How Much Does It Cost to Start a Food Truck

If you’re ready to take your meals on wheels, you may be wondering: how much does it cost to start a food truck? Food trucks have become a popular alternative to traditional restaurants, offering flexibility and lower startup costs. 

But how much does a food truck cost, and what sorts of fees do you need to factor in? The answer varies, but it’s important to have a clear idea before diving in. Let’s break down the average cost of starting a food truck in 2025.

How much does it cost to start up a food truck?

When you think about how to start a food truck, the first big cost to consider has to be buying a food truck itself. But there are lots of other associated food truck costs that you shouldn’t overlook. 

For example, urban areas with high demand may have higher permit fees and parking costs compared to smaller towns. The type of menu you plan to offer also impacts costs. A truck serving gourmet dishes will likely require more expensive equipment and ingredients than one offering simple street food. 

On average, you can expect to put at least $100,000 towards starting a food truck. This estimate includes the cost of the truck, kitchen equipment, permits, and initial inventory. While it’s possible to start with less, having a budget of $100,000 ensures you cover all necessary expenses and have a buffer for unexpected costs. 

When deciding whether the cost is worth it, you should compare against how much it costs to open a restaurant. 

What is the average cost of a food truck in 2025?

How much is a food truck? Well, food truck prices can differ depending on a number of factors. If you’re buying a small food truck, it will likely be cheaper than a large one. And some small business owners might choose to invest in the cost of a food truck when it’s new, compared to a used truck. 

Not to mention if you choose to buy vs. rent, your costs will look different. And finally, depending on which state you’re in, the cost of food truck purchases could differ significantly. Starting a food truck in Texas may involve different costs than starting a food truck in Florida. 

That said, here are some ballpark estimates to answer the question: how much are food trucks? For a new, made-to-order truck, you might end up spending $75,000 up to $150,000 on the truck alone, alongside the time investment. If you’re going for a used truck, you can expect that to cost between $40,000 and $80,000. 

Rental trucks depend on the term of lease, but in the long term, you’re likely looking at $2,000 to $3,000 a month for the truck itself, leaving aside costs such as maintenance and insurance. The most important thing is to do your research, so that no part of the cost of opening a food truck comes as a surprise.

What are the startup costs for a food truck?

So how much does it cost to start a food truck business as a whole? Here are a few of the additional costs you will need to factor into your launch. 

Buying vs renting a food truck

One of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to buy or rent your truck. This choice significantly impacts your initial investment and ongoing expenses. New food trucks come equipped with the latest kitchen appliances and often include warranties. Opting for a new truck means fewer immediate repairs and maintenance issues, but it also requires a larger upfront investment. 

Used food trucks may need some refurbishing or additional equipment. Inspect any used truck thoroughly to avoid unexpected repair costs. Buying used can be a cost-effective way to enter the market, especially if you’re handy with repairs. 

Renting a food truck reduces the initial investment but adds to your monthly expenses. Renting can be a good choice if you want to test the market before committing to a purchase or if you prefer not to deal with the long-term maintenance of owning a truck.

Licenses and permits required

Navigating various regulatory requirements can feel overwhelming, but it’s crucial to operate legally and avoid fines. You’ll need several licenses and permits to operate legally. A food service license is mandatory and ensures your business complies with local health and safety regulations. This license covers food handling, storage, and preparation standards. 

Health permits are also required. These permits involve inspections by health department officials to verify that your truck meets sanitation and food safety standards. Regular inspections will occur to maintain compliance. 

Parking permits are necessary for operating in specific locations. These permits allow you to park your truck in designated areas, often with time restrictions. The cost and availability of parking permits vary by city. 

On average, food truck operators spend about $28,276 on regulatory requirements in the first year. This figure includes costs for obtaining and renewing licenses and permits, as well as any necessary inspections and compliance measures. 

Kitchen equipment and supplies

Equipping your food truck with the right kitchen equipment and supplies is another significant expense. The type of food you plan to serve will dictate your specific needs, but some common items are essential for most food trucks. 

Appliances like griddles, fryers, and refrigerators are crucial for food preparation and storage. These larger items can be costly, but they are necessary for efficient operations. Depending on your menu, you might also need specialized equipment like ovens, steam tables, or coffee machines. 

Smaller items like prep equipment, janitorial supplies, and cookware are just as important. Prep equipment includes cutting boards, knives, and mixing bowls, while janitorial supplies cover cleaning products and tools to maintain hygiene standards. Cookware such as pots, pans, and utensils are needed for daily cooking tasks. 

A POS system and WiFi router are essential for accepting payments and managing transactions. A reliable POS system streamlines sales, tracks inventory, and provides valuable business insights. An onboard WiFi router ensures your payment system stays connected, even in areas with poor cellular reception. 

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Ongoing operating expenses for food trucks

The thrill of running your own food truck also comes with the reality of ongoing expenses. Everything from ingredients and fuel to parking and staffing will involve payments that impact your bottom line.. 

That’s why you should make sure your business plan has factored in these costs:

Food and fuel costs

Running a food truck involves regular expenses for food and fuel. Each week, you’ll need to purchase fresh ingredients to prepare your menu items. The cost of these ingredients will vary based on your menu and the volume of customers you serve. 

Fuel is another significant expense. Your truck requires gasoline to move from one location to another, and you’ll also need propane or other fuel sources for cooking equipment. The price of fuel can fluctuate, so it’s important to budget accordingly and monitor fuel usage to avoid unexpected costs.

Staffing and labor

Hiring staff for your food truck is necessary to ensure smooth operations, so you should ensure your position descriptions are effective. The number of employees you need will depend on your hours of operation and the complexity of your menu. 

Common roles include cooks, servers, and cashiers. Wages for food truck employees can vary based on location and experience. It’s important to comply with local labor laws and pay your staff fairly. 

Additionally, consider the cost of benefits and any overtime pay that may be required during busy periods. Efficient scheduling and clear communication with your team can help manage labor costs effectively. 

Parking and storage fees

Finding a place to park your food truck overnight is another ongoing expense. Many cities require food trucks to park in designated commissary lots when not in operation. These lots provide a secure place to store your truck and often include facilities for cleaning and maintenance. 

The cost of parking at a commissary lot can vary widely. In cities like New York, fees can be quite high, while smaller towns may offer more affordable options. It’s important to research parking regulations in your area and factor these fees into your budget. Consistent parking arrangements help ensure your truck is ready for operation each day.

Maintenance, repairs, and insurance

Maintaining your food truck and its equipment is vital for uninterrupted service. Routine maintenance includes regular oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections to ensure everything runs smoothly. Keeping up with maintenance helps prevent costly breakdowns and extends the life of your truck. 

Repairs are inevitable, whether it’s fixing a malfunctioning appliance or addressing mechanical issues with the truck itself. Setting aside funds for unexpected repairs ensures you can handle these expenses without disrupting your business. 

Insurance is another necessary expense. You’ll need an annual insurance policy that covers both your truck and your business operations. This policy should include coverage for liability, property damage, and worker’s compensation if you have employees. Insurance provides financial protection in case of accidents, theft, or other unforeseen events.

Manage your food truck team with Homebase

If you’re figuring out the costs to start a food truck, you’re probably almost ready to get your small business on the road. But you can’t handle everything yourself. Once you start building out your team, you’ll need to worry about training, scheduling, and paying your staff. 

That’s where Homebase comes in. Our all-in-one team management app was designed with small business owners like you in mind. Let's make work easier for you and your team. 

Get started today with Homebase to streamline scheduling, time tracking, payroll, and team management. Sign up now at Homebase and see how we can help your business thrive.