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U-Haul Cross-Country Cost in 2026: Real Pricing and Honest Review
A U-Haul one-way truck rental for a cross-country move costs $1,500-$3,500 for the truck itself plus $600-$1,100 in fuel. Realistic total budget: $2,500-$5,500. Here is what the pricing actually looks like.
Quick Answer
U-Haul one-way pricing for a 2,000-mile move ranges from $1,200 (10ft truck, studio load) to $3,500+ (26ft truck, 3BR load) for the base rental. Fuel adds $400-$1,000 depending on truck size. Add $115 for SafeMove insurance, $290 for 2 hotel nights, $200 for meals, and $150 for packing supplies. Realistic all-in total: $2,355-$5,255.
Truck Size Guide
| Truck Size | Best For | MPG* | 2,000 mi Fuel | Base Rental Est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10ft | Studio, small 1BR | 12 MPG | $670 | $1,200-$2,000 |
| 15ft | 1BR to small 2BR | 10 MPG | $800 | $1,500-$2,500 |
| 20ft | 2BR apartment | 10 MPG | $800 | $1,800-$2,900 |
| 26ft | 2BR house, 3BR+ | 8-10 MPG | $1,000 | $2,200-$3,500+ |
U-Haul gas mileage: official vs real-world
* U-Haul publishes MPG estimates for an empty truck in ideal conditions: the 10ft truck is rated about 12 MPG (31-gallon tank), the 15ft and 20ft 10 MPG on 40-gallon tanks, and the 26ft truck 8-10 MPG with a 60-gallon tank. Note that U-Haul itself publishes the 26-footer as a range, not a single figure. All four take regular unleaded gas, not diesel.
Fully loaded on a cross-country drive, with hills, headwinds and highway speed, real-world mileage runs lower. A loaded 26ft truck commonly returns 7-9 MPG (closer to 6 if you are also towing a car), which is why the fuel estimate above assumes roughly 8 MPG for it. Budget from the loaded end, not the empty rating. Source: U-Haul’s own truck-rental specification pages, re-checked 23 September 2026: 10ft, 15ft, 20ft and 26ft.
The Hidden Costs U-Haul Does Not Show Upfront
SafeMove insurance
$14 - $30/day
Liability coverage. Budget $115 for an 8-day rental. Technically optional but strongly recommended.
Fuel surcharge if not refueled
$9 - $11/gallon
U-Haul charges 2-3x market rate for any fuel shortfall on return. Always refuel before returning.
Equipment add-ons
$10 - $80
Moving dolly ($10), furniture pads/blankets ($25-$30 per dozen). Useful but optional.
Late return fee
$0.40/mile + daily rate
U-Haul one-way trucks are often pre-booked. Returning late triggers significant charges.
Tow dolly or car carrier
$200 - $500
To bring your second vehicle. Check towing eligibility before booking.
Packing supplies
$100 - $200
Boxes, tape, bubble wrap. Cheaper at Home Depot or liquor stores than at U-Haul.
Real Cost Examples (2026 Quotes)
NYC to Denver, 26ft truck
LA to Chicago, 20ft truck