Pittsburgh, PA to San Diego, CA Moving Truck Gas Cost

Fuel cost by truck size

Based on 2,450 miles, a gas price of $5.172 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	153	$792	$932
10 to 12 ft truck	11	223	$1,152	$1,355
15 to 17 ft truck	9	272	$1,408	$1,656
20 to 22 ft truck	8	306	$1,584	$1,863
26 ft truck	7	350	$1,810	$2,130
26 ft truck (diesel)	8	306	$2,259	$2,657

The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $1,018 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
Pittsburgh, PA	$4.312	$6.508	Central Atlantic average
San Diego, CA	$6.031	$8.242	California average

Gas runs about $1.72 a gallon cheaper around Pittsburgh, PA. Fill the tank before you leave Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh, PA to San Diego, CA a 6-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 Pittsburgh, PA.

Moving truck gas cost from Pittsburgh, PA to San Diego, CA