What does it cost to start a food truck business?
A food truck sits between a coffee van and a café in cost — the truck and commercial kitchen fit-out are the big-ticket items. Buying a second-hand truck already fitted to your menu is usually the most cost-effective route, while a custom build can easily double the budget.
As a guide, plan for around $48,000 – $185,500 in one-off setup costs and $4,400 – $27,000 per month in running costs. Adding a three-month cash buffer puts a realistic launch figure at $61,200 – $266,500.
One-off setup costs
The costs you pay once to get up and running:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Truck (used to new, fitted) | $30,000 – $120,000 |
| Kitchen equipment & fit-out | $10,000 – $40,000 |
| Branding & wrap | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Generator & gas setup | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Initial stock & packaging | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Council & food permits | $500 – $2,500 |
| Insurance (vehicle + liability) | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Totals roughly $48,000 – $185,500. Buying used or starting lean lands you near the lower end.
Monthly running costs
The ongoing costs of operating each month:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Food stock & ingredients | $3,000 – $12,000 |
| Fuel & generator | $400 – $1,500 |
| Site/event fees | $500 – $3,000 |
| Wages | $0 – $8,000 |
| Commercial kitchen/commissary hire | $300 – $1,500 |
| Marketing | $200 – $1,000 |
Totals roughly $4,400 – $27,000 per month. Work out your break-even point →
Licences & registrations
- Mobile food vendor permits (per council)
- Food Safety Supervisor certificate
- Food business registration
- Gas compliance certificate
- Vehicle registration & roadworthy
- Public liability insurance
Not legal advice — requirements vary by state and council. Check business.gov.au and your local council.
Tips to start lean
- Many councils require a commissary or commercial kitchen base — factor that in early.
- Festivals and private catering are far more profitable than random street trading.
- A tight, fast menu controls both food cost and queue times.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to start a food truck business in Australia?
A small, owner-operated start typically costs around $61,200 – $266,500. That covers roughly $48,000 – $185,500 in one-off setup costs plus a three-month buffer for running costs of about $4,400 – $27,000 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 $4,400 – $27,000 per month, covering items like food stock & ingredients, fuel & generator, site/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 permits (per council); Food Safety Supervisor certificate; Food business registration; Gas compliance certificate; Vehicle registration & roadworthy; Public liability insurance. Always confirm the exact requirements with your state and local council.
Can I start a food truck business cheaply?
Yes — the low end of the range (around $61,200) 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.