Quick Answer:
Hiring a food truck for a catered event in the U.S. typically costs $500 to $1,500 total, or about $10–$25 per person. The exact price depends on your guest count, cuisine type, location, and the truck's minimum booking fee.
That is the fast version. Below is the full breakdown of what affects food truck rental cost, example prices by cuisine type, and simple tips to help you budget and save money.
What Affects Food Truck Rental Cost?
Food truck pricing is not one-size-fits-all. Here are the biggest factors that determine how much you will pay to book a food truck for your event.
1Cuisine Type
Some foods cost more to produce, either because of premium ingredients or longer prep times. That directly affects your per-person price.
- Lobster rolls, steak, sushi, and gourmet menus cost more
- Tacos, burgers, and pasta tend to be cheaper
- BBQ and wood-fired pizza usually sit in the middle
In general, the simpler the menu, the lower the price per person.
2Number of Guests
Your headcount is one of the biggest drivers of cost. Most food trucks charge on a per-person basis, usually in the $10–$25 per person range.
If you have a small event, your per-person cost can effectively be higher because you will still need to meet the truck's minimum booking fee.
3Event Duration
Food trucks typically serve guests for about 2–3 hours at private events. If you need them longer than that, they may charge:
- Additional hourly labor fees
- Extended service fees for late-night events
4Travel Distance
Many food trucks include a standard service radius in their pricing. If your venue is farther away, you may see:
- A flat travel fee
- Or a per-mile charge beyond a certain distance
5Popularity Of The Food Truck
Just like bands or DJs, some food trucks are more in demand than others. A truck with a big following, TV features, or a strong brand can often:
- Charge higher per-person rates
- Require a higher minimum fee
6Minimum Booking Fees
Almost all food trucks have a minimum booking fee to ensure the event is worth their time and costs. Common minimums are:
- $500–$1,500+ depending on the truck and menu
Even if your per-person math comes out lower, you will still be expected to pay at least the minimum booking amount.
7Add-Ons And Special Requests
Extras and customizations can increase your total food truck catering price:
- Custom or themed menus
- Decor or branding on the truck
- Extra sides, appetizers, or dessert service
- Vegan, gluten-free, or other specialty menus
Average Food Truck Prices For Events
Here are typical cost ranges for booking a food truck for different types of catered events in the U.S.
Small Events (25–50 Guests)
- •$12–$18 per person on average
- •Usually about $500–$1,000 total, driven by minimums
For very small groups, you will almost always be paying the minimum booking fee rather than a straight per-person calculation.
Weddings Or Larger Parties (75–150 Guests)
- •$15–$25 per person, depending on cuisine
- •Roughly $1,200–$3,000 total
Weddings often involve more premium menus and additional staff, which push prices higher but are still cheaper than traditional catering.
Corporate Lunches Or Medium Events
- •$13–$20 per person
- •Usually in the $800–$2,000 total range
Large Festivals Or Public Events
Pricing for large festivals or public events is highly customizable. Organizers might pay a flat fee, charge vendor fees, or cover a guaranteed minimum plus revenue share.
Common totals: $1,000–$5,000+
Food Truck Catering Prices By Cuisine Type
Another way to estimate your event food truck pricing is by looking at the type of cuisine you want to serve.
Taco Trucks
Typical range: $8–$15 per person
Often one of the most budget-friendly options. Tacos use relatively affordable ingredients and are easy to serve quickly, which helps keep costs down.
BBQ Trucks
Typical range: $15–$25 per person
Slow-cooked meats, ribs, brisket, and multiple sides make BBQ delicious, but also more expensive than simple street food.
Pizza Trucks
Typical range: $14–$24 per person
Wood-fired or gourmet pizza trucks often charge mid-range prices, especially if they use high-quality toppings and serve unlimited slices within a time window.
Burger And American Comfort Food Trucks
Typical range: $12–$20 per person
Classic burgers, sandwiches, and fries generally land in the middle of the pricing spectrum and are always crowd-pleasers.
Dessert Trucks (Ice Cream, Donuts, Sweets)
Typical range: $8–$20 per person
Common minimums: around $800+. Perfect as an add-on to a main food truck, but they still require a minimum guarantee.
Tips To Save Money When Booking A Food Truck
Here are a few easy ways to keep your costs under control.
Book Early
Popular trucks book out months in advance for weekends and wedding season. Booking early locks in your spot and sometimes your pricing.
Choose A Simple Menu
Reducing the number of menu options or choosing simpler dishes keeps your per-person price in check and speeds up service.
Keep The Service Window Short
If you can keep serving time to 2 hours instead of 4, you may reduce labor or overtime charges.
Pick A Local Truck
Choosing a truck that is based close to your venue can reduce or eliminate extra travel fees.
Max Out The Minimum Smartly
If you are paying a higher minimum fee, ask what you can include in that amount: extra sides, a simple dessert, or non-alcoholic drinks, for example.
Get Multiple Quotes
Always request quotes from two or three local food trucks with the same event details: date, time, location, guest count, and preferred cuisine. This gives you a clear picture of the going rate in your area and what is included.
Final Answer: How Much Does A Food Truck Cost?
For most catered events in the United States, here is what you can safely plan for:
- ✓$10–$25 per person on average
- ✓$500–$1,500 minimum booking fee for the truck to come out
- ✓Higher totals for large events, premium cuisines, or multiple trucks
Food trucks are one of the most fun, flexible, and surprisingly affordable catering options for birthdays, weddings, corporate events, and neighborhood parties. With a clear guest count and the right truck, you can serve amazing food without blowing your budget.