Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 2,860 miles, a gas price of $4.888 and a diesel price of $6.584 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 | 179 | $874 | $1,028 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 260 | $1,271 | $1,495 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 318 | $1,553 | $1,827 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 358 | $1,747 | $2,056 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 409 | $1,997 | $2,350 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 358 | $2,354 | $2,769 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $1,123 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $5.527 | $6.659 | Seattle average |
| New York, NY | $4.249 | $6.508 | New York average |
Gas runs about $1.28 a gallon cheaper around New York, NY. Most one-way rentals are returned near New York, so that’s the cheaper place to top the tank back up to the level you picked it up at.
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 Seattle, WA to New York, NY 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 New York, NY to Seattle, WA.
More moves from Seattle
- Seattle to Los Angeles
- Seattle to Chicago
- Seattle to Houston
- Seattle to Phoenix
- Seattle to Philadelphia
- Seattle to San Diego
- Seattle to Dallas
- Seattle to Austin
- Seattle to Charlotte
- Seattle to San Francisco
- Seattle to Denver
- Seattle to Nashville
- Seattle to Atlanta
- Seattle to Miami
- Seattle to Boston
- Seattle to Las Vegas
- Seattle to Orlando
- Seattle to Tampa
- Seattle to Raleigh
More moves to New York
- Los Angeles to New York
- Chicago to New York
- Houston to New York
- Phoenix to New York
- Philadelphia 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
- 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