Food Truck Startup Cost Comparison

Trenton, NJ vs Houston, TX

Trenton, NJ

$62,000 - $236,000

COL Index: 100.8

VS

Houston, TX

$61,000 - $226,000

COL Index: 96.5

Detailed Cost Comparison

Expense Trenton, NJ Houston, TX Difference
Business Registration & Licenses
$5,400 - $26,200 $1,900 - $6,200 +290%
Food Truck Vehicle
$30,000 - $120,000 $30,000 - $120,000 Same
Kitchen Equipment
$10,000 - $40,000 $10,000 - $40,000 Same
Initial Food Inventory
$1,500 - $5,000 $1,500 - $5,000 Same
Commissary Kitchen (Annual)
$4,700 - $14,100 $8,200 - $24,700 -43%
Business & Vehicle Insurance (Annual)
$3,000 - $8,000 $3,000 - $8,000 Same
Marketing & Branding
$2,000 - $8,000 $2,000 - $8,000 Same
Working Capital (3 Months)
$5,000 - $15,100 $4,800 - $14,500 +4%
Total Estimated Cost $62,000 - $236,000 $61,000 - $226,000 +4%

Local Market Factors

Factor Trenton Houston
Cost of Living Index 100.8 96.5
Commercial Rent ($/sqft/yr) $12 - $24 $18 - $45
Labor Rate Index 0.98 0.92
Sales Tax 6.625% 8.25%
Minimum Wage $15.49/hr $7.25/hr
LLC Filing Fee $125 $300

Ready to Start Your Food Truck?

Start your Food Truck LLC in โ€” free registered agent for 1 year.

Form Your LLC for $0 + State Fee โ†’

Trusted by 500,000+ businesses ยท Excellent rating on Trustpilot

Start Your LLC โ€” $0 + State Fee