How Much Does It Cost to Open a Restaurant / Food Truck in Denver, CO? (2026)
Estimated startup costs adjusted for Denver's cost of living (112.0% of national average).
First-Year Total (Mid)
$313,824
Range: $143,472 – $643,328
One-Time Costs (Mid)
$104,160
Range: $38,640 – $224,000
Monthly Costs (Mid)
$17,472/mo
Range: $8,736 – $34,944
One-Time Startup Costs
Upfront investment needed to open
| Expense | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | $22,400 | $56,000 | $112,000 |
| Initial Inventory | $3,360 | $8,960 | $16,800 |
| Licenses & Permits | $1,120 | $3,360 | $5,600 |
| POS System | $560 | $2,240 | $5,600 |
| Renovations | $11,200 | $33,600 | $84,000 |
| Total One-Time | $38,640 | $104,160 | $224,000 |
Monthly Operating Costs
Recurring expenses each month
| Expense | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food Costs | $5,600 | $11,200 | $22,400 |
| Insurance | $336 | $672 | $1,344 |
| Rent | $2,240 | $4,480 | $8,960 |
| Utilities | $560 | $1,120 | $2,240 |
| Total Monthly | $8,736 | $17,472 | $34,944 |
First-Year Budget Summary
| Category | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Time Startup Costs | $38,640 | $104,160 | $224,000 |
| Monthly Costs x 12 | $104,832 | $209,664 | $419,328 |
| Total First Year | $143,472 | $313,824 | $643,328 |
All estimates are adjusted for Denver's cost of living index (112.0). National average = 100. A higher index means higher costs.
About Denver, CO Business Costs
Denver, CO has a cost of living index of 112.0 (where 100 is the national average). This is above the national average. Expect to pay moderately more for rent, utilities, and supplies. Budget roughly 12% above national estimates.
The estimates above use national average startup costs for a restaurant / food truck, adjusted by the local cost of living factor (1.12x). Actual costs will vary based on your specific location within Denver, the size of your operation, and current market conditions.
Restaurant / Food Truck Startup Costs in Other Cities
Other Business Types in Denver, CO
Start a bakery, coffee shop, or cafe. Includes equipment, build-out, inventory, and ongoing operating costs.
Cleaning ServiceStart a residential or commercial cleaning business. Low startup costs with equipment, supplies, transportation, and marketing.
Consulting / Professional ServicesStart a consulting firm or professional services business. Low overhead with focus on expertise, marketing, and client acquisition.
E-Commerce / Online StoreLaunch an online store or e-commerce business. Covers platform costs, initial inventory, shipping setup, and digital marketing.
Gym / Fitness StudioOpen a gym, fitness studio, yoga studio, or CrossFit box. Covers equipment, space build-out, and operations.
Retail Store / BoutiqueStart a retail store, boutique, or shop. Includes fixtures, inventory, point-of-sale, and monthly operating costs.
Salon / BarbershopLaunch a hair salon, barbershop, or beauty studio. Includes stations, build-out, licensing, and supplies.
Need a More Detailed Estimate?
Use our interactive startup cost calculator to customize expenses for your specific situation.
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