A person stands in a scenic mountainous landscape with a vintage van parked nearby, surrounded by trees and snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky.

How Much Does Van Life Cost? Your No-Nonsense Guide to Expenses

You’re probably here because you’re wondering one thing: how much does van life cost? It’s the big question for anyone eyeing the open road, whether you’re planning weekend trips or a full-time leap into nomadic living. 

The truth? Costs can range from a lean $2,000 a month to over $10,000 if you’re going all-out. That spread can feel daunting, but we’re not here to toss vague estimates at you. This guide delivers hard numbers, real-world examples, and practical ways to make van life fit your wallet.

Van life expenses break down into three buckets: the van itself, ongoing living costs, and the extras that crop up. We’ll dig into each, spotlight affordable solutions like Infinity Vans’ modular kits, and show you how to dodge budget-busting surprises. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what van life costs, and how to make it work for you.


Factors That Shape Van Life Costs

So, how much does van life cost? It’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Your expenses depend on the van you pick, your lifestyle on the road, and how much you customize your setup. Monthly costs can range from $2,000 for frugal solo travelers to $8,000+ for luxury-seeking families. Let’s unpack the big factors with real numbers and examples to help you plan.

Graphic with a beige background and an image of a person working on a laptop inside a van, with a scenic mountain view outside. Text reads: "VAN LIFE BEATS RENT Studies show van life costs 50% less than renting. Swap $1,500/month rent for $2,000–$4,000 in total van expenses (RVIA 2023).

1.1 The Van: Your Biggest Upfront Cost

Your van is the foundation, and its price sets the stage. New or used, the model matters. Here’s a table comparing three popular vans based on 2023 data from RV Trader and AutoTrader:

Van Model

New Price

Used Price (2017-2019, ~80,000 miles)

Why Pick It?

Mercedes Sprinter

$40,000–$60,000

$28,000–$35,000

Durable, holds 60–70% resale value after 5 years (RVIA 2023).

Ford Transit

$35,000–$50,000

$20,000–$30,000

Cheaper repairs, reliable for budget builds.

Ram ProMaster

$30,000–$45,000

$15,000–$25,000

Wide interior for conversions, great for deal-seekers.

Used vs. New: A used 2018 Ford Transit with 70,000 miles might cost $22,000, saving you $15,000 over a new one. Sprinters hold value better but sting on repairs—think $500 for brakes vs. $300 for a Transit. Check mileage and service records to avoid a money pit.

1.2 Conversion Costs: Building Your Home

Turning a van into a livable space isn’t free. Costs vary based on who does the work and what’s inside. Here’s a 2023 breakdown from Van Life Outfitters and community forums:

  • DIY Build: Got skills? A basic setup (bed, insulation, battery) starts at $5,000. Most DIYers spend 3–6 months, per a 2022 Vanual poll. It keeps how much does van life cost low but takes time.

  • Professional Build: Pros bring speed and quality. A $40,000 build gets you solar, plumbing, and a kitchen; $100,000 buys off-grid luxury.

Here’s what key components cost:

Component

DIY Cost

Pro Build Cost

Notes

Insulation

$500–$1,000

$1,500–$2,500

Foam board is cheapest; pros use spray foam for efficiency.

Bed Frame + Mattress

$800–$1,500

$2,000–$4,000

Plywood DIY vs. custom convertible beds.

Solar System (400W)

$2,000–$3,000

$5,000–$8,000

Includes panels, batteries, inverter.

Kitchen Setup

$1,000–$2,500

$5,000–$10,000

Sink, stove, fridge; pros add countertops.

Infinity Vans’ modular kits cut costs here. Their $5,000 BaseCamp Kit handles walls and floors, and pre-routed wiring saves 30% on electrical installs—about $500–$1,000.

1.3 Lifestyle and Customization

Your daily habits shape ongoing costs. Solo campers who cook simple meals spend less than families needing showers and Wi-Fi. Here’s how customization impacts how much does van life cost:

  • Basic: $5,000–$10,000 upfront, $1,500–$2,500/month. Think bed, battery, and campgrounds. Infinity Vans’ BaseCamp Kit nails this.

  • Mid-Range: $20,000–$50,000 upfront, $2,500–$4,000/month. Adds solar, kitchen, occasional RV parks. The $20,000 Nomad Kit includes a galley.

  • Luxury: $80,000+ upfront, $5,000–$10,000/month. Showers, Starlink, full-time comforts. Infinity Vans’ Ascent hits this at $90,000, vs. $120,000+ elsewhere.

Customization is personal. Need bike racks? A workspace? Infinity Vans’ configurator lets you tweak without breaking the bank.


How Much Does Van Life Cost: Price Tiers Explained

Still asking, how much does van life cost? It depends on your budget and vibe. We’ve split costs into three tiers—budget, mid-range, and luxury—based on 2023 pricing from RV Trader, Outdoorsy, and van life blogs. Each tier mixes van price, conversion, and monthly expenses for different travelers: weekenders, part-timers, or full-time nomads.

2.1 Budget Tier: $25,000–$50,000 Upfront, $1,500–$2,500/Month

This is van life on a shoestring. Perfect if how much does van life cost is your worry and you want in cheap. Think used vans and simple setups for occasional trips.

  • Van Examples: A 2016 Ram ProMaster with 90,000 miles averages $18,000 (AutoTrader). A 2015 Ford Transit, $22,000, offers reliability.

  • Conversion Details: $5,000 DIY gets a bed, insulation, and a Jackery 500. For $10,000, Infinity Vans’ BaseCamp Kit adds pre-cut panels, saving 20 hours of labor.

  • Monthly Costs:

    • Fuel: $200–$400 (10,000 miles/year at $4/gallon, 15 MPG).

    • Campgrounds: $300–$600 (BLM land is free; RV parks cost $30/night).

    • Food: $400–$600 (cooking vs. eating out).

    • Insurance: $80–$150 (part-time use, Progressive quote).

  • Who’s It For?: Solo travelers, weekend warriors, or van life testers.

  • Pros & Cons: Low entry cost, but older vans may need $1,000–$2,000 yearly repairs (tires, brakes).

  • Tip: Scour RV Trader or Facebook Marketplace for vans under $20,000 with clean records.

Graphic with a beige background and an image of a van in a scenic autumn landscape. Text reads: "VANS HOLD THEIR WORTH Data reveals camper vans keep 60–70% of their value after 5 years (Outdoorsy 2022). A $50,000 van could resell for $30,000–$35,000, outpacing most cars’ depreciation."

2.2 Mid-Range Tier: $50,000–$100,000 Upfront, $2,500–$4,000/Month

The sweet spot for most van lifers. This tier balances affordability and comfort, ideal if you’re asking how much does van life cost and want a solid setup for part-time or seasonal travel.

  • Van Examples: A 2019 Mercedes Sprinter with 50,000 miles costs $40,000 (RV Trader). A 2020 Ford Transit, $35,000, saves cash.

  • Conversion Details: A $20,000 Nomad Kit from Infinity Vans includes a kitchen and bed. For $40,000, pros add 400W solar, a toilet, and plumbing.

  • Monthly Costs:

    • Fuel: $300–$600 (15,000 miles/year).

    • Campgrounds: $500–$1,000 (mix of free land, $40/night parks).

    • Food: $500–$800 (groceries + occasional restaurants).

    • Insurance: $100–$200 (part-time, Roamly quote).

    • Internet: $50–$150 (hotspot or Starlink).

  • Who’s It For?: Couples, remote workers, or part-time nomads.

  • Value Factor: Mid-range vans hold 60% value after 5 years (Outdoorsy 2023). A $70,000 setup might resell for $45,000.

  • Tip: Modular kits like Infinity Vans’ Nomad cut labor costs vs. custom builds.

2.3 Luxury Tier: $100,000–$200,000+ Upfront, $5,000–$10,000/Month

This is van life with all the bells and whistles. It’s for those who ask how much does van life cost and want home-like comforts, no compromises.

  • Van Examples: A 2023 Sprinter 4x4 starts at $55,000, built for off-road. A 2023 Transit AWD, $50,000, is cheaper.

  • Conversion Details: A $100,000 custom build includes 600W solar, a shower, and hardwood finishes. Infinity Vans’ Ascent ($90,000) or Wanderer ($95,000) deliver luxury (pop-tops, seating four) for less than $120,000+ bespoke builds.

  • Monthly Costs:

    • Fuel: $400–$800 (20,000 miles/year).

    • Campgrounds: $800–$1,500 (mostly RV parks).

    • Food: $800–$1,500 (restaurants + groceries).

    • Insurance: $150–$300 (full-time, Roamly).

    • Internet: $100–$200 (Starlink).

    • Misc: $500–$1,000 (entertainment, gym memberships).

  • Who’s It For?: Full-timers, families, or luxury lovers.

  • Cost-Saver: Pre-builts like the Ascent hit high-end specs for under $100,000.

  • Tip: Invest in 4x4 and solar early; off-grid freedom cuts campground fees.

2.4 Quick Price Tier Comparison

Tier

Upfront Cost

Monthly Cost

Best For

Key Features

Budget

$25,000–$50,000

$1,500–$2,500

Solo, weekenders

Basic bed, battery, free camping

Mid-Range

$50,000–$100,000

$2,500–$4,000

Couples, part-timers

Kitchen, solar, occasional RV parks

Luxury

$100,000+

$5,000–$10,000

Full-timers, families

Shower, Starlink, off-grid capability


Spotlight: Infinity Vans’ Budget-Friendly Options

Infinity Vans keeps van life affordable without skimping on quality. Their modular kits and pre-built vans answer how much does van life cost with flexible options for any budget.

3.1 Modular Kits

These kits make conversions easier. They’re lightweight, pre-wired, and stackable. Here’s the lineup:

Used kits pop up occasionally; peek at Infinity Vans’ marketplace for deals.

3.2 Pre-Built Vans

No time to build? Infinity Vans’ pre-builts deliver:

  • Ascent: $90,000, rugged with climber storage.

  • Wanderer: $95,000, sleeps four with a pop-top.

These beat $120,000+ custom builds. Curious about new designs? Check our lab.

Hidden Costs You Can’t Ignore

You’ve budgeted for the van, but how much does van life cost when surprises hit? Maintenance, insurance, upgrades, and repairs can add up fast. Here’s a breakdown with numbers and tips to stay ahead.

4.1 Maintenance: Keeping the Wheels Turning

Vans need regular care—oil changes, tires, brakes. AAA’s 2023 data says maintenance averages $0.09/mile. For 12,000 miles/year, that’s $1,080.

  • Sprinter: Oil change is $150–$200; parts cost 20% more than Transits (RepairPal).

  • Transit/ProMaster: Oil change runs $100–$150.

  • Tip: Budget $1,000–$1,500/year for used vans, $500 for new. Skip fancy oil unless required.

4.2 Insurance: Covering Your Home on Wheels

Insurance depends on usage and location. Full-timers pay more.

  • Example: A 2020 Transit in Texas costs $1,000/year part-time (Progressive). Full-time? $1,800.

  • Tip: Shop Roamly or Good Sam; list alarms and locks to save $100–$200.

4.3 Upgrades: Comfort Adds Up

Solar, storage, or a bigger fridge—upgrades boost livability but cost cash.

  • Example: A 600W solar setup is $5,000. Infinity Vans’ Nomad Kit pre-wires it, saving $500–$1,000.

  • Tip: Add upgrades gradually to spread costs.

4.4 Repairs: Expect the Unexpected

Older vans break more. Budget 10% of the van’s price yearly for fixes.

4.5 Infinity Vans: Savings Built In

Infinity Vans’ kits let you add features later without tearing out your build. Pre-wired panels cut install costs by 30%—think $500–$1,000 saved on solar or lighting.

Graphic with a beige background and an image of a van with bikes on a rear rack. Text reads: "FUEL DRAINS BUDGETS FAST AAA’s 2023 numbers say fuel averages $0.27/mile at $4/gallon (15 MPG). Drive 12,000 miles/year, and you’ll spend $3,240. Frugal van lifers stick to $200–$400/month by camping longer.

Does Van Life Pay Off?

Is how much does van life cost worth it? For many, yes. A 2022 Outdoorsy report says vans retain 60–70% of their value after 5 years—better than cars. A $50,000 van could save $12,000 in hotel costs over 10 years (RVIA). Plus, you ditch rent and gain freedom.

Infinity Vans makes it easier. Start with a $5,000 BaseCamp Kit and add a $2,000 dinette later. It’s low-risk, high-reward.

5.1 How to Kick Things Off with Infinity Vans

Ready? Here’s how:

Conclusion: Your Journey, Your Budget

How much does van life cost? Anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 a month—it’s your choice. Infinity Vans offers kits from $5,000 and pre-builts under $100,000, so you can hit the road without draining your bank account. You’ve got the numbers, now pick your path. Start at infinityvans.com—the road’s waiting.

Back to blog