Moving truck gas cost from Albuquerque, NM to Phoenix, AZ

The drive is about 419 miles. In a 15 to 17 ft rental truck getting around 9 MPG, fuel comes to roughly $205 at this week’s prices.

miles
Trip
$/ gallon

Average of Gulf Coast and West Coast (excluding California) prices from EIA for the week of October 19, 2026.

More options: MPG, towing
MPG

Loaded rental trucks usually get 6 to 12 MPG. If the rental paperwork lists a figure for your truck, use that.

Fuel cost$205Likely $186 to $227

Compare

  • 10 to 12 ft truck$167save $37
  • 20 to 22 ft truck$230+$26
  • Towing a car$241+$36
  • Round trip$409+$205

419 miles at 9 MPG: 46.6 gallons, $0.49 a mile. The likely range allows for fuel economy 10% better or worse.

AlbuquerquePhoenix

Routes from OSRM using© OpenStreetMap contributors data

Distance
419 miles
Driving days
1 at 450 mi a day
Behind the wheel
About 8 hours
Gas price used
$4.396 a gallon

Fuel cost by truck size

Based on 419 miles, a gas price of $4.396 and a diesel price of $6.281 a gallon. Towing a car on a trailer or dolly lowers fuel economy by about 15%.

TruckMPGGallonsFuel costTowing a car
Cargo van1626$115$135
10 to 12 ft truck1138$167$197
15 to 17 ft truck947$205$241
20 to 22 ft truck852$230$271
26 ft truck760$263$310
26 ft truck (diesel)852$329$387

The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $148 in fuel alone, so it pays to rent only as much truck as you need.

Fuel prices at each end of the move

WhereGasDieselPrice basis
Albuquerque, NM$3.784$5.903Gulf Coast average
Phoenix, AZ$5.007$6.659West Coast (excluding California) average

Gas runs about $1.22 a gallon cheaper around Albuquerque, NM. Fill the tank before you leave Albuquerque and stretch it as far as you safely can.

Weekly retail averages from the U.S. Energy Information Administration for the week of October 19, 2026. Prices along the way will vary. EIA source

Planning the drive

A loaded box truck is slower than a car on hills and safest at moderate speeds, and most drivers find 450 miles a comfortable day. That makes Albuquerque, NM to Phoenix, AZ a one-day drive. The rental itself and any per-mile fees are charged separately from fuel.

Other moves

Going the other way? See Phoenix, AZ to Albuquerque, NM.