Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA Moving Truck Gas Cost

Fuel cost by truck size

Based on 2,346 miles, a gas price of $5.088 and a diesel price of $7.297 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	147	$746	$878
10 to 12 ft truck	11	213	$1,085	$1,277
15 to 17 ft truck	9	261	$1,326	$1,560
20 to 22 ft truck	8	293	$1,492	$1,755
26 ft truck	7	335	$1,705	$2,006
26 ft truck (diesel)	8	293	$2,140	$2,517

The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $959 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
Detroit, MI	$4.145	$6.352	Midwest average
San Diego, CA	$6.031	$8.242	California average

Gas runs about $1.89 a gallon cheaper around Detroit, MI. Fill the tank before you leave Detroit 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 Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA a 6-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 San Diego, CA to Detroit, MI.

Moving truck gas cost from Detroit, MI to San Diego, CA