How Much Does It Cost to Live Full Time in a Motorhome in the UK?

[@Grizleea]

Its nuts it would be 200 a month at most

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

200 a month for what?

[@Grizleea]

The lot

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Haha ok!

[@Paulie44]

@@TheUrbanMotorhomeI find it amusing that people like Grizleea can spout a load of nonsense figures (ie £200) without any hard evidence. I enjoy these videos because you’re realistic and don’t try grab headlines with ridiculous £200 pcm claims like Grizleea. £200 wouldn’t even cover my fuel costs to work for two weeks 😂

[@ukulelalienation]

@@TheUrbanMotorhome It worries me how some people have no idea about personal finance. I love this vid. Ignore the ignorants. :)

[@msmithgraphix]

Wow!! That sounds very high for vanlife, when I was living in van, I aimed to be around £600/£700per month all in, currently living in flat on South Coast and my living costs are £1400per month, so you have made me feel pretty good with what I am achieving 😊

[@angelarobertson-ht3km]

You have always been a genuine guy which is why I want to watch your video’s. Have watched for years and have loved your journey from your days as a lorry driver. I wish you on going sucess😊🫶

[@KazMate]

£600 a month for food for one person is well over the top, sorry, just my opinion

[@allrisk7319]

It does sound a bit excessive yeah

[@doglifehub]

50 a week for me at the most, and I'm 95% carnivore

[@DanielleHinder]

Dunno how/where you guys shop. We manage a family of 4 on £400 a month!

[@riboid]

GP Receptionist by any chance?

[@rossfender6411]

£20/ day to eat is mega expensive.

[@Jackiesharonhill]

Brilliant video Daz as always. It's definitely possible to do it a lot cheaper by buying a smaller second-hand vehicle, cheaper food moving around less, etc. I think you could realistically do it for between 6 to 800 with a good basic standard of living. You have always worked very very hard and continue to do so and your current outgoings are still extremely low compared to living in a property. Loving the content❤

[@Spitfire67UK]

Yeah that was a good video covering most things. I was shocked at the food bill. But he doesnt shy away from the fact he likes his food. So do I but im like 2-300 a month and that includes household and personnel stuff like loo roll and deodorant

[@EcotechLaptopsLtd]

I've been living for the past 3.5 years and I would say I still keep it in my Fiat Ducato Hymer living below £400/ month really.. but yes, I do live very simply :3 I am coming to the end of my motorhome living part of my life, it was fun but end while the going is good I guess, thanks for the information, it was because of your description and pre calculation and youtube channel that I chose to go ahead with the motorhome living. The last straw for me was mice infestation.. ugh that was tough on me. Thanks mate, you have a sub for life, hope all goes well with you and your venture :)

[@MaureenMarshall-c5d]

Good on you lad love a man that likes his grub ❤

[@Stevebookend]

Nice honest talk about costs. The only way I find to cut the costs down a little is move around less the rest is what it is. And I totally agree about the camp sits for getting everything done in a couple of days stay.

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks Steve, yeah I like to be open and upfront about it all, helps other make informed decisions don’t it. You’re right about lowering cost most are what they are, I could probably tighten up the food if I had too, and yeah campsites are great for a few days stop

[@Jer0867]

"Honest" costs??? What world are you living in, where one person spends £400 - £600 a month on food alone??

[@DaveUk1096]

@@Jer0867 he’s saying what he spends so what’s the problem!… I take it you live on soup or beans on toast but smoke 20 a day and 4 cans of beer 🫣😂😂

[@grahamwaddell4503]

​@@TheUrbanMotorhomeI quite often have a McDonald's breakfast delivered and just open the bedroom window and the driver passes it through literally breakfast in bed, it's great I'm under the duvet I don't even get out of bed to receive the delivery , you pay more but it's worth it and I'm loving it 😁

[@dougied4827]

Shocked at the numbers mate wow, another thing to note is your motorhome is not making any capital appreciation like a house in fact it’s losing value with wear and tear and constant mileage increases but I guess you can’t put a figure on freedom. Excellent channel mate wishing you all the best in your adventure. 🤝

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

Compare this to being able to magic money out of thin air and lend it at interest... The Joooooooos

[@mpw2081]

let me know if you can take your capital with you mate when your dead.

[@TheMillieruby]

​@@mpw2081he can sell it

[@josephnicholson6776]

​@@mpw2081 let me know when how you enjoy living in a van when you're 80 and have no capital to pay for a care home.

[@rsabardoelectrical]

@@josephnicholson6776 sounds like the way I am going

[@Tim-and-Sarah-vanlife]

Great vlog and as you say it’s personal preference to everyone…we’re full time and have been for a few years now but the one thing we have to remember is most of these costs are cost of living regardless of where you live, the increase should be based on running costs and repairs everything else is cost of living regardless 🙏

[@mpw2081]

Totally agree, this is the way forward, we have been thinking of this for a few years.

[@mrlover4310]

I've just come across your Channel today I'm glad you're living your dream

[@stevehughes7224]

I've followed you from the start of your KZbin journey & always enjoy your honest vids

[@TheHillsExplore]

great insight into the costs mate. I think a lot of people will be surprised by just how much it costs and I like the idea of going to a site and doing all your chores in one go. Great video again

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks mate, yeah I’ll be honest I was quite shocked when I saw the numbers in black and white, it has certainly gone up a lot. Yeah building campsite days into your routine really works well

[@09mantlek]

I haven't started yet but have already decided I plan to go to a campsite maybe like friday or saturday after work to get my chores done. Going to try get a big water tank and make it last the week then I can top that up there and do the washing. I think ive gone overboard on the solar so my power should be fine even in winter. I plan to carry my motorcycle so it be nice to leave the van at a secure location for the day then go out on the motorbike while my clothes hang out to dry in summer :) . Dog will be safer at the campsite too with the fans on or air con.

[@DMDyoutube123]

@@TheUrbanMotorhome you didn't talk about van depreciation and its a real cost ! mileage and another year older has a cost that can be calculated and shown as a monthly cost . BUT YOU NEVER MENTION THIS IN ANY OF YOUR COST UPLOADS !

[@mpw2081]

much easier than having a home and alot more fun.

[@mpw2081]

@@09mantlek its the life, the freedom

[@anthonydevono8833]

Great video darran it’s good to see the breakdown of costs I watch Bren I’m the USA living in his car do food deliveries etc and he breaks it down the same way. it’s good to see people can live full time in there van even in these tough times 👍

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks Anthony appreciate you watching the video, I've not seen Bren's videos but I'll check them out 😁👍🏻

[@daletinsley2954]

As for paying to walk on a treadmill !! Park 4/5 miles from the gym. Walk there don't bother going in just walk back. Paying to walk ! I get paid to walk miles a day BINMAN

[@CreepyTrendMan]

Haha brilliant

[@whatsamdidnext]

I love you Daz. I’ve followed you from almost the beginning. You always make me smile and your videos are entertaining and informative. Thank you for being you 💜🤍

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Ahhh thanks Sam, really appreciate you watching the videos and your kind words, have a great Sunday 😊

[@ianbarnes8727]

One thing you haven't mentioned is the cost of the motorhome per month. Probably at least another £400.00 - £500.00 per month depending on the initial cost and how long it's expected to last for.

[@NWSOK]

Great seeing you today Darren at the NEC, keep up with your informative videos.

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Will do 👍🏻 Thanks for coming over and saying Hi 😁

[@PK_Blinder]

I'm sure you go upp and down the M6 occasionally. Jump off the M54 at J1, do a right and Hilton Gas is on the left 75p a litre. Or go into Wolverhampton and Carvers is 69p a litre... 👍

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

That’s a sweet tip mate, £1.30 a litre is killer! I’m having a diesel heater fitted next week so that will help with keep gas use down 🤞🏻😁

[@PK_Blinder]

@@TheUrbanMotorhome and I buy a 205l of red shared with a mate for my Autoterm heater. Works out around 60p a litre

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

ahhhh I'm having mine plumed into the main tank, I just know the mess I'll make with another tank, that and I've got no where for another tank to go lol

[@philipwilks9151]

Excellent video, great break down of costs, we don't live in ours full time but do spend a lot of time travelling around using campsites, wild camping and pubs etc.

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks Philip, thanks. Yeah I love mixing it up with different stops 😊👍🏻

[@angelaangieddavis3565]

Really interesting n much more than I thought it would be.

[@Simon_Rafferty]

I considered Starlink - but was put off by the cost. Instead, like you, I have a pre-paid sim with 5G. Then I bought a Proroute H685 5G Router plus a rooftop antenna. These are fairly expensive - but it delivers impressive speeds even when my phone has no signal. The rooftop antenna makes all the difference.

[@Damski748]

Great video, always love your enthusiasm,no matter the topic. Your total per month is £500 less than my rent alone per month! Van life is the way ahead!

[@denzilbrandt9833]

A good insight of the cost of van life ,but if you shop around, you can at least knock another 25%off , hopefully I'm hoping to go ahead with it , in a couple of years , when I retire, I know you got the original price of van , but once you got that , the world is your oyster, and freedom , keep the videos coming .

[@Angela-j5i]

My husband and I van life part time. It is a very expensive hobbie. Worth it though seen most of the Uk in the last 8 years since we did van life.

[@CaravanVlogger]

We do exactly the same with internet, prepaid sim and Starlink - price increase was a shocker 🙂EE £37 a month! I need to renegotiate. Great vlog, thanks for sharing!

[@matthewpope6935]

@@CaravanVlogger i use Giffgaff and hotspot TV and laptop using my phone. £25 unlimited calls and data. No contract.

[@TheIzaakmd]

Great video as ever. The costs seem pretty reasonable to me, and not outlandishly different to the previous edition of this video. Keep them coming, I’m looking forward to the Christmas market trips!

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks! Yeah they could be a lot worse that’s for sure and there are a few places I could reign in if needed. Got lots of videos coming over the winter, can’t wait 👍🏻😁

[@samcooper6115]

Morning Dazza yes I have been looking forward to a new updated version of the video . Ta for this

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Morning Sam, no worries your welcome, costs have definitely gone up I think you’d agree

[@meanderinginourtime1537]

Informative as usual, you have provided us with the full cost of living in a motorhome, although you could strip out some of the costs which would be incurred if you were in a house i.e, food, phone you would have those anyway. Keep the Sunday ‘Chicken Wing’ videos coming, they are so enjoyable.

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

I try to be as open and upfront as possible about it all. Yeah you’re right to be fair some of them cost will be with you either in a house or a motorhome. I’ll keep the videos coming no worries, appreciate you watching and commenting 😊

[@nickhumphries6220]

This is so interesting. Thank you. I was wanting a good comparison between House rent, van life and canal boat. Funny how everything prices about the same. No cheap living in the UK. Even camp site fees are ridiculous for a tent.

[@darenfox4882]

Great video Daz you are entertaining and to the point that what i like

[@LexKaiNix]

Great video! Thank you for sharing your budget with us 😊 My monthly shop costs are around £350-400 a month just for me. That including cleaning products and home stuff (does not include period products as I have reusables that don’t cost anything - except laundry!) I’m strict vegetarian (lactose intolerant so no dairy- just eggs!) and try not to buy too many luxuries, but it’s still a chunk of income. Although I think I spend less than others by not eating meat (lentils, beans, etc are much cheaper) and making my food from scratch where I can. I agree with stopping at a camp site to do chores - plus most have shower blocks so no wasting your own water or electricity on the water heater for a good scrub 😂

[@davefool6815]

Did you have to let us know that you wash your jam rags luv. Jesus I'm eating me dinner watching this video and just read that.

[@findermanimages]

Great video breaking down the costings. Some of those costs aren't necessarily just associated with living in a motorhome / camper van. Food would need to be bought in a van or in a house. Most people would also have the vehicle costs of tax, insurance, MOT and fuel, too. A small family car may be cheaper over all, but there would be some cost. Perhaps that's something for a future video: cost of living in a motorhome vs. cost of living in a house using average market figures for the house. I am only interested in all this as I have just sold my house and will be moving full-time into my less-than-adequate van at the end of January (on completion of sale). Is your van insurance for full-time living in it? If so, that's a great deal! 👌

[@KarlPlatt-uz6kc]

Hi mate, For the motorhome you are living in, That amount is not too bad. Definitely if you have a smaller van , it will be cheaper . A friend of mine lives in a Ford transit, and he spends around £700 a month.

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Cheers Karl, yeah that’s a fair point my motorhome is a fair old size. Ohhh I’ve got some friends that are living on a lot less than me, are you full time?

[@psling7714]

Other than possibly fuel, why would living in a smaller van be cheaper?

[@mikeno7623]

​@@psling7714in smaller vans you wont have a space for toilet, fridge or starlink on top, so all these costs are gone. Also in a proper motorhome as this gentleman, he runs heating and cooking on gas where as smaller vans have diesel heater and with smaller space you dont need to run it all the time to heat up thus less fuel. Im living out of ford transit, all build by hand but I do it mainly to save money for a property so I can live off less than half of the £1200

[@davidcoton2925]

Great honest video, I’m £1990 I’m a house with a mortgage rate rise looming! We met you at the NEC on Friday, I was nervous, but you are a great guy! Look forward to the next cheese tasting too😊

[@waynekeenansvideos]

A very insightful video, thanks! It's about the same ballpark total as mine, in slightly different proportions (but no Space Karen dish). One additional cost I have currently is Self Storage and the no-ads Prime add-on, adverts drive me mad lol

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

I wanna say brilliant were the same but at the same time I don’t because of the increases haha, na it’s good to know I’m not wildly out there with my costs. I did have storage a long time ago but got rid of it in the end, I’ve got a couple of seasonal things in my brother’s shed and that’s it now. Ahhhh I’m the same mate ads drive me crackers, KZbin premium is something I think I’ll have for life now haha, how long you been full time?

[@magssmith7544]

Your the man Daz yes that a lot but your not privelaged you work hard and your more home is fantastic and that's cos you have worked for it love your videos keep on keeping on you are a inspiration ❤❤

[@janineorj_artist]

Great vid. 👌🏻 I can attest to you being "a pretty ok guy" 🤗 👍🏻

[@lendavies5200]

Great video and we would certainly not be spending that much, especially on food or Fuel. Happy journeys to you and if you are ever up in the highlands of Scotland near Invergordon you are most welcome to park up on our driveway as we have done this for other motorhome guys passing by for a few days.

[@Christopher-sj2sc]

A brilliant and totally candid video as always, definitely could make direct comparisons with renting but not sure about those with mortgages. Ultimately the latter will eventually own a house outright and one that's likely appreciated in value, whereas MH's will depreciate and funds will be needed to replace one day. That said home ownership may make the most financial sense but it's probably the most boring!!!!!

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks, mate, really appreciate that! You're spot on about the comparison-owning a house makes financial sense long-term, but like you said, it's definitely the more boring option! For me, it’s all about the freedom and adventure, even if a motorhome doesn’t appreciate in value. It’s a trade-off I’m happy to make!

[@chrisholbrook141]

Similar costs to living in house thats paid for and appreciating. How much will your van be worth in 10 years time? House will probably 2x in 10 years. Inflation works for you. Oxidisation works against you.

[@Baud2Bits]

Buy me a house for 2k, which is what I paid for my van five years ago. Next maintain your house for under £500 per year. Now pay all your insurance and taxes for £500 a year. I'll match your fuel costs and food costs. Now take the £150k you made on your rabbit hutch and upgrade to a sem-detached, which has increased in cost by £300k while you built your nest egg.

[@rikkusayian2649]

thats assuming you can get a mortgage for the house and have the down payment. you would have to ask him why he does this rather than get a house as he may have his own reasons. you clearly dont like it for some reason good luck with that.

[@ItsOnlyMe247]

For all you know this dude is banging away a few k per month

[@fenixfp40]

Not everyone is in that position, smart arse.

[@chrisholbrook141]

@Baud2Bits maybe, maybe not. Let's suppose that the basic costs of running a van and a modest conventional home are roughly the same. My point is that the van is a depreciating asset, aka money hole, whereas "Dunromin" or "Shangri-la" increases in value every year, thanks to both inflation and scarcity value. So long-term vanning is a commitment to a lifestyle that comes at a cost... it's for the individual to judge the benefits, but that's a different conversation.

[@StarCaledonia]

Daz, thank you for this video, especially the MOT and insurance costs. For anyone working full time and renting even a council house these costs would be at the lower end on average, so a lot of incentive to consider van life for those who want the independence and have family they could have mail sent to.

[@BlueHavana81]

£1142 a month is not bad considering £600 of that is your food. It's literally half of your expenses. And £96pm for Starlink which isn't necessary for the average person I'd say for me the total would be, as a carnivore/Keto person, my food bill would be about £160pm, no Starlink, my diesel would be half as I don't travel that much, so the total there would be around £525pm which would include pet food. So it's still far cheaper than renting a 1 bed home in the North East with all outgoings hitting around £850-900pm. And that's social housing not private rent, which would be even higher

[@RogueAdventures82]

Just stumbled across this video whilst doom scrolling! Lovely fella and very interesting insight into the costs of real van life (I’m a weekend warrior!). Just subbed 👊

[@ian6316]

Thanks for the video. i decided to stay in vietnam after that shock

[@stephenrogers9664]

I’m in Australia, & working it out your doing really good. Our biggest expense is fuel as we can drive tens of thousands of kms just travelling

[@paulbrown2892]

What's the law on living in a motor home/touring caravan and council tax? I've read that because it's your main residence you are liable to pay, but not sure how that would work. Great video's by the way.

[@MrStevencope]

Great video Darren, it would be interesting to see the comparison for the cost of living in a house against van life.

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks Steven, yeah I mean I’m sure I could find the average costs for living in a house or ask a few of my friends and then do a comparison video, would you be interested in something like that?

[@sueb8270]

​@@TheUrbanMotorhome I think that would be a good comparison 👍. Your costs do seem quite high, but you are running a business. I receive the state pension which certainly wouldn't cover your outgoings, I work part time to be able to run my campervan, which is also my daily driver, so holidays and short trips are affordable.

[@richiebainbridge2608]

@@TheUrbanMotorhome north to south cost of living would be so so different so that would be difficult.

[@carol_ann_living.in.the.moment]

Great informative video and like you say, its personal to you and everyones is going to come in slightly different. Gives a good insight though that its not always as cheap as some might think. Great tip for the pay upfront data sim, I'll look into that as im planning on going full time soon. Take care and keep safe 😊

[@AbdulAbulbulAmir]

In Portugañ I use vodafone which costs 90 Euro for 85 days. Very fast and unlimited. I got a monthly Orange sim in Spain for about 20 Euros. Very fast but limited. When I drove to the UK, I got the cold shoulder because I didn´t have a UK address.

[@DesMcStay]

Nice vid.Well done

[@felixstroud-allen6283]

Would love a bit more info on insurance providers as with many insurers it’s a bit of a grey area especially if you have a converted sprinter van. Also great to meet you this week and make sure you get Park4Night to change the label to anything other than ‘Itinerary’ 😂

[@LangSara]

Getting the Amazon internet! Great seeing you every day this week!

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks for watching 😊👍🏻

[@choltrig]

Can't wait for the Christmas markets video!.

[@jimbo1968uk4]

Interesting video, thank you. I know it's not strictly a cash flow but a cost that no one mentions is depreciation. A self-build van may not lose much because of the "improvements" from the fit-out but a prebuilt van will depreciate over time. Shouldn't this significant cost be included in the cost estimates?

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks for the comment! I know some people worry about depreciation, but honestly, it is what it is. I can’t control it, so I focus on enjoying the lifestyle and saving when I can for the future. I never thought I’d even be doing what I’m doing now, so who knows what the future holds. Appreciate you bringing it up though-it’s definitely something to keep in mind!

[@arkadventure2]

Just discovered your channel - excellent! You came as a recommendation from Chris Sloane. I’m one s new subscriber.

[@petecoventry6858]

Starlink Mini. I have one too. I know they put it from £85 but you do get in motion usage and some other stuff. But it's still an awesome service

[@pinchyh]

£400 to £600 on food is too much. Switch to Aldi/Lidl and ditch pre-made meals and cook from scratch and that cost drops to £150 a month tops.

[@sparsh415]

I reckon he may be squeezing in a few takeaways on that budget. lol

[@Jer0867]

I don't even economise...I use mainly Tesco and Asda, but still spend no more than around a MAXIMUM of around £60 a week (£260 pcm)...and that's including a steak and 10 eggs every day! I don't know what the hell he must be eating. Must be takeaways and other rubbish. And look at the amount he must be spending on rubbish like loads of pop every day!

[@GrahamJ-q8t]

@@Jer0867 if he's happy, healthy and can afford it, why not

[@Midlife_mike]

What a terrible life you must live on your budget yogurt. Work harder

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks @pinchyh for the comment, but who said anything about pre-made meals? I actually cook and do shop at Aldi and Lidl a lot already! The £400 to £600 is on the high side when I bulk buy, but it’s definitely not all pre-made stuff. I love cooking, dude!

[@IamNasman]

Pepsi max is expensive. Tesco cola xero is 45p for 2 litres, tastes much the same. Get a CRT key and use the canal water points, then filter the water, tastes the same as bottled water.

[@robertfoster1151]

Couple of questions. Campsite fees only cover a few days a month, do you wild camp or boondock the rest? Have you factored in depreciation of your motorhome?

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Yeah I go to campsites about every 7/10 days to do all my chores and the rest of the time I'm either wild camping or at festival/shows (spring/summer). I know some people worry about depreciation of the moho's but honestly it is what it is, I can't ultimately control it so I do what I can and save when possible for the future.

[@Nonegiven14582]

I live in hotels. I do near £10 during the day on Greggs etc. Same at night. Plus beers, soft drinks and things like toothpaste push the bill up further. Meal and 2 pints is £25

[@jankoszuta9835]

Very interesting but you've not included depreciation on your vehicle. Is that not quite a lot?

[@lindawest165]

Wow thank you fpr the breakdown you must work hard to pay all that you do well xxx love your videos thank you 😊

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks Linda, it's certainly different working for yourself rather than for a company that's for sure but I love what I do and I'm very lucky.

[@stuartwrigglesworth9339]

Hi mate fantastic video again, You take care mate 😁

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

No problem Stuart, are the costs what you expected?

[@stuartwrigglesworth9339]

@@TheUrbanMotorhome Yes nothing is cheep now my friend, You take care

[@andydarwin9785]

What address do you put down for insurance?

[@ItsOnlyMe247]

Home address? Am I missing something lol

[@andydarwin9785]

@BrandNew777 if you life full time in a van...🤔

[@sapperRE]

Very well done mate. Great lifestyle choices

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks mate, appreciate the support 👊🏻

[@greg-v1g6y]

If you pay your van insurance 3-4 weeks before its up you will get it cheaper & the longer you wait before it runs out it goes up a lot.

[@stevenwaite3158]

Thanks Daren. Another top video. Our current mortgage alone is £750, council tax £220, gas and electric £260. A MONTH That's without food and all other essentials. I think you are living the dream fella and good luck to you. Here's a top top for saving on food.... Cut down on the chicken wings. 😝

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Cheers, mate, really appreciate that! Wow, those house bills are no joke! I definitely feel lucky with the motorhome lifestyle-it’s a different kind of dream for sure. Haha, cutting down on chicken wings? That’s a tough one, but I’ll give it a go... maybe...never haha! 😆

[@georgeton4991]

Daz, swap wings for chicken eggs...

[@RobertoBrowne-u2q]

A few videos ago, you were asking about TV/movie recommendations. Well I sincerely recommend Bosch and also Bosch legacy. It is American as you wished. You may have already watched them but if not...enjoy! Also mate one quick question I'm sure you've been asked before ... however...have you ever experienced anything really creepy, strange or even paranormal on your travels? Would love to hear any response to that but either way fella. Love your stuff, your channel, been following for a while but I think this is the first time I've actually commented. Keep up the good work Darren, and thank you matey. When next will you be in East Sussex??

[@MyANTHEMS]

A few of the costs are surely just general costs that everybody also pays, for example, the 300 for fuel (people that dont live in their van would also travel and spend similar on fuel getting to work), its not a vanlife cost, its a travel expense, also, as you said, the 600 on food is personal, it can definitely be a lot less, but i can imagine some people also spend a lot more.

[@sparsh415]

You do like your food Daz cos I`m a 5 -11, 20 stone trucker and I allow about £45 a week for groceries. £600 a month is what my Brother spends to feed him, his wife and their 6 ft 4, 25 year old son.

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Haha, yeah, I do love my food! To be fair, the £600 figure is on the high side and usually happens when I bulk buy or take advantage of offers to save over time. Some weeks it’s much less, but I like to keep things flexible.

[@grahamwaddell4503]

​@@TheUrbanMotorhomeI don't think that food costs should be in the total as if you rented a room you would have food costs

[@cashkitty3472]

Pi would say £45 is main shop but then snacks, deliveroo and work lunches pushes it to more like £80 a month. Then there going to pubs. I'm on dodt drinks but trays probably another £60. I dint think k yihatebeing honest with yourself

[@bennyvontrap5843]

Why are they paying for a 25 year olds food and why does he live at home? I find younger people are like teenagers when they should have kids and a mortgage already

[@toms7671]

@@bennyvontrap5843 you sound like a terrible person

[@jaspermearns4807]

Ok some really useful figures there. Please please can you tell us what the miniature hair dryer like object is just above your right shoulder through most of the video please.

[@MultiJayjay1982]

Love the idea of van life..had a motorhome a few year's back! Good on ya for escaping the matrix! Get some solar on the roof bro. Diesel heater aswell as it will save on your lpg costs as you can run it on red diesel 🫡 less tax 😊..

[@Scud_and_thesTig]

Excellent information, well presented 👍 Unfortunately, my entertainment costs involve beer and wine - so, I’m on a different scale 😂 👌💙❤️

[@fenixfp40]

No diesel costs then! Can’t drink and drive😀

[@thevanthatrocked]

Just bought an air fryer from Lidl and it cooks chichen wings other good stuff. Unfortunately, I don't eat chips and chicken wings. What can I do?

[@stevewestonphotography]

Buy a 30 day matured , Grass fed, Thick cut Rib-Eye steak from Lidl's, cook at 200 degrees for 5 minutes each side, rest for two minutes and you have found the best use of an air fryer!

[@The-Good-Life-Off-Grid]

Hello I left you a message on your other videos 😢. I just used my phone for all my channel content and like you EE unlimited data is the best. I don’t watch tv . I’m trying to get Diesel heater in my van, but I keep getting let down so saving up to get one fitted by a professional company now . I use a camping stove. living with basic needs 😊

[@philmay113]

I've had a diesel heater fitted by the Autoterm fitter in Bideford ,north Devon and he did an excellent job for just over 1000 pounds, but you would have to wring for a quote as things change, very well pleased with his work and everything he did, I can recommend him after the job he did for me on my motorhome.

[@The-Good-Life-Off-Grid]

@@philmay113 nice I’m a bit worried about the cheap diesel heaters after my van got caught a light a few years back but I don’t give bad reviews on those cheap diesel heaters. They are quite good but being on my own I would much prefer to have it done professionally thank you

[@BONKYDOLLOCKS]

Don't buy a cheap Chinese vertical on a diesel heater, it's always better and safer to pay that 50% more for the German diesel heater equivalent as you get the rolls Royce version and reliability German engineering buddy.

[@davidlucas6837]

Great honest video Darren. Do you tell the insurance company that you are living in the van full time? Also, as you have a relationship with a dealer, does that mean you have to be a business user?

[@timtynan4204]

Really interesting and useful even for us bricks and mortar types. It is disgusting how much we're being squeezed by big businesses.

[@kennethwiggins7385]

Yeah, like a few here are saying, you could save a packet on food .........Aldi, Lidl etc ........and consider good healthy wholesome food you can make yourself, like soups, stews. And once made, they go a long way. One cost that is unpredictable is repairs & replacement of big expensive items - like a house.

[@tonybrown5071]

Good video Daz, informative as usual. The main cost that can be more under your control is your food bill. Wow, £600 is a lot. Think about how much you would save by shopping around in the likes of Aldi and Lidl. I accept that you probably wont want to sacrifice on quality but you could possibly cut your food bill by around 50%. Also, by healthy eating you would lose a bit of 'timber' and get more MPG from your motorhome ! Winner, winner, chicken salad dinner haha. Best wishes.

[@eugenedarvell8470]

Let face it Daz eats a lot of chicken wings😂

[@tonybrown5071]

@@eugenedarvell8470 🤣

[@TheMinimalistTherapist]

I don't think Aldi compromises on quality in any way. Very good value.

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Cheers, mate! You’re right-food’s definitely one area I can tweak. I actually do shop around in Aldi and Lidl quite a bit and love their stuff! The £600 is a high-end estimate when I bulk buy, but I do aim to keep it lower when I can.

[@pandaww.]

Hey bud, idk i think i made the wrong impression this afternoon (im probably overthinking) but in relation to your monthly spends you could probably save on your food shops . Mobile phone and your fuel. If you see me or vise versa reminded me about fuel and mobile . Hope your diesel heater keep you toasty bud

[@pandaww.]

I read a few comments but yeah most definitely fuel and mobile

[@lakedistrict9450]

That’s about my total too. No suffering. I could cut back in places, but don’t t need to.

[@johnw8626]

Hi Daz. Almost exactly the same for me. Hope your well, take care

[@vivien408]

One thing you have not budgeted for Darren, is if you have to be out of your motorhome because it's in garage for repairs and if it in for more than a couple of hours and you can't stay in your motorhome than paying to stay in a hotel rooms? Yes your food budget for the month is a well over the top

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

I've got an emergency fund put aside for things like that which I keep adding too over time. I don't think 100 a week on food & drink is bad if i'm honest, 600 is usually when I'm bulk buying special offers and that, thanks for the comment

[@procta2343]

@@TheUrbanMotorhome Do you own a business? you could apply for a Makro or a bookers card. ( Makro been the better option for business, bookers is more for retail shops. ) that would save you few quid on bulk stuff, as you would pay the VAT on all, not individual items. Like you would in the standard supermarkets.

[@bobbyedwards6144]

Do you have a video on your heating system? Thanks. Also, what do you do with pleasure? Batteries? Mine seemed to die after about 4 years Thanks

[@micro_adVANtures]

I have finance to pay on my van and so it’s a bit more for me and I’m being ripped off on insurance too. May I ask - have you told the insurance company that you live full to E in your van? I did and they put it up to 2k. I need to address that. Who did you go with?

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

I live on £800 pcm in my campervan and that includes a £250 contingency what I would like to know!!! Does your income from utube shows and merchandise cover it??

[@livingthedreambuildingthedream]

@@Hucky123 would be nice but I don’t think he is ever going to do that.

[@Holycurative9610]

Me, the wife and a 16 year old only spend about £320-£350/month on shopping, £180/month electric, and then another £100/month on internet/mobile/sundries etc. ,£600/month rent. The upshot is it costs about 1200-1500/month to live at a basic level in the UK nowadays. My house in the Philippines when I was out there last year was costing me about £300/month to live a GOOD lifestyle and that includes all my bills/food and so on. I don't drive out there so we use jeepneys or tricycles to get about but that's so cheap as to be negligible.

[@dougie60892]

Good video Daz,

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks mate, appreciate you watching

[@UHfishingshane]

Great vid matey 👍👍

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Cheers Shane 👍🏻😁

[@vamboroolz1612]

Very surprised at the road tax. I have a 2009 vw transporter based camper van and I am pretty sure its around the £300 a year for that. Not sure why yours is closer to half of what mine costs?

[@NA-ts1pw]

Comparing that with living in a one or two bed property would, in the long-term, return divident in an increased equity as apposed to decreased motorhome value. Just a thought....

[@ThomasDoubting5]

Wow the food Bill is unbelievable ,are you doing your weekly shopping at motorway services or Harrods .

[@marks3678]

You're living your best life mate. It's not for everyone, but are they happy? Cost of running a house is 3 to 4 times as much.

[@ArianneAvalon]

Exactly. Sometimes this life isn't a bed of roses either but I struggle with the idea of being trapped in four walls now.

[@paulmolyneux599]

Yeah,but a house is gaining value,not depreciating

[@marks3678]

@@paulmolyneux599 Value is not just about money. Value your quality of life.

[@paulmolyneux599]

@@marks3678 You are right,but nothing was mentioned about the finance on the motorhome or the depreciation if bought outright,which would be the highest outlay every month,which has to be a factor if you are thinking of living in a motorhome.

[@marks3678]

@@paulmolyneux599All these factors come into play. I'd hate the thought of someone crashing into my home on wheels, totaling it 😬 if you had the chance of House 🏡 safe and holds it's value Motorhome 🚐 anywhere you want to go freedom and cheaper Boat 🛥 travel the world For me I'd be happy with a rucksack on my back and walk through Europe for the rest of my life.

[@simonpoole4399]

One off the best

[@ELITEDEMON991]

The numbers are not that bad considering you’d pay that for a flat, and ultimately include some bills on top!!!! That’s half what I pay for my household bills and mortgage combined. The beauty of it is your left with an asset whereas if you rent a property you’d walk away empty handed. Although it’s a depreciating asset, it’s easily upgraded. Are you planning ahead or do you own any property?

[@The-KimP]

I don't live in a van but all my food shopping is from Waitrose and I don't spend anything like £400 a month on food and I'm no lightweight either. I wonder if you are doing a lot of impulse buys when in store? Might be interesting to do a few months where you only have do a supermarket food delivery or click and collect service and compare against shopping in store where there is the temptation to add extra items.

[@johnwaller9783]

Hi darren,nice meeting you at the nec

[@TheUrbanMotorhome]

Thanks for coming over, lovely meeting you 😊

[@DonnyUtton]

The prepaid sims are cool, didn’t know about them.

[@buddysinsight9834]

You could easily cut a large portion of that down you are living very well. I am going to move into a motor home soon while I search for a new building plot I am very excited. Where do you park for free if you’re not on a camp site. I just subscribed mate 👍