The Real Cost of Van Life: My $13k Start-Up & The Truth About Repairs
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Van life: Freedom, adventure, and endless sunsets.
But for many, the glossy Instagram feeds showcasing $150,000 Sprinter vans feel like a pipe dream.
What if I told you I got started for less than 10% of that cost?
Transitioning to van life requires a major shift in how you view money. If you treat it like a permanent vacation, you will go broke. If you treat it like a lifestyle, you can live freer than you ever imagined.
Here is the financial reality of my life on the road—from the start-up costs to the repair bills nobody talks about.
1. The Mindset Shift: Vacation vs. Lifestyle
When we grew up taking family road trips, we were in "Vacation Mode." We bought the trinkets, we ate at the diners, and we didn't count the cost.
In 2016, I took an 80-day solo road trip and spent over $12,000. That is $150 a day! (To be fair, I did see Adele live in Kansas City, which was worth every penny).
Now that I live this lifestyle, I have to remind myself: I am not on vacation.
I work (seasonally in the tax industry).
I budget.
I cook (reluctantly).
If you want to last out here, you have to track your spending.
2. My Actual Start-Up Costs (The $13k Breakdown)
I didn't have a pile of cash sitting around. I sold my 2017 Chevy Sonic for $8,000. That cash was my seed money to buy my van and do the initial preventative maintenance.
Here is exactly what I spent to get road-ready:
The Van (2006 Sienna): $6,000 (Purchased with 197,000 miles).
Mechanic (200k Mile Preventative Maintenance): $2,000.
Roadloft Conversion Kit: $4,800.
EcoFlow Power Station: $847.
Refrigerator: $172.
Total Start-Up Cost: $13,819
That is a fully functional home on wheels for under $14k.
A Note on the Build: I chose the Roadloft Kit because it was instant. No carpentry skills required. 🎁 Bonus: If you want to use the same kit I did, use code RLVLS at checkout to get a FREE Cozy Kit with your order. 👉 Check out Roadloft here
3. The Reality of High-Mileage Vans (Read This!)
I bought my 2006 Toyota Sienna because of Toyota's legendary reputation. I did everything "right"—I had a trusted mechanic inspect it, and he told me it was well-cared for.
But here is the reality check: Even a "good" older vehicle is still old. Parts fail. While I don't regret buying it (because it was the only way I could afford to get on the road), this van has cost me a fortune in repairs.
Besides regular oil changes and tires, I have had to replace:
Axles and CV shafts (multiple times)
The Transmission (replaced, rebuilt, and replaced again!)
The Catalytic converters
The Timing belt
The Starter
The Shift cable
The "Hidden" Cost of Repairs: It isn't just the parts. When my transmission went out in Montana (and then again in Nebraska!), the warranty covered the work, but it didn't cover my housing. I had to pay for a week of hotels while my home was in the shop. That is an expense you must have an emergency fund for.
My Advice: If you buy an older van, keep a robust emergency repair fund. It’s not a matter of "if" it breaks, but "when."
4. Budgeting for the Monthly Grind
Once you are on the road, your expenses shift. You lose the mortgage, but you gain new categories.
Fuel (The Variable Beast) This depends entirely on how fast you travel.
My Reality: In a recent 60-day period, I drove 4,500 miles and spent $638 on gas.
Pro Tip: Use a credit card that gives 5% cash back on fuel.
Food (The "I Hate Cooking" Factor)
The Coffee Rule: I love coffee. In the city, I budget specifically for McDonald's coffee (don't judge!). In remote areas, I make my own.
Groceries vs. Dining Out: This is the easiest lever to pull. If money is tight, you stop eating out. Period.
The "Henry" Fund (Pets) My dog, Henry, is my co-pilot, but he isn't free. I must budget for:
Food & Grooming.
Vet Bills: Always have an emergency fund.
Apps: Fees for using Rover or Sniffspot when I need a sitter or a safe yard.
The "Hidden" Costs Don't forget the things nobody talks about:
Showers: Truck stops can cost $16–$20 per shower. (Gym memberships are cheaper!).
Laundromats: Quarters add up fast.
Insurance: Rates vary wildly for van life. I have a full video breaking this down.
Final Thoughts: Track Everything
Van life is all about flexibility. Some months I spend $800; some months I spend $2,000 (usually when I'm traveling fast or paying for campgrounds).
Note: That $2,000 does not include the major repairs listed above. Those come out of a separate emergency fund.
The goal isn't just to be "cheap." It's to be free. And to be free, you need to know where your money is going.
