Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 94 miles, a gas price of $4.281 and a diesel price of $6.508 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 | 6 | $25 | $30 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 9 | $37 | $43 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 10 | $45 | $53 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 12 | $50 | $59 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 13 | $57 | $68 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 12 | $76 | $90 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $32 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | $4.312 | $6.508 | Central Atlantic average |
| New York, NY | $4.249 | $6.508 | New York 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 Philadelphia, PA to New York, NY a one-day drive. The rental itself and any per-mile fees are charged separately from fuel.
Other moves
Going the other way? See New York, NY to Philadelphia, PA.
More moves from Philadelphia
- Philadelphia to Los Angeles
- Philadelphia to Chicago
- Philadelphia to Houston
- Philadelphia to Phoenix
- Philadelphia to San Diego
- Philadelphia to Dallas
- Philadelphia to Austin
- Philadelphia to Charlotte
- Philadelphia to San Francisco
- Philadelphia to Seattle
- Philadelphia to Denver
- Philadelphia to Nashville
- Philadelphia to Atlanta
- Philadelphia to Miami
- Philadelphia to Boston
- Philadelphia to Las Vegas
- Philadelphia to Orlando
- Philadelphia to Tampa
- Philadelphia to Raleigh
More moves to New York
- Los Angeles to New York
- Chicago to New York
- Houston to New York
- Phoenix 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