Cost to rent a food truck for a party or event
Ashburn, VA

Cost to rent a food truck for a party or event

Ashburn, VA

Cost to rent a food truck for a party or event

$10 – $25Average cost per person
$400 – $2,000Minimum cost to rent

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$10 – $25 Average cost per person

$400 – $2,000 Minimum cost to rent


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Jennifer Carlson
Written by
Jennifer Carlson
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

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.

Food truck cost by cuisine
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.

Get free estimates from food truck catering near you.

Cost of renting a food truck for a party or event

Food truck rental cost
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

A food truck serving guests at an outdoor event.
A food truck serving guests at an outdoor event.

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.

Food cart cost
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?


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