INITIAL COSTS

• Initial costs for a food truck range from $30,000 for a used truck to upwards of $100,000 for a new truck.
• The average initial cost for a food truck is between $70,000 and $80,000, but this would likely be for a gently used truck.
• Typically, the cost of a new truck is "not often worth the extra premium" and startup costs are going to vary based on the type of food the truck will offer.
• Food Truck Empire offers the following initial cost estimates, but warns the actual costs will be based on where the truck is located, what type of truck is purchased, and the type of food offered:
• The truck, wrap, and equipment: $25,000 — $100,000 
• Initial product inventory: $1,000 — $2,000 
• Permits and licenses: $100 — $500 (varies significantly based on location)
• Website: $0 — $5,000 (varies significantly depending on features)
• Facebook/Twitter — Free 
• Register/POS: $200 — $1,000 (based on system chosen)
• Uniforms/shirts: $0 — $1,000 
• Paper products: $200 — $300 
• Cookware: $1,000 — $2,000 
• Misc. expenses: $500 — $2,000 
• Fire extinguisher: $100 — $300 
• Total: $28,100 — $114,100 

KNOWN ONGOING COSTS

• Food Truck Empire offers the following ongoing costs for a food truck, but notes that the actual costs will vary based on needs, location, and type of truck/food:
• Commissary: $400 — $1,200 per month
• Phone/internet: $100 — $200 per month
• Fuel: $500 per month (varies significantly based on travel frequency)
• Repairs: $1,000 per month 
• Total: $2,000 — $2,900 per month

UNKNOWN ONGOING COSTS

• Food Truck Empire states that the following costs are too variable to estimate without knowing food costs, frequency of operation, number of employees, and minimum wage:
•  Labor 
•  Food and beverage restock
•  Paper product restock 

STAFFING

• Most food trucks can hold between two and seven employees; however, 59% of food trucks only have 2-3 employees in the truck at any one time.
• Another 27% have 4-6 employees in the truck at any one time.
• The number of employees will differ based on service needs. For instance, if a food truck only heats and serves food, there will need to be employees at the restaurant who prepare the food and employees in the truck to heat and serve the food. If the truck prepares, cooks, and serves the food, staffing needs may be higher in the truck.
•  Positions that will need to be filled in a food truck are service window attendants, managers, chefs/cooks, kitchen workers, and a driver (some areas require a separate driver for food trucks).