Truth About Vanlife Budgets: Cheap or Expensive?

Traveling in a Class B RV Camper Van can be inexpensive or very expensive depending how one want to do “Vanlife”.
As a fifth year, full-time traveler in my Winnebago Travato GL, I share my expenses with you, categories of reoccurring expenses, and help you determine what your Van Travel budget could be.
Figuring out WHY you want to travel in a Camper Van has a huge impact on your budget for Van Travel.
EXPENSE CATEGORIES
Gas
Lodging
Clothes
Internet
Subscriptions
Health (medical visits)
Gear for making KZbin videos
Food
Bourbon
Eating out in restaurants
Entertainment
Camper van
Business costs for KZbin channel
BUDGETS, FULL-TIME VAN TRAVEL
Scott Style of travel at $3,800 per month
Comfort Style of travel at $2,800 per month
Essentials Style of travel at $1,700 per month
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THANK YOU
Appreciate you watching, commenting, and being a subscriber to my KZbin channel. You and our Audience Friends continue to drive me forward to bring you more content to educate, entertain, and help us all better Camper Van RVers now… or down the road.
ABOUT
Howdy! My name is Scott. In 2017, I was unhappy with a traditional house (aka, storage unit) and a long Chicago commute. In 2018, I reinvented my life which included buying a Winnebago Travato GL Camper Van.
Now in my 5th year of full-time travel in my Class B RV, I help others achieve their RV travel dreams more quickly and more fully. Thanks for watching and being part of the Go Small. Live Large! Community.
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[@gosmall.livelarge]

***??? What does your RV Camper Van travel budget look like? In-person and Zoom events info at www.GoSmallLiveLarge.com. Live Q&A + Community chat, Guests, and RV topics each Wednesday on KZbin Live for What’s Up Wednesday!? at 6 PM CT. Join us at www.KZbin.com/@GoSmall.LiveLarge. Thx for watching :)

[@shekharmoona544]

Moving forward adventures are borrowing a Travato from Winnebago.

[@shekharmoona544]

Scott did you have steak and lobster every night? You could basically shop at Costco and eat steak and lobster every night cheaper than that. 😂😂😂

[@gosmall.livelarge]

LOL

[@roundstone2020]

Almost everything from Costco is bulky. Hard to store that in a van.

[@RockBruins]

Right, live in a small space and shop bulk!

[@billybeat]

Thanks for all the work you put into this. You are living "high on the hog". My biggest expense is gas. I just traveled from California to Newfoundland in my Storyteller. With side trips, 8,000 mi so far, in 3 months. It'll be 20K total by the time I get back to CA.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Right on!

[@amiralions2681]

I appreciate your honesty! Somehow it doesn't seem fair that you could enjoy food and bourbon to the tune of nearly $2,500 and stay so fit! I say van life is super awesome when you put it this way! 🤣😂😅 (Your videos are waaaaaay better that those folks whining about how terrible van life is, they're doing it wrong.)

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Well said! Whining, Scare Tatics, and Negative click-bait KZbinrs have bigger channels. I am just learning, sharing, and keeping it real for y’all Vanlife travel for discovery rocks !

[@garychristison763]

I'm an engineer. A lot of financial numbers people are engineering school dropouts that switched to business school. As an engineer, I apply the 50% rule. If I think van traveling will cost $3k a month, I'll budget $4.5k.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Great job Gary. I like your thinking 🤔

[@martygaringer4999]

Scott's style for us. Retired and traveling 6-7 months out of 12. Sticks and Bricks in Arizona. Some people put out $24000 for a one month trip to various places. We get 6 month's of travel for $24,000. A bargain. Thanks for the great content Scott!

[@garychristison763]

That's exactly what I was thinking, it's relative. I was looking at an Alaska cruise that came out to close to $1K a day for my wife and I. I would much rather take a nice road trip.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks for sharing!

[@shekharmoona544]

When corporations invaded camp grounds it git ridiculous. Seriously, we called local places tgey were in par with hotels in the area and even $200+ a night. One Mom and Pop place is actually nice and disassociated themselves from Good Sam. Its one of 4 RV parks in Hubert, NC.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

well said. KOA makes it easy, but prefer the private RVP when they are easy to book a reservation

[@veetropicals]

Wish freedom to park anywhere I want was possible. Not anymore.😒

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Oh no

[@nomadic4x4]

My wife and I have been binge watching all your videos before purchasing our class B. Thank you. Scott.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Rock on!

[@larrygee5090]

Scott, another good video and very honest information about the van life living expensive. I just did 23 days of van traveling with a cost of around $2,200 (not including any of my van repair expenses, which is another story!). I have a good estimate now that my monthly van living/traveling cost would be around $3,000 range. Very close to your $3,800 per month. Simi Gee

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks for sharing Simi Gee !

[@BeyondIntention]

Restaurants are so expensive 😭 Our #1 way to keep our budget low-ish is to meal prep and eat at home. But as you know, vanlife is unpredictable so sometimes we end up juggling too many things and something’s gotta give. Usually it’s the cooking! Lol. We’ve eaten out so much this week. Luckily we’re in Maine so it’s been mostly lobster 🤣

[@BeyondIntention]

Life is so hard, right?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Oh wow! Lobster 🦞!!!!

[@mattdynes809]

So for someone like me that is considering Van life in a year or two, this is one of the most helpful topics so far. I would be considering anywhere between $4-$5k a month so that I can actually enjoy my experiences but this has given me motivation to budget the categories, like you have. Thx for crunching the numbers for us, especially for us not there yet.....

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Congrats Matt

[@kriscostello2082]

Wow this was a complete eye opener. Those costs really add up fast! We are still researching vans to travel part time in, and although I had numbers swirling in my head about monthly expenses, we really need to set costs to paper to prepare properly. Thank you so much for explaining this all honestly and openly!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BeyondIntention]

@@outdoorfun8780 We spend more living full time in our van than we ever did at home. I wouldn’t consider us hyper frugal, but we also don’t live in the lap of luxury.

[@Thesaltymedic36]

Well those numbers are under what I’ll get a month. 👍🏼 I will also not have an Rv payment 😊 I definitely will be boondocking in some free spots, the whole reason I’m 21’ long and 4wd (video up on my page, if anyone is interested). 🤠 I’m definitely going to track every penny for the first year and see where the money goes 😂 if it’s high somewhere, I’ll see about adjusting as/if needed. Great info Scott 👍🏼

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx TSM

[@conchscooter]

Full time for two years with a dog and on our pensions we budget $625 a week. If we stay still we are well under budget. Over wintering in mainland Mexico is even better. We don’t do private campgrounds and we do have a (Mexican) starlink. Our van is paid off. Great video.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx Conch !

[@Photo-Voyager]

You are paying way too much for "lodging". I seldom stay at private campgrounds or RV parks. Even most state parks are over my budget. National forests and parks are much less expensive. A senior parks pass helps too but I know you aren't there yet.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx Photo

[@rodt5177]

Good video. Wow, you got me thinking about a whole lot of stuff when it comes to van life. What about maintenance such as oil changes and scheduled maintenance? Where do you take your van to do that? How about prescription drugs? Do you take any or do you use Scripts or do you meander back close to where you can get them? There really is a lot you need to think about when it comes to scheduling. Do you use any special Apps that can help you with that? Do you use any special software that does that for you? It could be a money saver for a lot of people thinking about? Any tricks of the trade we could use that you might be using? Sorry for all the questions.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Great questions… sorry i can’t answer them all here

[@h-man2561]

I would have like a 12 month rolling average than just looking at one month. That could lead to large deviations. $3k is more realistic including health care insurance as all expenses count. Are you still putting $'s into social security in past 5 yrs?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx for commenting. That is enough numbers crunching for me at this point. Hopefylly you get the overall message of the video. cheers

[@ZionRV]

Scott, I am a numbers person and I have been in accounting, my entire adult life, and a budget my income monthly based on Dave Ramsey’s zero-based budget. I have to say first of all I’m really enjoying this video! You did a phenomenal job at getting your numbers together to see how you spend each month. 👏

[@gosmall.livelarge]

SLO, from a numbers person like you, I much appreciate your comment

[@Nomad_Meg]

Thank you for the enlightening video. The realities are often not easily shared and I appreciate your candidness. I’m more on the GSLL plan although I’ve found ways to cut costs, but mostly within $500/mo of your estimate. I realize not everyone can do this and I’m incredibly lucky to have a remote job that pays well and is flexible to where I go or when I work.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks for sharing!! well said Pottery

[@janalaughlin2197]

Love watching your videos! When you first said food was over $700 I thought “Oh that’s including his bourbon!” Lol! But then you listed that separate. But then when you listed eating out as over $500! I’m scratching my head. You’re a trim guy so how in the world could you spend $1,300 on food in and out?! Even with throwing some out. Thanks for sharing re internet! We’re new at this and don’t have unlimited data on our plan so we need to do something! Super happy to hear you had less than $500 in health issues and I didn’t know you’re from Kankakee! We were from Chicago NW burbs but now in IA. Wishing you all the best! You’re awesome Scott!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Jan. some of the food tabs include a cocktail or two, so that $$ is a little off but you probably get the gist

[@BrittMFH]

Helpful video. I track monthly expenses, usually $4-6K including van, Florida lot and "terrestrial' home in MN. It's always interesting to see where the money goes.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks for sharing!

[@dlg5485]

I'm not a van lifer (yet) but I always tell people who think it's really cheap that it can be, but it probably won't be. I'm not retiring into van life for a few years, but when I do I expect to spend 4000-5000 per month, all inclusive.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Great thinking, Dig. shifting costs from staying in a house to exporing on the road to expand life experiences seem like a reasonable “cost”.

[@steventoney4018]

most people will have a larger health care expense - insurance - perscriptions - actual medical needs etc.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx Steve

[@sofarokintn8166]

Thank you for doing the math! Really helped me to see all the breakdown. Very thoughtful of you. And very much appreciated by me. Peace be with you as well. RK

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx RK. And peace be with you also

[@ftkinsella]

Hey Scott, nice work. Man you could teach this stuff if there was a couple of people who were looking for it. You got everything you need to know about RV van life. FREEDOM!!! CHEERS BROTHER

[@gosmall.livelarge]

I appreciate that!

[@stevesullivanmathteacherno6812]

Hey Scott! I love your channel!!! You are my favorite KZbin channel and so helpful!!! So helpful that you have convinced my wife and I to buy a travato 59KL over all the other motorized RVs. We are close to retirement (we will be on a fixed income) and are wanting to travel in the van! I know the Volta system is great (that is why we want the KL) but the battery will eventually go. I know it will be a long time (maybe 10 years or so) but have you priced what it will cost to replace the batteries once they quit charging to their full potential? That and cold weather is the only concerns that I really have. Thanks for reading and responding to this message! Happy trails to you!!!!!!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx a ton Steve :)

[@stevesullivanmathteacherno6812]

Answers to questions? Maybe you don’t have time to answer I understand just asking for some guidance.

[@KathrynKatz-y3v]

I appreciate your honesty about your costs. My husband and I live on the east coast so no BML land, but we cut costs by only going to state parks, usually about $40-$50/night. We also purchased a used class C (under 25 feet and under $30K) with our savings. Husband is a handyman and what he couldn't do he bartered out with friends. All together we still plan on our budget being at least $2K, with our largest expense being gas (we have a 12 mpg diesel) because instead of free BML land we mooch dock a lot with family. Why do we travel--one to see this country, we've seen almost all the world; two to see our scattered family. We only part-time because we both still work and we have siblings in our home base area. Thanks again for your candor and great sense of life.

[@mjbucky67]

Scott. Thanks for great content. Have you ever done a video comparing pros and cons commercial built van vs a custom build or diy.? I pretty much can figure cost and know how as the big differences. Love to hear your take ……thanks

[@mjones7794]

You are right on the mark when it comes to the cost of gas, paying for your van, insurance, and where you choose to spend the night. There should be an allocation for "maintenance" of the van. Everything else is subjective. Thanks for bringing things into focus.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

thx for wathcing M Jones

[@onefreelife]

100 a month is totally unrealistic for gas. Why get a van if you aren't going to travel???

[@Rafael-ri2ft]

I think a lot of people wold love to do what you are doing but finances, or rather lack of, is the killer of the dream. How to make money to pay for the lifestyle while living it, is the question?

[@tomgraulty4988]

One benefit of Going Small is the affordability of Living Large! Scott Style all the way! :-)

[@gosmall.livelarge]

TOM !!

[@richroggio]

I'm waiting for your review of the latest Wingamm camper Scott.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

excellent. coming this fall i hope

[@robynidyllwild6755]

I think you have to include medical into your budget. Even if you’re on Social Security you have to pay for your additional medical. So this could really impact your $1,700.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

thx Robyn

[@alcozome]

Excellent advice - Thank you!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Patrick_Ross]

Many vanlifers are existing on far less than your cheapest figure of $1700. Personally, I’ll be right around $1700-2000, even though I have the means for far more. Health: 0 Clothes: 50 Gear: 0 Restaurants: 100 Food: 200 Booze: 0 Lodging: 200 Gas: 700 Van maint: 100 Phone: 60 Internet: 150 Subs: 100 Entertain: 60 Quitting alcohol and eating out is mostly what saved both my pocketbook and, more importantly, my health.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx, and you are probably by correct. thx for sharing yoru budget. I am doing vanlife to take it all in and discover, not to save money

[@kjmav10135]

Your particular lifestyle is an extremely extravagant view of “vanlife.” You are really living it up out there! Good Lord! A bourbon collection as a separate “vanlife” category??? 😂😂😂😂 cracks me up! Thanks for including an “essentials” budget, because so many of your costs are not really vanlife costs. Also, how many of those things would you spend on a terrestrial lifestyle vs Vanlife? You would still have eating out. You would still have bourbon, you would still have entertainment. You would still have clothes. Plus mortgage. Plus car payment. Vanlife doesn’t cost anywhere near what you are spending. But, like you suggest, it’s what your goals are.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

thx Kathy

[@JohnsDeb]

Great video! What about in your budget for RV maintenance? I’d need to include health insurance & RX. I’d probably be around the $2800.00-$3000.00. (Pension & SS approx) living full time. If I didn’t have my 12 year old cat this is what I’d do vs trying to find a permanent home base.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

I pay maintenance as it comes up. thx for commenting

[@RoadArtAdventure]

I’m in a class C, towing a tiny car. My rv and car payments. Plus insurance for both, total 900 and I try to stay at a campground I am a member of, for under 100 a month. If I don’t travel much, I can keep my gas at 300. I pay towards my medical insurance, which you don’t. I try not to eat out more than twice a week. Groceries seem to be higher this year than last year. And I have a few small subscriptions. Also, I feed and care for two tiny dogs. If nothing goes wrong in terms of repairs, I can keep below 3000 easy.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx for sharing Susana

[@occult1134]

I live in a van and my costly bills $600 a month that includes van payment and insurance so I don't know what this guy's doing he should have just stayed living in apartment he's not cutting down on his expenses.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi there. I am NOT traveling to cut down on expenses. I am traveling to discover as much as I can

[@KingAbaddon]

Yes, inflation did play a part in your price, plus you are in high cost of living CO. I'm in the springs, if you need a free driveway to park next time I got you!! Oh and I have a pretty good bourbon collection.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

King!!! I am coming over, parking + bourbon has my attention

[@ben2058]

There is nothing more "fun" than numbers. But this was actually a great video especially for people who are just starting out with Vanlife and don't realize how much things will actually cost them.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx Ben

[@karinjones4380]

It is much cheaper to drive a van with 15 to 17 miles per gallon then it is a giant rig with may be only seven or 8 mpg. Granted you’re not as comfortable in a smaller rig. If you like to get out and explore the area you’re in, you’re not sitting inside your rig very much. I really like being able to bring my home with me into all the parking lots for the places I visit. It just saves time from packing everything in an out of a vehicle and I really like having my own toilet with me. I also like to cook my own food and it is fun to prepare meals any place that I am with a good view. I think if my van wasn’t with me, I would eat out a lot more. Also, I am surprisingly able to sleep one night in most urban grocery stores parking lots in the smaller towns, so it makes it very easy to explore rather than being a long distance away on BLM land. I am am really independent in my Solis PX in all of the western states because of so much sun and driving 30 minutes every day, I do not run out of power. Turning on the generator for 15 minutes minutes solves any low battery but that’s pretty rare that I use my generator. I have been in eight states and 12 national parks in the last three months.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

thx Karin

[@shekharmoona544]

Thank you Kyle for sponsoring tge channel through your health insurance. A healthy Scott keeps the great videos coming.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

LOL 😂

[@richardethier6721]

I think i will have to budget $4500 as coupled 60k a year i think is better than buying a trailer in florida for $100k with park expenses and still travel out of it and recogignizing it still is your second home at the most i think i can explore this great country intermittently in a 2 to 3 year span including british columbia labrador and maybe alaska my van may well be be worh half what i paid for it but what is my park model trailer worth?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx Richard !

[@michaelbecnel63]

Wow 1200 plus for food and eating out for 1 person. We (me, wife & pup) figure we can travel in our Travato in retirement for about 3000-3500 per month

[@gosmall.livelarge]

You nailed it

[@HenryCalderonJr]

That leaves me out I am disabled and my total disability and pension is just barely 1600 a month. I can’t afford that. So I stay I guess stuck at home

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx Henry. Live your best through KZbin then bad still have fun

[@justwannasay5454]

Way too high. Living large. Alol.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Go small. Live large !!!! you nailed it !

[@richardethier6721]

love it Scott my alcohol consumption would match your fuel cost LOL what are your black water dumping expense as i as we all know your phobia of cassette and laveo optons.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Tank Duty costs are part of the campground / KOA cost of four times per month. Rarely do I have a separate Dump fee. I so, it is a Love’s truck stop or similar which runs $10 to $15. Often I can find $0 dump station using waster water treatment plant locations, such as in Meridian Idaho… I found this place with the AllStays RV Dumps app: Wastewater Treatment Plant City of Meridian Waste Water Department, 3401 North Ten Mile Road Meridian, Idaho 83642

[@livefreevinnie]

My vanlife does not cost no more than $1500 per month not including food because my company pay most of my food. I was spending more when I had a 1 bedroom apartment.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Congrats Live Free. I am not doing Van Travel (vanlife) to save $$. Instead, I am trying take it all in. Each needs to decide how to do vanlife to achieve their own goals, right !?

[@4yellowwolf]

You travel in a high end vehicle that’s not economical at all. Travel expenses depends on the rig one has, the amount of fuel spent in traveling and all the other miscellaneous expenses made that month. I wouldn’t use your example as a gauge. Just saying! Thanks for share 👍🏼

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx 4. And that is the total point. YOU decide your “why” travel in a Van, and develop your style of Van Travel. I am not traveling to save money. Some are, not me. I am traveling to take it all in before I stop traveling in a van. thx for watching

[@edgarplummer6750]

If you think van life is going to be cheap just go camping for one day then multiply that expense by 365?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Well said

[@richardethier6721]

I respect the comments that isnt for the average person but Scott is projecting these costs to a traveling person who is ready to purchase a big 5th wheel or travel trailer or class C or A you compare your expenses and cost of ownership in this catorgory and your needs he isnt implying you sell your house and is better finanacially i will tell it isnt it is a way of life and i have driven tractor trailers for 40 years andi know all the best atractions and write them down so i can go see them and it will be in a class b even though i pay for more for square footage i will see more and i cant to plan for the most stealth place to park it will be another adventure on top off the day!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Well said Richard

[@toycarcollector]

I think the best way to roll is Scott Style! The meals out sound so good, but leaves me wondering why you have not shown more food in your videos. FYI I think the best channel for the low budget travel is Matty Van Halen, he has a budget of only 1,000 but I do not think it includes the van payment. The big negative on low cost van life is that your van will also have a low roof, Yuck! Dang that Bourbon stash sounds awesome. If we were travelling full time we would join you in the distillery tours. Where is the best booze in the USA?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

TCC… thx for commenting. am incorporating more food in the videos. KY and TN for bourbon 🥃

[@John-gn8hu]

I am planning for about 4k a month. Glad you budget is close to that.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Right on John !

[@crazydays7]

Scott style. Pleasure travel in my Travato 59K

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Cindy !

[@batshtcrazy5293]

What the hell are you doing?!?! I mean my travels in a 30ft rv, have never cost me more than $2800. And thats stopping off at amusement parks, and eating like a pig. With full insurance, an rv payment, and gas. Plus towing a car, and any repairs now and then. I mean daaaang, you gotta learn to budget better.

[@batshtcrazy5293]

And yes, that's living full time and traveling.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

or, I am taking in as much as I can before this ride is over. Thx for your scolding !

[@markwilliams5676]

🤠 Good video Scott. You continue to come up with interesting content ! 🥸

[@gosmall.livelarge]

More to come!

[@badmonkey766]

This is just what I was wondering - thanks!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Happy to help Bad Monkey

[@277kne]

Scott I don't know if you mentioned this. You did say you were working from your van. I would like to know what type of business are you in. Maybe you could do a video on working in the van. Types of jobs one could do.

[@BrittMFH]

He covered that in his video.

[@jeffreyblanding2623]

Britt, When ? Interested...

[@277kne]

@@BrittMFH I commented before I finished watching. Thank you.

[@BeyondIntention]

This was an excellent video. Watched from beginning to end and I already have the van and know the budget 😂 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Legend! I just need Van Staff and a Van Panther !!

[@mikeseeman3758]

Great topic thank you.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BeyondIntention]

I’m really impressed by your transparency here 😂 Our expenses are always higher when we travel cross country the way you do. I love that you keep track of miles too. Man, I need to do that!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Well.. I am getting some negative feedback on my “budgeting” , but sorta like you 3 I am doing Vanlife to LIVE LIVE LIVE, not to save money. Benny 🐈‍⬛!!

[@markweiner3896]

Scott, you mentioned that you spent a lot of money on a train...in Colorado? Did you take the Durango Silverton Train? We're planning on doing that this Fall.... Really excellent presentation on this video..... very straightforward. And, you made a great point about WHY people who want flexibility would choose a Class B motorhome..... Enjoy watching your KZbin channel. ----Mark

[@gosmall.livelarge]

In Canyon City, Colorado is the Royal Gorge train ride. Stunning. I splurge on the first-class lunch option. Eager to share that video with y’all. www.royalgorgeroute.com

[@mudpie8104]

great stuff! I'm wondering why you don't include the "equipment" as business expenses? (that''s where they'd be on your taxes right?) I suspect we'd all be surprised at how much "free host sites" really cost us right - did you keep some of those expenses OUT of your eating out budget, i.e. Cracker B breakfast... not to duplicate the hit? Oh how much we all love to eat out as we are traveling in new places!! Food & drink is a huge part of the experience! ;) Grace

[@gosmall.livelarge]

For taxes, they are

[@Vangobetsy]

Rite at $1800 as that’s what I make … All your categories …. Not driving much … as u know Florida is a long state to drive 😊 Do some driveway mooching, West is calling in the early spring 2014 Thanks for all u do … Your getting better ☮️❤️🌈

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks for sharing

[@jeffreyblanding2623]

Really enjoy your video's; Always informative, and entertaining ... Keep up the good work ! Enjoyed meeting you at the Tampa Show. Ever in Clearwater, give me a holler; I have a 30A hookup you can use ...

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@deanettem]

I loved this video. Thank you for sharing! We are definately in the Scott comfort camp!!!!👍💯👏❤️❤️

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@roseboudreaux4645]

Scott you gave me some things to think about that I hadn’t considered. My question is about the pics of men above the slider door. From r to l, I believe that is Alex Hamilton, JFK. I can’t make out the others. Who are they? Can you explain why you have them on the wall? Thanks, Curiosity is killing the cat! 😸

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Rose….L to R… van Gough, Freddie Mercury, Frank Lloyd Wright, President Kennedy, Alexander Hamilton.

[@anitasimmons3599]

Thank you for another great video. Our van life type travel as a couple would work out to $1,800 to $2,500 per month, but we have an order van, paided off, less for insurance, because of lower yearly milage, ( not full time). For me solo $1,200, because I do eat out much and am less likely to spend as much to plug in, preferring smaller towns, state parks, rest areas on rural roads. Entertainment is cheaper too, because I love to hike and site see on foot, because life just looks different at 2.5 to 3 miles per hour. Clothes... I have more than I will be able to wear out if I live to 100... Footwear is my main expense in that category and it is easily offset by saving gas, by walking to see the sites. As for homebase, taxes, insurance and maintenance expenses have continued to go up along with utilities, but renting a room has made keeping it doable for now. Our van is lovely called the "guest house", because it has been used by family members when more people visit than we have room for. It is a sanctuary anyone just needs some peace and quiet away from the crowd too. I love that we can visit family and retreat to our own space to sleep at night. Everyone has different travel styles. You just have to find what you love and find a way to fund it. Thank you for taking us along on your journey.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

thx for sharing Anita

[@livingworkingoutsidebox]

Thanks for sharing this. It provides a real world 🌎 view. 👍 19:13 I'm doing something similar for Overlanding, with an expedition truck, for a family of 3. Its amazing to see how much one really spends a month on life.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bobbiemorris8569]

Great video Scott. We think we'd be around the Scott budget. :) I loved that your Bourbon budget went up so high. If you make it out to the Bourbon trail - well maybe we shouldn't count that months Bourbon budget. ;)

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Bobbie

[@swansodi]

I am not sure where you are right now, but if you haven't made it to Boise, make sure you stop at Shoshone Falls, near Twin Falls on your way. It is spectacular now. Only costs $5.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Swan. In the TF area this week.

[@peggyowens5475]

Great comparison to home we hope to do for a bit less. Not looking forward to budgeting! Uggh BTW got on the Startengine train today! 😊

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Peggy! Congrats on StartEngine

[@cyrilw]

Great stuff Scott! The presentation of data was very clear and entertaining. Great user experience. 🙂

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Much appreciated. Cyril, former colleague ?

[@sandrap3047]

I love to eat out too! I think that's a big part of the fun when traveling! I love to check out local restaurants in a new area! I see a lot of vanlifers that rarely go out to eat. I can't imagine. That sounds so boring. I would so be doing the Scott style! Great video!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Definitely!!

[@RoadsofLife]

From a man who loves numbers... Good Job Scott! 💯👍🏼 Another way to look at this is to review how you used to vacation. What did hotels and meals cost you? Did you fly or rent a car? And how long were you on vacation? You could get a cost per day and compare to what you are doing now. I have a feeling you are really spending less per day now than you were back then. Be seeing you!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

whew… I was hoping to get the Roads Of Life seal of approval. I literally was thinking of you Rob through all the research and recording, wondering what RoL would say !

[@RoadsofLife]

@@gosmall.livelarge 😆 Scott, Scott, Scott....... You ALWAYS have my seal of approval! I just want to live up to your standard of video work (fat chance, but I can dream!). 🤣

[@timothymiller8294]

Scott I love the Coors Banquet Ball Cap. Where did you find it?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Hi Tim… Thx… purchase in Golden, Colorado at the Brewery :)

[@cavsarge11]

Great video. Honest and upfront with all the expenses. I think you're the first I have seen mention the monthly payment for your rig. Thanks!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Glad it was helpful! my Travato was $110,000 in 2018. I put $30,000 down and am making $600 monthly payments.

[@jamestreanor182]

What does your partner Kyle think about you being on the road? We have never seen him in a video, so you two are separated a lot it seems...

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thx for asking James. Kyle has been in several videos, but it has been a while. He builds and run our Airbnb biz in FL, I run the YT RV channel biz. Divide and conquer!

[@richardhinton985]

Hey Scott. I have been watching and enjoying your channel for a while now. This budget information was very helpful. I am considering this lifestyle but not for a couple years yet. Stay safe and continue living large.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Awesome, thank you!

[@vntimm]

My dog is almost deaf but that pinball noise really got her going

[@gosmall.livelarge]

LOL

[@lesleypyke8554]

OMG !! 😵‍💫

[@gosmall.livelarge]

!!

[@melodyhart2017]

there are a few expenses that you could do without if money was tight !

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Yes Melody. I’m traveling to take it all in, not to necessary to vanlife to save money. at some point vanlife will come to an end, but talking about my van travel experiences will never stop !

[@bensavage6389]

$700 van loan payment, wow. Post inflation years my van loan is $1200 a month. Guess I'll have to limit my bourbon and restaurant costs.😂

[@BrittMFH]

Depends on the down payment. I just bought a van and payment is $650/mo but I put down $40K.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

LOL Ben. My Travato cost $110,000 in 2018. I put $30,000 down and the rest is loan balance paying $600 month

[@accordionmusic929]

How can you survive on a buget $1700 when van payments are $1552 plus $400 gas and where is all the rest?

[@BrittMFH]

The $1700 is an option of a way to live. But yes, your payments would have to be fairly low.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

I cannot survive on $1700 realistically. Some can if they stay put on BLM land for free or similar. I am doing vanlife for discovery, not to save money

[@volofly2011]

Great video, thanks for sharing, very interesting and informative. What's the reason you don't including "Lodging" in your housing expense calculation?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

van “housing” is a fixed reoccurring expense. Lodging can vary greatly. I think having people compare their house costs to the actual cost of van “housing” VS the associated costs of travel is important to separate.

[@volofly2011]

@@gosmall.livelarge Ok, understood. Thanks for the reply.

[@fulltimelife1248]

I am glad you enjoy your bourbon but as a part time van dealer where in the world do you find enough space to store 40 bottles of bourbon.

[@fulltimelife1248]

Dweller not dealer.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

video coming up!

[@epep1292]

Nice job, Scott. And welcome to SLC.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Right on! SLC is awesome !

[@shekharmoona544]

Kyle has a really nice van. I hope one day we can see his setup.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

We did a tour of his way back. very different rig, the Regency RV Ultra Brougham

[@KAW5]

Well done thank you!

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tiesabriscoe7788]

Good information

[@gosmall.livelarge]

So nice of you

[@Jim-Jamjouney]

Great video 👍

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@shekharmoona544]

Volta saves you money.

[@bensavage6389]

True, but it sounds like the one weakness is hot weather or you need an air conditioner non-stop. But that's when you travel in the class b to higher ground, where the elevation makes it cooler.

[@gosmall.livelarge]

SH, I think the freedom Volta provides offsets any savings, but you right

[@beccaatthebeach]

This is great and very honest! I seem to spend a lot on purchases for the van! Depreciation on the van might also be something people could add, for my 2023 Solis NPF I’m guessing that’s about $1,000/ mo. on average. Of course less the longer you keep the van 😊

[@gosmall.livelarge]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Marina-ez4ic]

Thank you for such great information. Did the monthly costs include vehicle insurance?

[@gosmall.livelarge]

yes, van category includes $100 mo for Progressive ins as a full-time traveler