Calculate the cost of running a food truck

How much does a food truck cost? Estimating the costs for operating a food truck involves a wide range of variables, and these can differ significantly based on location, the type of food served, the size of the operation, and other factors.

1. Fixed Costs: These are costs that remain constant regardless of the level of sales. It includes:
   • Truck Purchase/Lease: The cost of purchasing a food truck can range from $50,000 to $100,000 for a new truck, while a used one might cost between $15,000 and $50,000. Leasing can cost around $2,000 to $3,000 per month.
   • Insurance (vehicle, business, liability): Insurance costs can range from $2,000 to $4,000 per year, depending on coverage and location.
   • Permits & Licenses: This varies greatly but can be between $100 to over $1,000 annually.
   • Regular Maintenance: Approximately $1,000 to $2,000 per year.
   • Parking Fees/Rental Space: This can range from a free to several thousand dollars per year, depending on the location.
   • Salaries: If you hire employees, this can range from minimum wage to upwards of $15-$20 per hour per employee.
2. Variable Costs: These costs vary based on the level of business activity. It includes:
   • Ingredients & Supplies: Generally, food costs are about 25-35% of sales.
   • Packaging & Disposables: Approximately 5-10% of sales for things like plates, napkins, forks, to-go containers etc.
   • Fuel: Depending on usage, this could range from $500 to $1,500 per month.
   • Utilities: Around $100 to $500 per month for things like propane, water, and electricity.
3. Unexpected Costs: A contingency budget for unforeseen expenses. This might be around 5-10% of your total budget.