I'm Moving. How Much Will It Cost to Tow My Car?

Vehicle towing rates when moving to another state

If you plan to drive a rental truck out of state, you might need to consider another cost: towing your car. Most rental truck companies offer towing equipment options, but adding the expense to a long-distance move can be a real pain in the wallet.

Let’s examine what three popular truck companies charge for towing during a move. Also, learn about a different DIY moving alternative where you can spend less by driving your personal vehicle instead.

How much does it cost to tow a car with a rental truck?

Each rental company sets its own prices for equipment like tow dollies and car carriers. Popular options include Budget®, Penske® and U-Haul®.

Let’s look at towing costs with each company when relocating from Las Vegas, NV, to Indianapolis, IN, in August 2025. We used each company’s recommended equipment to move a 3-bedroom home and tow a 4-door sedan. Prices were accurate at the time of posting, but actual moving costs will vary.

*Includes taxes, fees, damage or liability coverage, roadside assistance and estimated fuel based on AAA’s average gas or diesel prices for approximately 2,281 miles using the truck’s estimated MPG listed on each company’s website. 
**Includes tow equipment, taxes, and damage or liability coverage.

For our example move, the added costs for towing ranged between $290 and $579 on top of the truck rental prices. It’s important to note that towing a vehicle can further decrease the truck’s gas mileage, so fuel costs will likely be higher.

Is it cheaper to drive the car and move with an alternative option?

Driving a personal vehicle and choosing a DIY moving solution like U-Pack® can be more budget-friendly. For the same 3-bedroom home move from Las Vegas to Indianapolis, U-Pack quoted the equivalent space of 17 linear feet in a moving trailer for only $5,422. 

If you figure in driving a personal vehicle with an estimated 25 MPG, the estimated fuel cost would only be $277. Adding the car’s gas estimate to U-Pack’s low price would be $5,699, which is still $2,000 cheaper than the lowest quoted rate for a rental with towing equipment — without having to drive a bulky moving truck!

FAQs about vehicle towing prices

What’s the cost to rent a car dolly to haul with a personal vehicle?

Some rental companies offer one-way trailer rentals, including car transportation options. U-Haul’s trailer rental options include car dollies, car carriers and toy haulers. 

Not all cars can haul or be towed, and prices will vary depending on the vehicles and distance. Using our same example move with a large pickup truck towing a sedan, prices for a U-Haul car dolly start at $885, including taxes and damage coverage.

Budget and Penske only have towing equipment for use with their rental trucks.

What’s the cost to have a company haul or ship the car?

Having a car towed locally can range between $50 and $250, depending on where you live. Transporting a vehicle long distance can be more expensive. 

Auto shipping rates vary per carrier and depend on the type of vehicle being shipped and the distance. On average, expect to spend between $650 and $2,500.

Need a car shipping estimate? U-Pack recommends Mr. Car Shipper® for auto transportation. You can contact them directly at 877-528-9627 for a quote. 

Questions?

If you have questions about comparing the costs of relocating long distance with rented towing equipment to moving with U-Pack, let us know in the comments.

Call us at 844-362-5303844-594-3077 for a quote or request one online. We’re happy to help!