Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 120 miles, a gas price of $6.026 and a diesel price of $8.242 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 | 8 | $45 | $53 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 11 | $66 | $77 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 13 | $80 | $95 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 15 | $90 | $106 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 17 | $103 | $122 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 15 | $124 | $145 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $58 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 |
| San Diego, CA | $6.031 | $8.242 | California average |
Prices at the two ends are within a few cents of each other, so where you fill up matters less than how fast you drive.
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 San Diego, CA a one-day drive. The rental itself and any per-mile fees are charged separately from fuel.
Other moves
Going the other way? See San Diego, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
More moves from Los Angeles
- Los Angeles to New York
- Los Angeles to Chicago
- Los Angeles to Houston
- Los Angeles to Phoenix
- Los Angeles to Philadelphia
- 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 San Diego
- New York to San Diego
- Chicago to San Diego
- Houston to San Diego
- Phoenix to San Diego
- Philadelphia to San Diego
- Dallas to San Diego
- Austin to San Diego
- Charlotte to San Diego
- San Francisco to San Diego
- Seattle to San Diego
- Denver to San Diego
- Nashville to San Diego
- Atlanta to San Diego
- Miami to San Diego
- Boston to San Diego
- Las Vegas to San Diego
- Orlando to San Diego
- Tampa to San Diego
- Raleigh to San Diego