How Much Does a Burger Food Truck Cost in Australia? (Full 2026 Breakdown)
If you’re thinking about entering the Australian street food market, one question is on every buyer’s mind:
“How much will it actually cost to buy a burger food truck?”
The answer depends on:
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Vehicle type: trailer vs truck
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New vs used
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Kitchen equipment quality
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Compliance requirements
Let’s break down every expense you need to know in 2026, so you can plan your budget accurately and avoid costly surprises.
1️⃣ Vehicle Costs: Trailer vs Truck
Your first decision is vehicle type. It drastically affects upfront cost.
A. Food Truck (Self-Contained Vehicle)
| Type | Price Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Small truck | $70,000 – $90,000 |
| Medium truck | $90,000 – $120,000 |
| Large premium truck | $120,000 – $150,000 |
Pros:
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Self-contained
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No towing required
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Good resale value
Cons:
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Higher purchase price
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Engine maintenance
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Registration and insurance more expensive
B. Food Trailer (Towable Unit)
| Size / Build | Price Range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Basic trailer | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Mid-range custom trailer | $8,000 – $25,000 |
| Premium custom trailer | $15,000 – $35,000 |
Pros:
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Lower upfront cost
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Easier maintenance
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No engine depreciation
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Can tow with existing vehicle
Cons:
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Requires towing vehicle
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Slightly slower setup at events
Trend in 2026: Many first-time operators choose trailers due to lower initial investment and flexibility.
2️⃣ New vs Used: Is It Worth Saving?
Buying used seems cheaper but has hidden costs:
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Older electrical systems → may fail inspection
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Rust, leaks, or worn chassis
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Limited layout flexibility
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Outdated gas systems → recertification required
Used food trucks in Australia:
$35,000 – $90,000 depending on condition
New custom trailers (ZZKNOWN):
$25,000 – $55,000 fully equipped, compliant, and layout optimized
Key takeaway: Sometimes new trailers cost less than used trucks after upgrades and compliance fixes.
3️⃣ Kitchen Equipment Costs
Your menu defines your equipment. Typical burger setup:
| Equipment | Price (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Flat top grill | $800 – $2,000 |
| Deep fryer | $600 – $1,500 |
| Underbench fridge | $800 – $2,000 |
| Double sink system | $500 – $1,200 |
| Hand wash basin | $200 – $500 |
| Exhaust hood | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| LPG installation | $800 – $1,500 |
| Fire suppression system | $500 – $1,000 |
Total: $5,000 – $12,000 AUD
Tip: Custom-built trailers from ZZKNOWN integrate all equipment during production, saving money and avoiding retrofits.
4️⃣ Licensing & Compliance Costs in Australia
Australia has strict food truck regulations under FSANZ and local councils:
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Food business registration: $200 – $1,000
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Mobile vendor permit: $300 – $2,000 per year
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Gas certification: $150 – $300
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Electrical compliance: $100 – $300
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Fire extinguisher / suppression inspection: $100 – $250
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Insurance (public liability & trailer insurance): $800 – $2,000
Total compliance & insurance budget: $1,500 – $5,000 AUD
Failing compliance can cost thousands in fines and retrofitting.
5️⃣ Branding & Marketing Costs
A strong brand helps your truck stand out:
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Exterior signage / vinyl wrap: $1,500 – $3,000
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Menu boards & POS signage: $200 – $500
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Social media & website: $500 – $1,500
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Launch event / promotions: $500 – $1,000
Total marketing budget: $2,500 – $6,000 AUD
6️⃣ Working Capital
Essential to cover:
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Ingredients
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Fuel & LPG
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Staff wages
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Event fees
Recommended reserve: $5,000 – $15,000 AUD (first 2–3 months)
7️⃣ Total 2026 Startup Cost Summary
| Category | Budget (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Vehicle / Trailer | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Equipment | $2,000 – $12,000 |
| Licensing & Compliance | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Branding & Marketing | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Working Capital | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Total Estimated Budget | $40,000 – $188,000 |
Key insight: Trailer-based setups are more budget-friendly for first-time operators.
8️⃣ ROI: How Fast Can You Recoup Costs?
Example scenario (Australia 2026):
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Average burger price: $14 – $18
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Weekend sales: 200 – 400 burgers
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Weekend revenue: $3,000 – $7,000
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Average weekly operating revenue: $6,000 – $12,000
Break-even: 6–12 months for a well-run trailer setup.
Higher sales possible at festivals or high foot traffic areas.
9️⃣ Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping council compliance
❌ Ignoring ventilation or fire safety
❌ Overcomplicating menu
❌ Buying used without inspection
❌ Underestimating insurance costs
🔟 Why Choose ZZKNOWN for Your Australian Food Trailer
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Custom layout for burger menu
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Stainless steel commercial kitchen
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Gas & electrical compliant
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CE-certified systems
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2D/3D pre-build approval
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Export experience to Australia
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25–30 working day production
Build it right once — avoid costly mistakes.
Ready to Estimate Your Budget?
Thinking of buying a burger food trailer or truck in Australia?
👉 Contact ZZKNOWN for a detailed quote, layout design, and full 2026 cost breakdown tailored for Australian regulations.
