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the numbers

how much does it cost to live in a van?

real ass question.

for the abridged version, you can check out this (probably outdated) video. 

the above video does not include maintenance and regular vehicle costs. it does include monthly/recurring expenses.

below is more of a running cost for transparency. it doesn’t include small supplies like caulk and socket wrenches and bungee cables; otherwise, add maybe a couple hundo more.

note: much of this was done retroactively, so it is to the best of my recollection as of 6/7/20.
initial/one-time expenses
2/5/19 down payment – $3,000
2/20/19 2 AGM batteries – $560
2/28/19 solar panels/controller – $720
2/28/19 fan – $231
3/6/19 generator – $810
10/4/19 van rug – $293
10/6/19 bed/mattress – $210
12/29/19 instantpot – $60
1/19/20 fridge – $250
1/28/20 stove – $30
$6,164

maintenance
2/11/19 first set tires – $345
4/24/19 turn signal replacement – $61
5/13/19 second set tires – $345
8/14/19 oil change – $40
8/28/19 air/cabin filters – $35
9/30/19 main battery – $179
9/6/19 fan module replacement – $678 (reimbursed)
11/18/19 headlights – $10
$1,015

monthly expenses
car note – $460
car insurance – $140
gas – $200
pet rent – $200
gym – $10
parking and tolls/fees – $40
emergency – $50 or more
storage – $70
$1,170 $1,100