We’re breaking down costs, considerations, and customizations that will make you the envy of road warriors everywhere.
There is nothing quite like waking up in your home on wheels to the sunrise peaking through Delicate Arch in Utah, falling asleep to the hoo, hoo-ing of owls in Oregon, or driving right up to a surf break in Sayulita and taking a siesta in your own bed. Van life allows for endless possibilities day in and day out. With so many of us working digitally now and the high cost of housing, hitting the road year-round is a great alternative to paying rent in one place.
This is an introduction to what you’ll have to save to live a life free of worries and full of endless activities. Before going all in on #vanlife, we will discuss what you should consider. From the initial buy-in, whether you choose to convert an old vehicle or purchase a custom campervan to your monthly budget, we’ll go over the costs of living and some cool customizations and resources to get you in perpetual motion sooner rather than later. Hop in. We’re going for a ride!
Is Van Life Worth It?
It depends on who you are. Full-time van life is incredible, but there are many variables and unknowns that can crop up when you least expect it. At BODDI, we’re all about encouraging people to live life as their most authentic selves and this lifestyle is not for the faint of heart; going with the flow has to be your M.O. Let’s walk through the basics of what you must consider before putting the pedal to the metal.
Full-Time Or Part-Time?
It’s time to do a bit of soul-searching. If you’re deadset on taking an epic yearlong (or more) journey on the road and you have a Pinterest board bursting at the seams with van conversions, then you are a hardcore van lifer. It’s all green lights for you from here on out, and it’s time to invest in your dream. Click here to check out Vancamper for a campervan that just may have your name on it.
Personally, I’m a part-timer. There is an undeniable appeal to less. Less bills, less housing costs, fewer things getting in the way of your pursuit of happiness. These are all benefits of any amount of time spent on the road. I recently left Brooklyn to live and work while traveling across the country for a few months to give my finances a break. I love adventure, and as a freelancer, I’m lucky enough to cut costs and work while on the move. It’s not forever for me, but with decked-out van rentals, I get to moonlight as a van vixen while I search for my next apartment.
If you’re unsure, take a test drive. Go on a long road trip, and check out different campsites, states, and sunrises. See if you can’t wait to speed back home or hope the highway goes on forever.
Does Your Job Jibe?
If you are a retiree or have just won the lottery…what are you doing here? You should have a decked-out sprinter van and be off the grid somewhere binge-reading by a campfire. For the rest of us normies, finding a job that supports our van life dreams is a big consideration.
So many positions have moved online, which is amazing, but simultaneously, you will need a reliable Wi-Fi source. Using your phone as a hotspot is always a good idea. You should check with your provider for the best plan for your needs.
Some jobs that are conducive to work on wheels include freelance writer (it’s me, hi, I’m the traveling writer, it’s me), virtual assistant, seasonal jobs in locations you love, and teaching languages you’re fluent in online. Hot tip, if you’re in a temporary internet dead zone, pre-load tabs that you need on your browser and make sure you are using a word processor that works offline.
Making Time For Mental Health When You’re Mobile
One of the roadblocks that may be holding you back from going all out on the #vanlife is how lonely peace and solitude can sometimes be. If your wheel blows on the side of a mountain in a rain storm or there isn’t a gym within miles when you’re desperate for a shower, anxiety, frustration, and depression can rear their ugly heads. But if you are prepared for the unknown and take your time, your tenacity and bravery will amaze you. Van Life=Becoming Your Own Best Friend.
Preparing for any outcome means having multiple options for where to sleep at night. If you plan on reaching a certain campground or Walmart parking lot, make sure you also plot out alternatives along the way. Have AAA on speed dial, and learn at least the basics of fixing a van so your wheel-burst panic attack is only a brief expletive-ridden rant rather than a full-on meltdown.
No matter what, make time for breaks, meet up with friends along the way, and get a BetterHelp account if you need a professional (like this author) to chat with. If you want to build up your van life community, check out social media, there are plenty of people just like you to hang out with and learn from at the touch of a button.
Once a day, remind yourself how incredible it is that you’ve chosen to live a life of adventure and excitement, you brave, beautiful being. Oh, and lakes, waterfalls, and rivers are all viable shower alternatives that will hit the reset button when you’re getting cabin fever.
Yeah, But How Much Does Van Life Cost?
The initial buy-in to the van life is obviously the main thing you need to calculate before starting out. Your big decision will be to convert a van on your own, buy a campervan that was previously loved, or splurge on a custom build that is brand new. After that, you will need to manage a monthly budget. We have broken down the basics for you here so you’ll be road ready in no time.
What Van Fits You?
Converting a van is the most common choice for van lifers on a budget. Before we can talk conversions, you must purchase your vehicle. This chart shows the difference between the price of a new vs. used van based on the most common brands van lifers use in America.
|
Brand |
New |
Used |
|
Sprinter Van |
$35,000-$50,000+ |
$20,000-$27,000 |
|
Ram Promaster |
$27,000-$45,000 |
$9,000-$20,000 |
|
Ford Transit |
$25,000-$42,000 |
$10,000-$20,000 |
|
VW Crafter |
$49,000-$85,000 |
$25,000 |
*Costs sourced from The Van Conversion Guide
You can buy a van off Craigslist for way less, but you must do your due diligence and take it to a mechanic before making any sort of investment. The average home price in the U.S. is now $440,000. It may be worth it to shell out some worth it to shell out extra cash for your van, especially if you plan on living in it year-round for your sanity and safety.
Cost Of Converting
We’re going to give an overview of a mid-range budget for converting your van from bare bones to brilliantly you. I recommend checking out The Van Conversion Guide if you’re interested in a low-budget or high-end remodel; they get into the nitty-gritty of what you’ll need in greater detail.
Electricity
It’s electric! Nearly everything in your van runs on electricity, from your kitchen setup to your outlets, lights, solar panels, fuse boxes, etc.
Estimated Budget: $1,400
Furniture Building Materials
This is where your creativity itch gets scratched. Let your imagination run wild as you design your layout but remember, function over form is your mantra when we’re talking small-space living. Make a list of must-haves. Do you need a dining table/desk? Are you willing to sacrifice a bathroom for a couch? How much storage do you need? These questions will define your building budget.
Estimated Budget: $650
Bathroom
What kind of toilet suits you best. Are you all for a bucket on a budget or in the market for a composting superstar? If you’re not interested in getting a gym membership for a wash, you will have to consider the cost of a solar shower. For those times when you can’t get to a fresh water source, BODDI can help keep you clean, comfortable, and odor free between longer stretches no matter where you roam.
Estimated Budget: $250
Kitchen
Hey, good lookin’ what you got cookin’ in that van of yours? From hot plates to convection ovens, mini-fridges to Igloo coolers, the world of mobile munching is your oyster.
Estimated Budget: $1,100
When you consider your water system, tools, bed, Wifi, heating, and a host of other creature comforts listed in The Van Conversion Guide, the conversion itself can be quite pricy. But this is your #vanlife; buy second-hand furniture and appliances, explore youtube for affordable DIY projects, and ask your friends for help in exchange for meeting you on the road. Where there is a will, there is a way. A full-on van conversion costs anywhere from $1,000-$100,000. Don’t let these numbers deter you, brush up on those construction skills and check out this list of awesome van floor plans to get your motor running.
The Cost Of Living In A Van Per Month
Your monthly budget as a van dweller will depend on how you like to live. You can expect to pay about $800 a month if you're super frugal and cook every meal, stay at free campsites, and travel longer distances in the winter vs. the summer when gas prices are high. The average van lifers spend between $1,500-$2,000 on insurance, internet/phone bills, food, lodging, and occasional nights out on the town. Let’s take a closer look at the cost of a month on wheels.
Fuel
The most recurrent cost you face as a full-time van lifer is going to be gas (diesel is more expensive and harsher on the environment). In order to save, take your time moving around. If your funds are low, stay in one place for a while and avoid the West Coast, where fuel prices are exponentially higher than in other parts of the country. For long-distance drives, opt to travel in the Winter when gas is more affordable.
Average Monthly Cost: $200-$600
Auto Insurance
Always set aside emergency savings if something goes wrong. This fund can also go towards routine checkups and oil changes. Insurance is a must for bigger issues (we’re looking at you, vintage van enthusiasts). Check out Roamly for RV insurance estimates tailored to your specific campervan. They can also help you rent out your van when you’re not using it. Progressive’s “Full-Timers” package combines homeowner’s, car, and rental insurance to cover all of your needs.
Average Monthly Cost: $100-$200
Paid Campsites
Sometimes, you just need a guaranteed hot shower and a bathroom that doesn’t move. Paid campsites are awesome and usually what you will find at state and national parks. We suggest using paid campsites infrequently since there are so many wonderful free campsites (typically more private) to choose from nationwide. Here’s an awesome free campsite guide for van lifers to get you started.
Average Nightly Cost: $15-$30
Gym Membership
Many van lifers invest in a gym membership to access showers and their facilities nationwide. Planet Fitness is the most common choice due to its cleanliness and the fact that they have locations in all 50 states.
Average Monthly Cost: $25-$50
Van Lifer Customizations And Resources We Love
Here is a list of some of our favorite van lifers and their incredible custom conversions:
- Noël Russell is the queen of boho beautiful with this rustic interior. She and her partner travel America with their two rescue pups snapping incredible photos of their endless adventures together.
- We are obsessed with Naomi, Dustin, and Amara’s van and their Instagram @irietoaurora. They are passionate about advocating for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ folx who live a nomadic lifestyle and are the force behind @diversify.vanlife, a safe space for underrepresented travelers.
- Candice is a solo female traveler who is a queen of van DIYs. Follow her for inspiration and awesome tips. Oh, and her van? It’s to die for. Peep that wood-burning stove and that sink? I’m drooling.
- Pat The Van belongs to Will and Jess, who converted their Mercedes Sprinter independently. This couch that transforms into a bathtub/shower is insane!
- If you don’t have a hammock hooked up to your van, are you even doing the lifestyle right? Conor and Mattie have converted multiple vehicles as they travel across Europe, and their Instagram gives us serious FOMO.
Resources
Expert Van Lifers Who Can Answer Any And Every Question:
Rent Or Purchase A Van Here:
Interior Inspo: