Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 2,794 miles, a gas price of $5.135 and a diesel price of $7.375 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 | 175 | $897 | $1,055 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 254 | $1,304 | $1,534 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 310 | $1,594 | $1,875 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 349 | $1,793 | $2,110 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 399 | $2,050 | $2,411 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 349 | $2,576 | $3,030 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $1,153 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | $6.021 | $8.242 | Los Angeles average |
| New York, NY | $4.249 | $6.508 | New York average |
Gas runs about $1.77 a gallon cheaper around New York, NY. Most one-way rentals are returned near New York, 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 Los Angeles, CA to New York, NY a 7-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 Los Angeles, CA.
More moves from Los Angeles
- Los Angeles to Chicago
- Los Angeles to Houston
- Los Angeles to Phoenix
- Los Angeles to Philadelphia
- Los Angeles to San Diego
- Los Angeles to Dallas
- Los Angeles to Austin
- Los Angeles to Charlotte
- Los Angeles to San Francisco
- Los Angeles to Seattle
- Los Angeles to Denver
- Los Angeles to Nashville
- Los Angeles to Atlanta
- Los Angeles to Miami
- Los Angeles to Boston
- Los Angeles to Las Vegas
- Los Angeles to Orlando
- Los Angeles to Tampa
- Los Angeles to Raleigh
More moves to New York
- Chicago to New York
- Houston 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