U-Haul vs. Budget Truck Rental: Which Moving Truck Saves You More?

Looking for a moving truck rental can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options and factors to consider. From truck size and rental costs to mileage policies and extra equipment, it’s easy to spend hours researching which company fits your needs best.   

To save you time, we’ve put together a side-by-side comparison of U-Haul and Budget Truck Rental. Both can get the job done, but here’s why U-Haul stands out and makes moving easier.  

Rental Costs for U-Haul and Budget Truck  

When most people start comparing rental trucks, the first stop is usually the price section. A few key factors influence price, including truck size, rental duration, miles driven, and whether you’re booking a local (in-town ®) or planning a one-way trip where you drop your equipment at a different location.  

Local Moving Quote:   

Brands	U-Haul	Budget Truck
Truck Size	15-foot	16-foot
Cubic Feet	764	658
Max Load	6,385 lbs.	4,460 lbs.
Miles Rate	$0.89 per mile	$1.09 per mile
Rental Rate	$29.95 per rental period	$59.99
Damage Coverage	$15 per rental period	$54.98 per rental period
Seats	3	2
Tow Hitch	Yes	Yes
Quoted Price*	$57.65	$107.06

*Data as of November 2025. Quotes taken from respective websites. Same-day pickup/drop-off on November 24th, 2025, in Cheyenne, WY ,  for a 30-mile move. Damage coverage not included. Prices subject to change.  

Long Distance Moving Quote:  

Brands	U-Haul	Budget Truck
Truck Size	15 foot	16-foot
Cubic Feet	1,682	1,698
Max Load	12,859 lbs.	9,180 lbs.
Seats	3	3
Rental Period	5 Days	5 Days
Extra Day Charge	$40 for an additional day	$100 for an additional day
Damage Coverage	Safemove ®: $85 for up to $80,000 in potential benefits	$466.28 per trip + tax
Extra Driver Fee	$10	$22 - $25 surcharge for drivers between ages 18-23
Quoted Price*	$1,374.00	$1,803.27

* Data as of November 2025. Pickup at Cheyenne, WY and drop-off at 73301 zip code. Insurance and add-ons are not included. Prices are subject to change.  

Truck Types and Sizes 

Budget can be a fit for certain local moves with fewer size needs. However, with only four truck sizes available, it may be harder to find the exact fit for your move. You could end up paying for more space than you need or squeezing into a truck that feels too small. U-Haul offers a wider variety of truck sizes, so it’s easier to choose the right fit without the guesswork. 

If you only need one of the four sizes Budget offers, that could work well, but if you want more flexibility and accessibility, U-Haul has six different sizes to choose from.  

Brands	U-Haul	Budget Truck
Types of Fleet Sizes	Six types, including pickup truck, cargo van, 10 feet, 15 feet, 20 feet, and 26 feet	Four types, including cargo van, 12 feet, 16 feet, and 26 feet
Fuel	Unleaded	Unleaded & Diesel
Mom's Attic	Yes	No
Rub Rails	Yes	No
Low-Loading Deck	Yes	No

U-Haul is known for its exclusive Mom’s Attic (extra storage above the cab) and rub rails, which help keep fragile items safe and out of the way. With U-Haul offering a wider range of trucks, from small cargo vans to 26’ moving trucks, you can easily find the perfect fit for your journey.   

Rental Policies and Protection Plans  

In addition to base rental and mileage fees, damage coverage is another important factor to consider.  

Brands	U-Haul	Budget Trucks
Extra Driver Fee	No	Yes
Moving Trucks Coverage Options	SafeMove, SafeMove Plus®,  Safetow®, Safehaul®, Safetrip ®	Auto Tow Protection (AP)   Complete Protection Package  Choice Protections Package  Value Protection Plan
Life warranty plan for towing accessories	Yes	No
Total of available optional insurance costs	$149.00 + $40 - Safemove plus + Safe Tow	$279.72 + $39.80 (60% increase) - Budget Truck and Towing Coverage

*All prices include basic total coverage and $1,000,000 liability coverage. Prices are subject to change. Safemove, Safetow, are NOT liability insurance and coverage optional. 

U-Haul offers optional Safemove Coverage with flexible protection plans, more truck sizes, and no extra charge for an additional driver. You can save more money with a move from Phoenix to Salt Lake City with Safemove, which offers cargo protection, medical/life, and roadside assistance included with basic coverage and $1,000,000 of liability coverage with no additional cost. On the other hand, Budget Truck may cost you upwards of 60% more for damage coverage.  

 Towing and Moving Accessories  

Brands	U-Haul	Budget Truck
Towing Equipment	Bike Racks, Cargo Carriers, Tow Dolly, Auto Transport , Toy Hauler	Car Carriers, Tow Dolly
Moving Accessories	Wide range including hand trucks boxes, covers and bags, locks, packing and shipping supplies	Limited including hand trucks and furniture pads

 If you want more flexibility, U-Haul has a variety of towing equipment and moving accessories to best support your move. From boxes and locks to dollies and packing supplies, you’ll find it all in one place.  

Other Factors 

Brands	U-Haul	Budget Truck
Locations	25,000+	2,800+
Availability	All 50 U.S. states and all Canadian Provinces	Contiguous U.S only
Booking Options	Online, app or in-store	Online or in-store

*Not all stores carry moving truck rentals. 

U-Haul is one of the largest networks of rental locations across the United States and Canada. With more than 25,000 locations, you can find moving rental trucks and support wherever you go. Moreover, our commitment to keeping a large, well-maintained fleet means you can trust that the trucks will be in excellent condition and ready to handle your moving needs.  

The difference is clear. U-Haul gives you more value, convenience, and flexibility for your move. With over 25,000 locations nationwide, it’s easier to find a nearby pickup or drop-off point, saving you extra miles, gas, and time on the road. U-Haul also offers 24/7 access for pickup and return, so you can move on your own schedule without waiting for business hours. 

Plus, there’s no extra charge for an additional driver, and you can easily book Moving Help® services to assist with loading and unloading — something Budget doesn’t provide directly. Combined with lower mileage rates and more affordable protection plans, U-Haul helps you save more while giving you the freedom to move your way. 

At the end of the day, moving is stressful enough. What matters most is finding a truck that fits your needs and gives you peace of mind. With U-Haul, you’re not just renting a truck — you’re making your move easier, safer, and more affordable. Ready to book your move? Get your free U-Haul quote today and see how much you can save.    

 

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