Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 1,807 miles, a gas price of $4.434 and a diesel price of $6.200 a gallon. Towing a car on a trailer or dolly lowers fuel economy by about 15%.
| Truck | MPG | Gallons | Fuel cost | Towing a car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo van | 16 | 113 | $501 | $589 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 164 | $728 | $857 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 201 | $890 | $1,047 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 226 | $1,002 | $1,178 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 258 | $1,145 | $1,347 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 226 | $1,400 | $1,648 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $644 in fuel alone, so it pays to rent only as much truck as you need.
Fuel prices at each end of the move
| Where | Gas | Diesel | Price basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | $3.860 | $5.740 | Lower Atlantic average |
| Phoenix, AZ | $5.007 | $6.659 | West Coast (excluding California) average |
Gas runs about $1.15 a gallon cheaper around Atlanta, GA. Fill the tank before you leave Atlanta 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 Atlanta, GA to Phoenix, AZ a 5-day drive, so budget for hotel nights and meals on top of fuel. The rental itself and any per-mile fees are charged separately from fuel.
Other moves
Going the other way? See Phoenix, AZ to Atlanta, GA.
More moves from Atlanta
- Atlanta to New York
- Atlanta to Los Angeles
- Atlanta to Chicago
- Atlanta to Houston
- Atlanta to Philadelphia
- Atlanta to San Diego
- Atlanta to Dallas
- Atlanta to Austin
- Atlanta to Charlotte
- Atlanta to San Francisco
- Atlanta to Seattle
- Atlanta to Denver
- Atlanta to Nashville
- Atlanta to Miami
- Atlanta to Boston
- Atlanta to Las Vegas
- Atlanta to Orlando
- Atlanta to Tampa
- Atlanta to Raleigh
More moves to Phoenix
- New York to Phoenix
- Los Angeles to Phoenix
- Chicago to Phoenix
- Houston to Phoenix
- Philadelphia to Phoenix
- San Diego to Phoenix
- Dallas to Phoenix
- Austin to Phoenix
- Charlotte to Phoenix
- San Francisco to Phoenix
- Seattle to Phoenix
- Denver to Phoenix
- Nashville to Phoenix
- Miami to Phoenix
- Boston to Phoenix
- Las Vegas to Phoenix
- Orlando to Phoenix
- Tampa to Phoenix
- Raleigh to Phoenix