Best Moving Truck Rentals of 2026: U-Haul vs. Penske vs. Budget

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Best Moving Truck Rentals of 2026: U-Haul vs. Penske vs. Budget

DIY truck rentals are the cheapest way to move — $200 to $2,000 total versus $2,000+ for full-service. Here is how the three major rental companies compare and which is right for your move.

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Moving Company Analyst, The Moving Playbook

Renting a moving truck is the most affordable way to move long-distance — but it requires you to do the driving, loading, and unloading. For a 2-bedroom apartment move, U-Haul, Penske, and Budget typically cost $400–$1,400 total for a one-way cross-country trip. That is a fraction of full-service moving costs.

Moving Truck Rental Comparison

CompanyTruck SizesAvg. Price (1,000mi)Mileage PolicyBest For
U-Haul10–26ft$600–$1,400Unlimited on one-wayAvailability + locations
Penske12–26ft$800–$1,800Unlimited on one-wayTruck quality + service
Budget10–26ft$550–$1,200Unlimited on one-wayLowest one-way rates
Enterprise10–26ftVariesUnlimited on one-wayInsurance integration
Ryder16–26ft$700–$1,500Unlimited on one-wayCommercial-quality trucks

U-Haul vs. Penske: The Real Difference

U-Haul has the most locations by far — over 21,000 nationwide — which matters most for pickup convenience and one-way drop-off flexibility. Penske trucks are generally newer and better maintained, but the company has fewer locations. Penske customer satisfaction scores consistently run higher than U-Haul.

Budget typically offers the lowest one-way rates but has far fewer locations than either competitor, which limits pickup and drop-off options significantly.

💡 Book as early as possible. Moving truck availability drops sharply at month-end and during summer. Book your truck at least 3–4 weeks out for peak dates. Last-minute rentals often pay 40–60% more.

Hidden Costs in Truck Rentals

  • Fuel — you return the truck with a full tank or pay $5–$7/gallon for the company to fill it
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) — $15–$30/day; check your credit card coverage first
  • Furniture pads, dollies, and equipment — typically $10–$25 each per rental period
  • Tolls — automatic tolling systems may charge your card weeks after the move
Editorial Disclosure

Frequently Asked Questions

Which moving truck company is cheapest?
Budget typically offers the lowest one-way rates, followed by U-Haul. Penske usually costs 15–25% more but provides newer trucks and better customer service. Always compare quotes across all three for your specific route — pricing varies significantly by market.
What size moving truck do I need?
A 1-bedroom apartment needs a 10–15ft truck. A 2-bedroom home needs a 15–17ft truck. A 3-bedroom home needs a 20–22ft truck. A 4+ bedroom home or large move typically requires a 26ft truck. When in doubt, rent larger — an underfilled truck is much better than an overfilled one that damages your furniture.
Can I one-way rent a truck cross-country?
Yes. All major companies offer one-way rentals where you pick up in one city and drop off in another. One-way rates are typically higher than round-trip rates, but this is the standard model for long-distance moves.