Food truck startup cost calculator
Estimate total launch cost with truck, equipment, permits, commissary, insurance, and contingency. Per-state permit overrides.
Reviewed by Editorial Team
Inputs
Estimated startup cost (median)
$96,900
Low
$68,400
High
$125,300
Cash needed day-one
$58,100
Most food-truck lenders expect roughly 60% of total launch cost as owner equity (Source: SBA microloan & food-service lending data 2023-2024).
Suggested loan size
$38,800
Gap between cash-on-hand and your median launch budget.
| Category | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Truck acquisition | $30,000 | $60,000 |
| Equipment | $15,000 | $30,000 |
| Permits & licensing | $2,500 | $7,000 |
| Commissary (6 months) | $4,500 | $4,500 |
| Initial inventory | $2,500 | $2,500 |
| Insurance (Year 1) | $3,500 | $3,500 |
| Marketing & launch | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Contingency (15%) | $8,900 | $16,400 |
| Total | $68,400 | $125,300 |
Sources: Food Truck Empire 2024 startup-cost benchmarks; FSR Magazine 2024 mobile-foodservice operating ratios; SBA microloan & food-service lending data (2023-2024).