How much does Van Life cost? Monthly expenses 

I always love to see the breakdown on expenses. Imagine how you'll be able to budget when van's paid off!

My car payment and rent combined are $1,130.00. Then there’s food, insurance and other expenses. I’m 62 years old, single, and an artist as well. I can’t figure out how to become self-sufficient, without having to work full-time, and not apply for Social Security until I’m at least 65 years old. I sell my originals, and haven’t a clue regarding having prints made. That would be a game-changer for me, in terms of generating a third income stream. My goal is to own a fixer-upper and a travel vehicle to camp in and create art from. How are some of my fellow creatives making their dreams come true?

You are so right that RV and Van life can be a reasonable or super expensive. My husband and I travel full time on pensions and are mostly frugal. Rarely eat out and enjoy free entertainment and nature activities. Only souvenirs are magnets or stickers. We live in shorts and T Shirts. We are vegetarians so no costly meat on the menu. There are lots of ways to enjoy this lifestyle but we choose to keep our investments growing and live within our means. Way to go Michele!

Nice. Good job! I enjoyed the video of your talents and skills in money management. Me? I spend an average of $2,200 a month. It's been the same amount for about the last year, or more. I'm plotting and planning on how I can reduce my expenses, a little bit, this year. Imagine this: My first job (1976) was as a Master's Degreed teacher at a junior collage. I made $660 a month. Public school teachers made $400 a month. Brand new Levi jeans cost $4 a pair. I bought my first house for $14K That was when money was real.

This is so helpful! Thank you!

LMAO!!! Sophie!!!!! Now THAT'S real vanlife!!!! Thanks for the shout out!! I enjoyed this video very much. And look at you go, Michele. Over 2k subs. I'm loving this so much.

I’m a part timer, have a cabin in Arkansas, gas is by far my biggest expense, but I do make long trips. Moab Utah, Colorado, and The Outer Banks in a month . My Ram truck uses a lot of gas, but I love the power to pull my camper when I take it. You are a doll, take care.

I'm converting a Sprinter van into an offroad Motorcycle hauler for cross country adventures. Maybe I'll attain your zen spending levels when I'm finished but now I seem to be spending that amount every few days. btw, love your hair and look, beautiful.

Barky McBark lol. Leave sweet Sophie alone. She’s the boss. Great video sweet lady. Stay safe

lol. Barky McBarkerson! 🐾💙 I needed this video, it reminded me I need to keep receipts & track my spending.

I'm the frugal van lifer. $400 a month is my average. Fone, car ins and prime movies plus food and gas. I live simple and stay in colorado springs during the heat of summer.

I just found your channel. Love it! The grey hair look good too. You can definitely pull it off.

لا. تدققين. .❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤. الحب.

Your natural beauty is breathtaking, just saying.

I love your videos! Would love if you would do more like every day or two. Also when you travel how do you secure your dog does he get buckled in? thanks!

I have a small barky dog too! Lol. You are very patient with her. Not bad for an entire month. Looking forward to the next trip. Safe travels!

I know you love your dog but how can you let it's barking dominate your life? There are ways to quiet the barking if you wanted to - I enjoyed your budget breakdown and thanks for sharing

And that's with a Vehicle Payment! Awesome..TY

Wow. That's amazing since that also covers the van payment and ins. What about health insurance and internet?

Wow, im seriously impressed! Your van looks beautiful & refreshing. Thank you so much for sharing!

Thank you for sharing such a personal aspect of your life with us. I’ve often wondered what actual cost would be for a month without mechanical repairs or unforeseen circumstances. I, personally, would value you sharing this summary with us monthly so we can get an idea of actual costs associated with a whole year.

Michele, That's not bad. I figured your gas would be more. From my driveway in Upstate SC, exploring FL, and back home, I put 3,035 miles on my SUV. Totally worth it! Not sure what I spent on gas but I was in FL for 7 weeks.

As much as I travel my biggest expense is fuel which usually runs between 16k to 20k per month I average around 7mpg nope I don’t sit much payment on vehicle 2400 a month

Hi there just stumbled upon this video thank you for sharing your expenses over a month in Florida very helpful. Looking forward to seeing the next episode

I love the color of your hair❤❤❤❤❤

I did the same thing when I was in Florida. I kept my receipts. I was gone for a month also.

Can van drivers work on uber eat or any food drive application

I didn't realize your home base is Virginia. I'm thirty minutes south of the Virginia border off of I85. I loved Sophie barking in the background. She didn't like those people walking by her home lol. BTW I am in Jan's group. I just hadn't been to any gatherings.

Thanks for sharing your breakdown. :)

Sophie was just talking. She was saying? Mom I see someone out there. Of course it’s when you are on the phone or doing a video. That’s ok I sat passionately with a smile enjoying. Thanks for the video and information??? You look absolutely beautiful. Your friend ric in nor cal .

Your videos look like the real deal... A true Vanlife Champion. Always LoVe the hair look. 😍

im so glad your channel was recommended to me! i have a lot to learn!🚐 i lived in VA for 7 years all in hampton roads area! Hope you're having a great and safe summer! subscribed! and you have beautiful hair like my mom! 💜🤍

Why don't you charge your aux. batt. using the vehicle charging circuit?

I was wondering how Old are you ??? just curious hard to tell with the hair ...thanks

$120 a month for insurance is amazing!! I've been quoted $240 a month since my promaster is considered a commercial vehicle, so my van just remains parked on family property until I can find something more affordable. You are so lucky🙏🏼

I love your little dog so cute

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Oh my goodness that's awesome 👌

Great video, practical. What is your source of income?

You made my day ❤

Thanks for sharing that. I could be close to same. I do spend more eating out though. Cracker Barrel gets my$. Mostly cause I want to support them, when i sleep there.

How friggin cute are you... Hope you're enjoying life on the road.. If you roll thru Cocoa Beach FL,, lunch is on me..

Thanks!

What do you do for health insurance?

Did you like Minnesota?

either get closer to the camera, because I can barely hear you... or get one of those clip on mic. good luck!!

Barkie Mcbarkie hahahaha. Love this video.

I want to know how you were able to drive around for 30 days and get back to Virginia after under 150. 😂 I can’t do it and I am in a minivan when I drive to Maryland. Headed there next month so would love to know

Nice breakdown! No dog food?

I found video very hard to hear. I have on full volume

😊🙏🐾

Thank you, your a Doll❤

I love ur fur baby ❤

What about medical insurance? What about toiletries and medicines.

First time visitor to your channel. Expenses are usually an interesting topic. That’s very reasonable for a 30 day trip to Florida considering that food, lodging, and transportation are included in the cost. If I may make a suggestion for reducing the cost of ice: Get yourself a DC-DC battery charger, they produce a tremendous amount of power, do not require sunlight, and are reasonably inexpensive. Subscribed!

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Love love love your baby you have there so precious 💖 🐶✌️💕

Do you sell your art?

Great video! I'm seeing an actual traveling cost of about $369.87 due to you trip. The rest is the same every month if your at home or on the road but that's a good way to see what it might be if your going full time. 🥰 Keep up the good work!

Only question I have is Discover bill. $60. Was it an old purchase or new? If new, what category was this in?

I have a suggestion. Purchase the Haynes Repair Manual for your van which shows all the maintenance you're supposed to do. I would be willing to bet you don't do all the maintenance on your vehicle that you're supposed to. Maintenance should be the top line item on your budget. But you didn't even have maintenance listed in your budget. You'll probably end up getting stuck somewhere as a result. Also, you apparently don't have AAA or roadside towing assistance. If you dont make maintenance your top financial priority, and don't have roadside towing assistance, then make sure to have about 3,000 dollars in savings to pay for when your fuel pump, alternator, starter or power steering pump goes out and you're stuck screwed somewhere in some town that doesn't have a mechanic. I'm sorry to tell you this, but I see a scenario like that happening in your future.

Jeeeeeeez why too low cost of living?

What is the point of having solar panels if you dont USE THEM?!?!?

I’m not sure all this counts since you apparently have a “home base”. But y’all are cute.

please just get to the point

Why do women put curtains in their vehicles that minimally block. It’s like they are saying I live in my van come get me.

I’m having a terrible time deciding what to do! I just bought a 🚐! And it’s something I’ve wanted to do for so many years now and I’m finally at a place in my life (56 years old) and quit my nursing career after having a couple of surgeries this past year. But! My biggest dilemma is that I have two bonded bunnies. I’m normally a dog person but my soul dog passed away in November 2022 and I just couldn’t get another dog so I saved a couple of rabbits instead! They’re very delicate creatures and fear everything! I bought a 2011 Ford Transit Connect with a lot of miles on it already. I live in California but from Texas. I’m in the process of getting my van ready to travel and my lease ends on August 1st! I’m selling all of my belongings and can’t wait to be rid of the “stuff”! But my bunnies would most likely die if I took them with me and I’m feeling so guilty about thinking of rehoming them 😢… so… long story.. sorry. I was just looking for any advice or thoughts on this. Idk too many people who are educated in bunny care, but it’s not easy and it’s expensive. I think I’m just venting here because you seem like such an empathetic person who might have some insight into my situation. I love your van. I can’t wait to stop paying $3k for rent, not even including utilities ect! Haha! Anyway. Thanks for listening. And thanks for your video today on budget. That alone inspires me! And BTW, you’re absolutely gorgeous! 🩵🩵🤍🤍

Love ❤