Van Life: The Cost of Van Life

Part II Of The Hook & Barrel Van Life Series

The Van Life movement has gained a reputation for offering a blend of freedom, adventure, and minimalist living, but the cost of van life is often more complex than it appears. From acquiring a van to the realities of daily living on the road, Van Life requires a careful financial strategy that addresses both one-time and recurring expenses. The initial investments in a van and its conversion, along with ongoing costs like fuel, maintenance, and insurance, all contribute to making this a lifestyle that, while rewarding, also demands financial commitment. 

Investing In The Dream: The Van Purchase 

The first step in joining the Van Life community usually involves choosing the right van, a choice that can quickly strain budgets. Buying a brand-new van with high-end amenities can cost as much as $60,000 to $150,000, especially for those opting for well-known brands like the Winnebago Revel or custom-built Mercedes Sprinters​. These high prices reflect the convenience and reliability of a new vehicle, but they don’t come cheap. For instance, Brett Logan, a van lifer who ditched a corporate job in Cincinnati to live on the road, spent about $36,000 on a used 2019 Ram ProMaster and chose a “minimalist” conversion, spending only an additional $4,500 on basic fittings and DIY insulation​. 

Alternatively, some van lifers opt for used or older models, such as Dodge Sprinters or Ford Transits from the early 2000s, which can range between $10,000 and $20,000. This option requires additional investment for repairs and maintenance, but it offers a more budget-friendly starting point. Ruby and Jake Delgado, who have been living in a converted 2004 Dodge Sprinter, spent roughly $25,000 over time to prepare for their life on the road, budgeting for inevitable repairs that come with an older model​. The decision to buy used often appeals to those willing to put in the extra time and work to bring the van up to a livable standard, sometimes learning repair skills along the way to save money. 

The DIY Route Vs. Professional Conversions 

Once you have a van, the next financial milestone is turning it into a comfortable, functional home. Professional conversions can transform an empty van into a full-fledged living space complete with cabinetry, a bed, insulation, plumbing, and electricity—but these features don’t come cheap. Costs for a professional build-out often range from $30,000 to $70,000, depending on the van's model and the build’s complexity. Opting for a professional builder offers quality and saves time, but it requires a significant financial commitment. 

For van lifers who aren’t afraid to get hands-on, DIY conversions offer a more affordable and personalized alternative. A basic DIY conversion typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000, including materials for insulation, plumbing, and a small solar setup. Natalie Rodriguez, who spent a year outfitting her van with her then fiancée, notes that “YouTube University” served as her primary resource, guiding her through complex tasks like setting up solar panels and crafting storage solutions​. Many van lifers echo this sentiment, finding satisfaction in personalizing their space while reducing costs through DIY work. 

Logan’s minimalist approach is a testament to how a functional van doesn’t have to be elaborate. By installing only the essentials, such as insulation, solar wiring, and storage, he kept his conversion costs low. “It’s reliable and well-suited to my needs,” Logan says of his build, demonstrating that, for many, the appeal of Van Life is in the simplicity it offers​. 

Monthly Living Expenses: The Realities of Life on the Road 

While Van Life eliminates rent or mortgage payments, other costs quickly emerge. Fuel is one of the most significant recurring expenses, with monthly gas costs ranging from $100 to $500, depending on travel frequency. Van lifers who embrace “slow travel,” staying in one area for longer stretches, tend to save significantly on fuel. Rodriguez shared that this approach allowed her to minimize costs while still experiencing life in various locations across the U.S. However, for those who choose to be constantly on the move, fuel costs can add up quickly, especially as gas prices fluctuate in different regions​. 

Insurance is another critical, often underestimated expense. Insuring a converted van can cost between $75 and $300 per month, depending on the coverage needed. Many van lifers find that regular car insurance doesn’t cover their needs, opting for RV-style policies instead, which also account for valuables and modifications inside the vehicle. Many van lifers advise setting aside around $100 monthly for maintenance costs to cover unexpected repairs and regular upkeep, which becomes especially important with older models prone to mechanical issues​. 

Food and connectivity expenses are also important budget considerations. Cooking in the van can reduce food expenses, with groceries costing between $200 and $400 monthly. However, eating out or exploring local cuisines along the journey can easily push this cost higher. For those working remotely, staying connected on the road requires a reliable cell plan and, often, a mobile hotspot, totaling $100 to $300 monthly for consistent service in remote areas. 

The Benefits of Frugality: Campsites & Free Camping 

Although many van lifers stay in paid campgrounds for their amenities ranging from $5 to $50 per night, free camping or “boondocking” is a popular alternative. Public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) allow for free camping, a favorite among budget-conscious van lifers. Rodriguez, who budgets around $2,000 per month for living expenses, emphasizes that boondocking offers the solitude of nature while drastically reducing nightly accommodation costs​. 

To conserve costs further, van lifers make strategic use of gym memberships for showering and laundromats for washing clothes. These memberships typically cost between $20 and $50 per month and provide a comfortable way to maintain hygiene without relying on campsite facilities. For many, these frugal strategies are part of the lifestyle’s appeal, representing a break from the financial pressures of traditional living. 

The Cost-Benefit Balance Of Vanlife 

For those who crave freedom and adventure, the expenses of Van Life represent an investment in a lifestyle that offers flexibility, simplicity, and personal growth. The average monthly cost of Van Life hovers around $1,000 to $3,000, depending on individual choices and travel habits. For some, this lifestyle is a path to greater financial independence; for others, it is an opportunity to experience places and landscapes they wouldn’t encounter otherwise. 

In the words of Rodriguez, Van Life is about creating a life that blends practicality with beauty: “Van Life isn’t just about hitting the road; it’s about learning to live with less, find joy in nature, and experience a form of freedom I never knew in a traditional home.”​​ For many, the real value of Van Life isn’t measured by dollars, but by the experiences and discoveries it makes possible. 

In the third installment of our Van Life series, we’ll discuss some of the must-have tools and gadgets for a fulfilling Van Life lifestyle.  

Are there any other costs of van life worth discussing? Sound off in the comments!