Mobile food business planning
Food Truck Startup Cost & Profit Calculators
Free calculators and planning guides for food trucks, coffee carts, taco trucks, BBQ trucks, pizza trucks, ice cream trucks, and mobile food concepts. Estimate startup costs, price your menu, calculate break-even, and forecast monthly profit — before you buy the truck.
Most first-time food truck owners underestimate launch costs by 25–40% and overestimate first-year revenue by the same margin. Our calculators are built on real operator data from 15+ US cities, so you can walk into your launch with a budget you can actually defend to a lender, an investor, or your own savings account.
Choose your next calculation
The fastest path is cost first, pricing second, profit third. Each step links to a calculator and a deeper guide.
Follow the planning path.
The calculators are designed to be used in sequence. Each result gives you a better input for the next decision.
Estimate launch cost
Know the cash you need before you shop for equipment.
Price the menu
Turn ingredient, packaging, and labor assumptions into target prices.
Find break-even
Calculate the daily order count needed to cover fixed costs.
Forecast profit
Model monthly revenue, operating costs, break-even timing, and payback.
Plan by business model.
Different mobile food formats fail for different reasons. Start with the assumptions that match your format.
Hot dog cart
Model a lean cart budget, street vending permits, commissary, and break-even.
Use the guide clusters when a calculator needs context.
Guides explain the assumptions behind the calculators: local rules, fixed costs, cost ranges, and where the numbers usually break.
See all guide clustersStartup cost
Vehicle, equipment, rental, working capital, and launch budget comparisons.
Business plan
Lender-ready templates, financial projections, and launch assumptions.
Buy used
Used trucks, coffee carts, pizza trucks, inspections, and buyer checklists.
Permits and licenses
Health permits, city approvals, fire inspections, and city-by-city costs.
Insurance and commissary
Coverage, kitchen rental, recurring overhead, and hidden fixed costs.
Profit and pricing
Menu pricing, monthly profit, break-even targets, and margin planning.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions from first-time mobile food founders, answered with real operator data.
How much does it cost to start a food truck?
A typical food truck startup costs $50,000–$150,000, depending on whether you buy used or new build. Used trucks range $15,000–$60,000, while custom builds can reach $175,000+. Add equipment ($15,000–$40,000), permits ($2,000–$10,000+ depending on city), insurance ($3,000–$7,000/yr), and initial inventory ($2,000–$5,000) for the full picture.
What is a good food truck profit margin?
A healthy food truck net profit margin is 15–25%, with top operators reaching 25–35%. Gross margin (after food cost only) is much higher at 65–70%, but don't confuse the two — net margin after labor, overhead, permits, and fees is the number that actually matters for take-home pay.
How long does it take for a food truck to break even?
Most food trucks reach break-even in 3–9 months, depending on startup cost, daily volume, and average ticket. Trucks with lower startup costs (carts, hot dogs) can break even in 2–3 months, while higher-investment concepts like BBQ or pizza trucks typically take 6–12 months.
What food truck makes the most money?
By margin, coffee and pizza trucks tend to lead at 25–35% net. By absolute monthly profit, taco trucks and BBQ trucks in high-traffic areas can net $8,000–$15,000+ during peak season. But the highest-earning concept isn't one-size-fits-all — it depends on your local market, competition, and available locations.
Do I need a commissary kitchen for a food truck?
In most U.S. cities, yes — health departments require mobile food vendors to use a licensed commissary for food prep, storage, and waste disposal. Commissary costs range $400–$1,500/month depending on the city and what's included. Some cities allow private home kitchens under cottage food laws, but those usually limit revenue and menu scope.
What permits do I need for a food truck?
At minimum you'll need a business license, health department permit, and fire inspection (if you cook with grease or open flame). Many cities also require a mobile vending permit, commissary agreement, vehicle inspection, and seller's permit. Total permit costs range $1,000 in small cities to $15,000+ in places like NYC or San Francisco.