U-Haul Van Rental Cost: Prices, Fees & What to Know
TM
Written by TheMoveTips Editorial Team
Updated 5 min read
Quick Answer
A U-Haul cargo van rental typically costs between 20 dollars and 40 dollars per day plus a mileage fee.
Mileage rates usually range from 59 cents to 99 cents per mile depending on your specific location and demand.
You are responsible for refueling the van to the same level it held when you picked it up to avoid extra charges.
Renting a cargo van is the standard choice for small moves like studio apartments or dorm rooms. Most people spend between 80 dollars and 150 dollars for a single day of local use when you factor in mileage and fuel.
The uhaul van rental cost is rarely just the daily rate shown on the website. You must account for mileage fees, insurance coverage, and the mandatory return fuel policy to get an accurate budget estimate.
Before you reserve, you should try our moving cost calculator to see how a van compares to other options. Knowing these numbers early prevents surprises at the rental counter.
What makes up the total uhaul van rental cost?
The daily base rate
Your base fee covers the vehicle for 24 hours. This price fluctuates based on the day of the week and the time of year. Midweek rentals in the winter are almost always cheaper than weekend rentals in the summer. Demand drives these prices, so checking the website for your specific dates is the only way to know the exact base fee.
Mileage charges explained
Most local rentals charge a flat daily fee plus a per mile rate. This mileage rate is the most common reason the final bill feels higher than the initial quote. Always estimate your total driving distance, including trips to the gas station, to avoid being caught off guard by the final calculation.
Insurance and protection plans
U-Haul offers several tiers of insurance that cover damage to the van or your personal cargo. While you might be tempted to skip these, review your personal auto insurance policy first. Some credit cards offer rental coverage, but they often exclude large moving vans or trucks, so verify your coverage before declining protection at the counter.
How do rental prices compare by distance?
Local moves operate on a per mile basis while long distance moves usually provide a set amount of miles and days in your quote. Comparing these options helps you decide if a simple van is enough or if you need a larger truck.
Rental Type
Daily Base Fee
Mileage Cost
Best Use Case
Local Van
20 to 40 dollars
0.59 to 0.99 per mile
Small city moves
Local Truck
30 to 60 dollars
0.79 to 1.19 per mile
One bedroom apartment
Long Distance
Depends on route
Includes set allowance
Moving to a new state
Monthly Rental
Varies by location
Negotiated rate
Short term storage
If you are planning an interstate relocation, browse more cost guides to understand how those moving logistics differ from city rentals. Long distance moves often involve one way fees that significantly change your total.
When you sign your rental agreement, confirm if the estimate provided is binding or non binding. Under a non binding estimate, a mover cannot require you to pay more than 110 percent of the estimated amount at delivery. However, most van rentals are simple retail transactions where you pay the full amount upfront or upon return.
What fees often hide in the fine print?
Refueling charges
The most common mistake renters make is returning the van with less gas than they started with. The rental location will charge you a significant premium per gallon to refill the tank for you. Always fill the tank at a gas station near the drop off point to keep your costs down.
Cleaning and damage fees
You should inspect the van thoroughly before leaving the lot. Take clear photos of every dent or scratch on the exterior. If you return the van with excessive dirt or debris in the cargo area, you may be charged a cleaning fee that adds unnecessary weight to your final bill.
Late return penalties
Rental locations operate on tight schedules. If you return the vehicle after your agreed upon time, you might be hit with a late fee or even an extra day of rental charges. Call the location immediately if you anticipate running behind schedule to see if they can grant an extension without a penalty.
How to keep your move affordable?
Book during off peak hours
Renting on a Tuesday or Wednesday is almost always cheaper than moving on a Saturday. Most people move on the weekend, so rental companies charge a premium for those high demand slots. If your schedule allows for flexibility, choose a weekday morning to save money.
Check your coverage
Verify what your current car insurance or credit card provider covers regarding commercial rentals. Many standard policies do not cover U-Haul vans, but some do. Knowing this prevents you from paying for redundant insurance coverage at the counter.
Audit the equipment before leaving
Confirm all mirrors, lights, and loading ramps work before you drive away. If you find a mechanical issue after you have already loaded your belongings, you will lose valuable time. Verify a mover's license if you decide to hire professional help instead of renting, as this ensures you are dealing with a legitimate company.
Is it cheaper to rent a van or hire professional movers?
Renting a van is significantly cheaper if you are willing to do all the physical labor yourself. Professional movers provide the labor and equipment, which saves your back but increases the cost by hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Do I need a special license to drive a U-Haul van?
No, you do not need a special commercial driver license to operate a standard cargo van. A regular, valid driver license is all that is required for these consumer rental vehicles.
How do I estimate the amount of gas I will need?
Most rental websites provide an estimate of miles per gallon for their vehicles. You should look up the total distance of your trip, divide that by the estimated miles per gallon, and then add twenty percent for idling and traffic.
Taking the time to measure your boxes and calculate your mileage is the best way to control your moving budget. If you find the van is too small, look at larger truck options before you commit. You are now ready to book your rental with a clear understanding of the costs involved.
