What does it cost to start a mobile coffee business?
A mobile coffee van or cart is a far cheaper way into hospitality than a fixed café because you skip the lease and a fixed fit-out. The biggest cost is the vehicle or trailer and its built-in equipment, and you can start at the low end with a second-hand cart and a single-group machine.
As a guide, plan for around $33,300 – $131,000 in one-off setup costs and $2,500 – $15,200 per month in running costs. Adding a three-month cash buffer puts a realistic launch figure at $40,800 – $176,600.
One-off setup costs
The costs you pay once to get up and running:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Van or trailer (used to new) | $15,000 – $70,000 |
| Fit-out & built-in equipment | $8,000 – $30,000 |
| Espresso machine & grinder | $6,000 – $18,000 |
| Branding & wrap | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Initial stock & supplies | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Council mobile food permit | $300 – $1,500 |
| Insurance (vehicle + public liability) | $1,500 – $3,500 |
Totals roughly $33,300 – $131,000. Buying used or starting lean lands you near the lower end.
Monthly running costs
The ongoing costs of operating each month:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel & vehicle running costs | $400 – $1,200 |
| Stock (beans, milk, cups) | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Site/pitch or event fees | $300 – $2,000 |
| Wages (if not solo) | $0 – $6,000 |
| Marketing | $100 – $500 |
| Insurance & rego (monthly portion) | $200 – $500 |
Totals roughly $2,500 – $15,200 per month. Work out your break-even point →
Licences & registrations
- Mobile food vendor permit from each council you trade in
- Food Safety Supervisor certificate
- Food business registration
- Vehicle registration & roadworthy
- Public liability insurance (most sites require it)
Not legal advice — requirements vary by state and council. Check business.gov.au and your local council.
Tips to start lean
- Locking in regular pitches — business parks, markets, sports grounds — gives you predictable income.
- A trailer towed by a vehicle you already own is cheaper than a fully built van.
- Events and corporate catering pay far more per cup than passing trade.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a mobile coffee business in Australia?
A small, owner-operated start typically costs around $40,800 – $176,600. That covers roughly $33,300 – $131,000 in one-off setup costs plus a three-month buffer for running costs of about $2,500 – $15,200 per month. Your actual figure depends heavily on scale, location and whether you buy new or used.
What are the ongoing monthly costs?
Expect ongoing running costs of roughly $2,500 – $15,200 per month, covering items like fuel & vehicle running costs, stock (beans, milk, cups), site/pitch or event fees and more. Use the break-even calculator to see how many sales cover these.
What licences or registrations do I need?
Common requirements include: Mobile food vendor permit from each council you trade in; Food Safety Supervisor certificate; Food business registration; Vehicle registration & roadworthy; Public liability insurance (most sites require it). Always confirm the exact requirements with your state and local council.
Can I start a mobile coffee business cheaply?
Yes — the low end of the range (around $40,800) is realistic if you start lean: buy used equipment, start from home or solo where possible, and avoid a fixed lease until demand is proven.
Cost ranges are general estimates for 2025–26 and vary widely by location, scale and choices. Not financial or business advice.