unmatched availability. U-Haul’s massive fleet, array of truck sizes, and convenient pickup/drop-off locations make it ideal for short moves and DIY movers who value flexibility.
U-Haul is also frequently the most accessible choice in rural areas or areas where alternatives may not operate. While its base prices are very competitive, U-Haul’s higher mileage fees can add up fast.
U-Haul: Cost Breakdown
| Move Distance | Mileage Fee | Total Median Cost |
| Local (<50 mi) | $0.99/mi | $130.50 |
| Regional (400 – 999 mi) | Included | $972.92 |
| Cross-Country (1000 – 1799 mi) | Included | $1,719.99 |
U-Haul Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lowest local base rates
- Widest location network
- Tons of size/equipment options.
Cons:
- Variable mileage fees can add up
- Older fleet and inconsistent upkeep
- Higher fees for one-way rentals.
What to Know Before Renting from U-Haul
- Truck Sizes: 10 ft, 15 ft, 17 ft, 20 ft, 26 ft
- Mileage Policy: Local = per mile; One-way = mileage often included
- Fleet Quality: Mixed condition; older trucks are more common
- Insurance Options: Safemove, Safemove Plus, SafeTrip
- Equipment Rentals: Dollies, pads, tow hitches, trailers
- Booking Tip: Prices fluctuate by demand, so book early
3. Penske – Best for Reliability on Long Hauls
Penske earns 3rd place in our list for its transparent pricing, high-quality fleet, and generous discounts for military members, students, and AAA members. While Penske prices may start higher, they offer unlimited mileage on one-way rentals and a well-maintained fleet.
Penske might not be the best option for local moves, but the higher base costs that Penske charges come through in the quality of their fleet. Penske vehicles are newer and well-maintained. However, their limited availability in rural areas means they might not be the right option for you if you are moving to a smaller town.
Penske: Cost Breakdown
| Move Distance | Mileage Fee | Total Median Cost |
| Local (<50 mi) | $1.09/mi | $148.50 |
| Regional (400 – 999 mi) | Unlimited | $1,107.08 |
| Cross-Country (1000 – 1799 mi) | Unlimited | $1,957.17 |
Penske Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unlimited mileage for one-way
- Newer, well-maintained fleet
- Great discounts for AAA and students.
Cons:
- Higher base rates than Budget
- Insurance costs more than competitors
- Limited availability in rural areas.
What to Know Before Renting from Penske
- Truck Sizes: 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft, 26 ft
- Mileage Policy: Local = per mile; One-way = unlimited mileage
- Fleet Quality: Industry-leading with newer models
- Insurance Options: Limited Damage Waiver, Cargo Insurance, Towing Insurance
- Customer Support: Round-the-clock roadside assistance included
- Booking Tip: Call to apply discounts if not shown online
4. Enterprise – Best for Flat-Rates for Local Moves
Enterprise Truck Rental ranks #4 for its low base rates on local moves. It also offers well-maintained vehicles and strong customer service. However, Enterprise drops behind the top three due to limited one-way options and fewer rental locations compared to national competitors such as U-Haul or Budget.
If your move requires you to rack up multiple miles in a small area, then Enterprise could be a great option due to its exceptionally low mileage rates. However, Enterprise’s lack of availability for one-way rentals means they aren’t the best option for cross-country moves.
Enterprise: Cost Breakdown
| Move Distance | Mileage Fee | Total Median Cost |
| Local (<50 mi) | $0.29/mi | $92.40 |
| Regional (400 – 999 mi) | $0.29/mi | $688.85 |
| Cross-Country (1000 – 1799 mi) | N/A | $1,217.79 |
Enterprise Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very affordable for local moves
- Well-maintained commercial fleet
- Business-friendly service.
Cons:
- Limited one-way rental availability
- Fewer locations than major competitors
- Must return truck to the same location.
What to Know Before Renting from Enterprise
- Truck Sizes: 15 ft, 16 ft, 24 ft, 26 ft
- Mileage Policy: Per-mile charges apply to all trips
- Fleet Quality: Newer trucks, often better than competitors
- Insurance Options: Damage waiver, SLP, and personal effects
- Booking Tip: Ideal for short hauls; call for quotes instead of booking online
5. Home Depot – Best for Small or Hourly Jobs
Home Depot Truck Rental isnot the cheapest for full-day or long-distance rentals, which is why it lands at #5, but it offers unbeatable rates for short hauls, DIY projects, and hourly rentals. Its pricing structure is ideal for people moving short distances or transporting a few large items across town.
Home Depot partners with Penske for larger trucks and long-distance moves, but its in-house Load ‘N Go vehicles are perfect for quick tasks. With locations all across the United States, Home Depot also has good availability.
Home Depot: Cost Breakdown
| Move Distance | Mileage Fee | Total Median Cost |
| Local (<50 mi) | None | Quote Only |
| Regional (400 – 999 mi) | See Penske | See Penske |
| Cross-Country (1000 – 1799 mi) | See Penske | See Penske |
Home Depot Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Best for hourly or short-term use
- Load ‘N Go trucks available on-site
- Easy pickup at many store locations.
Cons:
- Not ideal for long-distance without Penske
- Hourly pricing adds up quickly if delayed
- Limited truck size options in-house.
What to Know Before Renting from Home Depot
- Truck Sizes: Load ‘N Go (F250/F350), 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft, 26 ft (Penske)
- Mileage Policy: Flat rate for Load ‘N Go; per-mile for Penske
- Booking: Walk-in for Load ‘N Go; reservations available for Penske trucks
- Fuel Policy: Return with the same fuel level
- Use Tip: Use for same-day or one-item moves to maximize value
6. Ryder – Best for Commercial or Budget-Conscious Movers
Ryder places 6th on our list of cheapest moving trucks because its services are best suited for commercial customers or DIY movers needing cargo vans or box trucks without frills. Ryder offers competitive daily rates for local moves, especially if you’re renting a cargo van.
However, fewer locations, limited long-distance availability, and more business-focused rental terms make it less ideal for most residential moves. That being said, if you’re relocating locally and want a solid, no-nonsense truck, Ryder can be a cost-effective option, especially for business or DIY studio moves.
Ryder: Cost Breakdown
| Move Distance | Mileage Fee | Total Median Cost |
| Local (<50 mi) | $0.39/mi | $128.40 |
| Regional (400 – 999 mi) | Quote Only | $957.26 |
| Cross-Country (1000 – 1799 mi) | Quote Only | $1,692.30 |
Ryder Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Great for local business or DIY use
- Lower per-mile cost than most
- Good selection of cargo vans & trucks.
Cons:
- Not ideal for long-distance residential moves
- Fewer locations than other national providers
- Limited online booking and availability.
What to Know Before Renting from Ryder
- Truck Sizes: Cargo van, 16 ft, 26 ft box trucks
- Mileage Policy: Per-mile charges; some flexibility with business accounts
- Booking: Online and phone reservations (less robust than competitors)
- Fuel Policy: Must return full
- Tip: Best value if you’re in a metro area and moving the same day
7. Hertz – Best for Light Moves and Cargo Vans
Hertz ranks 7th on our list of cheapest moving trucks because Hertz is a car rental company first. Its truck selection largely consists of cargo vans and small box trucks (up to 16 ft). This means it’s a decent, low-cost option for local or studio-sized moves, but not suitable for long hauls or whole-house moves.
If your plan is to take multiple trips in a smaller vehicle, Hertz might be a good option. It offers low daily base rates, decent fuel economy, and smaller vehicles. Just don’t expect to find availability for long-distance one-way moves.
Hertz: Cost Breakdown
| Move Distance | Mileage Fee | Total Median Cost |
| Local (<50 mi) | Varies | Quote Only |
| Regional (400 – 999 mi) | N/A | N/A |
| Cross-Country (1000 – 1799 mi) | N/A | N/A |
Hertz Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Lowest daily rates for cargo vans
- Frequent discounts and promo codes
- Great for same-day or short local trips.
Cons:
- No 20–26 ft box trucks available
- No long-distance or one-way rentals
- Limited vehicle inventory outside metro areas.
What to Know Before Renting from Hertz
- Truck Sizes: Cargo van, 12 ft, and 16 ft box trucks (varies by location)
- Mileage Policy: Per-mile charge, unlimited mileage not standard
- Booking: Easy online reservations
- Fuel Policy: Return with a full tank
- Best For: In-town errands, Craigslist pickups, college moves
Comparing Moving Truck Costs by Distance
The total cost of a rental truck largely depends on how far you’re going. As noted in our Cheapest Moving Trucks by Move Distance table earlier, the “winner” often changes once you cross the 50 or 100-mile mark.
While some brands offer lower upfront pricing (like U-Haul’s $19.95 sticker price), mileage charges and insurance fees can shift the balance quickly.
To demonstrate this, we ran cost comparisons for three specific move lengths using our 2026 Rental Truck Cost Calculator. The data below reflects the total median cost for a standard move, including base rates, mileage, and estimated fees.
Total Cost Structure by Brand
| Brand | Local (25 mi) | Regional (700 mi) | Long-Distance (1400 mi) |
| Budget | $79.20 | $590.44 | $1,043.82 |
| Enterprise | $92.40 | $688.85 | $1,217.79 |
| Ryder | $128.40 | $957.26 | $1,692.30 |
| U-Haul | $130.50 | $972.92 | $1,719.99 |
| Penske | $148.50 | $1,107.08 | $1,957.17 |
Note: Prices are estimates based on a standard 1,500 sq. ft. home move. Your actual costs may vary by date and location.
Tips to Get the Lowest Price on a Moving Truck
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, you can trim your rental costs without cutting corners. Here are the best ways to save before you reserve your truck.
- Book Early: The closer you get to your moving date, the higher prices will be and the less availability you’ll have. Reserving weeks in advance often locks in a better rate.
- Avoid Month-End: Demand is highest on the first and last weekends of the month. If you can move mid-month or mid-week, you will almost always pay less.
- Downsize Your Truck: Don’t pay for air! Choosing the right-sized truck that fits all your stuff perfectly reduces both your base rental cost and your fuel consumption.
- Declutter First: Fewer items = smaller truck = less weight = lower cost. Sell those bulky items you don’t really need before the big day.
- Return the Truck with a Full Tank: Most rental contracts require trucks be returned with the same fuel level. If you forget, expect to pay highly inflated refuelling fees (sometimes $8.00+ per gallon!).
When a Moving Truck Is NOT the Cheapest Option
Renting a truck isn’t your only option for moving, and in some scenarios, it could end up being more expensive than alternatives. Additionally, affordability is not the only consideration when planning a DIY move. Sometimes you don’t have the ability to handle a big move on your own. Depending on your budget, timeline, and how much help you need, these alternatives could save you time, money, energy, and stress.
Moving Container Companies
Best For: Long-distance or delayed moves
Brands such as PODS, U-Pack, and 1-800-PACK-RAT deliver portable containers to your driveway. You pack at your pace, and the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Your estimated cost for one usually ranges from $1,500–$4,000+, and pricing varies depending on distance and container size.
Pros:
- No driving
- Flexible packing/unpacking
- Secure, weatherproof units
Con:
- More expensive than a truck rental for local moves
You can check out this comparison guide for more details.
Hiring Local Movers With a Truck
Best For: People who are moving locally and want to skip the heavy lifting
This full-service approach means a moving crew handles the loading, driving, and unloading, typically charging by the hour for local moves.The estimated cost for this option is $300–$1,200, depending on hours and crew size
Pros:
- Less stress
- Professional help
- No truck rental needed
Cons:
Car-Sharing or Van Rentals
Best For: Small, local moves
Services such as Zipcar, Turo, or Home Depot’s hourly rentals let you access cargo vans or pickup trucks without the cost of a full-day rental.
Pros:
- Affordable for short moves
- Easy to find
- Fuel-efficient
Cons:
- Limited space
- Time constraints
- Usually local only
Note: If you are only moving a single item, an hourly van is almost always cheaper and more convenient than a standard truck rental.
Methodology: How We Chose the Cheapest Moving Trucks
We reviewed publicly available pricing data, secured quotes directly from brand websites, and referenced existing third-party analyses to compare rental truck costs across short, midrange, and long-distance moves.
About the Data: This analysis is based on HireAHelper’s Rental Truck Cost Database, which contains data from 10,000 real rental truck transactions completed by HireAHelper customers over the past 6 years. The dataset includes moves of varying distances, sizes, and locations, and spans 12 rental truck and moving container brands commonly used across the United States.
Unlike studies that rely on online quotes, this dataset reflects actual amounts customers paid (including mileage, insurance, taxes, and add-ons), providing a more accurate representation of real-world truck rental costs. Because online price estimates often differ significantly from final charges due to factors like mileage overages, rental duration overages, and insurance add-ons, using completed rental data helps eliminate these discrepancies.
Data Controls
- Collection: We collected dates in the moving off-season to establish baseline pricing.
- Standardization: We used quotes for 26-ft trucks as our standard price comparison due to their widespread availability and usability for most moving scenarios.
- Exclusions: We excluded promo codes and regional variation in our calculations because these factors are not always available or consistent.
Why Trust HireAHelper?
We’ve helped over 500,000 people move and have written extensively about real-world moving costs, truck rental tips, and pros/cons of every method out there. Our research is unbiased and based on direct comparisons — not paid promotions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the absolute cheapest moving truck company?
According to our calculations, the absolute cheapest moving truck company for a local move is typically U-Haul or Home Depot because of their low base costs and competitive mileage or hourly rates. For long-distance moves, Budget is generally the most affordable option.
Is the cheapest moving truck worth it?
It depends on the distance. For a 10-mile move across town, a cheaper, older truck is usually fine. For a cross-country move, the reliability of a newer fleet (like Penske’s) is absolutely worth the extra cost to avoid a breakdown in the middle of nowhere.
How can I lower my moving truck cost after booking?
Always check for promo codes and ask about AAA, military, or student discounts when you pick up the truck. You might also get cheaper quotes by calling the local branch directly instead of booking online.
How many miles before unlimited mileage is cheaper?
Typically, if your move is over 400 miles, an “unlimited mileage” flat rate (like Penske offers) will be cheaper than paying a per-mile rate.