A common question we are asked by our readers relates to the cost to start a food truck. Many times this question is asked when readers are working on the food truck cost analysis of their food truck business plan.

RELATED: Look Deeper Into Your Food Truck Financial Analysis

Due to varied factors that can be used to determine this answer, we typically provide a broad range of $40,000 – $250,000. While it technically answers the question, it’s still a bit broad for someone trying to determine if opening a food truck business is something they can afford, or something they need to get a loan for. Because of this, we have generated this chart to help those interested in joining the mobile food industry.

In the chart, you’ll find three areas. One time start up costs, re-occurring start up costs and costs that vary from area to area. Each of these sections is subdivided by three price ranges; $ = low, $$ = average and $$$ = high for each area.

While this guide should be used as a general group of ranges, it is helpful for those interested in finding how much starting up a food truck business can cost.

Food Truck Business Start Up Costs
$ $$ $$$
One time start-up costs
Purchasing your food truck 5000 25000 125000
Vehicle inspection 100 300 500
Retrofit / bring the truck to code 25000 40000 50000
Generator 1500 5000 10000
Register/POS System 150 1250 2500
Paint 1000 2000 3000
Truck wrap 2500 3500 5000
Initial food purchases 500 1250 2000
Utensils and paper goods 500 1000 3500
Website design 500 3500 7500
Initial office equip and supplies 200 500 1000
Initial advertising and PR 500 750 1000
Professional, legal and consulting fees 500 2000 5000
Reoccurring start-up costs
Payroll 1500 2500 3500
Commercial kitchen/Commissary rent 500 1500 3000
Credit card processing equipment 50 150 500
Fuel 250 300 400
Start-up costs which vary by location
Permits and licensing  50  500  10000
Insurance  300 500  1000

Please note:

  • Prices shown are not set in stone, and can change without notice.
  • Reoccurring prices shown are for 1 week.
  • Prices shown which vary by location are for 1 month.

So what do you think about the cost to start a food truck?

cost to start a food truck

It may seem like a steep price to start a food truck business. But, try to compare these costs to that of a brick and mortar restaurant. The high end prices in this chart don’t even come close to comparing to starting a small quick service restaurant.

Keep an eye open for contests. In season three of The Great Food Truck Race, they gave away a food truck to the eventual winners. Talk about a great way to cut down the cost to start a food truck business.

Related: Find Food Trucks For Sale Here

So how much did it cost to start a food truck for you? Let us know in the comment section or drop us a line via our contact page if you would prefer to keep your food truck business start up cost a little more private.