Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 1,628 miles, a gas price of $3.980 and a diesel price of $6.206 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 | 102 | $405 | $476 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 148 | $589 | $693 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 181 | $720 | $847 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 204 | $810 | $953 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 233 | $926 | $1,089 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 204 | $1,263 | $1,486 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $521 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | $3.710 | $5.903 | Houston average |
| New York, NY | $4.249 | $6.508 | New York average |
Gas runs about $0.54 a gallon cheaper around Houston, TX. Fill the tank before you leave Houston 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 Houston, TX to New York, NY a 4-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 New York, NY to Houston, TX.
More moves from Houston
- Houston to Los Angeles
- Houston to Chicago
- Houston to Phoenix
- Houston to Philadelphia
- Houston to San Diego
- Houston to Dallas
- Houston to Austin
- Houston to Charlotte
- Houston to San Francisco
- Houston to Seattle
- Houston to Denver
- Houston to Nashville
- Houston to Atlanta
- Houston to Miami
- Houston to Boston
- Houston to Las Vegas
- Houston to Orlando
- Houston to Tampa
- Houston to Raleigh
More moves to New York
- Los Angeles to New York
- Chicago to New York
- Phoenix to New York
- Philadelphia to New York
- San Diego to New York
- Dallas to New York
- Austin to New York
- Charlotte to New York
- San Francisco to New York
- Seattle to New York
- Denver to New York
- Nashville to New York
- Atlanta to New York
- Miami to New York
- Boston to New York
- Las Vegas to New York
- Orlando to New York
- Tampa to New York
- Raleigh to New York