How Much Does It Cost to Start a Food Truck Business?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Sep 12, 2025
- 3 min read
Starting a food truck business is a popular way to break into the food service industry with lower overhead than a traditional restaurant. But before you hit the road serving up tacos, burgers, or gourmet coffee, it’s important to understand the startup costs involved.
In this guide, we’ll explain the typical costs of launching a food truck and how Wexford Insurance can help you protect your investment with specialized food truck insurance.
From purchasing a truck to securing permits, hiring staff, and marketing your brand, here’s a breakdown of what it really costs to launch a successful food truck business.
Average Startup Costs for a Food Truck Business
The total cost to start a food truck business typically ranges from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on your location, truck size, equipment needs, and menu complexity. Here's a detailed breakdown:
1. Purchasing or Leasing a Food Truck
Buying a new truck: $75,000–$150,000
Buying a used truck: $30,000–$80,000
Leasing a truck: $2,000–$3,000/month
2. Licensing, Permits, and Legal Fees
Business license: $50–$500
Health department permit: $100–$1,000
Food handler permits: $100–$500
Parking permits: $250–$1,000/year
Commissary rental (required in some cities): $500–$1,500/month
👉 Read More: Local Health Department Guidelines
3. Kitchen Equipment and Build-Out
Cooking equipment (grills, fryers, refrigerators): $10,000–$50,000
Ventilation and fire suppression systems: $5,000–$15,000
Custom build-out: $20,000–$40,000
4. Initial Inventory and Ingredients
Initial food stock: $1,000–$5,000
Disposable packaging and utensils: $500–$2,000
5. Staffing Costs
Wages for cooks and servers: $15–$25/hour
Payroll setup and taxes: Varies by state
6. Marketing and Branding
Logo and truck wrap design: $1,000–$5,000
Website and social media setup: $500–$2,000
Local advertising and promotions: $500–$2,000
Marketing and Branding for a Food Truck Business
A strong brand and consistent marketing strategy are essential for standing out in the fast-paced food truck industry. Contractor Back Office supports food truck businesses by managing websites, organizing bookkeeping, and running social media platforms. These tools help promote menus, announce locations, and build a recognizable brand that keeps customers coming back. With the right digital presence, a food truck can turn first-time visitors into loyal fans.
Insurance for Your Food Truck Business
Insurance is a critical part of your startup costs. At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping food truck businesses find the right coverage to protect their operations.
Here are the essential insurance policies to consider:
General Liability Insurance: Covers injuries and property damage caused by your business.
Commercial Auto Insurance: Protects your food truck while driving and parked.
Equipment Insurance: Covers kitchen equipment and appliances inside your truck.
Workers Compensation Insurance: Required if you have employees; covers workplace injuries.
Commercial Property Insurance: Covers damage or loss to physical assets like commissary kitchens, storage units, or office space used by your food truck business.
Why Work With Wexford Insurance?
Wexford Insurance is a niche-focused agency that works exclusively with food truck businesses. We partner with top-rated insurance carriers to help you find customized food truck insurance that fits your budget and business model.
Whether you're just starting out or expanding your fleet, our team understands the unique risks and regulations food truck owners face. Let us help you protect your investment and operate with confidence.
Estimated Startup Costs Summary
Category | Estimated Cost Range |
Food Truck (New or Used) | $30,000 – $150,000 |
Licensing & Permits | $1,000 – $4,000 |
Kitchen Equipment & Build-Out | $20,000 – $50,000 |
Initial Inventory & Supplies | $1,500 – $7,000 |
Staffing | Varies (based on team size) |
Marketing & Branding | $1,000 – $5,000 |
Insurance (Annual Premiums) | $2,000 – $6,000+ |
Total Estimated Cost | $50,000 – $200,000+ |
Conclusion
Starting a food truck business can be a rewarding venture, but it requires careful planning and budgeting. From purchasing your truck to securing permits, hiring staff, and protecting your business with insurance, the costs can add up quickly. By understanding these expenses upfront and working with a specialized insurance agency like Wexford Insurance, you can launch your food truck with confidence and peace of mind.
👉 Ready to protect your food truck investment?