What Does It Cost to Rent a Food Truck in the USA? An In-Depth Guide

Posted on 07/29/2025 by FTB

Food trucks have transformed the way Americans celebrate, gather, and even do business. But before you roll out this crowd-pleasing catering option at your own event, there’s one big question on everyone’s mind:What does it really cost to rent a food truck?Whether you’re planning a backyard bash, a corporate meeting, or want to test-drive your own food truck concept, understanding current prices is the key to making your event a hit.

Food Truck Rental Costs: The Big Picture

The price to rent a food truck in the USA covers a wide range, but here’s what you can expect in 2025:

Private/Corporate Event Catering:When it comes to renting a food truck for your event, the overall cost will largely depend on factors such as the type of cuisine you choose, your location, and the complexity of the menu. Typically, the price per person for food truck catering in the USA ranges from $10 to $25. This means that the specific flavors and service style you select can significantly influence your final price.Most food trucks also implement a minimum spending requirement to ensure that their operating costs are covered, regardless of how many guests attend. Across the country, these minimums usually fall between $800 and $2,500 per event. It’s important for organizers to understand that this baseline charge may apply even if the actual guest list would add up to a smaller total on a per-person basis.For smaller gatherings, especially those with fewer than 50 guests, you can generally expect to pay near the lower end of these minimums. In these cases, the total cost to hire a food truck usually falls within a range of $500 to $1,300, making it a feasible and memorable catering option for intimate parties or casual get-togethers.
- Popular menu examples:
  - Lobster/specialty: $35–$45/person
    Dessert/Ice Cream: $8–$20/person
  - Burgers, BBQ, Pizza: $15–$25/person
  - Tacos: $10–$15/person
Monthly/Long-Term Rentals (for food entrepreneurs):
- Monthly base rental:$2,000–$3,000/month (plus up-front security deposit of 1–3 months' rent, and insurance).
- Short-term leases:Less common and usually more expensive per day.
Extras to consider:
- Travel fees (for events outside a truck’s normal area)
- Extra hours of service
- Added options like drinks, desserts, or custom branding
Factors That Affect the Price

Several key factors influence the cost of renting a food truck for your event. First, the type of cuisine plays a big rol, premium options like lobster or sushi cost more than simpler menus such as tacos or burgers. Next, while larger guest counts often mean a lower price per person, most trucks require a minimum total fee to cover their costs.

Location and timing also affect prices; events in cities, on weekends, or during peak seasons usually cost more, especially if travel fees apply. Finally, standard service lasts about two to three hours, and extra hours will increase the overall fee. Understanding these factors helps you better estimate your food truck catering costs.
How the Process Works (Step-by-Step)
1. Choose Your Food & Guest Count:Decide on type of food, any dietary needs, and how many people you’re feeding.
2. Compare and Contact Trucks:Browse by cuisine and region on FoodtruckBooking.com to see profiles, reviews, and price ranges.
3. Request a Quote:Most food trucks require basic event info for an exact price.
  See minimums, per-person pricing, and what’s included (setup, cleanup, utensils, etc.).
4. Finalize Details:Confirm service length, menu, headcount, any added costs, and reservation policy.
5. Book & Enjoy:Secure with a deposit and finalize the menu at least a week before your event.
For an even deeper look at the process and tips for seamless booking, see the full Food Truck Catering Guide
Ready for Unforgettable Food? Make Your Move!

Practical Tips for Getting the Best Value
- Book early!Top trucks can fill their calendar months in advance.
- Be flexible:Some trucks offer discounts for weekdays or off-peak seasons.
- Understand the “minimum fee”:If you have a small guest list, make sure the truck’s minimum works for you.
- Clarify all costs up front:Ask if the quote includes travel, gratuity, tax, and extras.
Food truck catering lets you serve hot, made-to-order meals and make your event stand out. Whatever your budget, there’s a delicious deal just waiting to be found.

Take the first step—discover food truck options, get instant quotes, and book with confidence at FoodtruckBooking.com. Start now and transform your next event!