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

Contact
Instagram: @vanlifeplusmovies

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 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.

[app]

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

[robinmillette]

@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.✌🏼❤️

[charlotteforrester]

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. ❤❤❤❤

[jacquelineho]

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

[luckybeth]

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!

[tamararummel]

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

[skinzsoccer]

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

[vallovesnature]

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❤️❤️❤️❤️

[AlbertaBetsyVanLife]

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

[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.😂

[mikeperreault]

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

[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 😊

[nicktw]

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

[WillowofMoonHaven]

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

[jillrichards]

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

[d.peppercandy]

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

[deeregirl]

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😊

[cathymc]

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!

[sandrahunt]

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. 💜💗