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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | $4.249 | $6.508 | New York average |
| Los Angeles, CA | $6.021 | $8.242 | Los Angeles average |
Gas runs about $1.77 a gallon cheaper around New York, NY. Fill the tank before you leave New York 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 York, NY to Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA to New York, NY.
More moves from New York
- New York to Chicago
- New York to Houston
- New York to Phoenix
- New York to Philadelphia
- New York to San Diego
- New York to Dallas
- New York to Austin
- New York to Charlotte
- New York to San Francisco
- New York to Seattle
- New York to Denver
- New York to Nashville
- New York to Atlanta
- New York to Miami
- New York to Boston
- New York to Las Vegas
- New York to Orlando
- New York to Tampa
- New York to Raleigh
More moves to Los Angeles
- Chicago to Los Angeles
- Houston to Los Angeles
- Phoenix to Los Angeles
- Philadelphia to Los Angeles
- San Diego to Los Angeles
- Dallas to Los Angeles
- Austin to Los Angeles
- Charlotte to Los Angeles
- San Francisco to Los Angeles
- Seattle to Los Angeles
- Denver to Los Angeles
- Nashville to Los Angeles
- Atlanta to Los Angeles
- Miami to Los Angeles
- Boston to Los Angeles
- Las Vegas to Los Angeles
- Orlando to Los Angeles
- Tampa to Los Angeles
- Raleigh to Los Angeles