How I Actually Afford Van Life (Spoiler: I Barely Do)
People ask me this all the time on TikTok: "How can you afford to live on the road? Fuel costs, food, campsites - it must add up."
Short answer: I don't, really. I just figured out it's cheaper than the housing unit that I couldn't afford anymore.
Van life isn't my holiday. It's not some endless road trip funded by a trust fund or remote tech job. It's what I do because the maths of renting stopped making sense, and this - as weird as it sounds - makes more financial sense than staying put.
But it only works if you do it a certain way. And that way isn't what you see on Instagram.
I Travel Slowly (Because Fuel Isn't Free)
I don't bounce from coast to coast every week. I move when I need to, and I stay put when I can. Fuel's expensive, and constantly being on the move eats through money fast.
So I find a spot I like - a free camp, a long-stay area - and I settle in for a while. Sometimes that's a few days, sometimes it's longer. The less I drive, the more I can stretch what I have.
I Plan Routes Around Free Water and Long-Stay Camps
This takes more effort than just winging it, but it's non-negotiable if you're trying to keep costs down.
I map out where the free or low-cost camps are, especially the ones that let you stay longer than 24 hours. I note where the potable water outlets are. I avoid caravan parks unless I'm genuinely desperate for power or a shower.
It's not spontaneous. It's strategic. But it means I'm not hemorrhaging money just to exist somewhere for the night.
I Live Off-Grid By Design, Not Preference
My camper's set up so I don't need to plug into powered sites. Solar keeps my basics running. I've got a setup that works without relying on expensive amenities.
This wasn't about being eco-friendly or off-the-grid cool. It was about cutting the biggest recurring cost I could: paying to camp somewhere every single night.
I Set Myself Up to Be Comfortable, Not Just Cheap
Living on the road doesn't mean living rough. I knew from the start that if this was going to work long-term, I needed certain things to actually function.
So before I left, I set myself up with a Joolca HOTTAP hot water heater and a double ensuite shower tent. Hot showers aren't a luxury for me - they're necessary, especially for managing pain and fibromyalgia. I wasn't going to skip that just to save a few bucks.
I've also got a chemical toilet that sits in one half of the shower tent. It's not glamorous, but it works, and it means I'm not reliant on public facilities or campsite amenities.
The shower tent expands my living space, and I've got a 3m x 3m marquee that connects to the van. Eventually I might upgrade to a proper awning, but for now the marquee does the job - especially when I'm just car camping for a night and need a bit of extra shade.
None of this was free. But it was worth it, because it means I can actually live this way without feeling like I'm constantly roughing it or making myself worse.
I Save Up If I Want to Visit Anywhere That Costs Money
National parks, tourist spots, anywhere with an entry fee - I don't just rock up. I plan ahead and save for it, the same way I used to save for anything else when I had a lease and bills to cover.
Some months that means I don't go anywhere special. Other months, I've got enough tucked away to actually see something worth seeing. It's not glamorous, but it works.
I'm Looking Into House Sitting (Especially for Winter)
I haven't done this yet, but it's on my radar. Winter in a canvas camper isn't fun, and house sitting would give me a roof, running water, and heating without paying rent.
There are platforms for it - TrustedHousesitters, Aussie House Sitters, others. People need someone to look after their place and pets while they're away, and I need somewhere warm that doesn't cost me anything. Seems like a fair trade.
If it works out, I'll write about it. If it doesn't, I'll write about that too.
It's Not a Holiday - It's Just Cheaper Than the Alternative
I didn't choose this life because I wanted to be a nomad or chase some freedom fantasy. I chose it because my rent went up, my income didn't, and I needed to do something different before I drowned financially.
Van life gave me breathing room. Fewer bills. More control over where my money actually goes. It's not perfect, and some days are hard, but it beats lying awake at 2am wondering how I'm going to cover next month's rent.
If you're in a similar spot - if the housing situation has you backed into a corner and you're trying to figure out what's actually possible - this might be worth considering. Not because it's easy, but because it's doable.
I wrote more about why I ended up living this way here.
One road, one life. Make it work however you can.
