What’s the Cost of Living in a Van per Month?

Introduction to Van Life

Embracing the lifestyle of ease and minimalism, van life enthusiasts are flocking to a new way of living, one that rides on four wheels. It’s an enticing concept, stirring awe in some and raising eyebrows in others. However, one common question that tends to circulate when talking about van life is about the cost of living in a van per month. How much does it truly cost to live in a van per month? Let’s delve into the numbers and discover what the reality behind this alternative lifestyle.

Initial Costs of Living in a Van

Buying the Van

Embarking on the van life journey begins with the purchase of your mobile home. The cost of this crucial initial step can vary significantly, depending largely on your choice of van model and its condition. For instance, you might find a sturdy, reliable, second-hand van for as low as $2,000. This could be an older model that may require a bit of TLC but is still well-suited to the open road.

On the other hand, if you’re eyeing a modern van, fitted with the latest features and amenities straight off the dealer’s lot, you may need to shell out upwards of $40,000. This figure could even soar higher for luxury models.

Also, rare vintage vans are another popular choice, their price tags depending largely on their condition and rarity. On average, most people aiming to begin their van life adventure spend somewhere between $10,000 and $15,000. This includes not only the van itself but probable mechanical updates and servicing to ensure you’re not caught off guard with breakdowns during your travels.

Customizing the Van

Once you’ve invested in your four-wheeled companion, the next significant expenditure is making that empty shell feel like home. The cost of van conversion or customization varies widely depending on your preferences, technical skills, and desired level of comfort.

On one end of the spectrum, if you’re content with a basic build, you may spend as little as $5,000. A simpler conversion might include laying down floors, insulating the walls, and installing a rudimentary kitchenette and sleeping platform.

However, for those yearning for a touch more comfort and convenience, the size of the conversion project can swell and so too the price. High-end renovations, such as fitted-cabinetry, solar power systems, a well-equipped kitchen with a fridge and stove, a comfortable bed with storage underneath, and even a swanky toilet can drive the cost north of $20,000.

Additionally, if you want to maximize space and functionality, pop-top installation for an extra room or loft-style bed might also be considered. If you’re not the handy, do-it-yourself type, factor in the costs to hire a professional for the task.

Lastly, taking a DIY approach wherever possible is an excellent way to keep expenses down while adding a personal touch to your new mobile home. Recognize that converting a van is no overnight job – it requires planning, time, and patience. ensuring every dollar spent is optimized for a comfortable, home-like feel on the road.

The good news is after these initial major expenses are paid off, the cost of living in a van per month significantly decreases.

Ongoing Monthly Expenses

Van Maintenance

Like any other vehicle, your van will require regular maintenance to keep it roadworthy. It’s important to factor this into your ongoing monthly costs, as failure to do so could result in costly repairs down the line. On average, setting aside $100 per month can cover routine maintenance. This can include oil changes, brake checks, and replacing parts like tires and belts.

Fuel Costs

Your fuel costs will largely depend on how much you’re driving and the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. MPI’s average data suggest a median gas cost of $250 to $300 per month for people living full-time in their vans. However, reducing the number of miles you cover and driving conservatively can greatly help decrease these costs.

Insurance

Don’t forget to budget for insurance, an essential protection for your valuable asset. The cost of insurance largely depends on factors like your vehicle’s value, your driving history, and where you’re insured. Ballpark figures range between $100-$200 per month but it’s recommended to shop around and negotiate for the best possible deal.

Food and Supplies

Your cost of food and other necessities will fluctuate based on your personal preferences and habits, but in many cases, this expense can be reduced compared to living in a conventional home. Outdoor markets and grocery stores offer plenty of affordable, healthy options. With an estimated budget of $200-$300 per month, it is possible to maintain a reasonably healthy diet.

Communication Costs

Staying connected while on the road also comes with a cost. An internet hotspot, your phone plan, and occasional coworking space fees could add up to approximately $100-$150 per month. Having an unlimited data plan is particularly handy for those remote places where Wi-Fi is nonexistent. If traveling too far from cell towers, a satellite service such as Starlink may be necessary to maintain connectivity.

Varying Expenses

Campsite Fees

Depending on whether you opt to stay at campsites, RV parks, or prefer boondocking – camping in remote areas without facilities – your accommodation expenditures will vary. RV campgrounds typically charge a fee ranging from $25 to $80 per night. Most are offering amenities like electrical hookups, laundry facilities, and hot showers. Some campsites have deals on monthly pricing as well, which helps reduce the cost of living in a van. On the other hand, boondocking is generally free, but you will need to be entirely self-sufficient.

There are ways to find places to park for free, but make sure you are following local laws and regulations.

Health and Fitness

Keeping fit and healthy is essential, especially when living in a compact space. Gym memberships can double as a place to exercise and utilize shower facilities. Alternatively, many outdoor activities like hiking, running, and cycling are free, and van lifers can also choose portable exercise equipment suitable for their lifestyle. Depending on your preferences, health and fitness costs can average $30-$85 per month.

Entertainment and Leisure

A minimalist life does not mean devoid of fun and entertainment. Budgets for this category depend entirely on your personal preferences, but it’s safe to say that it’s less expensive than living in a city. Exploring nature, visiting museums and national parks, and occasional meals out make up typical recreational activities. Setting aside about $100-$150 per month can result in a fulfilling and varied leisure time.

Remember, these costs are illustrative and may vary greatly depending on your needs and preferences. Always leave some leeway in your budget for unexpected expenses and make sure your lifestyle is sustainable in the long run.

More about maintaining Social Life, Hobbies, and Entertainment while traveling can be found in our Full Time RV Living Guide.

Possible Hidden Costs

It’s important not to overlook the potential hidden costs of van life when working out your finances. Here are some overlooked expenses that can impact your monthly budget:

1. Emergency Repairs: Despite maintaining your van consistently, you may still encounter unexpected breakdowns and repairs. Having an emergency fund to cover such costs is crucial. Typically, setting aside an additional $50-$100 per month may save you from stressful situations.
2. Parking Fees: While it’s possible to find free parking spots, in certain places, especially in cities or popular tourist spots, you may have to pay parking fees. This isn’t a regular expenditure but should still be factored into your budget considerations.
3. Propane: If you use propane for your cooking or heating needs, this cost can add up although it’s relatively minimal. Around $10-$20 per month should adequately cover it.
4. Amenities: Campsite amenities, such as water refill stations or dump station usage, often come with a fee. Though these don’t cost much, they need to be taken into account when planning your budget.
5. Health Care: When considering health costs in the van life, you’ll need to secure health insurance. Finding one that covers you across different states and even countries, which can be pricier than standard health insurance.
6. Mail Services: To receive your mail while on the road, you’ll need to use a mail forwarding service. This is another added but necessary expense, averaging around $10-$20 per month.
7. Incidentals: Things like laundry, occasional accommodation (hotel, hostel, Airbnb) when your van needs major repairs or you desire more space, and tolls can also add to your monthly expenses.

While each of these costs may not seem significant, together, they can add an extra few hundred dollars to the cost of living in a van per month. It’s always good to be aware of these potential costs upfront so you can budget accordingly.

So what’s the Cost of Living in a Van per Month?

The essence of van life lies in swapping the conveniences of a stationary home for the freedom of the road. While this lifestyle certainly offers an antidote to the fast pace and high costs of urban living, it isn’t without its own set of expenses. Remember, the cost of living on the road varies greatly depending on individual needs, preferences, and the choices you make.

However, even after adding up all the possible costs – initial expenses of buying and customizing the van, regular monthly costs, fluctuating costs, and hidden costs – living in a van likely still undercuts most rents or mortgages in the city. On average, a monthly budget of $1,500-$2,000 should cover all essentials and offer a comfortable lifestyle. Though the frugal traveler can get by on much less.

Crucially, van life also offers something that’s priceless: the chance to live a life dictated by your rules, on your timeline, surrounded by nature, and away from the traditional fast-paced life. The tranquility, simplicity, and personal growth that come with it may be worth more than any amount saved or spent. Ultimately, van life is about more than just a tally of costs; it’s about valuing experiences over things and realizing life’s real wealth.