How Much Will You Spend to Start a Food Truck in Delaware
Launching a food truck in Delaware requires a solid understanding of costs, including purchasing a truck, outfitting it with equipment, and obtaining the necessary permits. In cities like Wilmington and Dover, food trucks are increasingly popular at community events and local hotspots. Planning for expenses like commissary kitchens and insurance is key to setting up your business for success. This guide offers a detailed breakdown of costs to help you budget effectively and get your food truck rolling.
Truck or Trailer Costs
Low Estimate:
$35,000
High Estimate
$100,000
Additional Year One Start-up Costs
Low Estimate:
$10,000
High Estimate
$30,000
How Much Should You Budget for Marketing in Delaware
Making Smart Marketing Investments For Your Truck
• Affordable Online Setup: Launching a website using Wix or Squarespace costs as little as $15 to $25 per month. Adding professional-quality images of your menu items or truck can elevate your brand, with local photographers charging $100 to $300.
• Participate in Community Events: Events in Wilmington or Dover may require food truck entry fees between $50 and $400, depending on the size and audience. Being part of these events can generate valuable word-of-mouth promotion.
• Eye-Catching Details: Consider investing in decorative lighting for evening events, which costs $200 to $1,000, or uniforms for staff to present a professional and cohesive image.
How Much Should You Budget for Marketing in Delaware
Making Smart Marketing Investments For Your Truck
• Affordable Online Setup: Launching a website using Wix or Squarespace costs as little as $15 to $25 per month. Adding professional-quality images of your menu items or truck can elevate your brand, with local photographers charging $100 to $300.
• Participate in Community Events: Events in Wilmington or Dover may require food truck entry fees between $50 and $400, depending on the size and audience. Being part of these events can generate valuable word-of-mouth promotion.
• Eye-Catching Details: Consider investing in decorative lighting for evening events, which costs $200 to $1,000, or uniforms for staff to present a professional and cohesive image.
Often Forgotten Operational Costs in Delaware
When calculating the start-up costs for a food truck in Delaware, be sure to factor in health inspection fees, which typically range from $200–$500 annually, depending on county requirements. Commissary kitchen rental fees can cost $400–$1,200 monthly for food preparation and storage. Finally, event permit fees for local festivals and markets typically cost $50–$250 per event, adding up for food trucks that attend multiple events throughout the year.


Fast Track to Start a Food Truck Business in Delaware [2025 Bundle with Guides, Calculators and Full Business Plan]
Learn 10 Modules to Become a Top 1% Food Truck and Earn Six Figures
-
Your Path Your Pace
-
Step-by-Step Guidance
-
35+ Calculators, Templates, Checklists and Downloadable Guides
-
Marketing & Secrets to Repeat Customers
-
Lifetime Access to Resources and Updates
The True Cost of Food Truck Insurance in Delaware
Understanding the true cost of food truck insurance in Delaware starts with knowing what coverage you need to protect your business and comply with state regulations.
General Liability Insurance Purpose: Protects against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims arising from your food truck operations. Requirement: Not legally mandated in Delaware but highly recommended to safeguard your business. Estimated Cost: Approximately $300 to $700 annually for $1 million in coverage.
Commercial Auto Insurance Purpose: Covers your food truck vehicle in case of accidents, property damage, or bodily injury. Requirement: Mandatory in Delaware, with minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. Estimated Cost: Between $1,200 and $3,000 per year, depending on factors like vehicle type and driving history.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Purpose: Provides medical and wage benefits to employees injured on the job. Requirement: Mandatory in Delaware for businesses with one or more employees. Estimated Cost: Approximately $1,000 to $1,800 annually, varying based on payroll and job risk classifications.
Product Liability Insurance Purpose: Covers claims related to foodborne illnesses or allergic reactions caused by your products. Requirement: Not legally required but essential for food service businesses to mitigate potential lawsuits. Estimated Cost: Often included within general liability policies; additional coverage may cost between $100 and $300 annually.
Equipment Coverage Purpose: Protects your kitchen equipment against theft, damage, or loss. Requirement: Optional but advisable to protect valuable assets. Estimated Cost: Ranges from $200 to $500 annually, depending on the total value of the equipment insured.
How to Budget for Labor Costs When Starting a Food Truck in Delaware

How to Pay Yourself as a Food Truck Owner in Delaware
Delaware, known for its business-friendly laws, is a great place to form an LLC and launch a food truck. However, even with the advantages of a Delaware LLC, many owners make the mistake of not paying themselves, leading to financial strain. Whether you take a monthly owner’s draw or pay yourself hourly, budgeting for your salary ensures long-term sustainability. In Delaware’s growing food truck community, planning for your pay is just as important as budgeting for equipment and permits.

Fair Wages for Food Truck Employees: Delaware Pay Rate Guidelines
In Delaware, Delaware’s growing food truck market benefits from offering competitive wages. Look to fast-casual benchmarks like Chick-fil-A or Panera, which typically pay $16–$18 per hour. A flat starting rate builds team cohesion, with opportunities for raises based on performance or loyalty.

Understanding Payroll Taxes for Delaware Food Truck Owners
In Delaware, food truck entrepreneurs are responsible for federal payroll taxes, including Social Security, Medicare, and federal unemployment taxes (FUTA). Additionally, Delaware requires employers to withhold state income tax from employees' wages and to pay State Unemployment Insurance (SUI) taxes. New employers typically start with a SUI tax rate of 1.8% on the first $10,500 of each employee's wages, with rates adjusted annually based on the employer's experience rating. To comply, register with the IRS for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and with the Delaware Division of Revenue for state withholding and unemployment accounts. Budgeting for payroll taxes is crucial, as they can add approximately 10–15% to wage expenses. Utilizing payroll software or professional services can streamline compliance and ensure timely filings.
Budgeting for a Food Truck or Trailer in Delaware

Used Food Trucks and Trailers in Delaware:
Food Trucks: Pre-owned food trucks in Delaware typically range from $35,000 to $80,000, depending on age, condition, and equipment.
Food Trailers: Used food trailers in Delaware are generally priced between $20,000 and $50,000, based on size and amenities.
New Food Trucks and Trailers in Delaware:
Food Trucks: A new, fully equipped food truck in Delaware can cost between $85,000 and $175,000, depending on customization.
Food Trailers: New food trailers typically range from $45,000 to $95,000, influenced by size and specific build requirements.