In-Town® vs. One-Way Moving Service Costs: What’s the Difference?

You’re planning a move, and suddenly the big question pops up: How much is this going to cost? The answer to this usually depends on whether your move is In-Town® or One-Way, because different types of moving services use different pricing models. 

These days, there are plenty of options for moving. Every year, tens of millions of families prefer a more DIY, hands-on approach, like renting a U-Haul moving truck and getting help only for heavy lifting, while some people hire full-service moving companies. 

In this guide, we’ll walk through the differences between the two moving costs so you can plan your move (and your budget) with a little more confidence.  

At-a-glance: Truck Cost Comparison  

Move Service Type	Distance	Pricing	Estimated Cost	Key Cost Factors	Key Difference
In-Town	50 miles	$29.95 + $0.99/mile	$79.45	Miles driven, fuel usage	Pay for miles used
In-Town	25 miles	$29.95 + $0.99/mile	$54.7	Miles driven, fuel usage	Pay for miles used
One-Way	50 miles	Flat rate	$121	Miles included (and additional mileage, if applicable), fuel usage, distance, drop-off location	For One-Way rentals, additional miles beyond the allowed amount are charged at $1 per mile.
One-Way	30 miles	Flat rate	$109	Miles included (and additional mileage, if applicable), fuel usage, distance, drop-off location	For One-Way rentals, additional miles beyond the allowed amount are charged at $1 per mile.

The estimate is based on pricing for a move with U-Haul's 15’ truck, originating in Phoenix, AZ, on April 15, 2026. One-way move shows routes from Phoenix to Prescott, AZ (50 miles) and from Phoenix to Mesa, AZ (25 miles). Rates, fees, and availability may vary by location, date, and selected add-on options. Additional costs such as fuel, taxes, coverage options, and equipment rentals are not included. Environmental fees may apply. In-Town rentals are charged $1 per day (up to $5), and One-Way rentals are charged a flat $5. 

In-Town Move vs. One-Way Move 

Before comparing costs, it helps to understand what actually counts as an In-Town® move versus a One-Way move. The type of move doesn’t just affect pricing, but it can also change how the move is planned and which type of moving service might work best. 

In-Town Moves 

An In-Town move, also known as a local move, usually means relocating within the same city or nearby area, typically within 30 miles. Most In-Town moves can be completed in 4 to 12 hours, which is great news if you’re hoping to sleep in your new place that same night. For In-Town moves, pricing is based on a base rate plus a per-mile charge. Keep in mind that the total cost will increase with additional mileage. Fuel, taxes, fees, and optional add-ons are not included in the base rate. 

Local moving services often charge at an hourly rate, which may or may not include the necessary moving truck(s), labor, and basic moving equipment. The final cost usually depends on how long the move takes, how many movers are helping, and whether you add extra services like packing or furniture disassembly. 

Fun fact: The average household move includes about 7,100 pounds of belongings. That’s everything from couches and appliances to the random box of cables you’re pretty sure you’ll need someday. 

Some people also prefer to stay a little more involved in the move to help manage costs. In those cases, renting a U-Haul moving truck and separately hiring a moving service like Moving Help® for packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking can be a flexible option that still takes some of the heavy lifting off your shoulders.

 

Renting a Truck vs. Full-Service Moving: What to Consider 

For many movers, choosing between a full-service move and a more hands-on approach comes down to cost, flexibility, and control. 

Full-service moving companies charge separately for loading, packing, driving the truck, and transporting your belongings. In contrast, renting a truck and hiring labor separately, like Moving Help, can offer a more cost-effective option while still providing professional assistance for loading and unloading. 

Another key difference is pricing transparency. Full-service quotes are often based on estimated shipment weight and delivery timelines, which can sometimes change. With a rental truck and hourly labor, costs are typically more straightforward. 

Flexibility is also an important factor. With full-service moves, delivery windows can vary depending on scheduling and distance. A DIY move with hired help allows you to move on your own timeline and keep your belongings with you throughout the process. 

How Local Moving Service Costs Are Calculated 

For moving service costs, pricing is typically based on an hourly rate that includes moving crews and transportation equipment. The final cost depends on how long the move takes, how many movers are helping, and whether you request additional services like packing or furniture assembly. 

Factors such as stairs, heavy furniture, or longer carrying distances can add time to the move, which may increase the total cost. While some providers may have minimum booking requirements, options like Moving Help allow you to book as little as one mover for one hour, offering more flexibility based on your needs. 

One-Way Moves 

A One-Way move or long-distance move usually means traveling more than 30 miles or moving to another state. In other words, it’s not just a quick trip across town. It’s the kind of move that may involve highways, road trips, and possibly a few extra cups of coffee along the way. 

Because these moves cover greater distances, they often require more coordination and planning than In-Town moves. 

Unlike local moves, which are typically priced by the hour, long-distance moving services usually calculate costs based on several factors, including the distance between locations, the size or weight of your shipment, delivery timelines, and any additional services you choose.  

U-Haul has more than 25,000 locations across all 50 states and Canada, with truck sizes ranging from 10’ to 26’. One-Way pricing is designed to include enough miles to help you reach your destination, which makes planning simpler for One-Way moves. This rate includes a set number of days and includes enough miles to help you reach your destination, so you don’t have to calculate mileage separately.  

How Long-Distance, Full-Service Moving Costs Are Calculated 

One-Way moves involve more travel and logistics, so pricing usually follows a distance-based model instead of hourly rates. 

Instead of focusing on time, moving companies typically estimate costs using factors such as distance traveled, shipment weight or volume, delivery timelines, and optional services. 

The size of your shipment: Larger households simply have more items to move, which means more truck space and handling. In some cases, trucks are weighed before and after loading to determine the total shipment weight. 

Distance: The farther you move, the more fuel, driver time, and route planning are required. Moving across the state is one thing; moving across the country can feel like a full road trip. 

Packing and loading services: Some movers choose full-service packing for convenience and protection during long trips, while others pack their own boxes to help reduce expenses. Loading and unloading services may also be included or arranged separately, depending on the moving option you choose.  

Planning either an In-Town or a One-Way move? 

Whether you’re booking a local moving service or a long-distance moving service, U-Haul is always by your side. U-Haul trucks and cargo vans and Moving Help Service Providers give you flexible options for transportation, loading, and packing support, so you can choose the amount of help you need while keeping your moving budget in check.