Food Truck Price: MSRP, Trims & Real-World Cost

A food truck is a vehicle and a commercial kitchen in one, and the price reflects both. A used truck that is already outfitted can cost far less than a new custom build, but it can also come with repairs and equipment that is near the end of its life.

This guide covers what trucks cost to buy, what a rental runs, and the extras that catch buyers off guard. It uses figures from Square, Restroworks, and Eatapp. Their numbers differ because they sample different trucks and define "new" and "used" differently, so the table below shows all three.

Square puts a new, made-to-order truck at $75,000 – $150,000 and a used truck at $40,000 – $80,000. Eatapp is higher at the top for new builds, listing a new custom-built truck at $75,000 – $175,000, and lists used trucks at $30,000 – $70,000.

Restroworks gives averages for 2026. A new, fully fitted truck averages $109,500, and a used truck averages $46,800. An average is a single midpoint, so individual trucks will land above and below it.

If you want to start smaller, a food trailer is an option. Eatapp lists trailers at $15,000 – $50,000, with the towing vehicle as an extra cost. That makes sense only if you already own a vehicle that can pull one safely.

A new truck is built to your specifications, so the layout, cooking line, and refrigeration match your menu. Ask what warranty, if any, comes with the build and get it in writing. The cost is the biggest price tag in the table, and lead time for a custom build can be long.

A used truck costs less and can be on the road sooner. The tradeoff is condition. The engine, generator, and kitchen equipment all have a history that the seller may not fully disclose. Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, and have someone who knows commercial kitchens check the cooking equipment. A truck that was set up for a different menu may also need changes.

If you want to test a concept first, renting avoids the purchase price.

Square lists a rental at $2,000 – $3,000/mo. Renting can be a way to learn the business before you commit, though it is a recurring expense and you do not build any equity in the truck. Ask what the rental includes, such as the generator, propane, and commissary access.

The purchase price is not the final cost. Eatapp estimates repairs and upgrades on a used truck at $5,000 – $15,000, and kitchen equipment in total at $10,000 – $50,000.

The equipment line matters for a buyer comparing a bare truck with a fully fitted one. A truck that comes with a working kitchen can cost more up front, but it saves you from buying the cooking line, refrigeration, and ventilation separately. Check what comes with the truck, and ask for a written list.

• New or used, and how old the truck is.
• Size. Longer trucks cost more and need more room to park and operate.
• Kitchen equipment. A flat-top and fryer setup costs differently from a pizza oven or espresso build.
• Custom work such as layout, wrap, and finishes.
• Mileage and mechanical condition on a used vehicle.
• Whether the generator and utilities are included.

The truck is one part of what you spend to open. Licenses, permits, insurance, a commissary kitchen where required, point-of-sale equipment, and food inventory are all separate. Permit and license requirements are general and vary from city to city and county to county, so check with your local health department before you buy a truck that may not meet local rules.

1. Decide on your menu first, since it determines the equipment.
2. Compare new custom builders with used listings.
3. Get any used truck inspected before you pay.
4. Ask for a list of included equipment and whether it works.
5. Confirm that the truck meets local health and fire rules.
6. Get quotes in writing, including any delivery or titling fees.

Many buyers borrow to cover a truck, and lenders often look at the business plan and the buyer's credit. Loan terms, interest rates, and down payment requirements differ by lender, so compare offers before you commit. For advice on borrowing, speak with a licensed financial professional.

Once you own the truck, expect ongoing costs that the purchase price does not show: fuel, propane, generator service, tire and brake work, and routine kitchen maintenance. A truck is a vehicle and a restaurant at once, and it needs upkeep on both sides. Setting aside a repair fund from the start is easier than finding cash during a breakdown.