Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 1,954 miles, a gas price of $3.976 and a diesel price of $6.187 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 | 122 | $486 | $571 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 178 | $706 | $831 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 217 | $863 | $1,016 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 244 | $971 | $1,143 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 279 | $1,110 | $1,306 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 244 | $1,511 | $1,778 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $624 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston, MA | $4.249 | $6.470 | Boston average |
| Austin, TX | $3.704 | $5.903 | Texas average |
Gas runs about $0.54 a gallon cheaper around Austin, TX. Most one-way rentals are returned near Austin, so that’s the cheaper place to top the tank back up to the level you picked it up at.
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 Boston, MA to Austin, TX 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 Austin, TX to Boston, MA.
More moves from Boston
- Boston to New York
- Boston to Los Angeles
- Boston to Chicago
- Boston to Houston
- Boston to Phoenix
- Boston to Philadelphia
- Boston to San Diego
- Boston to Dallas
- Boston to Charlotte
- Boston to San Francisco
- Boston to Seattle
- Boston to Denver
- Boston to Nashville
- Boston to Atlanta
- Boston to Miami
- Boston to Las Vegas
- Boston to Orlando
- Boston to Tampa
- Boston to Raleigh
More moves to Austin
- New York to Austin
- Los Angeles to Austin
- Chicago to Austin
- Houston to Austin
- Phoenix to Austin
- Philadelphia to Austin
- San Diego to Austin
- Dallas to Austin
- Charlotte to Austin
- San Francisco to Austin
- Seattle to Austin
- Denver to Austin
- Nashville to Austin
- Atlanta to Austin
- Miami to Austin
- Las Vegas to Austin
- Orlando to Austin
- Tampa to Austin
- Raleigh to Austin