Affordable Cargo Van Rental: U-Haul vs Competitors

Looking for a van rental that won’t break the bank? You’re not alone. With so many companies, sizes, and prices available, it can feel overwhelming to determine which one is right for you. The good news is, if you know what to look for, you can find an option that fits your budget and makes your move less stressful. 

This guide walks you through rental costs, features, and money-saving tips to help you pick the best deal, whether you’re moving into a studio apartment, hauling a couch across town, or just need some extra space for the weekend. 

 

What Size Van Do You Need? 

If you’re not moving a whole house, a cargo van is usually all you need. They’re great for one-bedroom or studio moves, picking up furniture, or quick storage runs. Cargo vans are smaller than large moving trucks, fit in regular parking spots, and cost less to rent. These reasons make them one of the most popular options for smaller moves and odd jobs. 

 

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Cargo Van?  

Price is usually the first thing people check when renting a cargo van, and for good reason. Rental costs depend on the size of the van, where you’re picking it up, how far you’re driving, and how long you’ll need it. 

Here’s a comparison of a three-day cargo van rental in Phoenix, AZ: 

Brands	U-Haul	Penske	Budget	Home Depot
Truck Size	9’	9’2”	8’9”	10’
Cubic Feet	353	404	323	260
Max Load	4030 lbs.	3500 lbs.	3550 lb.	3700
Seats	2	2	2	2
Quoted Price*	$41.90 plus $0.89/mile	$240.00 plus $0.27/mile	*Unavailable	$ 368.83 (no per-mile charge)

 

Data as of October 2025. Prices are based on pickup and drop-off in ZIP code 85018. Insurance and add-ons are not included. 

* Data was unavailable for the Budget cargo van at the time of the quote attempt. 

 

The difference is clear. U-Haul offers the lowest daily rate among the four. While it charges per mile, the overall cost still comes in the lowest for local moves. U-Haul’s vans offer one of the highest maximum load capacities and efficient cargo space. So, if affordability and accessibility are your priorities; U-Haul is one of the best options to consider.  

If you’re renting for work or driving longer distances, U-Haul also offers business rates and extended mileage rates. Business rates are designed for companies and frequent users, while extended mileage rates help keep costs down on long trips. These options make U-Haul an even smarter choice for different moving needs. 

Rate	Miles Included	Additional Mile
$89 per day	100 miles per day	$0.49 per mile
$355 per week	750 miles per week	$0.49 per mile
$1,420 per month (28 days)	3,000 miles per month	$0.49 per mile

 

 

Best Features to Look for in a Cargo Van 

Price matters but so do features, especially if you’ll be driving for hours. Every company includes basics like unlockable rear doors and double rear-view mirrors, but you should also look at details like gas mileage and extra utilities as they can make a difference in both comfort, accessibility and cost. 

Brands	U-Haul	Penske	Budget	Home Depot
Fuel Type	Unleaded Gasoline	Gasoline	Gasoline	Gasoline
MPG	18*	Up to 12*	8-14	12
Fuel Tank Size	25 gallons	Up to 31 gallons	25 gallons	26 gallons
Automatic Transmission	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Additional Features	Tie-Down Slats  Cruise Control   Double-Sided Door Loading	Cruise control   Cargo Lighting	Tie-Down Slats  No Wheel Wells	Cruise control   Cargo Tie Rails

 

How to Save Money with Cargo Van Rentals 

To get the best deal on a van rental, you not only have to look at the base price but also at timing and planning. Rates tend to rise on weekends and during the summer when demand is highest. Therefore, renting on weekdays or during the off-season is often more affordable. 

Prices typically stay consistent, but you may notice an increase if your rental is scheduled on a weekend. Also, discounts can help cut costs. Many providers, including U-Haul, offer special deals for military members and other groups, and some insurance or membership programs may provide additional savings. 

Finally, think carefully about mileage. With U-Haul, one-way rentals include covered miles that are designed to be more than enough for your move. Unlike some competitors who charge for unlimited miles you may not even need, U-Haul ensures you only pay for what you’ll actually use. 

 

U-Haul vs Competitors: Which Cargo Van is Best? 

When you compare price, features, and convenience, U-Haul comes out as the most affordable option for most local moves. With 25,000 locations and the lowest cost, there is no doubt that U-Haul is one of the easiest companies to rent from.  

 

Why U-Haul Is the Affordable Choice for Your Move 

Finding both cheap and right van rental doesn’t have to be stressful. Once you know your budget, compare prices, features, and mileage options, and the best choice will stand out quickly. 

For any local moves or small projects, U-Haul’s combination of low daily rates, better fuel efficiency, and widespread availability makes it a budget-friendly and reliable pick when you need a straightforward cargo van rental. Check out U-Haul's cargo van rental today to make your move seamless and stress-free. 

 

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