Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 700 miles, a gas price of $4.055 and a diesel price of $6.105 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 | 44 | $177 | $209 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 64 | $258 | $304 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 78 | $315 | $371 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 88 | $355 | $417 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 100 | $406 | $477 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 88 | $534 | $628 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $228 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 |
| Boston, MA | $4.249 | $6.470 | Boston average |
Gas runs about $0.39 a gallon cheaper around Raleigh, NC. Fill the tank before you leave Raleigh 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 Raleigh, NC to Boston, MA a 2-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 Boston, MA 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 Atlanta
- Raleigh to Miami
- Raleigh to Las Vegas
- Raleigh to Orlando
- Raleigh to Tampa
More moves to Boston
- New York to Boston
- Los Angeles to Boston
- Chicago to Boston
- Houston to Boston
- Phoenix to Boston
- Philadelphia to Boston
- San Diego to Boston
- Dallas to Boston
- Austin to Boston
- Charlotte to Boston
- San Francisco to Boston
- Seattle to Boston
- Denver to Boston
- Nashville to Boston
- Atlanta to Boston
- Miami to Boston
- Las Vegas to Boston
- Orlando to Boston
- Tampa to Boston