How Much Does It Cost to Start a Coffee Truck? (2026)

Coffee is one of those things that always sells regardless of where, when, and how it’s served. A coffee truck is a great way to dip your toes into the business without having to invest so much upfront.

Of course, it’s still prudent for business operators to ask: How much does it cost to start a coffee truck? The lowest possible amount you can expect to pay is $60,000 for basic setup and equipment. The actual number comes down to your build, your menu, and how much you’re willing to DIY.

Before you go ahead and execute your mobile coffee shop idea, let’s discuss the real startup costs, the factors that affect them, and how soon you can get a return on your investment.

 

Coffee truck startup costs

The amount you need to start your mobile coffee shop involves expenses, such as the cost of the truck, equipment, initial inventory, labor, and tools. Understanding where your money goes is crucial for long-term business success.

Leasing or purchasing your own coffee truck

A brand-new, custom-fitted coffee truck typically costs between $90,000 and $150,000. These trucks are built to spec, so everything from plumbing and electrical systems to integrated menu boards and high-end espresso machines is included. You’ll pay more up front, but these trucks are often reliable and turnkey.

You can save a lot more with used trucks, which range from $30,000 to $80,000. Take note, though, that you’ll want to prepare at least $10,000 for mechanical repairs and an updated paint job.

In rare cases, you can score a free or ultra-cheap trailer, like your granddad’s old camper, and refit it for your own coffee truck. But expect to spend up to $25,000 on safety upgrades, branding, and kitchen fit‑out. It takes sweat equity, and you’ll need mechanical or electrical know-how for compliance.

No matter which path you pick, always plan for inspection, permitting, and maintenance. Even new trucks should be checked. Plumbing, fire suppression, and brake systems can all fail and cost a few thousand dollars to fix. Used trucks might need chassis work or emissions upgrades before they pass inspection.

On top of your truck budget, expect to spend an extra $10,000 to $30,000 customizing your mobile cafe. That covers branding, like exterior vinyl wraps or paint jobs. Plus, you still have to set up a professional espresso machine, grinder, refrigerated prep area, and shelving.

Coffee equipment and supplies

Once you have your truck, the next big chunk of business startup costs goes into the tools you’ll need to serve great coffee. This is another factor that affects coffee shop profitability.

A solid commercial espresso machine is the heart of your coffee truck. Compact, one-group machines run around $3,000 to $7,000, while larger machines for producing lots of coffee cost $10,000 and up. Specialty models (like La Marzocco or Slayer) can go over $20,000.

Next, commercial grinders range from $500 for basic models to $1,000 or $2,000 for heavy-duty or doserless versions suited for high volume.

You’ll also need refrigeration to keep milk, creamers, and fresh ingredients cold, and to meet health codes. A compact commercial fridge will run around $1,000 to $4,000.

It’s important to invest in a water filtration system for consistent taste and to help your machines last longer. A good-quality filtration setup (with carbon or reverse osmosis) costs $150 to $500.

Additionally, you’ll need a generator to power your coffee truck when you’re not connected to shore power. The price ranges between $500 and $3,000, with the power output and size affecting the exact cost.

You’ll want a model that can handle your espresso machine, refrigeration, lighting, and other electrical equipment without frequent shutdowns or voltage fluctuations. Consider fuel efficiency, noise levels, and durability when selecting your generator, since it can affect customer experience.

Business licenses and permits

Before you can serve coffee on wheels, you need the right food truck licenses and permits. First, you need a general business license, which lets your coffee truck operate in a city or county.

Some small towns charge $15 upfront, while larger cities might ask for $500 or more. Prices can change based on your revenue and whether you’re adding alcohol or extended hours, so do your homework.

There are also some states that don’t ask for a general business license. Getting a food truck license in Texas requires a sales tax permit, which is free.

You also have to get a permit from your local health department to make sure your food prep meets safety standards. Fees depend on menu size and risk level. Simple setups (like pre-packaged drinks) often run around $100, while full mobile cafés can pay up to $1,000 annually.

Your truck needs authorization to sell in public areas. Fees are similar to health permits. Low-risk zones may charge around $100 per year, but busy city spots can reach $1,000 or more.

Some cities charge monthly or event-based parking fees. Big markets, like California, might ask for $200 to $1,000 per month per parking zone. Budget for those if you plan to park daily in high-traffic areas.

Insurance

Taking care of your investment means covering your coffee truck with the right insurance. Vehicle insurance protects your car on the road. Expect to pay around $175 per month, or about $2,100 annually, for a commercial auto policy with liability and damage protection. Prices vary based on driving history, vehicle value, and mileage.

You also need liability coverage for property damage, accidents, and injuries, like a customer tripping over a cord or a spill. On average, you can expect to pay $44 per month or $528 yearly.

Property or equipment insurance covers your espresso machine, fridge, POS equipment, and more in case of theft, fire, or damage while parked. A basic business owner’s policy bundles this with liability coverage for $85 per month or $300 to $1,800 annually.

Any employee who works in your truck needs workers’ compensation insurance. Rates depend on payroll and risk. The average start cost is about $30 per month per employee. If you have a few team members, this can add up to $300 to $500 per month.

Plan for $3,000 to $6,000 per year in total insurance costs, depending on your business and coverage choices.

Menu and initial inventory

Having the right menu costing strategy is one of the best ways to manage your startup costs and protect your profit in your coffee truck business. When you price well, you make every dollar count for your business.

Be sure you’re pricing hot drinks, lattes, and specialty options to cover your ingredient costs and still make money. The average markup on coffee is around 80%. This means if coffee costs you $1 to make, you’d sell it for $1.80. For specialty drinks like a caramel macchiato, which requires more ingredients, you might markup closer to 90% to 100%.

Next, consider your initial inventory. You’ll need:

• Quality coffee beans
• Tea (bags or loose leaf)
• Hot chocolate milk or cocoa powder
• Milk and creamers
• Syrups and flavorings
• Cups, lids, sleeves, napkins, stirrers
• Cleaning and sanitation supplies

Set a budget of $5,000 for your first month. However, the amount can still go up if you want premium ingredients or need more variety.

Branding and marketing

Aside from being a mobile espresso bar, make the most of your coffee truck’s exterior for branding and marketing. This can come with additional business startup costs, though.

A custom vinyl wrap shows your brand on the move. Full wraps typically cost $2,500 to $5,000, while a partial wrap or logo placement can be lower at $1,000 to $3,000.

Next, consider your digital presence. With a simple but polished site, you can have a place to share your schedule, menu, and booking options. Basic sites start at $500, but if you add features like online ordering or event calendars, expect to pay as much as $5,000 for web development and hosting.

Plan to spend 3% to 6% of your projected revenue on marketing. For trucks, that’s around $300 to $600 monthly if you aim for $10,000 in sales. A grand opening at a busy location builds buzz and gives you a lot of content that you can post on Instagram or Facebook, even weeks after your business launch.

You can also team up with nearby offices, events, or gyms to get your truck noticed. Many partners let you park or cater for free in exchange for exposure rather than paying upfront.

Another marketing idea you can use is a loyalty punch card or digital app that rewards customers for repeated visits. This digital or physical card can track purchases and offer incentives like a free drink after every 10 purchases.

POS and other tools

When you start a coffee truck, you’ll need more than just a great espresso machine. A reliable POS system and a few smart tools can save money, cut wait times, and boost sales, especially during busy shifts.

POS software can cost from $49 to $129 per month. Hardware typically requires one-time payments for tablets or registers, receipt printers, barcode scanners, and card readers. This costs between $100 to over $2,000, depending on your setup.

Another information system you’ll need is a mobile inventory tracking app. These digital solutions help you monitor stock levels in real-time, preventing unexpected shortages during peak hours. Some POS systems integrate inventory tracking into their features.

Accounting software, like QuickBooks Online, Xero, and FreshBooks, can help you manage your financial records efficiently. Some have free tiers, while others have basic tiers that start at $15 to $59 per month.

Route optimization tools are also useful for business owners who cater to events, have multiple stops, or have several coffee trucks. The average monthly subscription costs around $700 per month for 10 drivers.

Staffing and payroll

According to our restaurant labor costs playbook, employee wages typically take up 20% to 30% of revenue. Most coffee trucks operate with two to three key roles: a barista, who prepares espresso drinks; a driver or operator, who parks the truck and helps out; and sometimes a cashier, especially during peak hours.

You can cross-train staff to save money. For instance, finding a barista who also knows how to drive can reduce your staffing costs.

Baristas typically earn $10 to $17 per hour, depending on location and experience. Drivers or operators might earn more, often averaging $27 per hour, if a commercial license is required.

Make sure to use restaurant payroll software that integrates with your POS system and can handle direct deposit, tax calculations, and scheduling. By automating payroll tasks, you’ll save time and reduce errors.

Recurring operating costs

Running your coffee truck means budgeting for monthly business expenses, like fuel, inventory, utilities, and parking fees, that keep everything moving smoothly.

Your truck’s driving costs depend on daily routes and when gas prices change. Most coffee truck business owners spend about $500 to $1,000 per month on fuel. If your truck gets 10 to 12 mpg and you drive 1,000 miles monthly, you’re looking at around $500 at $3.50 per gallon.

You’ll also need to replenish coffee beans, milk, syrups, and disposables like cups and lids every month. Budget around $750 to $1,500 based on your menu and sales volume.

Your truck needs electricity, water, and internet to run smoothly. These add up to $150 to $400 per month. If you park in event zones or busy streets, fees can apply. Budget around $500 to $1,500 for urban areas.

Lastly, maintenance is a must, from oil changes to espresso-machine tune-ups. Set aside $200 to $500 per month for repairs and upkeep.

What’s the minimum amount of money needed to start a coffee truck?

For a compliant, street-ready mobile café that meets health, fire, and POS requirements, count on $60,000. That covers a used or refurbished truck, a solid espresso machine, required licenses, basic branding, and essential tools.

Take note, though, that a barebones setup means sacrificing certain upgrades. You’ll have limited customization, which might not grab customers’ attention right away. You may also experience hiccups in production with mid-tier or secondhand equipment.

Regardless of your budget, make sure to stay compliant with the health and safety departments in your local area. A failed fire or sanitation check could shut down your service.

Additionally, make sure you invest in reliable business tools. This way, you can focus on serving quality coffee and building a strong customer base.

When can I expect ROI after opening a coffee truck?

Most food trucks recoup their startup costs within six to 12 months. If you invest $50,000 initially and bring in $6,000 to $9,000 in monthly revenue, you’re likely to break even by year one to year-and-a-half after launch as foot traffic grows steadily.

Your location plays a big role in how profitable your coffee truck business will be. Busy spots like offices or farmers’ markets can help you pull in hundreds of customers daily. Pricing your coffee at $6 and having 100 customers per day makes $18,000 a month, allowing you to get an ROI quickly.

Additionally, your menu pricing strategy will also determine your ROI timeline. Following the average markup of 80% paves the way for healthy profits. For instance, if your latte costs $1.20 and sells for $2 or $3, you’ll be on your way to getting back your capital.

Get ready to roll

Starting a coffee truck is a flexible and low-cost way to enter the coffee business, but it still requires serious planning and budgeting. Depending on your setup, your startup costs could range from $30,000 to over $150,000.

Your biggest expenses will likely be the truck itself, your equipment, and staffing. That said, smart menu pricing, location strategy, and efficient operations can help you reach profitability in under two years.

Use mobile coffee shop scheduling software to control labor costs and keep your crew organized, no matter where you’re parked. This way, you can focus on providing exceptional coffee and service to your customers, growing your business to reach breakeven and ROI sooner.

FAQ

Is a coffee truck profitable?

Yes, a coffee truck can be very profitable if you manage your costs and operations well. With low overhead compared to a brick-and-mortar café, many coffee truck business owners see healthy margins.

The average profit margin ranges from 10% to 20%, depending on your pricing strategy, ingredient sourcing, and labor efficiency. If you’re selling 100 drinks per day at $5 each, that’s $500 daily revenue. Over 25 workdays, that’s $12,500 per month, more than enough to cover expenses and generate profit.

Is it expensive to start a coffee shop?

Traditional coffee shop opening costs require real estate leases, renovation, utilities, and furniture, which can push investments above $400,000. On the other hand, you can start a coffee truck at around $60,000 and work your way to the top, getting your foot in the door of this type of business.

Can I start a coffee shop with 50k?

Yes, you can start a coffee business, specifically a coffee truck, with $50,000 to $60,000, especially if you’re buying a used truck or coffee trailer. If you’re on a tight budget, look for vehicles that have already been used as a coffee truck. These often come with the right layout and may have essential equipment like a compact espresso machine, grinder, and fridge.

How much do coffee trucks cost?

A new, fully outfitted coffee truck can cost between $90,000 and $150,000. These custom builds often include plumbing, electricity, built-in menu boards, and top-tier equipment. Used coffee trucks cost significantly less, anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000. Be sure to plan for repairs and upgrades like a paint job, fire suppression systems, or refrigeration to keep the business running smoothly.