*This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. Please read our disclosure policy for more information.
After almost 2 full years of living in our van we can safely say we feel confident that we have learned how to live cheaply on the road so lets dive into our top tips.
Vanlife: the road to freedom and adventure. Unfortunately, it often comes with stereotypes of homelessness or the complete opposite, trust funds. In reality, vanlife is a choice that appeals to those seeking an unconventional lifestyle—free from massive mortgages and the ties of one place. The beauty of this nomadic life is that it can be as budget-friendly as you make it. In this extensive guide, we’ll share our secrets to living comfortably on the road without breaking the bank.
1. Work and Save
Before diving into vanlife, both of us worked full-time jobs to save money. This allowed us to make a substantial down payment on our van and cover all conversion costs without going into debt. Our monthly van payment is now comparable to that of a new car.
2. Embrace Off-Grid Living
Our goal was to be self-contained and avoid campgrounds, which can be costly. We invested upfront in batteries and off-grid systems, enabling us to live off the beaten path. In over a year, we’ve only paid for a campground twice, making the initial investment well worth it. If you want tips for starting vanlife including how to find spots like these, check out our post here.
*If you visit any of these free public land locations, please remember to practice leave no trace and leave it better than you found it. This way we can all enjoy these lands for years to come.
3. Build an Emergency Fund
During our working period, we also saved for an emergency fund. Having a financial cushion provides peace of mind for unexpected expenses and allowed us to take the leap into self-employment with our own business venture.
4. Cook Your Meals
Eating out can quickly eat away at your budget. While we occasionally enjoy restaurant meals, cooking our own food in the van significantly reduces expenses and allows us to stay on the road longer.
5. Invest in National Park Passes
Purchasing the America The Beautiful annual National Park pass is a smart investment. For $80, it grants unlimited access to numerous parks throughout the year, saving you money compared to individual entrance fees.
6. Skip the Alcohol
Avoiding alcohol purchases helps save money. While we appreciate the occasional drink, we prioritize our budget and opt for non-alcoholic beverages instead.
7. Make the Most of the West
We gravitate towards the western United States, known for its abundance of national parks and BLM land for free camping. There are also many breath taking views outside of the parks so take your time and explore these hidden gems as well. This region offers unparalleled beauty and activities, making it a budget-friendly choice for vanlife enthusiasts.
8. Explore Free Activities
We prioritize free activities in each location we visit. While there are enticing paid experiences, many free options are equally rewarding, allowing us to extend our adventures without stretching our budget.
9. Optimize Fuel Costs
Fuel is a substantial expense for nomadic living, especially when moving frequently and when diesel is above $5 a gallon. While we enjoy the flexibility of constant travel, slowing down the pace can reduce fuel costs. Occasionally, we pause for a week or more in a single location to save money on transportation.
*Pro tip: Use Gas Buddy to plan when you fill up to find where prices are the cheapest.
Vanlife is about freedom, adventure, and embracing a minimalist lifestyle. With careful planning, budgeting, and prioritizing, you can live comfortably on the road without breaking the bank. Working, saving, and making strategic choices regarding accommodations, food, and activities can help you make the most of this unique lifestyle while keeping your finances in check. So, go ahead and embark on your vanlife journey, knowing that it’s possible to experience the world without compromising your financial well-being.
Want more vanlife content?
14 Mistakes to Avoid When Building a Campervan
The Best Insulation and Climate Control for Vanlife
FAQs
The good news is that when you own your van, you eliminate some of life's biggest expenses: housing. No rent, no mortgage, no utility bills nor household maintenance. On the flipside you will face a few new costs, like gas, campsites and vehicle maintenance.
How to make money on the road in Vanlife? ›
Now let's look at seven jobs that are well-suited to van life.
- Writing. Freelance writing is a great way to earn money while traveling because of its flexibility and versatility. ...
- Editing and Proofreading. ...
- Virtual Assistant (VA) ...
- Graphic Designer. ...
- Online Teaching. ...
- Social Media Marketer. ...
- Web Designer.
Get involved in the community. If you aren't sure how you want to make money long term, I really recommend getting involved. There are so many start up projects and companies within the van world that opportunities will arise. You just have to make your skill set known and someone will be willing to bring you on board.
Where do van lifers get money? ›
Some of the best ways to make money on the road include crafting and selling goods, completing seasonal farm or festival work, transiting your current job into a remote role, teaching English online, affiliate marketing, social media, and working as a freelancer on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Remote Rocketship.
Is van Life considered homeless? ›
United States. In the US, individuals who lack a permanent address and stable living situation, including vandwellers, are technically considered "homeless". Of the 60,000 homeless people in Los Angeles, approximately 25% were living in a vehicle.
Do Van Life people pay taxes? ›
Taxes. Paying state taxes can be complicated when you live in multiple states throughout the year. It may be a bit easier if a specific employer employs you, but freelancers who live on the road may want to consider hiring a professional to help sort out their state taxes.
What address do you use when living in a van? ›
Your bank, van insurance, registration and even your GP will need to have a registered address for you. For most people, they are able to register themselves to a friend or family address. Another tip is to choose products and services that are better served to moving around.
How much money do you need to live on the road? ›
Throughout my travels, I found that most van dwellers spent between $700 and $1500 per month. In my experience, I kept my total monthly financial costs (including monthly vehicle payments of $300) to $1,000 while living on the road. I sometimes refrained from eating out with others and I didn't indulge on my rest days.
What jobs do van Lifers have? ›
9 Practical Remote Jobs for RVers, Van-Lifers, and Digital Nomads
- Bookkeeping. If you are already an accountant or bookkeeper, great news: you can do your job on the road, as well! ...
- Customer service representative. ...
- Digital marketer.
- Gig jobs.
- Graphic designer.
- Online teacher/tutor. ...
- Web developer.
- Writer.
Rather than paying extremely high prices to live, a home on wheels allows you to stay in beautiful places for less. Even if you have a loan on your van or you pay for occasional camping, your monthly payment should be significantly cheaper than rent in a desirable location.
People do it for various reasons but mostly because it affords more freedom and adventure. However, the decision to live in a van requires some careful consideration. If you've never stepped out of your comfort zone before, you might find it a little difficult to get used to van life.
What are the best vans for van life? ›
What is the best van to convert for a family of 4? The Mercedes Sprinter, Ford Transit or Ram Promaster are excellent choices for family conversions. Their size and versatility make them ideal, offering various roof heights and lengths to accommodate sleeping areas, a kitchen, and ample storage for a family of four.
How to try van life without buying a van? ›
One way to test out van life is to find a camping option where you can experience the solitude of living off-grid that gives you fewer amenities than a cabin but more than a tent — much like a van. Enter Hipcamp or other camper rental options.
Why is van Life illegal? ›
Exploring the idea of Van Life in California brings us the crucial question: Is it legal? The answer is, yes. Living in a van is not illegal in California, but there are specific laws and regulations you need to be aware of, especially concerning where you can park and sleep overnight.
Is van life right for you? ›
Van life is a great way to live, but there's also the downsides of living in a van. Some days can feel really hard. The elements can affect your comfort inside the van, especially if you don't have an AC or heater. Constantly trying to find a place to park, reliable WiFi and cell signal can be tiring.
