Cost to rent a food truck for a party or event
Cost to rent a food truck for a party or event
$10 – $25 Average cost per person
$400 – $2,000 Minimum cost to rent
Food truck rental cost
Food truck rental costs $10 to $25 per person for a party or event and $15 to $40 per person for a wedding, depending on if you hire the food truck on a weekday, weekend, or holiday. Popular food truck catering menu options include tacos, pizza, BBQ, and ice cream.
| Cuisine | Average cost per person | Rental minimum* |
|---|---|---|
| Taco truck catering | $10 – $25 | $400 – $1,200 |
| Pizza truck catering | $15 – $25 | $600 – $2,500 |
| Sandwich truck catering | $15 – $25 | $700 – $2,100 |
| BBQ truck catering | $15 – $25 | $900 – $1,600 |
| Burger truck catering | $10 – $20 | $550 – $2,100 |
| Lobster truck catering | $20 – $40 | $500 – $3,500 |
| Ice cream truck catering | $5 – $10 | $400 – $900 |
| Beverage truck catering | $10 – $25 | $400 – $3,000 |
*Per 100 guests. **Cost data is from research and project costs reported by Fash members.
Cost of renting a food truck for a party or event
| People | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| 50 or less | $500 – $1,300 |
| 60 | $600 – $1,500 |
| 70 | $700 – $1,800 |
| 100 | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| 150 | $1,500 – $3,800 |
| 200 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| 250 | $2,500 – $6,300 |
| 300 | $3,000 – $7,500 |
| 400 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
The following factors affect the rental cost:
Food type – Taco, burger, and ice cream trucks cost less on average than other cuisines. Pricing for a lobster food truck depends on current market rates.
Number of eaters – A typical food truck serves 60 to 100 guests per hour. Large events are priced at the higher end of the range.
Extras – Most food trucks charge $1 to $5 per guest for extras such as non-alcoholic drinks, dessert, or additional sides.
Time and day – Events on weekends, holidays, and late nights cost more than weekdays or off seasons.
Travel expenses – Food trucks typically include charges for gas or parking permits in the estimate. Travel fees may apply if the event is outside the truck’s usual service area.
Site requirements – Some venues charge food trucks to access water and electricity hookups.
Operations fee – Some trucks charge an operations fee to cover their overhead and fuel costs. Others roll this fee into their per-person pricing.
Gratuity – Some trucks include a gratuity fee for their staff in the estimate. If not, consider tipping 10% to 20% of the total price for excellent service.
Food truck for wedding cost
Renting a food truck for a wedding costs $15 to $40 per person or $1,000 to $4,000 total on average. Some food trucks provide dessert, alcohol, or DJ services for weddings for an added fee.
In comparison, traditional sit-down or buffet-style wedding catering costs $30 to $200 per guest.
Food truck festival fees for large events
Food truck vendor fees cost $100 to $1,200 for festivals or large events. Inviting several food trucks and collecting a fee from them may save money, but the food truck owners may decline as the competition limits their profits.
Food truck catering cost alternatives
Food cart rental cost
Food cart rental costs $4 to $10 per person on average and is a cheaper alternative to food truck catering. Food carts can fit into smaller or more casual venues. Popular options include an ice cream, hot dog, or taco cart.
| Cuisine | Cost per person | Rental minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Hot dog or taco cart | $4 – $10 | $350 – $850 |
| Ice cream cart | $5 – $10 | $300 – $850 |
Traditional catering cost
Traditional catering costs $10 to $35 per person for basic party food or $30 to $150 per person for formal plated meals or a buffet, depending on the menu. Some caterers offer drop-off buffet options, which cost less than on-site food service.
How to find and hire a food truck rental
Before hiring a food truck rental for your event, be sure to:
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Read their reviews on Fash and Google.
Browse their portfolio or ask for references.
Get a detailed quote in writing.
Avoid choosing the lowest estimate as quality may suffer.
Never pay in full before the event.
Questions to ask
How long have you been in business?
How long do you need to set up?
Does the estimate include drinks, desserts, or cleanup?
What other fees can I expect?
Does the estimate include a gratuity?
Will you need a permit to park at the venue?
Will you need access to water or electric service from the venue?