Default assumptions
- Truck/trailer cost$60,000
- Equipment/buildout$20,000
- Permits/licenses$3,000
- Initial inventory$2,500
- Emergency cushion$10,000
Food truck startup
Food Truck Startup Cost Calculator
Estimate total startup cost, cash cushion, total cash needed, and monthly sales needed to recover startup costs over 12 months.
What this means
The calculator adds startup categories and estimates the monthly sales needed to recover startup cost across 12 months.
Truth-check
Food trucks can be expensive after permits, commissary kitchen rules, fire safety, repairs, staffing, food waste, event fees, and slow days.
Certification / license note
Permit-heavy. Health department, food handling, fire safety, commissary, city/county, and event permits may apply.
FAQ
Does this include operating costs?
No. It focuses on startup cash. Ongoing labor, food cost, fuel, rent, fees, and repairs are separate.
Should I include a cushion?
Yes. Repairs, permits, slow days, and event gaps can create cash pressure.
Is this financial advice?
No. It is a rough planning tool, not tax, legal, financial, or licensing advice.
Related calculators
These calculators are rough planning tools. They are not legal, tax, financial, or licensing advice. Local rules, insurance, taxes, permit requirements, and real-world costs may vary.