Understanding Prices for Food Trucks: A Comprehensive Guide

So you want to start a food truck? Awesome choice! But before you hit the road, you have to figure out how much food trucks cost and what other expenses come along. From food truck prices to setup costs and ongoing expenses, this guide covers it all. Let’s dive into the details and get you on track to owning a kick-ass food truck business.

Understanding Prices for Food Trucks:

How Much Does a Food Truck Cost?

Alright, let’s break down how much a food truck costs. Whether you go for a new truck, a used truck, or even a custom-built one, prices vary. The truck itself is your biggest upfront cost, so here’s the deal:

Type of Food Truck
Price Range
Pros
Cons
New Truck
$75,000 – $150,000
Comes with a warranty,
fewer breakdowns
Higher upfront cost
Used Truck
$50,000 – $100,000
More affordable,
faster to get started
More maintenance, 
no warranty
Custom-built Truck
$125,000 – $200,000
Tailored to your needs,
premium features
Very expensive,
long wait time for build

The Average Cost to Purchase a Food Truck in 2025

Inflation’s hit everyone, and food trucks aren’t an exception. If you’re ready to dive in and need the latest numbers for 2025, here’s the breakdown of the average price of a food truck:

Truck Type
2025 Price Range
Extra Costs to Factor In
New Food Truck
$100,000 – $175,000
Customization, inspection fees
Used Food Truck
$50,000 – $80,000
Repairs, upgrades
Custom-built
$125,000 – $200,000
Equipment installation, wrap/branding

New trucks are getting pricier, but for good reason—higher demand and premium features. On the other hand, used trucks still offer a solid option for those looking to get started at a lower cost.

What You Need to Know About The Cost of Starting a Food Truck

It’s not just the truck—you’ve got to cover the whole setup. So, how much does it cost to start a food truck? The cost of opening a food truck goes beyond the truck itself and includes everything from branding to permits.

Breakdown of Food Truck Startup Costs

Breakdown of Food Truck Startup Costs

Let’s break down the typical costs involved in launching a food truck:

  • Customization: $10,000 – $30,000 (because every food truck needs its vibe)
  • Equipment: $10,000 – $15,000 (grills, fryers, refrigerators—the works)
  • Licenses & Permits: $2,000 – $5,000 (we’ll cover these more below)
  • Branding/Marketing: $1,000 – $3,000 (make your truck stand out!)

In total, the cost of starting up a food truck can range from $75,000 to $200,000. Not cheap, but it’s all part of the dream!

What Is the Food Truck License Cost?

Now, let’s talk about all the legal stuff. You’re going to need some licenses and permits to get cooking, and yes, they come with costs. The cost of a food truck license varies depending on where you are, but here’s a quick overview:

License/Permit Type
Estimated Cost
Why It’s Important
Business License
$50 – $500
So you can operate legally
Health Department Permit
$100 – $1,000
Keep everything safe and up to code
Parking Permits
$50 – $200/month
Park in the right places
Fire Safety Permit
$50 – $500
Ensure your truck won’t go up in flames

What Are the Food Truck Equipment Costs?

Okay, time to get your truck outfitted with the right gear. Food truck equipment prices depend a lot on your menu, but here’s a good idea of what you’ll need and how much it’ll set you back:

Equipment You’ll Need
Estimated Cost
Notes
Grills & Fryers
$2,000 – $5,000
Essential for most menus
Refrigerators
$1,500 – $3,000
Keep those ingredients fresh
Food Prep Areas
$500 – $1,000
You need space to chop, dice, and slice
Ventilation Systems
$1,000 – $3,000
No one wants a smoky truck

Unlock the POS System for Food Truck Cost

You’ll need a solid POS system to take payments and keep things running smoothly. The food truck POS system cost varies depending on features, but most systems fall between $500 to $2,000.

Pro tip: Check out ME-POS, a leading food truck POS system. It’s user-friendly, affordable, and built for mobile food vendors.

Monthly Costs of Running a Food Truck

Now that your truck’s ready, you’ve got ongoing expenses to cover. Here’s what it costs to keep the wheels turning:

Monthly Costs of Running a Food Truck
Expense
Estimated Monthly Cost
Notes
Fuel & Maintenance
$500 – $1,000
You’ve got to keep the truck running
Ingredients
$2,000 – $10,000
Depends on your menu and traffic
Employee Wages
$2,000 – $6,000
If you hire help
Marketing
$500 – $2,000
Social media ads, events, etc.
Food Truck Insurance Costs
$2,000 – $4,000/year
Better safe than sorry

These food truck operating costs add up, but with good sales, you’ll stay profitable. Expect monthly expenses to land between $5,000 and $15,000.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Taco Truck?

Tacos, tacos, tacos! If you're setting up a taco truck, the cost of a food truck start-up that’s taco-centric can be a bit lower, depending on the equipment you need:

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Taco Truck?
Type of Taco Truck
Price Range
Taco Setup Notes
New Taco Truck
$75,000 – $150,000
Plenty of room for grills, fryers
Used TacoTruck
$50,000 – $80,000
Lower upfront cost but may need repairs
Custom Taco Truck
$125,000 – $200,000
Built exactly how you want it

The cost of a taco truck includes everything from equipment for tortillas and fillings to refrigeration for fresh ingredients. So, how much do taco trucks cost? They usually range from $50,000 to $150,000, depending on whether you go new or used.

Food Truck Catering Prices Unlock New Revenue Streams

Want to boost your profits? Consider offering catering services! The cost of food truck catering varies depending on the event, but it’s a great way to increase revenue:

Food Truck Catering Prices Unlock New Revenue Streams
Event Type
Catering Price
Notes
Small Private Event
$500 – $1,500
Casual, low-key parties
Corporate Event
$1,000 – $3,000
In larger groups, more food needed
Weddings & Large Events
$3,000 – $10,000
Big events, big paydays

Offering catering services adds a whole new layer of opportunity for your truck, and with good planning, you can score some lucrative deals.

Food Van Prices vs. Lunch Truck Prices

If a full-sized food truck seems like too much, you can always look into food van prices or lunch truck prices instead. They’re smaller and more affordable, but still pack a punch:

Food Van Prices vs. Lunch Truck Prices
Vehicle Type
Price Range
Ideal For
Food Van
$30,000 – $80,000
Smaller operations or specific niches
Lunch Truck
$50,000 – $100,000
A great middle ground between van and truck
Used Lunch Truck
$30,000 – $70,000
Affordable, but may need maintenance

If you’re just starting out or focusing on a smaller menu, food vans and lunch trucks are great alternatives to full-sized food trucks. It all depends on your business goals.

Conclusion

Conclusion

Starting a food truck isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every penny if you’ve got the passion. Expect to spend anywhere from $75,000 to $200,000 to get your truck up and running, and don’t forget the food truck maintenance costs.

With the right setup, equipment, and a killer menu, your truck will be rolling in profits in no time. And remember, having a solid food truck POS system like ME-POS will make taking orders and managing payments a breeze. Time to get cooking!

Me-Pos Team
Last modified 07.03.2025

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