Startup Cost Calculator
Pick a business type to see what it typically costs to open. Every line has a low and high estimate and a source; with JavaScript on, drag each line to match your plans.
Vending Machines: estimated startup costs
Assumes: A small route of 2 to 3 snack or drink machines, from 2 used machines at the low end to 3 new combo machines at the high end, each with a card reader. Austin, Texas is used as the permit example.
| Cost line | Low | High | Your estimate | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vending machines (2 to 3)Vending.com prices. Low: 2 used machines at $3,000 each. High: 3 new combo machines at $8,600 each. | $6,000 | $25,800 | Vending.com | |
| Card reader and bill/coin upgradeVending.com example of $590 per machine for a credit card reader plus coins and bills upgrade, times 2 or 3 machines. | $1,180 | $1,770 | Vending.com | |
| Delivery and setupVending.com range of $300 to $1,000+ per machine, times 2 or 3 machines. | $600 | $3,000 | Vending.com | |
| Initial inventoryVending.com planning range of $300 to $1,500+ per machine, times 2 or 3 machines. | $600 | $4,500 | Vending.com | |
| Vending machine permitsExample: City of Austin, $120 application fee plus $25 per machine, for 2 or 3 machines. | $170 | $195 | City of Austin, Austin Public Health | |
| Business insurance, first yearInsureon median annual premiums for vending machine operators. Low: general liability. High: business owner's policy. | $450 | $705 | Insureonest. | |
| Total | $9,000 | $35,970 |
These are estimates for planning only, not financial advice. Real costs depend on your city, your suppliers and the choices you make. Get quotes before you commit money.
Startup cost ranges at a glance
| Business | Category | Low | High | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Food Truck | Food & Drink | $46,906 | $89,503 | November 2026 |
| Coffee Shop | Food & Drink | $22,332 | $87,967 | November 2026 |
| Cleaning Business | Home Services | $2,046 | $2,690 | November 2026 |
| Landscaping Business | Home Services | $7,406 | $8,001 | November 2026 |
| Lawn Care Business | Home Services | $9,239 | $14,104 | November 2026 |
| Dropshipping Store | Online | $1,308 | $4,118 | November 2026 |
| Vending Machines | Retail | $9,000 | $35,970 | November 2026 |
| Clothing Brand | Creative | $1,664 | $4,631 | November 2026 |
| Photography Business | Creative | $4,088 | $6,299 | November 2026 |
How we build these estimates
- Each business is broken into the costs you pay before opening day. Every line has its own source, listed in the table.
- We prefer government sources (fees, wages) and published list prices. Where neither exists we use an established industry publisher's estimate and mark it "est.". Lines we cannot source are left out rather than guessed.
- Totals are the sum of the lines, so the low total assumes the cheapest choice on every line and the high total the most expensive.
- Figures are national. Rent, wages and permit fees vary a lot by city; we do not adjust for location yet.
Spotted a number that looks wrong? Tell us. See our editorial policy.