MONTHLY EXPENSES LIVING IN A VAN: Is van life cheap or expensive?

In today’s full-time van life vlog, we take a look at our monthly expenses living in a van.
Is van life cheap? Is van life expensive? The answer is: It totally depends on YOU.
We try to keep our van living cost to a minimum (while still have a blast). But just HOW cheap is van life?
In this episode, we’ll break down all of our van living expenses we have in our Roadtrek and share all our best tricks for cutting down our van life budget to as little as possible-all while visiting some of the most beautiful places in the U.S. and eating delicious food.
If you’re wondering how much does van life cost per month for “normal” people (i.e., people who don’t have unlimited funds to blow) - this van living expenses video is for you.
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🔴M O R E C O O L V I D E O S 😎 :
▶ GENIUS Camper Van Hacks & Tips for Van Life (UNDER $10): • GENIUS Camper Van Hack...
▶ Sneak Peek Tour of Our Cozy Camper Van: • Dodge Roadtrek CAMPER ...
▶ 10 EASY Van Life Jobs ANYONE Can Do: • 10 EASY Van Life Job I...
▶ FIRST WEEK OF VAN LIFE: What we wish we would’ve known: • FIRST WEEK OF VAN LIFE...
▶ Van Life Preparation (on a Budget): • GETTING READY TO LIVE ...
▶ Choosing the Right Camper Van: • CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAM...
▶ How to Score Housesitting Jobs and Travel for FREE: • How to Get Housesitter...
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🟣A L I T T L E A B O U T U S
Heyo! Mitch and Day here 👋🏼
We’re just your typical American-Colombian couple determined to live every second of our precious time here on earth to the fullest. After a 10-month solo backpacking trip through South America, I (Mitch) stopped in Cali, Colombia to take salsa dancing classes 💃🏻. I only planned to stay for a couple weeks, but God had other plans for me. I met a cute Colombian girl (Day) in class, those couple weeks turned into a couple years, and before we knew it...we were married 👰🏻🤵🏼
Now we’re traveling the world full time as digital nomads, supporting ourselves by working online 👨‍💻👩‍💻
Our goal with these videos is to inspire you to step outside your comfort zone, give you an inside peek at our crazy imperfect lives, and show you that you don’t have to be rich to live an extraordinary life...all you need to do is make the choice!
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DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission (at no additional charge to you!). I believe in and have experience with everything I recommend. Thank you for supporting ProjectUntethered.com so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Do you guys think our van life budget is cheap? Or is that what you were expecting?

[@estebantabimareyes4591]

I think that the van life depends on the place where you go and the type of van you use, in addition to buying to eat, so ... it would be a bit expensive

[@ProjectUntethered]

@@estebantabimareyes4591 that’s so true! It’s possible to do it really cheap, but you could also do it really expensive depending on your travel style

[@AP-vj9jo]

This video seemed like a more realistic budget than some of the other videos I watched so I appreciate that. I also LOVE the van (fiancé and I will be inheriting a 92 dodge coachmen camper van this summer) so it was super fun to see a couple with a similar van and not the decked out sprinters! Thanks so much for sharing! Happy travels!

[@ProjectUntethered]

That's awesome! You guys are going to have an amazing adventure. Yeah, I'd say the main thing that might increase your budget a bit are if you like to eat out more (we cook 90% of the time) and perhaps your health insurance costs (we just use cheap travel insurance since our home base is outside the US). While a decked out Sprinter might make life slightly more comfortable, in the end, you both get to experience the same amazing places - whether you're in a $3,000 van or a $100,000 van!

[@gregoryhodge9452]

I haven't done van life yet but I have spent the last four years living in an rv and I feel like your monthly expenses are a little high.

[@mindybaker168]

I love how down to earth/ real y'all are. Not everyone doing van life have a Mercedes sprinter van and can afford to fully build it out, so I appreciate your videos.

[@ProjectUntethered]

You’re right! Van life can be very affordable, and you still get to experience all the same amazing places as the fancy Mercedes!

[@LisaSoulLevelHealing]

Exactly. I generally don't spend too much time on those videos, but more modest videos like these and minivans, actually.

[@jerroddooley374]

Dude, you hit the jackpot on life. Vanlife and an absolutely precious wife. God has blessed you man. Appreciate your blessings every day.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thank you! Yes I feel incredibly blessed! 😇

[@LisaSoulLevelHealing]

I agree 🙂

[@caliemm2159]

Years of trucking: SHOWERS: * Truck stops give free showers with fuel up in the USA. In Florida alot of beaches have free showers right on the beach, my yrs of trucking doing long haul. BRIDGES TOLLS: maps tell you where the non toll bridges are, country roads, etc...it's just that dodging tolls at scales, end up costing you in more in fuel. LAUNDRY: it's free in your shower to wash CURTAILiNG: Body threatening activities To avoid high costs of injuries.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Nice tips!! Yeah I saw that free shower deal in one gas station, but you had to buy like 50 gallons or something crazy haha. Way more than our van could hold! And you’re totally right about the tolls. I think we kind of missed tolls by default. I always tried planning the scenic routes because we were never in a hurry, and so we naturally just missed most of the tolls. I think the only one we paid in 6 months was on the Golden Gate Bridge 😎

[@rosemarybointon5515]

It's a great life you're leading. Keep on having fun! And keep the videos rolling.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks, Rosemary! You have a pretty fascinating life yourself!

[@rosemarybointon5515]

@@ProjectUntethered I need to pinch your skills at doing videos!

[@ProjectUntethered]

@@rosemarybointon5515 I credit it all to Day's editing skills 🥰

[@teresitap5778]

Yay, New subscriber here, you two are my new fave couple (other than my boo & I) so cool & down-to-earth.💕

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yay Sarah!!! 🙌 Stoked to have you onboard 😎 Do you guys have a van too?

[@DLY0898]

You guys are great! I hope you get back to the states sometime and resume your van life and vlogging.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Me too! Having some visa issues at the moment, but hopefully things turn out ok!

[@unruffledduck]

Great video, thank you! And LOL on the tolls comment

[@ProjectUntethered]

Haha thanks! Fingers crossed the toll police never come a-knocking !

[@randomspirit]

fwiw, a commercial driving manual (like what is used to prepare to take the written and driving tests to get a CDL) is full of good info, like how to drive up and down mountains so you don't fry your brakes. ;)

[@ProjectUntethered]

Wow that would have been super useful to read beforehand!!

[@margiesvanmori]

I just found your channel! Thanks for the advice. I’m moving into my van this year. They look so similar. Mine is a 1988 Chevy

[@ProjectUntethered]

That is awesome Margie! Sounds like yours is even more vintage than ours - that makes it even more special and unique!

[@jerroddooley374]

I just found y'all's channel. I love you guys. You keep it real! I'll be starting vanlife in about 18 months, once my son is off to college. I can't wait!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks man! That sounds super exciting! Where are you planning to travel to?

[@jerroddooley374]

@@ProjectUntethered definitely all the state parks in the lower 48. But I also want to travel across Canada

[@ProjectUntethered]

Ooo that’s gonna be quite the adventure!! We’d love to go back to do Canada as well someday!

[@jerroddooley374]

@@ProjectUntethered I'm pretty excited. I've decided on a small van. The Ford transit connect. I like the idea of good gas milage, and easy stealth camping. I swear, I spend several hours a day watching vanlife videos and stumbled across y'all's channel yesterday. I love being able to get advice and ideas from folks already in the lifestyle. You guys have great energy, I appreciate that. Should I go to Columbia first, and see if I can find a wife that ? I pretty sure you found the best one though. She is absolutely precious. Always do right by her, she loves you more than words and you can see that in her eyes. You hit the jackpot buddy. Have you guys ever considered heading to the Appalachian trail, leaving the van behind for a few weeks? That's another thing I want to do.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Nice! Yeah it’s nice to have good gas mileage, especially if you want to explore California where gas can be crazy expensive. We also watched tons of videos before getting started…there’s so much good info out there! (But also some misleading sugarcoated stuff). Haha yes you should definitely come down to Colombia to find a pretty girl, there’s lots of them here! The Appalachian trail looks awesome, but I think that would probably be a solo trip haha.

[@lorewalker]

You’re an adorable couple 💕💕☺️

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks, Lore!! ☺️☺️

[@AJuneDay]

As far as tolls, I would check the address associated to your license plate. They should mail you something. Call the EZ pass company and ask how you can pay the toll fees. They will charge you if you pay them late.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks! I had no idea. It seems like we’re safe now (hopefully!)

[@JennieDreamWeaver]

Very informative y’all! I love your videos and all the information you provide, especially since I’m doing my research to make this change a reality! Also, love that you’re keeping it REAL! The Insta can be very false ha ha!

[@ProjectUntethered]

That’s so awesome that you’re putting together your escape plan! Haha yes IG can lifers rarely shows the full story (but they sure do like showing their butts!)

[@JennieDreamWeaver]

@@ProjectUntethered ha ha you said butts 🤪

[@ProjectUntethered]

😂😂😂🍑🍑

[@remirez2k3]

GROCERIES one thing alot of vanlifers and nomad dont think about is that you can use local "foodpantries as long as you dont abuse it LAUNDRY one tip most dont know is most large cities will have a homeless resource center that includes free laundry access

[@donthompson9862]

I love that Van.Great Videos Guys.Fun channel.i saw a 1988 roadtrek with a mini couch up front.Love roadtreks.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks Don! Roadtreks are the best! 🚐

[@donthompson9862]

@@ProjectUntethered Yeah I want one.I found a 21foot one but its a 454.Very comfortable but the 454 would cost alot in Gas.So it's between a ford Econoline Or a toyota sienna.God Bless.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Best of luck in your hunt. I think roadtreks are known for surprisingly good gas mileage. I don’t know our exact MPG because our odometer was broken, but it wasn’t bad at all considering the weight!

[@donthompson9862]

@@ProjectUntethered thanks Bud.Keep up the Fun content

[@ProjectUntethered]

Will do!

[@tpax3p]

Love you van man)

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks!! 🚐🤗

[@garymaple3387]

okay the clothing thing was cute

[@ProjectUntethered]

🥰🥰🥰

[@LisaSoulLevelHealing]

I do campgrounds with my daughter - she wants the other kids 🤷🏾‍♀️ Regarding the cheapest wine - I put gold star barefoot wines against the more expensive bottles anyday of the week.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah that definitely makes sense. Your daughter would probably get lonely way out in the boondocks. Haha we’ve certainly drank our fair share of barefoot!

[@LouveniaMusic]

Omg the anxiety I felt when you said you haven’t paid your tolls. You need to do that ASAP because that can get VERY costly and you can probably get into legal trouble. I need an update from you.

[@Raevenist]

Very helpful, thank you!! Where them cooking videos!? ♡

[@ProjectUntethered]

You bet! Haha unfortunately we had to sell our van for now to come back to colombia and don’t have a chance to make the cooking video. But hands down our favorite van life meal was quesadillas. Some other van friends taught us their secret recipe and they’re scrumptious (and easy)!

[@Raevenist]

@@ProjectUntethered oh no. I'm sorry! I hope you both are well.

[@ProjectUntethered]

@@Raevenist thank you! We are - hoping to try truck camper life sometime in the future. Hope you’re well too!

[@jerroddooley374]

You can have your van re-titled as an RV and save big on insurance

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yup, you’re right. Ours was already titled as an RV, but if you’re building from scratch, it’s definitely something to look into! Some states are easier to do it in than other though I believe.

[@MyDeArDelilah]

Starting lockown, all tolls are free until today. Mayba some are open, but many are still free. Just drive through it.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Ahhhh that explains so much. Thank you for clearing that up!!

[@emmaflood2481]

you guys should look into getting an EZ-pass for the tolls:)

[@ProjectUntethered]

We will definitely look into it! What I'm a little worried about is not knowing if we already accidentally passed tolls without knowing. It seems like each state has their own system - maybe I'll have to search state by state 🤔 I feel like their should be more signage for the technologically-impaired people like me!

[@dannyh7171]

No not E Z pass that is only for North East because Fl uses Sun Pass for tolls. You need to find the toll pass in the west coast

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks, Danny! I'll have to do some research, but since we spend 90% of the time taking scenic routes, I'm hoping we avoid most tolls by default :-)

[@Shawn2ndaccount]

I know this video is 3 years old but you said you traveled around 2500 miles and spent 430 dollars. What kind of miles per gallon are you getting? TX great channel.

[@byronbrasher8118]

if you havent already do a video on safety while boondocking

[@ProjectUntethered]

Ooo that’s a great idea! I’m setting a reminder to do it as soon as we get back to the van! If you think of any other video ideas, let us know!

[@Viajerocool]

Great info! Thanks for that. I would recommend an improvement in audio since it was a bit awkward to listen to. By today´s standards should be a top 3 priority along with the value in the content and decent video. Just my two cents. I hope you keep on doing great.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks for the tip! What do you guys use for your audio?

[@LouveniaMusic]

I think your audio sounds just fine, but that’s me.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thank you!

[@Jewelsquiss]

👍😊❣️

[@susanlombardo8444]

Can you explain what kind of insurance you have on your van that only cost you about $500 a year! Thank you so much. Enjoy your travels. :-)

[@ProjectUntethered]

Hey Susan! We have Progressive RV insurance at the moment. I’d have to take a closer look to refresh what exact coverage I put on it. I’d imagine it’s cheaper because it’s an old camper van 😎🚐 we’ve also heard good things about Good Sam RV insurance, and I’ve been wanting to check it out

[@weedaq]

The tolls should be getting mailed to whatever address your vehicle plates are registered to. Sadly a $5 toll becomes $25 pretty quick with penalties and will top out at $75. There is some extensions due to covid but this is really worth solving ASAP. Thanks for the video. Good luck

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thanks Nick! That’s good to know that they at least top out at $75. I haven’t received anything in the mail so far, so hopefully we’re in the clear! 🤞

[@marimbamerc738]

​@@ProjectUntethered from working with that industry, it can take a few months (rare, but worst case scenario) for everything to get mailed out. For example, a toll company in illinois has to look up a license plate from Maryland, and then get mail it out to that place. By now you should have received anything you ever would have owed. COVID mail has been very slow though. Only a few places have tolls that are camera only - like the state of Massachusetts or the golden gate bridge. Otherwise you will have had to go through a gate. States like Massachusetts have A TON of signs telling you about tolls, including that they will mail you the bill. My guess is, if you haven't seen a sign or run through a gate, you probably don't have any bills. BUT if you do have unpaid bills, a state trooper might pull you over and force you to pay before letting you get back on the road next time you're in that state, if you're super unlucky. They mostly crack down on big trucking companies trying to cheat the system rather than cars/vans.

[@ProjectUntethered]

This is SUPER helpful - You are the toll expert! We haven't received anything yet as far as I know, so I think we're safe. It's good to know that most of them are well-marked. When trying to control a big unwieldy van on busy highways in an unfamiliar areas trying not to miss my exits, I was worried about having missed important signs. From now on I need to pay closer attention!

[@littlebug1026]

Hi! I just found your channel. I am ready to hit the road. I have a question though. What do you do about medical and dental insurance.? Thanks for the info! You rock!

[@ProjectUntethered]

That’s a REALLY good question. I used IMG Patriot plan, but the only reason that worked is because I’m an expat and my country of residence isn’t the US. I think you have a few different options, but I don’t have any personal experience with them. I would just try googling “health insurance for full-time RVers” or something like that, and I believe the are some sites dedicated specifically to helping van/RV lifers get covered!

[@littlebug1026]

@@ProjectUntethered Thanks much! Yes have they pretty much take you to Obama care. I will keep looking. Take care on your travels!

[@ProjectUntethered]

Yeah the trick is finding something that works out of state. I think most plans might just cover emergencies out of state, but I could be wrong!

[@littlebug1026]

@@ProjectUntethered You are right about that from what I have read most plans cover emergencies in the states. Thanks again and happy travels! I am green with envy.

[@ProjectUntethered]

You’ll be on your adventure soon enough! 🚐

[@giwrgosv.a.l.4557]

So,if I camp in the heart of the forest or at the end of a road or next to a river with no people around and don't pay for camping there, will it be illegal ?

[@ProjectUntethered]

If you’re on National Forest or BLM land, you should be good to go!

[@maryannscrochetingandknitt8791]

Did you cross any other bridges in San Francisco?

[@maryannscrochetingandknitt8791]

I think bay bridge has a toll, San Mateo bridge does not have a toll.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Nope that was the only one, also we crossed twice! Turned out there's a cool free place to park/sleep on the north side of the bridge with a great view

[@archiemillard3860]

Cheaper than my rent.

[@ProjectUntethered]

You could save loads of money in a van 💰

[@saydoh-4518]

Your girlfriend is absolutely beautiful.

[@ProjectUntethered]

Thank you! So beautiful that I convinced her to be my wife! 🥰

[@survivorprepper9218]

Hey bro, how did you and your wife or girlfriend meet each other?

[@ProjectUntethered]

We met in salsa dancing class in Cali! 💃🕺

[@maryannscrochetingandknitt8791]

🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@maryannscrochetingandknitt8791]

Was the Parkin lot on a high hill ? Did the weather ever clear up in SF, so you could get the view?

[@ProjectUntethered]

Which parking lot? Yeah it did clear up a bit eventually! Unfortunately we weren't at the good view spot when it finally did.

[@abrahamdelatorre3028]

$1500 a month and I live like a king…

[@Espenrip]

Gas expense. $430??? on that 2500miles ????

[@ProjectUntethered]

I bet it’s be quite a bit higher now! I can’t remember what it says in the video, but gas prices were usually $3-$4 per gallon, and I’d estimate we got ~13-15 miles per gallon if I’m remembering.l correctly. This was based on the previous owners calculations, because our odometer was broken 🤓

[@Anthony-dj4nd]

Bring poor in 2020