Moving can be stressful — from packing and loading to figuring out what size truck you need and how much it will all cost. That’s where a U-Haul Calculator comes in. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, this calculator simplifies the process by estimating truck size, mileage, fuel consumption, and total rental costs based on your specific moving details.
U-Haul Cost Calculator
What Is a U-Haul Calculator?
The U-Haul Calculator is a planning tool that helps individuals and families determine:
- What size U-Haul truck to rent
- How many miles the move will cover
- Estimated fuel usage and cost
- Estimated total rental cost (truck + fuel + insurance)
It combines variables such as the size of your home, destination ZIP codes, fuel type, and rental duration to give you a complete moving cost estimate.
Who Should Use the U-Haul Calculator?
This tool is ideal for:
- Individuals or families planning a DIY move
- People choosing between different truck sizes
- Movers comparing U-Haul vs. other rental options
- Renters budgeting for one-way or local moves
- College students, military families, or job relocators
What Factors the U-Haul Calculator Considers
- Home or Apartment Size
- Studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, 3+ bedroom
- Truck Size Needed
- 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, 26-foot, cargo van, pickup
- Move Distance
- Based on zip code or city input, usually in miles
- Fuel Type and Efficiency
- Each truck has specific MPG (miles per gallon)
- Rental Duration
- Number of days needed for the move
- Add-ons
- Moving equipment, furniture pads, towing, insurance
- Fuel Price (gas per gallon)
- Variable by region and current fuel costs
How to Use the U-Haul Calculator
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Enter Move Type
- Local (round trip) or One-Way
- Input Origin and Destination
- Enter ZIP codes or city/state
- Select Home Size or Enter Cubic Feet
- For example: 2-bedroom apartment ≈ 1,200–1,500 cu ft
- Choose Truck Size
- The tool can also suggest based on home size
- Input Fuel Price
- Estimate or use the default average gas price
- Specify Estimated Rental Days
- Usually 1–7 days depending on distance
- Click “Calculate”
Output includes:
- Recommended truck size
- Estimated total miles
- Estimated fuel needed
- Truck rental cost estimate
- Fuel cost estimate
- Add-ons (optional)
- Total cost of the move
U-Haul Truck Sizes and Capacities
| Truck Size | Recommended For | Max Load (lbs) | Est. MPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-foot | Studio, 1-bedroom apt | 2,810 | 12 MPG |
| 15-foot | 1–2 bedroom apt/home | 6,385 | 10 MPG |
| 20-foot | 2–3 bedroom home | 5,700 | 10 MPG |
| 26-foot | 4+ bedroom home | 9,010 | 10 MPG |
| Cargo Van | Small deliveries, studios | 3,880 | 18 MPG |
| Pickup Truck | Hauling small items, local | 1,897 | 19 MPG |
Example Calculations
🏠 Example 1: Local Move – 2 Bedroom Apartment
- Distance: 20 miles round trip
- Truck Size: 15-foot
- Fuel Price: $4.00/gallon
- Days Needed: 1
Estimated Fuel = 20 ÷ 10 MPG = 2 gallons
Fuel Cost = 2 × $4 = $8
Truck Rental = ~$39.95/day + $0.99/mile × 20 = $59.80
Total = $39.95 + $59.80 + $8 = $107.75
🏡 Example 2: One-Way Move – 3 Bedroom Home, 600 Miles
- Truck Size: 20-foot
- Fuel Price: $3.80/gallon
- Estimated Fuel: 600 ÷ 10 MPG = 60 gallons
- Fuel Cost = 60 × $3.80 = $228
- Truck Rental = ~$1,200 (flat rate with 3 days and mileage)
Total = $1,200 + $228 = $1,428
Cost-Saving Tips for U-Haul Moves
- Book early to avoid rate increases
- Use weekday rentals for cheaper rates
- Avoid unnecessary add-ons unless needed
- Return truck with required fuel level to avoid penalties
- Pack efficiently to avoid needing a larger truck
- Split costs with friends/family if moving together
Benefits of Using the U-Haul Calculator
✅ Accurate Budgeting
Eliminates surprises by estimating all moving expenses ahead of time.
✅ Smart Truck Selection
Prevents under- or overestimating space needed for your move.
✅ Fuel Estimation
Predict fuel expenses based on truck MPG and move distance.
✅ Saves Time and Stress
Avoids confusion on move day by preparing you in advance.
✅ Customizable Options
Adjust based on gas prices, route distance, and extras.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the U-Haul Calculator used for?
It estimates truck size, fuel cost, and total rental cost for moving with U-Haul.
2. Can I use it for one-way and round-trip moves?
Yes, it supports both local and long-distance moves.
3. How accurate is the truck size recommendation?
Very accurate if you input the correct home size or cubic footage.
4. How do I estimate fuel costs?
Enter your estimated fuel price per gallon and the calculator will do the rest.
5. What if I rent extra days?
You can include extra days in the rental duration to reflect a more accurate cost.
6. Do U-Haul prices include mileage?
Local rentals charge per mile. One-way rentals often include mileage in a flat rate.
7. Is insurance included in the estimate?
No, but you can add insurance options for a more complete total.
8. How much is U-Haul insurance?
Around $14–$28/day depending on coverage type.
9. Can I calculate towing a trailer or car?
Yes, many calculators include options for trailers or car dollies.
10. What if I have a large home (4+ bedrooms)?
You’ll likely need a 26-foot truck or multiple trips — the calculator will recommend accordingly.
11. Do I need a special license to drive a U-Haul?
No, a standard driver’s license is sufficient.
12. Can I input a custom gas price?
Yes, most calculators allow you to enter your local price.
13. What’s the best day to move for savings?
Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) typically offer lower rates.
14. How many miles per gallon does a U-Haul truck get?
Between 10–19 MPG depending on size.
15. Can I add helpers or moving labor to the estimate?
Some calculators include labor costs as optional add-ons.
16. How do I avoid late return fees?
Return the truck by the scheduled time and with the correct fuel level.
17. Can I compare U-Haul with other companies?
Yes, you can use the same method to compare Penske, Budget, etc.
18. Does truck size affect fuel efficiency?
Yes — smaller trucks and vans have better MPG.
19. How do I know if everything will fit in the truck?
Use the home size-to-truck size recommendation and allow extra room for furniture.
20. Is this calculator free?
Yes — most U-Haul calculators are free to use online.
Final Thoughts
The U-Haul Calculator is the ultimate moving planner for estimating truck size, distance, fuel, and rental costs. It helps you avoid guesswork, minimize surprises, and manage your moving budget with confidence. Whether you’re downsizing, upsizing, or just relocating for work, this tool simplifies your move from start to finish.