ProfitDrawer's food truck business guide gives an example budget of about $34,000 to $148,500 for a used truck. The truck or trailer with a working kitchen is most of it, at $25,000 to $100,000. Permits ($500 to $3,000), insurance, a commissary, a generator, opening food and a cash reserve for slow weeks ($2,000 to $10,000) make up the rest. A new custom build costs more. These are example ranges; your costs will differ by city and truck.
Example budget for a used food truck (your costs will differ):
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Used truck or trailer with kitchen | $25,000 | $100,000 |
| Equipment repairs or additions | $1,000 | $10,000 |
| Wrap, menu boards, signage | $1,500 | $7,000 |
| Health, fire and business permits | $500 | $3,000 |
| Commercial auto and liability insurance | $1,000 | $4,000 |
| Commissary deposit and first month | $400 | $2,000 |
| Point of sale device and card reader | $100 | $1,500 |
| Opening food, packaging, propane | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Generator (if not built in) | $1,000 | $6,000 |
| Cash reserve for slow weeks | $2,000 | $10,000 |
| Total | $34,000 | $148,500 |
Call your county health department first: permit rules are set by state, county and city and differ a lot. Lower cost paths include renting a truck or trailer, or catering from a licensed kitchen first.
Replace every line with real quotes in the free startup cost calculator, and write a short business plan; lenders often ask for one.
Source: How to Start a Food Truck Business (ProfitDrawer guide) · Updated
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General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.