Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 405 miles, a gas price of $3.860 and a diesel price of $5.740 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 | 25 | $98 | $115 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 37 | $142 | $167 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 45 | $174 | $204 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 51 | $195 | $230 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 58 | $223 | $263 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 51 | $291 | $342 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $126 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raleigh, NC | $3.860 | $5.740 | Lower Atlantic average |
| Atlanta, GA | $3.860 | $5.740 | Lower Atlantic 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 Raleigh, NC to Atlanta, GA a one-day drive. The rental itself and any per-mile fees are charged separately from fuel.
Other moves
Going the other way? See Atlanta, GA to Raleigh, NC.
More moves from Raleigh
- Raleigh to New York
- Raleigh to Los Angeles
- Raleigh to Chicago
- Raleigh to Houston
- Raleigh to Phoenix
- Raleigh to Philadelphia
- Raleigh to San Diego
- Raleigh to Dallas
- Raleigh to Austin
- Raleigh to Charlotte
- Raleigh to San Francisco
- Raleigh to Seattle
- Raleigh to Denver
- Raleigh to Nashville
- Raleigh to Miami
- Raleigh to Boston
- Raleigh to Las Vegas
- Raleigh to Orlando
- Raleigh to Tampa
More moves to Atlanta
- New York to Atlanta
- Los Angeles to Atlanta
- Chicago to Atlanta
- Houston to Atlanta
- Phoenix to Atlanta
- Philadelphia to Atlanta
- San Diego to Atlanta
- Dallas to Atlanta
- Austin to Atlanta
- Charlotte to Atlanta
- San Francisco to Atlanta
- Seattle to Atlanta
- Denver to Atlanta
- Nashville to Atlanta
- Miami to Atlanta
- Boston to Atlanta
- Las Vegas to Atlanta
- Orlando to Atlanta
- Tampa to Atlanta