How Much Does Vanlife Cost? What I Spend in a Year

IT CAN BE CHEAPER! But for me to live comfortably and work from the road it makes sense to spend a bit on some comforts. It can be expensive to live full time on the road! Thankfully it doesn’t have to be but I’m happy to pay for a few extra comforts.
Lmk if you wanna know anything I’m an open book
This is how much it cost to travel full time as a digital nomad living in an RV or vanlife van 🚐
00:00

[@TheChadSmithPodcast]

My parents aren't even this transparent with their spending and they've known me my whole life! Lol good job dude good video 🤙🏻

[@MTNied]

it’s pretty easy to be open while my expenses arnt dependent on other people. I appreciate it tho Chad! Do you have any ideas for future videos??

[@TheChadSmithPodcast]

@@MTNied all I can do is put myself in your shoes. I've lived in an industrial area of southern Michigan my whole life so there's always been a lot of light pollution. If I were in your shoes, I would be spending more time learning about the sky, since you have such a better view of it than most of the population in this country. A cool video checking out an observatory and maybe camping overnight at a star party would be awesome! You can find local star parties online. I'll keep thinkin!

[@MTNied]

I love space and the starts! I’ll be heading to texas at some point and there are a lot of good dark spots out there, I’ll add that to the list!

[@tigergreg8]

I’ve never heard of Star Parties, but that sounds interesting. I think this is a good suggestion. Our family owns quite a bit of acreage in the country, and on weekends I go there. My favorite thing is to sit on a hill in my Adirondack chair and sky watch. It’s amazing all the Stars you see, and how much movement goes on, that most people never see. ​@@TheChadSmithPodcast

[@Impossible2nd]

This was great, thank you! Fast, direct, informative-I'm trying to compare potential vanlife costs to what I currently spend on rent with roommates-videos like this are a huge help, so thanks for putting it all out there.

[@MTNied]

Glad it was helpful! It also could be done much cheaper. Let me know if you have any questions!

[@Mary-tj5qx]

Well done. Saving now for your retirement is a great move. The only advice I have is that if possible, make that a Roth 401k rather than just a regular one. Also, if you can max it and out max out your HSA, do that too. And don’t touch either of them until you’re ready to retire. If you do what I’m saying now that retirement date will be long, long before you’re 67. You’ll be in fantastic shape.

[@kpb3118]

I’d enjoy a video on van cooking - what do you cook in the van, what equipment you have etc. I’ve also liked your videos where you show us around a small town like the center of the universe, etc. It’s fun to see a quirky place like that.

[@MTNied]

I like the idea of showing off cooking setups/other normal parts of life that have to be adapted for the van, I’ll add that to the list!

[@scratchcratch]

Thanks a lot for detailing the financial side of van life. I have been curious about this for a while, but you rarely can get actual numbers. Cheers!

[@MTNied]

For sure! I wish I had this before I started. Cheers!!

[@corlaineyseale9673]

Incredible! Thanks for the complete transparency! Currently saving to start my van journey.

[@MTNied]

Love to hear it!! Feel free to lmk if you have any questions!

[@Rustycarr59]

Thankyou for very informative , video , with a lot of substance and info. Definately not click bait

[@MTNied]

Glad you enjoyed it! I couldn’t find a non clickbait breakdown before I got the van so I figured it’d be valuable for some people.

[@sonjamccart1269]

This is VERY informative, wow, I think this is super reasonable. I am doing a lot of "viewing" of people's stories, and I like the hard numbers (being an accountant.) I think once I am not supporting almost-grown up kids, I can start reducing my expenses and switch to a more freedom based lifestyle. I can work remotely right now - so that is not even an issue!

[@MTNied]

That’s awesome! It is attainable especially once you have a few more people off that list 😉 I’ve met people doing it at every budget so if you want it it’s out there! Glad you enjoyed! Let me know if you have any questions

[@ChuckHaney]

38K? I can live three years in my apartment for that much money. And I don't mean just rent. I could pay all my bills for three years with that much money. You are obviously spending WAY more money that you need to.

[@tomatoproduction4369]

He's paying to live a lifestyle. People think that lifestyle is cheap, but it's not lol. Also 12k goes to van, so once it's paid off that's not a recurring cost. And 6k is savings so that doesn't count as expenses at all.

[@MTNied]

I'd love to see a breakdown! Assuming you eat for $400 a month that would mean all of your other expenses come out to $650 a month which is very impressive!

[@oscar5879]

have you ever thought about just having a trust fund? that’s what i did and i don’t have to worry about any little expenses, or big expenses for that matter

[@MTNied]

Hi Oscar5879! Thanks for the lovely comment! Could ya add me as a beneficiary to that trust? I would love to be able to double or triple my spending for next years video! I’d even be willing to give you a shout out at the end of the video!

[@TravisRayWatson]

hahahaha!! Definitely a trust fund kid.

[@sophiabright8371]

😂

[@heyitsjaredbender]

Dude I'm stoked I just found out about your channel! This was super insightful. Thanks for the transparency. Subbed!

[@MTNied]

Good stuff!! Glad you enjoyed! I appreciate the sub, you have any ideas for future content?

[@bobmirror7164]

Save some bucks to purchase a small house or lot to store stuff. In a 20 year period it is cheaper than paying storage and you will make money on it. Or even rent it out while on the road.

[@MTNied]

I love that idea. When interest rates go down i’d love to get some land or a small house! It’d be sweet to have a few properties around the country that i bounce between and rent when I’m not there. Do you have any ideas for future videos?

[@sophiabright8371]

My friend, interest rates are INSANELY low right now! Invest in dividend stocks-REINVEST THE DIVIDENDS and make a nice nest egg for your investment purposes. REIT investments are also good as long as you find a reliable fund. Lastly, look into land instead of housing to purchase. :)

[@TheDesertwalker]

Really cool....honest breakdown....Thanks! Oh Yeah, please keep posting. This is the most useful info I have come across...

[@MTNied]

Dang thank you! Been slacking this year so far but I have a few things in the works. Glad you enjoyed!

[@Ahmet34k]

Bro thanks for detailing the whole amounts into cents. That gives a different kind of satisfaction for math people

[@MTNied]

Did ya catch how the numbers didn’t always add up 👀

[@Ahmet34k]

@@MTNied it may be the case but him trying to give away a detailed picture is good enough

[@JeremiahHexx]

Nice videos; just subscribed; keep posting; the algorithms will eventually favor your channel.

[@MTNied]

Good Fuckin shit JeremiahHexx needed to hear that. It’ll be weekly for at least the next year 💪 I hope you’re right 🤞

[@MTNied]

Got any ideas for future vids?

[@phase2services]

Proud of your money management! Well done. You really can't do it much cheaper. You would need gym, internet, car if you rented a place or owned one. Keep piling up the cash in the bank and live cheap!

[@MTNied]

Good shit Mr.Phase2services!! I’d agree it’s basically as bare bones as it could be. Yes could be cheaper but I’m also an advocate for getting the most value/dollar rather than just the cheapest option.

[@Godisinher]

To be fair. He spent only around $20K in the year because $12k was to pay off the van which means he doesn't spend $12k each year. The other thing is he's saving money in an investment outside his 401(k) from his job which not many do who live in a city or whatnot. He's traveling and eating out... all of that is within $20K (plus "rent" and gas and whatnot)

[@MTNied]

You’re right!! It seems like a lot when it’s all added up but it’s not like much of it was frivolous spending, it opened my eyes for sure. I assume most people would be surprised by the total they spend in a year just with the cost of life.

[@fredsmith3456]

Just subscribed. Enjoy your energy level! Inspiration for everyone!

[@MTNied]

Good stuff Fred! I appreciate your energy! Thanks for sharing some positivity 😁

[@joshuahenderson3216]

Cool video and I appreciate the break down. In my opinion you should eliminate your flights, ski pass, and "stuff" from the $$ breakdown. That's all gravy. Stay safe out there!

[@MTNied]

Glad you enjoyed!! I’ll like the idea I’ll keep it in mind for next years 👍

[@PWCDN]

i mean if you can afford it. its a lot of money but considering half of that went to the van, its not bad at all. Only thing you're paying a lot for is internet but unless you want to dump a quarter of a million into a "fixed" home, being mobile has its benefits too. Until Toyota decides to make a sprinter van, $2k maintenance cost isn't too bad. I pay $6k USD a year on maintenance fees for a condo, but I do have 800 sq.ft. I think for you the big difference is initial capital cost, else everything else is no different, everyone has to eat, everyone goes to restaurants everyone has stuff to buy. I guess your biggest savings is property tax.

[@MTNied]

You’re spot on! I could save more some places but overall it balances out pretty close to the cost of a cheap apartment! Glad you enjoyed!

[@sergiolandz6056]

property tax, inssurance, water and sewer bill, garbage collection, lawn care, snow removal...

[@Georgieastra]

$4,242 on gas is approx 1,000 gallons depending on where you are? That suggests your mileage is around 20,000 miles per year? 1,700 miles per month?

[@MTNied]

Thats probably pretty close. I typically don't drive to far but then there are a few LONG drives to so probably closer to 1,000 miles a month with a few multi day longer trips throughout the year. Average MPG is 17 so closer to 17k a year.

[@UniqueGeekFreak]

Hell yeah!! Thank you Brother for all the details & the real picture for ppl considering the freedom life Well done👏🙌👊🥳

[@MTNied]

Thank ya Geek Freak!

[@UniqueGeekFreak]

@@MTNied 😁 anytime matey!

[@oggatog3698]

This is an amazing break down. Shout out to the squeaky bat.

[@MTNied]

Shout out to the bat!!!

[@AarhamKaisar]

You just need Prius If you wanna start I will cost half

[@MTNied]

I debated a Prius build 60mpg would be heavenly

[@AarhamKaisar]

@@MTNied model from 2006-15 gives about 35 mpg

[@SoberShawnAlliance]

I found it helpful

[@MTNied]

🫡

[@bj231bj]

Hey Good video !!! I just suscribed . Who do you have as insurance company? $73.85 is very good.

[@MTNied]

Glad you enjoyed!! Thanks for the sub 🙏 I have Farmers insurance. It’s low because the van is classified as a camper so for some reason it’s cheaper than if it were insured just as a van. It used to be higher too but went down since I haven’t had any claims

[@bj231bj]

Ohh thanks for the info. Keep making more videos like that!!!! Have fun !!!

[@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm]

Contact your agent and tell him you need med pay raised. It’s a pile of money they have so if you get hurt in your van ( accident, fell out the door or whatever) thiss fund pays it. Oh wait, they don’t have med pay over 10k and a help flight to a hospital will cost $25k Switch to Allstate or State 😊Farm. Much better hands.

[@bj231bj]

​@@MichaelWilliams-ro9bm Thanks for the tips!!!

[@philsimon763]

I invested 15%. Now at 61 and pretty sure buying a camper van ….who knows

[@MTNied]

Do it!! Get the van!!

[@MTNied]

Or rent one for a month and see how you like it 🌍

[@goldenwarrior5664]

Thats alot of money you have to knock that down mabey next year

[@MTNied]

It is a big amount even when you remove the fixed cost of just living. How much do you spend yearly? Any tips to keep it lower?

[@sarashann]

Way to go young man! 😊

[@karenwang313]

Seems like living in a van is just as expensive as living in the city, with the main difference being that cities have stable jobs. Vanlife just doesn't seem all that economical unless they're a trust fund kid or a professional content creator. I gotta respect the transparency.

[@MTNied]

I agree the cost is not to different from renting a cheap apartment. I will say though with many jobs being fully remote it’s a great way to travel while working a normal 9-5

[@hmmm2564]

There is a big difference. Cheap apartments are in horrible areas and tend to have bad conditions. Second, if you want a decent place in a decent area you would need roommates

[@hmmm2564]

There is a big difference. Cheap apartments are in horrible areas and tend to have bad conditions. Second, if you want a decent place in a decent area you would need roommates

[@sophiabright8371]

Health Insurance?

[@MTNied]

Company covers most so it comes out to $410 per year, like $18 a paycheck

[@Mr_Smith_369]

Why dont you buy a house ?

[@MTNied]

House can’t move

[@frankowens8502]

You live at name of your van anywhere USA

[@MTNied]

Frank I’m gonna need run that by me again I’m a wee bit confused

[@madbek4309]

200$ for the ethernet??? thats right there were the problem is

[@MTNied]

But how else am I going to watch KZbin when I’m in the middle of nowhere :(

[@sashanealand8315]

wow !!! why so expensive???

[@MTNied]

Candy, lots of candy

[@sergiolandz6056]

did you watch the video ?

[@MyRadioJourney]

Easy decision to click subscribe...

[@themax2go]

this is a full sized van... why not put in a shower. yes, possible.

[@MTNied]

I didn't build the van and I think if I had I would have put some sort of converting shower that serves a few functions. It would also be nice to have a spot to store any wet gear. I have a shower hose out of the back which is great but obviously unusable if I am in a public area.

[@colrev8647]

You get a like just because you're team android.

[@MTNied]

I definitely have a stupid iPhone mini 🥱 Samsung galaxy’s >> Apple any day though. I used to do all my videography with my Samsung 🔥

[@dsa2591]

Your privilege is showing. There are poor seniors out there in used vans living on less than $1,000/month.

[@MTNied]

There are 2.9 billion people without internet access, 2 billion without access to clean water. I hope in my lifetime I’ll be able to make a positive impact on those statistics. Every Walmart I’ve been to I’ve stayed with people living off a lot less than $1,000 a month. It’s the last free place to live in this country, pretty sad. What do you suggest I do differently?

[@cabracove]

He's not a poor senior.

[@ruckinehround6965]

Move to Canada and you will pay more for everything….taxes insurance gas everything….

[@MTNied]

Sounds like a plan to me!

[@alexduero9444]

Van life isn't real freedom.

[@MTNied]

Depends how you define freedom? But yes there are sacrifices/constraints so it is not truly “free”

[@alexduero9444]

@@MTNied Agreed, it's safe to say that living in your vehicle does offer a unique sense of freedom. I've done it for a period, too. But at the end of the day, it is still a tie-down point.

[@jojebia1648]

38K you mental?

[@MTNied]

Nope I’m Mark!

[@user-tofunnyeh]

fool

[@MTNied]

Cool Spool Drool Barstool School Carpool