New Orleans, LA to San Diego, CA Moving Truck Gas Cost

Fuel cost by truck size

Based on 1,816 miles, a gas price of $4.908 and a diesel price of $7.073 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	114	$557	$655
10 to 12 ft truck	11	165	$810	$953
15 to 17 ft truck	9	202	$990	$1,165
20 to 22 ft truck	8	227	$1,114	$1,311
26 ft truck	7	259	$1,273	$1,498
26 ft truck (diesel)	8	227	$1,606	$1,889

The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $716 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
New Orleans, LA	$3.784	$5.903	Gulf Coast average
San Diego, CA	$6.031	$8.242	California average

Gas runs about $2.25 a gallon cheaper around New Orleans, LA. Fill the tank before you leave New Orleans 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 New Orleans, LA to San Diego, CA 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 San Diego, CA to New Orleans, LA.

Moving truck gas cost from New Orleans, LA to San Diego, CA