What Does it cost to Live in a Van for ONE MONTH?

For the month of February 2023 I kept track of my major expenses to see exactly how much is saved or spent when living the vanlife. What does it cost to live in a van for one month?
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Matthew Allen
Unit # 112
440, 10816 Macleod Trail S.E.
Calgary, AB Canada
T2J 5N8
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My name is Matthew and I live in a van. I lost my job due to "cut backs" from the pandemic of 2020 and decided to seriously restructure my life. I am also a single dad who needed to find a solution that would allow me to remain in my daughter's life and plan for her future. After tons of research into #vanlife, I knew it was for me.
From March 2021 until October 2021 I spent my days building out my Chevrolet Express 2500, which came to be known as "Lucky" and as of October 18, 2021 I have been living in Lucky full time.
The build was done with almost no experience on my end and I used the one incredible tool I had at my disposal - the internet - to learn what I needed to build Lucky into a very comfortable tiny home.
I have always had a bit of a passion for being in front of the camera and really enjoy capturing the world around us. This really played into how I was feeling after almost a year of working from home when I "commuted" from the bedroom to the couch. I was starting to feel extremely unhealthy, unmotivated and despondent. I HATED that, and that's not a word I like to throw around. This new lifestyle gives me opportunities I just didn't have before and I am so excited to be able to share it all with you.
I truly believe we all have the capabilities to turn our lives around, should we choose to do so - and if I can inspire you to shoot for something better then I have done a decent job and that will keep me going.
There is more to life than the consume, consume, spend, spend lifestyle I feel we have all been conditioned to follow and I just want to do the best I can for myself first and foremost. Our time is limited and I do not want to waste another second on a lifestyle that doesn't bring me joy!
Be Happy, Be Creative, Be Yourself and BE POSITIVE!

[@marconion]

The drive to 25K subscribers. How can you help the channel? It is easy...... simply subscribe, SMASH that like button, share, comment, engage and like other comments. As always go out there you guys, be happy, be creative, be yourselves and most importantly be POSITIVE.

[@lja6420]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@rachadventuresinliv]

So close to it 🤗🤗🤗

[@davemenard5089]

Holy cow I’ve been watching for weeks and just realized I’m not subscribed. Fixed it😊

[@MelissaThompson432]

I may not watch every video, but I can't resist a 24.9K channel that wants to be 25. Subscribed. ✔

[@lja6420]

@@MelissaThompson432 😸😸❣

[@jacquelineho8623]

The shot of you and Brooklyn getting the chocolate milk was too cute 😍🥰 Thanks for continuing to put out videos despite being out of commission 👋 Hope you recover soon

[@tamararummel2027]

Hello from Arkansas USA 👋🏻 Matt I hope your sciatic nerve pain is better.

[@charlotteforrester3118]

Thank you for this video. Other van lifers I’ve watched don’t go into detail on expenses. One of the many things I admire and like about you and your content is that it is very truthful and more accurate about living in a van. I found this very interesting and as always entertaining. ❤❤❤❤

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you! I know I could have been even more detailed, but wanted to keep this general for now. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@robinmillette3127]

@VanlifePLUS you’re almost to 25k 🎊 🎉 I came along when you had about 6 thousand subscribers. Man your channel is really growing and I love it. You’re a good person Matthew and you deserve it all and more.✌🏼❤️

[@comfortouch]

2 days later, he is at 25K. 👍🖖🐐

[@skinzsoccer2]

Great timing of this video. This will be the one to push you over the 25k followers mark! 🤞 Well deserved friend!

[@VanlifePLUS]

Thank you sir! I appreciate that

[@vallovesnature8449]

I trained myself a few years ago to keep itemized lists of expenses. I actually use a calendar & write in bills, gas, food & miscellaneous. Now the calendar is smaller since I’m in my jeep. There’s usually a few dollars allotted for mandatory treat of McDonald’s. Very cool video Matt! Good to see how much is spent for a van. Would love to see a seasonal budget series. Hugs & love to you, Stella, Penny, & Miss Brooklyn❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@VanlifePLUS]

That’s a great idea!

[@vallovesnature8449]

@@VanlifePLUS Thanks Matt!!

[@navigatingthedestination]

👍That's awsome. I use the calendar on my phone to track my bills. A great app to keep all your receipts is Receipt Hog, you take pictures of your receipts and you can actually collect points and get gift cards for the points. It's awsome

[@vallovesnature8449]

@@navigatingthedestination Very cool!

[@navigatingthedestination]

@val loves nature anyway to get money back is always good ehh 👍

[@jillrichards8260]

When the cats tail went across the screenthe Jaws music came into my head immediately lol

[@luckybeth777]

You did really good. All of your driving and eating would have been the same as if you were in an apartment. Your diesel was less than heating an apartment and of course no rent!

[@d.peppercandy]

Love your channel and your fur babies, please keep up the great work and get well soon. 😊❤

[@deeregirl7356]

I live in rural Michigan were my house payment is 400.00 a month. I think all my bills per month is 1400.00 that would not include gas or food. I was wondering how much rent was in your town, thanks for sharing. Its really interesting to hear how others live. We live in a small township of 3,500 people and I have no desire to live in a big city but its fun to see others. Hope you have a blessed weekend. Oh and thank you for not showing your little girl with us , good to keep her safe and private, Good job Dad😊

[@blodyholy_]

I’m not sure about anyone else, but after watching this video, I feel compelled to flood Matthews PO Box with fuel gift cards.😂

[@mikeperreault8939]

Hope you're feeling better. Problems with sciatica are a p.i.t.a. haha! I know it's not a laughing matter.

[@SilverMoonGardens]

It might be a rough estimate, but I think this is great. Thanks for sharing. I'm always curious about stuff like this.

[@cherylannesley937]

Let's go to 25K!!! K!! Love you, Bud. Proud to be Canadian. You are a good rep.

[@justinlucero6652]

Wow almost 25,000 subscribers whoohoo

[@VanventureswithKaia]

I love how your fur baby 😻 sits on the dashboard

[@TawnjaWynn]

I’m in Edmonton, so I am VERY grateful for a cost video that is accurate to my experience. I plan on being full time in my van by this time next year 😊

[@jessntuckeryeg]

I'm in Edmonton too and aiming to make my move within the next couple months :)

[@Avg_Janitor]

Love your personality

[@charlene5461]

24,9??. !!! Wow! Nearing 25000 subscribers!! Congrats!!!💞🐱🤗💞

[@BGFNYC]

You are so interesting. I know this is going to be good.

[@Avg_Janitor]

Awesome comparison at the end. You are saving a lot, I am inspired.

[@louisepotier2784]

Thanks for sharing! Winter in a van is a totally other $cenario than it is for the other van lifers southern states. Have a great day! 🙂oh and your cats are great - I love their to-ing and fro-ing.

[@AlbertaBetsyVanLife]

Living in Alberta & living the same lifestyle. Paying out, pretty much, the same amount!!!

[@debbief2882]

Great subject covered here. Thanks for the info Matt. 🧡🍀

[@sandrahunt199]

Hi Matt. How is your sciatica pain doing? I hope better. It's very painful. Love your videos ❤️ 😍 I love your days you read the stories people write to you about. It's nice to sit back and listen to other people's goals or even hardships. We can relate to them as you read. Thank you for that. 💜💗

[@jeffersonspace]

Wow Matt - this was a labor of love. Great work. Keep on keeping on

[@amyfawkes6153]

I really think a radio station should hire you! You have a voice that would be amazing for Radio

[@amyfawkes6153]

One of these days I'll run into you. I go to that grocery store after work

[@preparingthebridefaithoutr6884]

Hello Matthew (& girls) ... and all. I think it's a GREAT budget for a house on wheels. Thank you for sharing, stay safe & God Bless 👍😇🙏

[@mzzcynnful2308]

Thank you for sharing, great video! Even if it was an “uncontrolled” experiment lol it’s still helpful information for frame of reference & comparison. Hope you’re feeling better 😊

[@sarah_n_tank_girl]

The beginning of the video was classic!!!! That's all I needed...LOL. I still think you need to do a round trip that would take about 36 hours total drive time if you wanted to go down the coast to see a bunch of 'Merican van dwellers and such just to do an expense vlog for long trips. You could even claim the campsites as business expenses and do a comparison 🤷‍♀ (of course there is a lot of free boondocking in the USA). I know- adulting responsibilities-whatever!!! I'm planning to quit adulting for June (of course planning it is sort of adulting still🤔). Well, talk about money and budgets is never really fun, but this was informative for general expenses.

[@alexanderweaver7066]

Thank you, Matt, for taking the time to reveal your monthly expenses. It's not an exact science but it does give us an idea of what we would be purchasing out on the road. I really should consider keeping track of my personal expenses as I am sure I waste much of my income on needless items. One of the young You Tubers I followed for a while was Mav in Minnesota. He managed to save $400,000`over a period of time while living in the back of his pick up truck camper top. He amassed some one million subscribers. The last episode I watched he had bought a house with a huge garage and purchased several camping type vehicles. He went too crazy for me so I quit watching his channel. I enjoy watching your episodes as you live a more sensible lifestyle similar to most nomads. You left out expenses for your cats. Many of us also have pets with most of us owning dogs.

[@junknapper]

Yes, Mav is one of the fastest growing people on YT. JMHO!

[@app103]

For those of us that live in the US, $933.08 CAD is $685.32 USD.

[@Onpassivian]

Oh my! Had a good chuckle watching this video🤣🤣🤣. You're so funny. It's like your tongue froze a little so there was all that mispronounciation of words. Thank you for the laughter, needed that.🙏🥰

[@ladycats3810]

Thank you for helping us understand budgeting but also even incorporate these hints into our own life🙏

[@Hakliva]

oh!! I totally forgot this one was in the works! Love it! even with some added expenses, that is totally doable!

[@godevarcooper9366]

Princess Brooklyn is sitting on your shoulders. I did the thing with my kids when they were her age🎉🎉🎉❤

[@cathymc8365]

Also, if you were in sticks and bricks, mostly likely you would still have a vehicle and paying for gas anyway to go to work, pick up and drop off kiddo, go shopping, etc. Also living in the van cuts down on more elaborate meals so I see that as a large savings as well. Good vid!

[@kaydublin5164]

Hi Matt, enjoy your videos, I noticed Amber hasn’t been around lately, is she ok, did I miss something. 😊

[@vikkimcglen2925]

Great content as per usual, you do put ALOT of effort into your videos ❤ always wonder how much it would cost to run away in my van 🤣 I'm in england so it would definitely differ but really enjoyed this 👍 well done sir. Get well soon and i know it's hard for you because I've been watchin for a long time....TRY TO TAKE IT EASY 😉 much love to you and yours, stay safe

[@douglashoward5738]

Great video its eye OPENING how much daily life cost. That’s why most people love in denial!

[@nicktw8688]

Average rent for a 1-bedroom condo is now around $1600 in Calgary (not including other costs like utilites and transport)..... Matt is winning 😃

[@katydid2877]

That was cool. Thanks 👍

[@petra7510-i6s]

We love the fur babies seems like you're spending a lot of time at the gas station and a lot of money with these prices of gas is crazy

[@downtoearth1950]

Here in South Australia all fuel outlets have to report their fuel prices to a Government web site and the fuel app.'s are linked to it, so a quick look on your smart phone tells you the best place to purchase your fuel locally, as it is state wide even when travelling it is easy to find what you need at the best price. 🙂🙂🙂

[@valeriemacpherson9626]

"I owe my soul to the company store ...." Loves that song 🎵 ❤ Hugs Valerie 🍁👵🇨🇦

[@Pammellam]

Brooklyn is absolutely adorable! Daddy-Brooklyn time is so precious! I wonder if you might need a larger diesel tank in future winters so you don’t need to top up so often??

[@tamarap387]

Have suffered the winds of this winter in NS....but am SURE as heck glad I haven't had to endure those cold Alberta days again! I do love dry climates, but yikes, that looks rough to do in a van! I'm gonna be one of those cushy snowbird vandwellers in the nearer future. Hats off to you though for REALLY 'doing' it!

[@michaelhorvath757]

Hey Matt I never thought about how much to live in your van and I totally understand about your daughter is personal . Hope you’re getting better ❤️‍🩹 🍀👍

[@KlouseInTheKloudz]

This is why I like your channel you are real and put out good content. This is majorly helpful getting into our Van much sooner then anticipated lol.

[@jonmahon3920]

Very nice 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@MickDickerson]

Wow, I’m not sure why, but it blew me away at how many times that video was you just pulling up to the pumps! But then again, it’s your house on wheels so I guess I shouldn’t have been THAT surprised, lol. And like you said, that could be drastically reduced by staying stationary. Technically, if you were still in your sticks and bricks, who would have $ for gas to see your awesome adventures anyways, especially with the price we’re paying at the pumps? Thanks for all you do and looky you with 25k subs, congrats! Cheers from NB.

[@DorkForge]

Funny intro, good cuts, and informative content! Another great video Matthew, the only hard part was watching past you not know the back pain that awaited you this past month...

[@ljaymcca]

Aww. This is so true 😩

[@stacynoble3909]

So when you fill out your income tax as a youtube creater can you write off your gas? And supplies for your van?

[@angelapietras1235]

Interesting video,just shows how much you can save in the long run.

[@sraza6801]

Superb video so much effort brother. Love it love love it as always. Thank you 🙏🏻 💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@jesusisking8502]

Cool.

[@frederickfred2714]

I did come across someone who had sticks and bricks but rented it out while living the van life..only came back to do maintenance at change of tenancy..gave him a home basein case of emergency and income ..

[@ThatGirlLib]

That’s what Mav does. He put his house up on Air BnB and he rented an apartment for himself while he travels. But then again his channel blew up and he went global. LoL.

[@dreadedscotslass]

Holy crap Canada is expensive! I like your fuel pumps though, we have to hold the fuel handle in constantly as it doesn't have the lock thing in place in the uk. We also have different lines for petrol and diesel

[@VanlifePLUS]

There are different lines for gas online and diesel. Diesel handles are usually yellow

[@MapleMarmite]

Which part do you think is expensive? Gas/petrol and diesel is a lot cheaper in Canada than the UK. Where I am gas is $1.48CDN/lt which equates to 91p/lt UK at the moment and I think the average there now is about £1.70. Groceries may be a bit more in Canada. The things that are more expensive in Canada are home utilities and cell phone charges and, depending on which province you live in, vehicle insurance. The VAT equivalent is less in Canada - to what extent depends on the province again. Clothes are much the same. This is just day to day stuff - there are pros and cons cost-wise in other things for sure.

[@wandaesch7314]

The gas handles in Alberta have a lock on them but in Ontario you have to hold it.

[@CanadianCampPurr]

Wow!!!...$126.9 for regular, here in ottawa at costco $139.8!!!. Prices/costs of everything has quad-tripled since pandemic hit. Especially in grocery stores for everyday essentials.

[@godevarcooper9366]

Love your expense breakdown🎉🎉🎉 thanks for sharing Matthew

[@Chicago-Sparky]

Great video!

[@freedomdove]

Half tank is my new "empty", too. Lol. What a PITA to have the fuel tanks on opposite sides.

[@bonniejackson1321]

You're like one of those brilliant singers who could sing the phone book and keep ones attention. You could cover any top on this channel from toilet paper to toothepaste and still entertain....it's a gift.

[@lindageiling5922]

I pay $ 1225.00 in rent a month. Hate it , my utilities r cheap but after rent there's not much left over. But I don't think I could live in a van. It's harder to do in the US. Cops tend to harass here. Plus I hate always driving around. N I have disabilities. IF I was in the mountains like there maybe I'd think about it. Luv your channel. Luv your kitties.

[@katydidnt3906]

Depends on where you are in either country, whether it is easier or harder to vanlife. In Canada, BC and the Maritimes are WAY easier than Ontario. In the States, Arizona is WAY easier than other states. As someone who has vanlifed in both, the US wins, hands down. So much more free, or at least cheap, camping on public lands. BLM, Army Corps of Engineers, national forests, etc.

[@christinanavarre8389]

Hello again my dear Matthew. Always my pleasure. Happy March. I'm working on this exact question myself about living in my camper. So far I've found I need 100# propane tank to get me by for the month just for my 30,000 btu furnace. All my planning to get what I need before the next Mich winter arrives. And by the way Matthew, a bad winter in Michigan, HA 🤣 Is just Joking in comparison to your winters. YIKES!! There is no one I'm subscribed to, that I enjoy as much as I do watching you and your content. Love, Blessings and Prayers to you and your loved ones. Pets to Penny & Stella 🐾🐈🐈‍⬛🐾 Be Safe, Be as Healthy as you can and Always find Joy in your day ❤️

[@sylviesalim2314]

Thanks for sharing. Glad to see your back is better.

[@naomijones8564]

Informative video matthew, just shows you how much you save living in the van x

[@TheLeopardGirl]

Matthew this was a great vlog with lots of good advice that will help so many people so thank you for your kindness dear friend!💞

[@cookingismypassion81]

Hey Matthew I use a great app on my phone that I scan my receipts and keeps great records for tax time and just day to day. If your ever interested in it. I don't want to come across as a spammer but just thought I'd throw that out there. I love EVERY video . Even with ur hurt back the content hasn't lacked in anyway! I hope ur feeling better!

[@Stuart123]

Great vid, price for gas on Vancouver Island today, March 1, $1.81 ouch😮.

[@gs98999]

$1.19 at Costco in Calgary this afternoon.

[@naomidonovan-perry2667]

Interesting video.

[@alexandriaspann8194]

Loving your videos I am in the states and find this so interesting

[@MsMaryGK]

Good info and always entertaining!😘

[@MapleMarmite]

Interesting - surprising how the general cost of things adds up when you, well, add it up…👍🏻

[@shirleyfrederickson4794]

Enjoyed the watch … have a fabulous weekend.

[@michaelbaileythedespair]

clear tote for the cats to hang in like a green house in the passanger seat heats its self in the sun

[@michaelbaileythedespair]

cat house

[@TimoteoAviance]

Adorable. Everything!

[@curtise7]

Okay 20 seconds in and had to pause. Best intro ever lol.

[@judyeuller7602]

Did you included expenses for things, such as showering and shore power and water? It seems to me that those expenses are normal for van life. Of course, I'm not in the life, so I'm just guessing.

[@VanlifePLUS]

Water was included in my groceries but as for showering and power, I have a family member I can lean on for that

[@HalfFastForward]

Like the humor, and the info.

[@m.a.maliawojciechowskichat6729]

🌴... thank you for the info. It helps! 💚

[@GypsyJvan]

thanks for sharing..

[@angielindsey7390]

Hi Mat! I have a question but please know I hope I don’t come off insensitive as that’s not my intention. (Every body just calm down. Lol ) I love your channel and you are my top you tuber I watch! All the others that I watch include and show their family/children. I was curious as to why you don’t show your little girl? I’m sure it’s a good reason and I am just curious. Or you can tell me None of your bizz. Lol Always sending you good thoughts and vibes honey. Much love from Iowa❤️❄️❤️❄️🙏🏼🦋🙏🏼

[@backcountryboondockers]

We go to quartzite az for winter from western slope Colorado. The money we save on propane pays for the trip. Propane is $1.00g higher in Colorado than Arizona. Current temps are in the upper 60/40 compared to Colorado 50/30

[@frederickfred2714]

We can sometimes save 8 cents at the pump ..4 with supermarket voucher and 4 with 30 doller purchase at gas station..

[@cardkast1499]

The opening🤣🤣🤣 Fun video Matt and very informative 🤜🤛

[@bettyward8389]

I really love watching your videos.

[@DU112052]

Hi Matt!!!

[@redpandabus-adventuresinlife]

Happycoffeevanlife haven't seen you around for a while. Nice to see you.

[@VanlifePLUS]

?? Lol

[@redpandabus-adventuresinlife]

@@VanlifePLUS l was saying hello to Amber. I saw her comments in the conversation.

[@pamw5687]

Awesome video again, BUT everytime you got gas and desiel all I could hear is " ring around the rosey....." sorry just made me giggle. Hope all is well. Thank you Mathew and hello to Stella, Penny and of course Ms. Brooklyn. 💖

[@ricebike]

Is there off-road diesel? In the US, it's usually cheaper (and colored red) than the built-in road tax Or others using waste veggie oil/mix or bio Diesel for the heaters? May be a good experience / experiment for the next late fall/ winter season

[@ronethridge9875]

Good 👍 thanks much

[@jayne9292]

And then all the silent expenses of vehicle upkeep. Do you have a budget/savings for vehicle repairs, regular maintenance, tires etc -> or do you just scramble when the check engine light comes on?

[@Bernimv]

Very good, I think I saw that it's from $600-$1000..as you said it all depends😊

[@JoeZyzyx]

We have similar SHELL fuel situation in Maryland. My wife always does groceries at Giant store, and almost same amount savings at SHELL, being I think 10 cents per gallon (about 4 L) based on what credit amount was spent on groceries. I checked 3.8L which is a US gallon comparison, so that at o.74 per L, you paid equivalent of $2.81 per gallon, and here in Maryland I looked on gas buddy to see our local cost is about a dime more at or a few cents more than $2.90 per gallon. Surprised, because a few months ago when I compared, Canadian drivers were paying MORE than we did then.

[@cynthiadickey3055]

That was a great share. I was wondering what you did in the amount$ per month obviously health insurance car Insurance cat food loungewear laundry obviously wasn't included

[@angiemedley3502]

Ty so much for the info.

[@jameshuntercox]

"My Dieser", omg that's hilarious going to be using that one if you don't mind

[@jameshuntercox]

What's the avg a day to heat the home??

[@micro_adVANtures]

Side note Matt. The T-Spring might mugs are great but do t fair well in a dishwasher. I designed and sold a few my self - so great mugs just don’t pop them in a dish washer if your in sticks bricks - i will be ordering one soon (despite T-springs obnoxious shipping fees)… Great vids hope your on the mend.