Fuel Cost Calculator
Fuel costs can add up quickly whether you are planning a road trip, daily commute, long-distance drive, or moving to a new home. The calculator below estimates how much you will spend on gas or diesel based on your distance, vehicle type, fuel economy, and current fuel prices.
Use it for:
• Cars, SUVs, minivans, and hybrids
• Pickup trucks — light duty and heavy duty
• Box trucks — 10 ft, 15 ft, 20 ft, and 26 ft
• Gas and diesel fuel types with adjustable prices
• Custom MPG override and load level for advanced estimates
Enter your trip distance below to estimate gallons needed and total fuel cost instantly.
Fuel Cost Calculator
Estimate your driving fuel costs for any move
Note: Estimate only. Actual fuel use varies by speed, load, route, weather, idling, and local fuel prices. Default prices based on E.I.A. national averages as of May 2026.
Current Gas and Diesel Prices by Region
Fuel prices vary significantly depending on where you are filling up. A gallon of regular gasoline on the Gulf Coast can cost more than a dollar less than the same gallon in California. If your move crosses multiple regions, the table below can help you estimate a more accurate average. These prices are pulled directly from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and update automatically every Monday. Use the advanced settings in the calculator above to plug in the price for your region.
Average Fuel Prices by Region
Regular gasoline & on-highway diesel — updated weekly by the U.S. Energy Information Administration
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Average Fuel Efficiency by Vehicle Type
The single biggest factor in your fuel cost is the vehicle you are driving. A compact car averaging 32 miles per gallon will burn roughly a third of the fuel that a 26-foot rental truck gets through on the same route. The table below shows combined EPA-estimated fuel economy averages for common vehicle categories in 2026.
| Vehicle Type | Avg. MPG (Combined) | Gallons per 1,000 mi | Fuel Cost per 1,000 mi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact Car | 32 | 31.3 | $140 |
| Midsize Sedan | 28 | 35.7 | $160 |
| Small SUV / Crossover | 26 | 38.5 | $173 |
| Midsize SUV | 21 | 47.6 | $214 |
| Minivan | 22 | 45.5 | $204 |
| Pickup (Light Duty) | 19 | 52.6 | $236 |
| Large SUV | 17 | 58.8 | $264 |
| Hybrid | 50 | 20.0 | $90 |
Fuel cost basis: Calculated at $4.49 per gallon (U.S. national average regular gasoline, E.I.A. data as of May 18, 2026). Your actual cost will vary based on local prices, driving conditions, and vehicle age.
These MPG figures represent combined city and highway driving averages based on EPA estimates and real-world testing data. Individual vehicles can vary significantly. A 2026 Toyota Camry Hybrid, for example, achieves roughly 51 MPG combined, while a non-hybrid full-size pickup may fall closer to 15 or 16 MPG under real driving conditions.
Rental Moving Truck Fuel Efficiency by Size
Rental box trucks are significantly less fuel efficient than passenger vehicles. A loaded 26-foot truck can burn through fuel at three to four times the rate of a midsize sedan. The difference between truck sizes is also substantial: choosing a 15-foot truck over a 26-footer when your belongings fit can save you hundreds of dollars in fuel on a cross-country move.
The table below compares estimated MPG ranges for the most common rental truck sizes. These figures reflect real-world performance with a typical household load, not the empty-truck numbers you might see in marketing materials.
| Truck Size | Best For | MPG Range | Typical Fuel | Est. Cost (1,000 mi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 ft | Studio / 1 BR | 10–12 | Gasoline | $374–$449 |
| 15 ft | 1–2 BR | 8–10 | Gasoline | $449–$561 |
| 20 ft | 2–3 BR | 8–10 | Gas or Diesel | $449–$700 |
| 26 ft | 3–4 BR | 6–8 | Diesel | $700–$933 |
Keep in mind: Larger trucks from Budget and Penske often run on diesel, which is more expensive per gallon ($5.60 national average as of May 2026). Smaller trucks from U-Haul typically use regular unleaded gasoline. Always confirm the fuel type before you leave the lot.
A fully loaded truck will also get noticeably worse fuel economy than an empty one. Expect a 10 to 15 percent drop in MPG when the truck is packed with a full household compared to these averages. City driving, mountainous terrain, headwinds, and stop-and-go traffic all reduce efficiency further.
Estimated Fuel Costs for Popular Moving Routes
To put the numbers in perspective, the table below shows estimated fuel costs for some of the most common long-distance moving routes in the United States. Each estimate is calculated for both a personal car and a rental truck using current national average fuel prices.
| Route | Distance | Car (28 MPG) | 20 ft Truck (9 MPG) | 26 ft Truck (7 MPG) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York to Miami | 1,280 mi | $205 | $639 | $1,024 |
| Boston to Chicago | 980 mi | $157 | $489 | $784 |
| Los Angeles to Dallas | 1,440 mi | $231 | $719 | $1,152 |
| Chicago to Denver | 1,000 mi | $160 | $499 | $800 |
| New York to Los Angeles | 2,790 mi | $447 | $1,393 | $2,232 |
| Boston to Raleigh | 720 mi | $115 | $359 | $576 |
These estimates assume flat, highway-dominant routes at current national average fuel prices ($4.49/gal gas, $5.60/gal diesel, E.I.A. May 2026). Actual costs can run 10 to 20 percent higher in states with higher fuel prices, such as California, where regular gasoline averages $5.96 per gallon and diesel tops $7.22.
For moves over 500 miles, fuel costs for a rental truck often represent the largest single expense after the truck rental itself. That is one reason many households choose a full-service moving company instead. With Poseidon Moving, fuel is included in your flat-rate quote, so there are no surprises at the pump.
How to Calculate Your Moving Fuel Cost
The formula behind every fuel cost estimate is straightforward. You need three numbers: the total driving distance in miles, your vehicle’s fuel efficiency in miles per gallon, and the current price of fuel per gallon.
Divide the distance by the MPG to find out how many gallons you will need. Then multiply that number by the price per gallon. For example, if you are driving 1,200 miles in a 15-foot truck that gets 10 MPG and gas costs $4.49 per gallon: 1,200 divided by 10 equals 120 gallons, multiplied by $4.49 equals $538.80.
For rental trucks that run on diesel, use the diesel price instead. A 26-foot truck getting 7 MPG on the same 1,200-mile route at $5.60 per gallon would cost: 1,200 divided by 7 equals 171.4 gallons, multiplied by $5.60 equals $960.
That $421 difference between a gasoline 15-footer and a diesel 26-footer on the same route illustrates why right-sizing your truck matters. If your belongings fit in a smaller truck, the fuel savings alone can be substantial.
7 Ways to Reduce Fuel Costs During Your Move
Fuel costs are not entirely fixed. Small decisions before and during your drive can save you a meaningful amount, especially on routes that cover several hundred miles or more.
Right-size your truck. Do not rent a 26-foot truck for a one-bedroom apartment. A smaller truck is lighter, more aerodynamic, and gets significantly better fuel economy. Use the bedroom-to-truck-size guide in the calculator above to find the right fit.
Declutter before you pack. Every extra pound in the truck reduces fuel efficiency. Sell, donate, or discard items you no longer need before loading day. A lighter truck burns less fuel on every mile of the route.
Keep your speed under 60 MPH. Wind resistance increases dramatically at highway speeds. A box truck driven at 55 MPH can get 15 to 20 percent better fuel economy than the same truck at 70 MPH. Use cruise control on flat stretches to maintain a steady pace.
Check tire pressure before you leave. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance and waste fuel. Walk around the truck before loading and verify that all tires are at the pressure listed on the door placard.
Plan your fuel stops. Gas prices vary by state and by exit. Apps like GasBuddy can help you identify the cheapest fuel along your route, and filling up before you cross into higher-price states can save you 30 to 50 cents per gallon in some cases.
Minimize idling. Sitting in traffic or leaving the engine running during breaks wastes fuel without covering any distance. Turn off the engine during extended stops.
Consider a full-service mover. When you factor in the truck rental, fuel, tolls, insurance, hotels, and meals for a multi-day drive, the total cost of a DIY move can approach or exceed the cost of hiring professionals. With Poseidon Moving, fuel is built into your flat-rate quote. You do not pay for gas, diesel, or any road-related charges. Get a free estimate to see how it compares.
