Food trucks have a reputation as the affordable way into the food business. There’s no dining room, the crew is small, and you can go wherever the crowds are.
That’s mostly true. But you’re still building a commercial kitchen, just one with wheels. And building one is a real investment. So how much does a food truck cost?
At Titan Trucks Manufacturing in Columbus, Ohio, we’ve been building custom food trucks and concession trailers since 2014. Here’s what goes into the price, and what to plan for before you start.
How much does a food truck cost to build?
Every build is custom, so the honest answer is that it depends on your menu. Still, most of our builds land in a fairly tight range:
| Build Type | Typical Price | What You Get |
| Food Truck | $65,000 to $67,000 | Fully equipped for cooking, electrical and gas lines included |
| Food Trailer | $46,000 to $52,000 | The same kitchen setup, without the engine or cab |
Those prices are for a finished, working kitchen, not a shell you still have to outfit.
Should you buy a truck or a trailer?
Trailers generally run about $12,000 less than a truck with a similar setup. The tradeoff is convenience. A truck is one vehicle you can park and open, while a trailer needs something to tow it.
Some buyers want a truck on a brand-new chassis. That’s an option too, but it pushes the price up.
What affects the cost of food trucks the most?
Two trucks can be the same length and still have very different price tags. The biggest differences usually come down to a few things.
Kitchen equipment
Kitchen equipment is usually where you’ll see the biggest swing in price. A bakery truck and a pizza truck need different ovens, refrigeration and prep space, so the price follows the equipment. It’s why every quote we write starts with your menu.
Size and layout
A longer box holds more equipment and more people. It also takes more materials and labor to build.
Plumbing, gas and electrical
Sinks, outlets, propane tanks and gas lines all have to match what you’re cooking and pass inspection.
Finishes and custom extras
Counters, shelving, serving windows and doors add up. So do popular add-ons like exterior LED lighting and outside TVs.
Local codes
Where you operate matters too. Fire suppression is mandatory in Ohio and adds around $4,000 to a build, while some states don’t require it. Health permit and fire code items add roughly $400 more.
What’s included in the price?
Our trucks and trailers leave the shop code ready, so you can move on to getting your permits. A standard build includes:
- Hood, plus fire suppression if your setup needs it
- Hand wash sink
- Outlets, propane tanks and gas lines
- Tables and shelves
- Windows and doors
What isn’t included
Two things catch first-time buyers off guard. Builds don’t come with a wrap, and most trucks don’t come with a generator. Most owners use a third party for both, but we can roll them into your quote if you’d rather.
How to compare quotes
You’ll probably find a quote that’s lower than ours, and sometimes another builder really is just cheaper. Before you sign, check two things:
- Where it’s built. Our trailers are built here in the United States. A lot of low-priced ones aren’t.
- What’s inside. A lower number often means lower-grade cooking equipment.
Prices run the other way too. Some builders charge well over $200,000 for trucks on new chassis with top-of-the-line equipment. We sit in the moderate range on purpose.
How much does it cost to start a food truck business?
The build is the biggest check you’ll write, but it isn’t the only one.
Financing your build
We’re not a buy here, pay here shop. We work with third-party lenders, and SBA loans are a common route. Check with your own bank or credit union first, since they’ll often give you a better rate. If that doesn’t pan out, we can connect you with ours.
Costs are spelled out early. You get a quote, then a contract that lays out the terms, before we start on layout and drawings. We send photos during the build, you pick it up in person, and if there’s a problem with plumbing or components, we fix it for free.
What else to budget for
Beyond the build itself, leave room for:
- A wrap and branding
- A generator
- Permits
- Your first food order
Don’t skip the practice run
The costliest mistake we see has nothing to do with the truck. Get your permits, then do a few friends-and-family events. You’ll learn your process, find out what people actually order, and start building a following before opening day.
Get a real number for your build
The short answer? Your menu will tell us a lot about what your truck is going to cost.
Call Titan Trucks Manufacturing at 614-910-2524 or stop by 2443 Scioto Harper Drive in Columbus, tell us about your menu, and we’ll give you a straight quote.
