The Allure and Reality of Vanlife
For many, the vanlife represents a liberating alternative to the high costs of traditional living, offering the freedom to wake up to new vistas daily. However, this lifestyle comes with its own set of challenges and unexpected expenses. The #vanlife movement, popularized on Instagram with nearly 18 million posts and a dedicated subreddit community of almost 300,000 members, encompasses a diverse range of experiences. At its core, vanlife is about embracing a state of mindfully living on four wheels, free from the constraints of a fixed location and associated costs.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw a surge in vanlife’s popularity as remote work and lockdowns created a sense of confinement, prompting many to seek freedom on the open road. Beyond the aesthetic appeal and philosophical underpinnings, practical considerations such as rising living costs in mountain towns and urban areas have driven individuals to consider this alternative lifestyle.
To understand the realities of vanlife, we spoke with two practitioners at different points on the cost, build-out, and lifestyle spectrum: Bruce Dean, a NASA engineer living full-time in his Mercedes Sprinter van, and William Gayle, who spends his summers in Yosemite and winters in Mammoth Lakes, California, living out of a converted minivan.
The Financial Realities
Insurance emerged as a significant expense for both men. Gayle faced a harrowing experience when his van was stolen, highlighting the vulnerability of life on the road. Dean, who has a fully equipped van with a kitchen and shower, pays around $165 monthly for mobile satellite internet via Starlink, variable gas costs, and insurance. His ability to cook his own meals significantly reduces his daily expenses.
Gayle, lacking kitchen facilities in his minivan, spent between $40 and $80 daily on food during his time in Mammoth Lakes, amounting to over $15,000 annually—a significant expense compared to the average American household’s $9,985 yearly food expenditure. Dean, on the other hand, hasn’t paid an electricity bill since 2021 and keeps his water costs minimal by refilling at campgrounds or gas stations.
Lifestyle Considerations
Gayle noted that vanlife complicated his romantic relationships, as the cramped quarters made it challenging for others to spend time with him. Both men highlighted the importance of their van’s build-out quality. Gayle’s modest build-out was relatively inexpensive, while Dean emphasized investing in high-quality components to avoid future repair costs.
Dean mentioned the unexpected expense of toll roads and pay-to-cross bridges, while Gayle noted that driving his van to heat it up due to the lack of proper heating was more costly than anticipated.
Comparing Costs
To contextualize the cost of vanlife, we compared it with renting in desirable U.S. locations using Forbes’s Cost of Living Calculator. Median monthly rents range from $995 in Morgantown, West Virginia, to $2,582 in Portland, Maine. While vanlife can be more economical for those who are conscientious about additional lifestyle costs, it’s crucial to consider expenses like food, showering facilities, water access, and van payments or insurance.
As Dean succinctly put, vanlife offers the unique benefit of waking up in new locations daily and experiencing breathtaking landscapes. For those willing to adapt to its challenges, vanlife can be a fulfilling and cost-effective alternative to traditional living arrangements.
