Cost of Living In a Motorhome Full Time in the UK - Monthly Budget!

How much does van life cost? How much does it cost to live in a motorhome full time in the UK?
These are my second most asked questions (emptying the toilet is the 1st!) and still to this day the video I did answering this three years ago is still my most popular video by far.
But! As that was over three years ago, i thought it was about time I updated it and brought you all up to speed on how much van life costs in 2022 and that's exactly what I do. I talk about how much the following costs me,
Diesel & LPG
Food & Drink
Mot & Service
Breakdown cover
Insurance & Tax
Phone & Internet
GYM
Entertainment (streaming services)
Laundry
Campsites
Water & waste
So? What do you think to my monthly costs? Am I over spending by miles or are they similar to your self? How much does van live cost you per month to live, drop it in the comments below along with any money saving tips you may have, I'd love to hear them.
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#VanLifeBudget #LivingInAMotorhome #vanlifecost

[@awlonghurst]

You're the most normal, friendly, likeable, down-to-earth, modest #VanLife KZbinr I've ever seen. Love it. More strength to you matey.

[@keggythefishingnoob1875]

Tbh many of these things aren’t the cost of living in a camper van. Like phone and gym for example, that’s just the cost of living. Gas mot insurance laundry and waste are the actual costs of living in a camper vs a flat let’s say. Really enjoyed the video though 👍🏻

[@samanthamargerison3806]

What an amazing video, I’m considering downsizing from a flat to a motor home to retire (Burned out NHS ITU Nurse) and I am now hopeful that it is viable and I won’t have to work my fingers to the bone in my last years. Thank you SO much!!! xx

[@tomasviane3844]

Nice to see somebody who's taking care of himself and decided to act instead of complain!

[@superpantman]

I worked in the automotive industry and I'm quite sure you've undervalued your service XD

[@thestreets5206]

Still much cheaper than running a house , I'm spending £1400 per month just to keep it running, van conversion is 50% complete, can't wait to finally have freedom

[@eilzmo]

Thank you so much for making this video! I spend £700 a month on my rent and my car payments alone. Not including food and the rest. So I’ve been considering buying a motorhome instead, once my car contract runs out later this year. You’re so normal? You’ve really inspired me that this is totally doable. I just love the idea of the freedom to drive off in your home whenever you want to. I was getting fed up of seeing totally unrelateable “van life” videos. Mostly in the states where it’s sunny 24/7 and they all spend all day in the sun instead of having a telly hahah

[@Mevi]

Hey, welcome to the channel. There are a ton of UK vanners. Just look for builder's vans with roof vents, we are everywhere. 😆 Keep watching, loads more to come! #teamurban

[@ghazanfarabbas4536]

That's dirt cheap I've to spend 1200 only on one bed apartment no saving since 3.5 years.

[@RoxusRemo]

£700 for rent and car payments is great if that's not just a one bed share up north somewhere.

[@aidendavis3086]

I did 2 years full time off grid alone. I didn't have any bad experiences but I'm glad I'm back inside.

[@billienomates1606]

Currently I pay nearly £300 a month on rates and £184 dd on gas and electric. So I would say you are doing well considering that that is your form of transport as well as your home not to mention your KZbin passion. Doing well lad, enjoy and keep the vid's coming in.

[@shaunpreston3212]

Iv lived in buses and vans on and off for donkeys years I'm also a freegan for 40 years this is a very chilled cheap style off life! I also teach foraging!😂🏴‍☠️👍

[@Mevi]

I grew up in the 70's, so school was all about mushrooms and plants that instantly kill. 🥺I've either missed out on a lot OR survived.... 😀

[@Ulbre]

Mate, I love it when larger sized chaps (such as myself) tell their tiny home stories. Because, and lets be honest, living in a tiny space as a larger style chap is an extra challenge in itself. but....YAYYYYYYYYYY.....even we can still do it. Cheers from Aussie :) :) :)

[@irenedavo3768]

He does not spend much on food?

[@Cybertruck1000]

@@irenedavo3768 🤣Funny Fckr

[@Lea31706]

We are going to sell our house buy a motor home and have a gap year …at 50 😂

[@John01GM40]

good luck, at least you will be used to drastic downsizing when you go back to living in a property and realise you can no longer afford to buy what you had as you get older and realise it impractical after a "certain" age.

[@heather333]

Sell up and buy your camper, then buy where you want to retire. You can Air B&B it out to fund your travels. Safer than renting. Never get off the housing market for too long.

[@anthonymichaeldurkin6244]

make it 2

[@rosshorne4769]

Good on yeh

[@tedcrilly1]

DO NOT SELL YOUR HOUSE! Just rent it out or airbnb or something. Really no reason to sell up.

[@adamh9126]

Subscribed because you’re infectiously happy. Thank you!

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Nice one thank you! 👍🏻

[@technicalscience]

My place is probably close to £2k a month all in, if I was single I'd definitely consider van life to save money and to have some fun doing it. No idea why KZbin recommended this video or really why I watched it, but I did :)) Nice video mate!

[@Grumpycat95]

The biggest question I always had was : what about the address ? A postcode ? I consider living in a motorhome or a converted van but my biggest fear is not owning an address

[@lauraconnor4216]

Good to see someone living their dream and so passionate about it. Also it’s great to see and hear your monthly costs and thankyou for sharing this with us, best wishes Laura👍

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thank you very much!

[@HK.Builds]

You are a legend mate, been watching for you for ages!

[@storytimereadaloudwithfunn9888]

Your enthusiasm is infectious! I'm rather envious of your lifestyle tbh. Your personalised plate was a good find - very appropriate! 👍😉

[@vincentrisalvato9921]

I BEEN LIVING IN A OLD RV FOR YEARS, LOVE THE LIFE STYLE, I LOST EVERYTHING AND I DO MEAN EVERYTHING A FEW YEARS AGO AND I WAS BROKEN IN MANY DIFFERENT WAYS..... I BOUGHT THIS 35YR OLD RV, IT ONLY HAD 45000 MILES ON IT AND WAS IN GREAT SHAPE, IM 65YRS OLD AND LIKE I SAID IM A BROKEN MAN, I LIVE ON SS AND I GET ABOUT $1000 A MONTH, IT COST ME AROUND 4 TO 5 HUNDRED A MONTH TO LIVE, I PUT MONEY A SIDE FOR REPAIRS AND IM TRYING TO SAVE ENOUGH TO GET A DIFFERENT RIG MAYBE SOMETHING A LITTLE BETTER ON GAS.... YES I LOVE LIVING IN THE RV AND WILL NEVER GO BACK TO A HOUSE OR APT, I DO HAVE 6 KIDS THEIR ALL GROWN UP AND HAVE KIDS OF THEIR OWN....... I CHOOSE TO LIVE IN MY RV TO STAY INDEPENDENT AND NOT TO BOTHER OR INTERFERE WITH MY KIDS LIVES..... I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND THIS LIFE TO ANYONE, I LOVE THE LIFE STYLE AND ITS A CHEAPER WAY OF LIVING, I JUST CANT JUSTIFY $3000 A MONTH FOR RENT AND UTILITIES......

[@Cybertruck1000]

Where abouts..in USA I take it. Somewhere warm I hope. Sounds a great life, all the better if weather favourable.. More open roads there or Canada or Auss. than UK. Similar age, Like many, pipedream that kind of set up but need the push.

[@shahan1465]

Damn man , western culture is sad. I would never let my parents live in an RV

[@rtorbs]

@@shahan1465 Sad ? Thats subjective......you see a vehicle, others see freedom.

[@user-xl8on7sf8o]

I am about to retire. Grown kids . Bored stiff. Seriously thinking of buying a motorhome. Head South in the winter and go north in the summer. Vanlife is appealing to me as I have friends in most European country's. Living alone I am used to after loosing my wife.

[@OrlaAfikiruweh]

​@@user-xl8on7sf8oDo it 😊 I want to! Done paying rent every month and being stuck struggling with bills all the time

[@MrAshleydickens]

Crikey - time flies - I didn’t realise that I’ve been following you for over 3 years - must be your positivity

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Its definitely the money maker 😆 cheers mate for your support!

[@jonathankeerie9129]

Hi Darren, always enjoy your content. Looking forward to the day I see you get your next motorhome upgrade. Hoping to start my vanlife journey in the future and look forward to bumping into you one day for a chat. Great vlog as always.

[@allsop91]

Your videos are always so helpful, mate. Nice one!

[@johnturner7045]

Just found you on KZbin...and it's brilliant!!! Keep them going!

[@iSpeciaIist]

Great video! For someone like me who is just researching into RV / Motorhome life style having never done it before this was really helpful. I have a couple of questions for you, 1) Why did you choose a motorhome over a traditional static caravan? 2) When you park up, how do you get to your place of work?

[@andyetheridge]

In the UK it’s difficult to ‘free park’ without somebody asking you to move on. In france where i live you can virtually park anywhere without worrying about being moved on. With solar panels i can virtually live off grid and no need to find campsites etc.

[@Mevi]

In 4+ years, I've only been asked to move once because I was in the lay-by burger van space. That said, my van doesn't look like a motorhome.

[@LPCLASSICAL]

is your solar heating enough to keep your warm in winter?

[@philbrook241]

So jealous matey. Stay safe and big thanks for the updates and wonderful vids. Keep up the great work ❤

[@ajisroadtrippin5505]

Great video. I am a newbie to Van living and Europe. Thank you for paving the way. 😊🚚

[@awall7501]

Just found your channel via KZbin recommendations. I like the freedom and Nomadic lifestyle as i suffer from a bit of anxiety. I'm subscribing to your channel and looking forward to watching your past and forthcoming Vlogs

[@truthcerum1222]

I rent a house in Cornwall and all my costs are £1300 (rent, council tax, electric, broadband) not including food. I live alone and have a 3 bedroomed house so I can have the kids 4-6 nights a month. I’m seriously considering getting a camper which I can live in and the kids can stay in of a weekend, otherwise we’d get travel lodges. Thanks for this great video, it’s greatly received 💕

[@cassandrahenry]

Wow that’s a really good price and I heard Cornwall is really nice. My rent is £1050 and I live in a studio in the middle of London. Literally one room with separate bathroom. It’s like have a big bedroom with an on suit 😒

[@truthcerum1222]

@@cassandrahenry it’s extortionate really for small places with limited space. Cornwall is nice is you manage to get work and want to live here.

[@markwilkinson2673]

Really good quality video Daz , more please ! , 😎

[@stuartboys260]

That was an eye opener liked the vlog Daz 👍😀

[@garystoker7641]

Just watched you for the first time. Great video, down to earth, very practical. Brilliant. Just subscribed.

[@whepstergaminghd8667]

Love your videos dazza wouldn’t mind shaking ur hand if you ever come to Leicester, your living the right way what I’d give to do what you’re doing and not pay the council a single penny! Keep up the content loving it brother! X

[@anthonymichaeldurkin6244]

that was very enjoyable and informative...thank you. what an excellent, decent, individual you are.

[@Alivefrom45]

Cool video Darran, interesting insight into your monthly costs.

[@justinlouismusic]

Great option for a while. Not sure I’d want to do it forever though. Thanks for the vid and all the info.

[@huberttarganski2095]

Big respect to you for showing a living cost👌

[@paulsingh9043]

Got my costs right down , Fuel 40pw Food 30£ pw Gas -had a 6 k btl for 5m Road tax is 20pm Full service - 150 Breakdown AA-9£ Insurance -370£ Mot-50 Internet-30£ unlimited pm Water -10£ pm Laundry l-free !, my bro😆

[@20oxford]

It's an honest breakdown of costs going back to the 90's when my husband and enjoyed our camper the costs are very much in touch. With out the luxury of showers lol

[@ZevFei]

Found out your channel from Wills Whereabout! Great video man! you know so much about camper van built, Done subscribed!

[@kevinatherton9418]

Dazza, I remember you doing the last one, thanks for the update brother 👍

[@mp180170]

Just found your channel love it 😍 I have a motorhome so big fan, only use mine for holidays can’t wait to see all your videos subbed & liked 😊👍🏼

[@Patriot95379]

Great video pal. Good to see you a genuine guy which comes across polite and a good positive force. Thankyou

[@onemanandhisdog9]

Dude, get the A Class you dream of, one with a big garage and plumb a washing machine in, there's 330 a year saved, paid for in 2 years.

[@fourQQ]

KZbin premium is brilliant I go wild camping in the middle of nowhere, and have over 700 videos downloaded and with no signal I can still watch , and the no ads is a big bonus

[@guypool7524]

What a great video, succinct and to the point, thanks!

[@greenockscatman]

Safe travels bud, thanks for the detailed breakdown

[@nadertalebi2365]

Thanks for sharing.

[@CraftyCampervanners]

It would cost that to rent a house each month (rent depending on location and size if property) and you would have house associated bills on top and still have to food shop, pay for fuel, tax, service, etc etc so it is definitely cheaper to live the urban van life 🤪. Thanks for sharing the costs 👍🏻

[@LPCLASSICAL]

I pay £500 a month for a 1 bed flat in Scotland - inc bills. Most campervanners probably do not park up on the street as they want to enjoy sitting outside on a nice day having breakfast with their fold up table and site facilities toilets showers etc. He is also not seeing the countryside when he wakes up but just urban dwellings. So you need to add £500 a month in site fees to his figure to make it relevant to those who stay on sites - making it as expensive as keeping a house. He still spends a lot frankly even with no site fees - I spend less than he does as I do not waste money on gym clubs amazon prime etc and I have a phone contract at £20 a month that gives me unlimited data.

[@sarahneale6077]

Really informative and useful and you are right you could save but as you say this is your lifestyle choice 👍

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks! exactly, this isn't just about living in a Motorhome to save money, its about the whole lifestyle and I flippin' love it

[@aviewonwheels5843]

Thanks for sharing it really is useful to see the numbers.

[@2010ETHANC]

Saving for your emergency lump is best done in a credit union in my opinion. Especially for newbies As you can borrow up to six times your savings in a real emergency if you do not have enough in your emergency fund. With really low interest offset by your interest on your savings which also you still add to whilst repaing the loan. Also the savings are locked in as security till the loan is repaid.

[@LowkeyLukeDnB]

Very interesting video. Great to see an in-depth full cost breakdown

[@martinjames9250]

Cheers for that mate. 👍 Very interesting and quite realistic I'd say. 😎

[@mrsmunchin]

We have had to use mayday twice. Absolutely fantastic service

[@dano9704]

you've got great energy behind the camera mate - very detailed info too! Stay safe and enjoy yourself!

[@andrewfargus2032]

Just found you, great guy to watch, love your sense of humour, we have a camper and live near Alicante in Spain, have lived here 20 years, owned camper since 2011.

[@Spectre_T24]

I was long considering moterhome or boat due to the rising living expenses in a house, in the end I chose the boat as the cheapest and the scenery and peace on the waterways is immense. I just brought my 1st, works out to £800 a year to be on the river +20 a month for diesel, food all depends on you and safety check is every four years. I'd reccomend to anyone boating life or motor home, get yourselfs a cheaper life, it's there for the taking! Edit: if your constantly on the move travelling then it will be alot less than £800 as I included permanent mooring cost there. Youd just be paying river license for your boat to be on the waterways, that costs me £20 a month.

[@rockinginafreeworld3256]

It’s a lot more than a motorhome . Anything with boat in it is expensive. You cannot get mooring cheap now. Also boat needs blacking and taking out of water. Repairs are often . Service the engine and breakdown service , the list goes on. BOAT .. BREAK OUT ANOTHER THOUSAND.

[@Spectre_T24]

@@rockinginafreeworld3256 that's a lie mate, even comparing my living cost to this guys, mines loads cheaper.

[@Spectre_T24]

@@rockinginafreeworld3256 anyway I'm giving my own insight/opinion. It's a reccomendation for people to get out of houses and minus their living expenses. I'd love to see your comparison, more information based on the point you have given, from the obvious experience you must have had. It's always welcome so other people can read and it can help them decide.

[@lgx2410]

I'm in the same predicament. A narrowboat seems like a better option - can constant cruise without hassle, and even have a washing machine on the boat.

[@Spectre_T24]

@@lgx2410 absolutely, narrowboats are the dream. Mooring places also offer necessary facilities such as wash and shower rooms if your boat lacks such, say if you go for something cheaper like a cruiser.

[@leopardsgowild]

good video bro, seem like an easy to get along with fellow enjoying a life off grid, which is awesome... Watching from New Zealand

[@VantasticAdventures]

Really interesting and realistic for your needs, like you say you are living how you want to so it could be cheaper or more expensive but great thorough breakdown so people can judge for themselves how it would differ 👍 thank you 😁

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Absolutely spot on mate, that's the main point, it can be as expensive or cheap as you want it to be depending on what you want. I love my lifestyle and it's exactly how I want to live. It's merely a guide of how I live, not a blueprint that others have to follow. If it helps and inspires someone to follow their dream, great! If people merely want to observe from afar but are happy in their life, fantastic! The key is being happy in your life. Cheers for watching 👍🏻

[@alexgawthrop1748]

@@TheUrbanMotorhome for some reason I really needed to read this comment. Made me think that I should just try do what makes me happy now

[@katherinegeorge4945]

That's the best budget video I've seen.

[@alanclutterham282]

Thank you for info and very helpful and happy vaning

[@justinefleming7756]

Were getting ready to go off grid,were organising ourselves, working out costs.This video is handy.thank u

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Glad it was helpful!

[@johncullerton]

Great video, a useful update on the one you did a while ago. Keep it up, your vids are really informative and down to earth as opposed to many that evangelise the experience rather than lay open the nitty gritty (if you know what I mean). Can't wait for the next one. 🙂

[@gavinprosser]

i agree with you 100% you tube ads.........im premuim member and my usage since has gone up ten fold.

[@hornetboy3694]

Awesome video thank you Darran

[@hafa231]

Very valuable information, thank you

[@sarahfreeman3268]

Good information, I drive a Peugeot Boxer Van 333 conversion which I use for work which has most things in, if I lived on my own with out the dogs and hubby. I would quiet haply live in my van , not to save cost its because I love it 😀

[@anthonymichaeldurkin6244]

sarah freewoman.....tu

[@theabandonedhunter3604]

Well done Dazzler, great video as always mate! When’s the next fishing one? 😉🎣 Take it easy … Smithy

[@SteffanAtherton]

also add blocker on google stops any adverts on youtube again totally free

[@carol_ann_living.in.the.moment]

Only just come across your channel as I'm pretty new to KZbin. Really informative thanks as I'm planning on travelling next year in my old girl 🤞

[@ianwild66]

Great video thanks for posting. I think your best life is still saving you £600 - £1000 a month on rent/mortgage and water/waste!

[@peter428]

A good concise vid from what seem to be a decent down to earth feller living on our roads 👍🏻🇬🇧 we do have a great country …..

[@Wol19]

Lovin your work fella keep it up 👍

[@simonparkinson5454]

Right positive now great video thanks for this

[@lynne2774]

Brilliant video, thank you.

[@thisisian62]

Have you considered having your phone & internet contracts on seperate networks? You'd probably still have coverage on the other network if you were out of EE coverage.

[@GeoffAnthonyClinics]

Great video. Just subscribed. 😀

[@sasman63]

Great video. Very informative

[@Ttkfj]

I'm doing this in the next 6 months can't wait great video ,

[@ronaldvanzwol8893]

Thank you for a great video ! Good Luck. Best Regards, Ronald 🌹

[@tomfarrer1631]

This guy is so humble

[@jonny231980]

Great video I live in Hatfield lol. Sure I have seen you around love your video and your attitude keep up the good work

[@davebolger3929]

Yeah pretty much bang on. The proportions are totally different coz I'm totally rural but basically a couple of hundred a week let's me live a good( which means slightly self indulgent) life. I'd only add that if you can find a way to live with others of a similar inclination/lifestyle you provide a lot of each others entertainment and a lot of expenses are hugely reduced by being shared. Living communally with other gridless I reckon half that.

[@LawnRight]

Only just found your channel.. greta video.. subscribing!

[@segurosincero4057]

Nicely done mate.

[@wmelliott3802]

Glad to see that you you are making vids again 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Cheers mate! its good to be 'back'

[@wmelliott3802]

@@TheUrbanMotorhome I'm off grid in the country in a 35fx12ft three bedroom static and have missed your vids mate. Best wishes 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍 👍

[@annemarsden2323]

Brilliant vid 🚐

[@bryandunbar5871]

Was just watching the travel beans and this video was next so had to push the sub button.

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thank you!! Welcome 👊🏼

[@alexthomson7465]

Totally agree on youtube premium. Spotify 9.99 pm just music. KZbin premium 11.99 pm no ads and unlimited music. Soo worth it!

[@grahamelgie9281]

Great video.

[@davidasquith2102]

Really good and informative 👍 love your videos mate, I will be looking to live in a converted van in the future and wondered if your vehicle insurance covers living in it full time?

[@michellebyrom6551]

Look up average rv insurance. They're usually cheaper than regular cars. They're not on the road as much, but are liable to be broken into if not in a garage.

[@woodhousewoodhouse5952]

Good video pal

[@user-dj4dl9pi7m]

Exceptionally high thumbs up mate. Gave you another one.Usually about 7%.

[@mark196233]

Great video. You're actually spending about the same as me in a (paid for) three bedroom house including running a car. Used to have a camper so I know the freedom that brings.

[@davidbowers3996]

Great channel bro . 👍🤟👌🤙

[@michaell3739]

Wow, allot less than I thought. Just bought a LWB Ducato and was wondering how much over my 1200 euro a month of rental income I would be spending, so this video is a good starting point as I was looking at doing something similar to yourself with the gym etc. so thanks for the video.

[@manchestervanlife]

Top one our kid , take it easy bro 🤙🏻

[@marcbastion2901]

Oh man I totally agree with you 👍

[@christopherinteriors6521]

Just found your channel and I am enjoying watching your content. I am in my van every weekend camping urban like yourself. It is a work van but for the weekends the racking converts into a bed etc. Anyway, if people think that any of this is expensive then just remember that some of those things you have to pay for anyway e.g phone costs and all the tax, insurance to get to work etc. The most important cost here is the one that is zero and that is rent.