Budget moving trucks cost between $20 and $50 per day for a local one-way rental, plus mileage or a mileage cap, a damage waiver, and fuel

Budget is one of the largest truck rental chains in North America, competing directly with U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot's rental program. A Budget truck rental means you're renting from Budget directly — not from a franchise or third party — which affects pricing, truck availability, and what happens if something goes wrong during your move.

The actual cost depends on truck size, distance, day of the week, and how far in advance you book. A 10-foot truck for a local move (under 75 miles) typically runs $25 to $40 per day. A 26-foot truck for the same distance runs $40 to $60 per day. If you're moving across state lines, Budget charges per mile — usually 59 cents to $1.25 per mile depending on truck size — instead of a flat daily rate. You pay for fuel separately, and Budget requires a damage waiver (collision coverage) that adds $15 to $30 per day.

Key Takeaways

  • Budget's daily rates are lowest for local moves under 75 miles, but long-distance moves charge by the mile, which can exceed $1,000 for a 500-mile trip in a large truck.
  • You must provide a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card at pickup; Budget will place a hold on your card for the damage waiver amount.
  • Damage waivers are optional but strongly recommended because you're liable for every dent, scratch, and mechanical failure if you decline.
  • Booking online at Budget.com or calling 1-800-428-2734 usually shows lower rates than walk-in pricing, and weekday moves cost less than weekend moves.
  • Budget's one-way rentals allow you to pick up in one city and drop off in another, but the cost is significantly higher than round-trip rentals for the same distance.

How Budget's pricing structure breaks down

Budget charges three separate costs: the daily or mileage rate, the damage waiver, and fuel. Understanding each one prevents surprises at checkout.

The daily rate applies to local moves. Budget defines "local" as trips under 75 miles round-trip. A 10-foot truck (holds about one bedroom's worth of furniture) costs $25 to $40 per day. A 15-foot truck costs $35 to $50. A 26-foot truck (the largest Budget offers for one-way moves) costs $45 to $65. These are base rates; the actual price varies by location, season, and demand. Friday and Saturday are always more expensive than Tuesday through Thursday.

The mileage rate applies to long-distance moves. Budget charges per mile instead of per day. Rates range from 59 cents to $1.25 per mile depending on truck size and destination. A 500-mile move in a 26-foot truck at $1.00 per mile costs $500 in mileage alone, plus the daily rate for the rental period (usually one day for a one-way move), plus fuel and the damage waiver. Budget's website shows the total mileage cost before you confirm the reservation.

The damage waiver (also called a collision damage waiver or CDW) costs $15 to $30 per day and covers dents, scratches, mechanical failure, and theft. It is optional, but Budget holds you liable for all damage if you decline it. The waiver does not cover damage from negligence or misuse — for example, overloading the truck or towing a trailer without authorization. Read the terms at pickup before signing.

Fuel is your responsibility. Budget trucks run on gasoline or diesel depending on size. A 26-foot truck gets 6 to 8 miles per gallon. You can return the truck empty (Budget refuels it and charges you a premium per gallon), or you can fill it yourself before returning it. Filling it yourself is almost always cheaper.

What you need to bring to the rental counter

Budget requires three things at pickup: a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card. You do not need to own a car or have an active auto insurance policy, but you do need to show proof that you have had insurance at some point. An old insurance card or a letter from a previous insurer usually works.

The credit card must be in your name and have available credit equal to the estimated rental cost plus the damage waiver hold. Budget places a temporary hold on your card for the damage waiver amount (usually $500 to $2,500 depending on truck size). This hold is released when you return the truck undamaged, but it reduces your available credit during the rental period.

You must be at least 18 years old to rent a truck from Budget. Drivers under 25 may face an additional young driver fee (typically $10 to $15 per day). Bring your reservation confirmation number if you booked online — it speeds up check-in.

One-way versus round-trip rentals and when each makes sense

A round-trip rental means you pick up and return the truck to the same location. A one-way rental means you pick up at one Budget location and drop off at another. One-way rentals cost significantly more because Budget has to reposition the truck back to a high-demand location.

For a local move (under 75 miles), round-trip is almost always cheaper. A 10-foot truck for a round-trip local move might cost $40 to $50 total. The same truck one-way between two nearby cities could cost $80 to $120 because Budget charges a one-way fee on top of the daily rate.

For a long-distance move, one-way is the only option that makes financial sense. Driving a truck 500 miles and back 500 miles is impractical. Budget's one-way pricing reflects the distance: you pay the mileage rate for the full distance, plus a one-way fee (usually $50 to $200 depending on route). A 500-mile one-way move in a 26-foot truck might cost $600 to $800 total (mileage plus daily rate plus one-way fee), not including fuel or the damage waiver.

How to book and what to compare across rental companies

Budget's website (Budget.com) and phone line (1-800-428-2734) both show real-time availability and pricing. Online booking usually displays lower rates than phone quotes because Budget incentivizes direct bookings. You can also book through third-party aggregators like Kayak or Autoslash, but these sites do not always show Budget's full inventory or latest promotions.

When comparing Budget to U-Haul, Penske, or Home Depot, get quotes for the exact same move: same truck size, same pickup and drop-off locations, same dates. Prices vary significantly by location and season. In some markets, Budget is cheapest; in others, U-Haul or Penske undercuts it. The only way to know is to compare all three for your specific move.

Check whether the quote includes the damage waiver, fuel, and any one-way fees. Some sites hide these costs until the final step. Budget's website shows the full breakdown before you enter payment information, which is clearer than some competitors.

Book at least one week in advance if possible. Last-minute bookings (same day or next day) cost 20 to 40 percent more than bookings made a week ahead. Weekday moves are cheaper than weekend moves — a Tuesday move might cost $30 per day while a Saturday move costs $50 for the same truck.

What happens if the truck breaks down or you damage it

If the truck breaks down during your rental, call Budget's roadside information number (on your rental agreement) when ready. Budget will send a mechanic or tow the truck to a repair facility. You are not responsible for mechanical failure if you purchased the damage waiver. If you declined the waiver, you may be charged for repairs, though Budget's liability varies by state.

If you damage the truck, report it to Budget before you return it. Take photos of the damage and get a written estimate if possible. Budget will assess the damage at return and either charge you directly (if you declined the waiver) or file a claim under the waiver (if you purchased it). Damage claims typically take 2 to 4 weeks to resolve.

If you return the truck late, Budget charges an hourly rate (usually $10 to $15 per hour) for the first few hours, then a full day's rate if you exceed the grace period (usually 29 minutes). Return the truck on time to avoid these charges.

Budget truck sizes and what fits in each one

Budget offers four main truck sizes for moving. A 10-foot truck holds about one bedroom's worth of furniture (bed, dresser, nightstands, boxes). A 15-foot truck holds about two bedrooms. A 20-foot truck holds about three bedrooms. A 26-foot truck holds about four to five bedrooms or a small house's contents.

Choosing the right size matters because you pay for the truck whether it is full or half-full. If you underestimate and need a larger truck, you cannot upgrade mid-move without paying a second rental. If you overestimate, you waste money on unused space. Budget's website has a moving calculator that estimates truck size based on the number of rooms you are moving.

Budget also rents cargo vans (smaller than a 10-foot truck) for moves with just a few pieces of furniture or boxes. These cost $20 to $35 per day and are cheaper than a truck if you are only moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with minimal furniture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a Budget truck if I don't have a credit card?

Budget requires a credit card in your name at pickup to place a hold for the damage waiver. Debit cards are not accepted. If you do not have a credit card, you may be able to use a prepaid card with sufficient available balance, but call Budget at 1-800-428-2734 to confirm before booking.

What if I return the truck with less fuel than I picked it up with?

Budget charges a premium per gallon to refuel the truck for you. This premium is typically 50 to 100 percent higher than the local gas price. Always fill the tank yourself before returning the truck — it costs far less. Budget's fuel gauge should read "full" when you return it, or you will be charged for the missing fuel.

Can I add a second driver to my Budget rental?

Yes. The second driver must present a valid driver's license at pickup and be listed on the rental agreement. Budget does not charge extra for a second driver, but both drivers are liable for damage and traffic violations during the rental period.

Does Budget allow towing a trailer behind the rental truck?

Budget does not permit towing trailers behind its rental trucks. If you need to tow, you must rent a truck with a hitch from a company that allows it (such as U-Haul or Penske) or rent a trailer separately from a trailer rental company.

What is Budget's cancellation policy?

Budget allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before your reservation pickup time. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee equal to one day's rental rate. Check your confirmation email for the exact cancellation important date for your reservation.