Cost of Living in a Van per Month in 2025

According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the average monthly spending for a U.S. resident is about $5,577 per household as of Q1 2025.
But for van dwellers? That number can drop significantly—to anywhere between $1,100 and $2,000 per month, depending on your rig, lifestyle, and travel habits.

Total Average Monthly Van Life Cost: Overview

Expense Category	Budget Life ($)	Comfortable Life ($)
Fuel	200–350	400–700
Food & Groceries	250–350	400–600
Campsites/Parking	0–200	300–600
Insurance (Auto & Health)	150–300	300–500
Maintenance & Repairs	50–150	150–250
Phone & Internet	50–100	100–150
Laundry & Hygiene	25–50	75–100
Entertainment & Misc.	50–100	200–400
Total	$1,100–1,600	$2,000–3,300

⛽ 1. Fuel – $200 to $700 per Month

The biggest variable in van life spending? Gasoline.

Driving frequently across states or camping in remote places? You’ll burn $500–700/month.
Staying stationary or doing shorter trips? Expect $200–350/month.

Example:
A Sprinter van that gets 16 MPG driving 1,500 miles/month at $4/gallon =
→ $375/month in gas.

Pro Tip: Apps like GasBuddy and iOverlander help you locate the cheapest fuel and closest free parking.

🍳 2. Food and Groceries – $250 to $600 per Month

Grocery costs stay relatively stable whether you’re stationary or mobile. But eating out? That’s where things spiral.

Budget-minded vanlifers cook 90% of meals in their rigs.
Others enjoy local eats and coffee shops—$10 here, $15 there adds up quickly.

Example:
Groceries: $300/month
Dining out twice a week @ $20/meal = $160/month
→ Total = $460/month

Pro Tip: Invest in a quality fridge and a propane stove—saves hundreds in the long run.

🏕️ 3. Camping Fees and Overnight Parking – $0 to $600 per Month

You can spend nothing or a small fortune here.

Free options: BLM land, National Forests, Walmart lots, truck stops, public lands
Paid options: RV parks, KOA, private campsites, Hipcamp listings

Example:
Boondocking 20 nights/month + Paid camping 10 nights @ $30 = $300/month

Apps to find camping spots:

Campendium
FreeRoam
Harvest Hosts (for vineyards & farms)

🚐 4. Vehicle Insurance – $150 to $500 per Month

Two key policies here:

Auto Insurance – Based on your van type and travel states
Vanlife-Specific Insurance – Covers camper conversions, gear, etc.
Health Insurance – Optional but critical; varies greatly by state and provider.

Example:
Auto Insurance: $200/month
Health Insurance (self-employed): $300/month
→ Total = $500/month

Pro Tip: Look for RV or full-timer policies from Progressive, State Farm, or Roamly.

🔧 5. Maintenance & Repairs – $50 to $250 per Month

This category often gets overlooked—but ignoring it can leave you stranded.

Oil changes: Every 5,000–10,000 miles
Tire rotation, brakes, battery: Periodic costs
Emergency fund for breakdowns

Example:

Minor monthly upkeep: $75
Annual repairs averaged monthly: $100
→ Total = $175/month

Pro Tip: Budget at least 10% of your van’s value per year for maintenance.

📶 6. Internet & Phone – $50 to $150 per Month

If you’re a remote worker, content creator, or just enjoy YouTube and Netflix, you’ll need strong connectivity.

Options:

Unlimited cell data plan: $50–80/month
Mobile hotspot (e.g., Visible, Nomad): $20–50/month
Starlink RV satellite internet: $150/month

Example:
T-Mobile Unlimited + Visible Hotspot = $100/month
→ Great combo for travelers

🧼 7. Laundry, Showers & Hygiene – $25 to $100 per Month

Showers are rarely built into smaller vans. Here’s how people stay fresh:

Gym memberships (Planet Fitness Black Card = $25/month)
Truck stops & coin-op showers: $8–15/use
Laundromats: $3–6 per load

Example:
Laundry: $20/month
Showers: $25/month
Gym: $25/month
→ Total = $70/month

🍿 8. Entertainment & Extras – $50 to $400 per Month

Entertainment varies wildly depending on your lifestyle.

Subscriptions (Netflix, Spotify): $20–50
Tours, events, museums: $10–100+
Gear upgrades: $100 here, $200 there

Example:
Spotify & Netflix: $25
Local attractions: $50
Outdoor gear savings: $75
→ Total = $150/month

Cost Comparison: Van Life vs. City Life (2025)

Expense	Van Life ($)	Apartment in LA ($)
Rent/Mortgage	0	2,400
Utilities	0–50	300
Fuel vs. Public Transit	300–500	100
Groceries	300–500	500
Insurance	200–500	400
Total Monthly Cost	$1,300–2,000	$3,700–4,000

Benefits of Van Life

Flexibility to live anywhere
No rent or property taxes
Closer to nature
Simpler lifestyle

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Towing fees during breakdowns ($200–800)
Solar/battery replacements every 2–3 years
Accidents, theft, or weather damage
Seasonal changes = higher fuel/heating/cooling costs

Tips to Lower Monthly Van Life Costs

Use BLM land: Free camping adds up to major savings.
Cook your meals: Ditch fast food, invest in cookware.
Track spending: Use an app like Mint or YNAB.
Stick to one region: Less driving = lower gas.
Find remote gigs: Freelance, remote jobs, or seasonal work can fund your journey.

Living in a van can cost as little as $1,100/month or as much as $3,000+, depending on how you roll. Whether you’re a minimalist or a digital nomad, knowing your numbers makes all the difference.

The real magic? You’re not tied to one place. You can wake up in a forest, work by a lake, and fall asleep under desert stars—all on a budget that’s often lower than city living.