Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 1,345 miles, a gas price of $4.115 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 | 84 | $346 | $407 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 122 | $503 | $592 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 149 | $615 | $723 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 168 | $692 | $814 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 192 | $791 | $930 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 168 | $1,026 | $1,208 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $445 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa, FL | $3.981 | $5.740 | Florida average |
| Boston, MA | $4.249 | $6.470 | Boston average |
Gas runs about $0.27 a gallon cheaper around Tampa, FL. Fill the tank before you leave Tampa 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 Tampa, FL to Boston, MA a 3-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 Tampa, FL.
More moves from Tampa
- Tampa to New York
- Tampa to Los Angeles
- Tampa to Chicago
- Tampa to Houston
- Tampa to Phoenix
- Tampa to Philadelphia
- Tampa to San Diego
- Tampa to Dallas
- Tampa to Austin
- Tampa to Charlotte
- Tampa to San Francisco
- Tampa to Seattle
- Tampa to Denver
- Tampa to Nashville
- Tampa to Atlanta
- Tampa to Miami
- Tampa to Las Vegas
- Tampa to Orlando
- Tampa to Raleigh
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
- Raleigh to Boston