Fuel cost by truck size
Based on 2,449 miles, a gas price of $5.006 and a diesel price of $6.991 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 | $766 | $901 |
| 10 to 12 ft truck | 11 | 223 | $1,115 | $1,311 |
| 15 to 17 ft truck | 9 | 272 | $1,362 | $1,603 |
| 20 to 22 ft truck | 8 | 306 | $1,532 | $1,803 |
| 26 ft truck | 7 | 350 | $1,751 | $2,060 |
| 26 ft truck (diesel) | 8 | 306 | $2,140 | $2,518 |
The gap between the smallest and largest trucks on this route is about $985 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 |
| San Diego, CA | $6.031 | $8.242 | California average |
Gas runs about $2.05 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 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 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 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 Boston
- Tampa to Las Vegas
- Tampa to Orlando
- Tampa to Raleigh
More moves to San Diego
- New York to San Diego
- Los Angeles to San Diego
- Chicago to San Diego
- Houston to San Diego
- Phoenix to San Diego
- Philadelphia to San Diego
- Dallas to San Diego
- Austin to San Diego
- Charlotte to San Diego
- San Francisco to San Diego
- Seattle to San Diego
- Denver to San Diego
- Nashville to San Diego
- Atlanta to San Diego
- Miami to San Diego
- Boston to San Diego
- Las Vegas to San Diego
- Orlando to San Diego
- Raleigh to San Diego