While that total may sound high, I have friends who spend $300 just on coffee! Also, you are not paying rent! That 💰 is going instead to maintaining your van! I have seen what you buy at grocery stores/street vendors and it is quality stuff! And for some of my friends-that is their liquor bill! I am so impressed you shared this, very interesting and personally-it is none of anybody’s business! Thank you for being so open. As soon as I can get my own budget in rein, I’ll be getting your chai!
Hi Kathleen, totally agree! It's so interesting how everyone budgets their month and we value shopping local etc and choose not to spend that money on liquor etc. Happy to share with great people like you in the hopes that it helps you in some way or another!
Id LOVE love love to hear the difference between travel and office. Iv got 3 girlies and 2 dogs and want to do a schoolie kinda thing. We love all your vids!!! From London Ont. Im paying $89 with Virgin basicaly bare min phone(1gig) As well as $26 Chatter canada wide calling no data and 100 text. For my oldest daughter. Cells are such!!!! BS!!!
You could live in an apartment or house on rent for that much and save the money you spent on the van for an annual trip lol. But if you were smarter with your expenses you could save heaps more. How about a prepaid sim for when you are in the US? Instead of paying tons for internet look for the cheapest and biggest plans I pay $80 Australian for 250gb using a hotspot. I pay 15 a month for unlimited calls and text on my phone. I pay $30 for propane every 3 months. Averaging less than a $1000 a month living in a van with two dogs. Work fulltime too. Payed about 10k for the van.
Free shower advice!: find the closest hotel and call them, say you're traveling and ask if they'll rent you a room for an hour to shower. I've done this and typically they give you a room that is waiting to be cleaned but they usually dont charge anything! Sometimes I'll give the front desk a few bucks out of courtesy but I dont think its expected. Hope this helps!!
Yeah, these are both great suggestions. Very useful when traveling. But, when you stay local, get a gym membership at a place that has multiple sites near you. Shower like there's no tomorrow. Thats what I do. And, don't tell anyone else but, in a pinch, I have a shoulder bag with a plastic bottle insert that I can fit like two gallons of water into. I go to a public restroom, fill the bag with warm water and then lock myself into a large stall. I can then carefully rinse my whole body and use the toilet. A little towel, soap, and done. It's not a shower but you can get cleaned up every day. Just don't leave a wet stall or make a mess to be nice.
Is it more expensive to buy normal things there than on the mainland? Writing a "personal budget" for others is almost impossible, the best way to to just share what you spend, and it gives you at least a rough idea taking an average from different types of people :) But yeah...the phone bill is O.o
I live in a 3 bedroom 2 bath house with a back yard and off street parking, and I have my own washer, dryer and a dishwasher, and all of my bills are only $2,500 a month!!! My morgage/rent is $900, and the rest is just our regular monthly bills, my phone bill is $35 a month. Smh I wouldn't pay $444 a month for phone service!! We also have wifi through Xfinity at $10 a month! Just need a child in school to become eligible for that wifi plan! Of course our planet fitness bill is $20 a month! So I save money anywhere I can! So I shop around for everything!! I can't believe you guys spend$2500 a month living in a van!!! I have a whole house for that much!!
That's awesome my rent alone is $1,200 and then plus car insurance, food, phone bill and other bills probably adds up to $2,500 and im not travelling around the country getting these experiences. That's so cool.
My monthly expenses is 600 for rent 30$ for my light bill. $300 for food and 120 for gas. I also live in an RV park so my rent is 600 which is pretty expensive!! So $1,150 a month more or less!
Same!! I want to live in a van when I'm older my grandparents built there own house so that will help me get started Also I just turned 14 on June 20th
Thanks for your honesty every other van life vlogger I’ve seen just straight up refuses to go there or dilly dallys around the question. although is an invasive question it’s an extremely valid one and I so appreciate you putting it out there even though you felt vulnerable. That’s why I subscribed because you guys are real. You don’t try to glamorise everything.
I pay $28 a month w Koodo and survive on wifi when I travel. Fun fact; gps works without paying for data when I travel to the states from Canada. All you have to do is connect at any wifi source and start gps before you leave. It will guide you all the way but mostly where reception is available. Even if you loose the signal or you get a little lost and find your way back it will catch the signal again. You can even try it if you have data now by turning it off and just having your wifi signal on. Happy adventures everyone!
Woohoo! Y'all were in my area! It make this life so much more real when I see that Van lifers are actually on this side of the world! Hope you both had a beautiful trip!
So vulnerable! Thanks for opening yourselves up. I hope there aren’t a million haters, because you guys are great! You had a fun summer vacation/workcation *on the cheap*!! Keep the adventure videos coming!
I’ve watched tons of van life expense videos (couples) and the monthly expenses ALWAYS seem to be $2000 usd give or take a couple hundred. So you guys are right on the money
I was thinking that. My boyfriend got a deal with Sprint for a year for unlimited data and you get to bring your own device for literally $3/mo. Imagine how much more food you could buy with $441 in savings a month 😂
@@Lieke. I just had to pick my jaw off the floor, does anyone know if thats changed yet in Canada as were hoping to go next year. in the UK I pay £25 for unlimited everything.
First off, I want to say to both of you that anything and everything you want to talk about that’s part of your everyday life go for it. You both are so interesting and I personally, do not care what you talk about. It’s really cool hearing how you live. Thank you. The monthly expenses are a bit steep for me but as long as you can afford it I say go for it. You live only once, and you two are doing something that you love, and I hope to do that one day.
Loved this video! It gives a super well rounded and realistic perspective of what it's like to live and work from your van which is really helpful to see! I'd love to see some more content on your Chai company, when you're back in Toronto! I live in the Barrie area and am looking into what it would cost to start a small company and potentially live in a Van as well! Obviously be as candid as you feel comfortable with, but even a vlog explaining a little more about how your profits go directly back into your business and what that means for receiving an income to go towards these expenses, would be a really helpful video, or even Podcast! ...That being said I haven't listened to your business podcast yet so maybe you have already talked about that there... Question: Again answer as you feel comfortable, but the money you are using to travel (gas, insurance, phone, coffee), is that money you see as a business expense (as you are growing your business through travel) or is that saved money that you use as vacation money at your own out of pocket expense? I'm just curious about this in particular because I'm wondering if it would be reasonable to travel full time, say for a year or so (maybe fly back to ontario now and again) because the travelling is involved in your business income, or if you would have to take month long breaks to replenish the saved vacation budget. Love the how to vids, the podcasts, and your beautiful faces! Keep up the great work!
I did bug eyes on your grocery amount and then nearly died when I found that it didn't include eating out. Made me feel better about us spending $300-$400 a month for a vegan couple. But then I immediately thought yeah but I also have to pay $1300 rent in addition to almost all the other expenses you guys listed. You still proved to me it's cheaper living van life traveling then living in Barrie and being stationary.
You guys are GREAT! Literally just stumbled upon your UA-cam channel a few days ago, and I have been doing nothing but binge watching from start to finish. Of course inbetween daily life, and working. I am also Canadian, pretty close to your tea warehouse (Kitchener Waterloo Area) I have seriously fallen in love with your whole lifestyle you choose to live. I am honestly pitching a part time Van Life to my fiance very very soon. I believe life has more to offer than just staying in one spot the rest of your life. PS: I get the whole cell phone extreme prices as I work for Bell (Canadians again will know this company) PPS: love your podcasts as well.
Hello Eamon and Bec, thank you for motivating and inspiring people to discover the world and having a lifetime experience. I am from Uzbekistan and i would be happy to host you here one day. So far I was able to travel several beautiful countries with my friends and I can say that it gives a new energy every time to the person to continue chasing goals and dreams. I also run a tea company, but the way you do it is incredible. I hope one day as soon as I meet my right partner will get a van and go to the Euroasian tour on wheels! Thanks again for the content and inspiration.
You know, I don’t think that sounds bad at all. I told my boyfriend that if he’s serious about doing life on the road that I wanted us to be having at least 3K a month and after seeing this video it’s definitely not out of the ballpark. I would totally love to see a cost breakdown of “regular” living though just to put it into perspective
Yeah, I think that's a great budget marker (remembering that sometimes our "car servicing" bracket is 0)! I think we'll do a comparison video on the expenses of van life in the city because I'm so curious about the breakdown now ahha!! Stay tuned loved Ellie :):)
8:30 ....pretty sure that’s the Cape Breton tartan at that market table,,,,,it’s where I’m from and currently living,,,,I use to live in Toronto as well for 6 years!!!! ✌🏼❤️😊.&🌱
For showers where Planet Fitness isn't around, Googlemap Search Aquatic Centers. City Pools. Community Centers - with workout rooms. Even small cities and towns have city pools. I've found places with free showers in Vegas. No need to fake a gym membership tour. Sneaking into campsites - sometimes you have to. I did that when I cancelled my L.A. fitness membership and had no idea where a cheap shower was. Especially here in the dessert SW.
So glad it was helpful Kairi! Once we've been settled back in Toronto for a solid month we will be sure to share a comparison video of van life while traveling versus van life expenses while living and working in the city :)
Another great option for free wifi is the local library. I try and stick to my hometown library branch where I'm a member but when im traveling around Ill stop in at different branches. Maybe something to look into, saves me a lot from buying teas and bagels at cafes when Im trying not to spend as much on eating out.
Not paying for campgrounds makes a huge difference in those numbers. Do you have a video sharing how do you pull that off, be it in Toronto or while traveling? That would be super helpful. Great video.
Hi Douglas, we have a few videos about stealth camping over night ua-cam.com/video/0Za89cR8mxg/v-deo.html or try ua-cam.com/video/h2iPMoIVnmc/v-deo.html
You should literally get phones here in the US we have four lines with unlimited everything even unlimited calling to and from Mexico and Canada and we spend a hundred bucks a month, and they charge $3 which is the store fee. So obviously in total that's $103 a month for 4 lines. Now when we don't feel like going Down to the store to pay the bill, we pay online which doesn't charge a fee.
You guys are so inspiring! I love what y’all have done with your van/lifestyle:) a big dream of mine is to live out of a vehicle and travel the USA. Peace and love to you guys xx
Eamon & Bec aww thank you! Yeah I’m 19 and have already made it to 29 states, my ultimate goal is of course all 50:) and I would love love love to experience this life as much as I can you know?:) xx
I was just going to ask about Bob!!! Lucky I waited till the end of the vid.... Thanks for sharing that info with us👍💰 I don't think that was too bad...you did do alot of fun things and traveled quit a bit. Can't wait to see how Bob is doing!
We know everyone is super excited to see Bob again!! He thinks no one has much interest in "an old guy like me" (his words... not mine) and I have to keep assuring him that he has the most loyal fans!!
Great video guys, thanks for sharing,. PS i had to take a mad round trip yesterday Bali - KL - Bali and I gobbled up all of your podcasts in one hit, they really got me through and I have got to say that I LOVE THEM! Keep creating and doing what makes you happy
As a family of 6 ( 2 adults 4 kids) we spend only $130-$140/week.... whilst we have a house our bills are low. Electricity doesn't cost us as we have solar. We rarely eat out if we do it's like $60 max a month... My phone bills for 6 mobiles and home phone is $170/month ... we have some cheap phone plans here in Australia.... I think what you're doing is great. It's great to explore and live.
Bec, I know you get solo female questions a lot that you aren't comfortable answering them because all of your van life experience has been with Eamon. I was just wondering, though, if you think you would have considered doing van life on your own if you had't met him yet. Living in a van has become my main goal for after graduating college next Dec. And in all likelihood I will be doing it alone with a pupper. I know that's a very open ended question, but do you think you would still enjoy it if you were solo, do you think you could make it work financially without Chiawala, etc. Maybe it would be a good Q&A question for another time. Anyway, thanks for this video and all you do. You two are a huge inspiration and I have learned so much. Love you guys! Kallie
I am currently hesitating to try vanlife because I'm going in Czech Republic for work soon and thinking about living there in a van ! (even if it is not the same prices but whatever, it always help to have an idea) Love you guys, keep working like this !
Your coffee and eating out is really not that much as compared to a normal couple living here in the U.S. I know many single people who spend twice as much as that in U.S. dollars a month. Your groceries bill is high, but it would be high because you likely are shopping at places like whole foods and other natural stores. Car expense is high too, for just a check up but it is a Mercedes so that is usually twice the normal cost for a regular van. All in all, for the adventures and life style you live, it is not bad at all. How much is your health insurance for a self-employed individuals? That is where in the U.S. it would be high base on age and sex. You guys are young and healthy so you can get by with buying the cheap insurance that only covers healthy young individuals.
I wondered if you have ever heard of a smart hub? It has a SIM card in it and a monthly fee but all you need is a power source and service and it’s high speed internet. Don’t know if that would work for you or if it’s available in your area just thought I would mention it 🤷🏻♀️. Love the video and the ones you suggested about your business sound great.
My goddess- you would cry to see what we spend in a month as a family of 4! And I love your adventures Slush fund. We’ve done this since pre kids, (one named Eamon!) for the past 15 years and we travel every year together.
I know that sounds like a lot of people (it is a lot of money for people like me) but if I had the money I would do just the same as you! How can you put a price tag on the adventures and friendship you receive back! I love watching your video's and most of all I love the two of you, you make me smile
Great video guys. 👍 $3200 per month is not bad. It’s only about $100 per day. That’s a steal. No commute no property taxes no yard maintenance less less stress and more more fun time. I’ve been looking for a van to convert or short school bus to convert to explore the USA and Canada. Thanks for many great ideas and fun times. Safe travels ❤️🚌😎😎🎶🎶☀️🍷🍕
You guys have me asking my husband to sell our house and convert a sprinter! haha love your videos and adventures. Ps. Also love The Office references in Ep. 2 of Reroot :)) Keep It Simple Stupid
Okay lovely! So many things to chat about here lol... first... THANK YOU for listening to our podcast!... and second YAY for potential van life with the hubby!!
I appreciate this breakdown. As a small business owner, I completely relate to the fluid income/bills that is normal for you. My current monthly output is fairly small as a single person. I’m working now to develop a secondary business that I can run on the road and convert my current business of 5 years to one that I can manage on the road. Van life here I come.
Side note, you need to bring your chai up to southeast Alaska. I live in an extremely artsy community that loves small businesses and products. I can name so many places that need good chai and would most likely be willing to work with a small company.
Although we usually stay at campgrounds, (a habit we got into when we had kids and had to had electricity for our son's nebulizer) I want to say 3000$ sounds about right. I think we have spent less on phones, we have 5 people on T-Mobile unlimited for 200$. But with meals out in a new area, and gas it can add up quick. So far we have been lucky and haven't spent more then 45$ a night for a campsite. Next week we head to the North Shore of Lake Superior to enjoy the Fall Equinox with the family. Something that will be tons cheaper because we are camping in our old VW Vanagon.
T-moble here in the USA has unlimited Data for $80 per month & it's cheaper than that for senior citizens T-moble has partnered with other countries so the phone works no problem Sign up for that have your bill set to auto pay Use your debt or credit card I live in the US I have T-Moble and my phone has moble hot spot I use my phone for everything and hook up what ever I need to, to go online Android tablet, computer, handheld game systems It's great Love your video's
hahahaa I love it.. but we eat smoothies you guys, and sometimes kale people. I really thought WOW 3236 dollars, but then I saw it is about 2000ponds, for 2 people, including rent, and adventures.. not so bad you guys!
I really like this im a single guy and iv been debating on doing the camp life in winter and summer just to put little more adventure in my life. But on your guys service maintenance can't you buy package every year where all u gotta do is go in show 5hem your card n off to service your vehicle goes. Yes I live in canada too. But love you two gonna inspire me to do the same be safe happy living
very helpful little video!!! thank you. my girlfriend and i are thinking of doing something similar; who knows, one day we might even swap vans. good luck with everything. i m sure we'll be back here soon. Izo and Alice
At first I thought that was a lot and then I converted it to pounds and it made wayyyy more sense lol. Glad you made this vid, was super insightful, do more like this!!!
So happy to know this video was helpful! Haha yes Canadian dollars are pretty weak even compared to USD (which i think our budget comes out to $2500/month there).
Open Air Prisoner oh yeah I’m not necessarily saying stuff in the UK is cheap it’s just when it’s like 2.5 Canadian dollars to 1 pound their total spending seemed way more normal if that makes sense
I am going full time Van/popup trailer this November. I have done Van life before for stretches and had a blast. My work allows me to travel. My advice. Have a good vehicle, be financially prepared. Dont go into it broke. Sacrifice and save. Thay will let your mind focus on the adventure ahead not the motor your sitting on. I spent 6 months on the road in 2020 and stayed in the Grand Canyon South Rim for a month and a half in my van in 2020. I spent around 600 dollars for the entire time there. I stayed 4 separate nights at state parks so I could take showers in an actual shower and get supplies and have some social interaction. It cost me about 100 dollars to camp. The rest of the time I camped for free at some breathtaking scenic areas. I spent about 400 on food drinks and entertainment. 100 bucks in gas for traveling from various place to place to hike, mountain bike, site see. It's really not that expensive if you go into it right and have a solid plan.
I live in Fonthill, which is just west of Niagara Falls. I am considering buying a Ford Transit van to stay in for a week each month on road trips. Find your stuff helpful, and was happy to see a Canadian based channel. I am wondering about most winterizing and surviving our hot humid summers while considering my van design. My wife and I spend $1500 a month living in our house all in (no mortgage). Goes to show that living in a van isn't necessarily cheaper. My drinking runs another $800, which maybe needs cutting back.
This is music to our ears guys! we are planning on going full time van life next year and we just returned from travelling due to budget, but 100% our biggest cost was accommodation, would love more videos like this , especially one where you aren't travelling around as much? love your content :) Matt&Jess YorkshireTrippers
Eamon & Bec could one of you get one in Canada and the other in the US? Then you have unlimited (or close to in both) I dont know how it all works just an idea
This was so helpful! I'm planning on buying a van and converting it for takeoff Spring 2019 (fellow Canadian!) Your videos have been so great in answering a lot of questions and helping me plan it out! Watched this while sipping a chai as well! xo
Off subject but I would love to rock a chaiwala chai shirt! Do you think that you might sell logo shirts in the future? Sending hugs from Birmingham, Alabama!💜
I’m gonna cheat the system on food side of things - I’ve already moved onto 80% Huel diet (would do 100% but I like going out trying different foods once in a while). Yes it’s not very exciting (picture cold porridge the next day kind of taste) but given limited space and resources available it’s probably the safest bet on having nutritional complete and balance diet. Also doesn’t require cooking but comes at an expense of extra water used to prepare the shakes . Saved storage space on food (cupboards, fridge) and cooking area (mind you still would have small portable gas stove available for emergencies) could be used to fit 20 more gallons tank to fit the bill. Could also use steamer if sufficient power supply was fitted. I’m not living in a van (can’t afford one yet, have my eyes on some Fiat Ducato/RAM ProMaster second hand) but I just don’t have time (and/or energy or feeling lazy at given moment) to prepare food that wouldn’t be junk. I’m on this kind of diet for over a year now and my blood tests and feeling of well being are at all-time high.
You seem to be traveling internationally most of the time though. Especially within the US. You should permanently get US cell phones with unlimited data and minutes plus decent international coverage and port your phone numbers over.
Super late to the party but I haven't seen anyone put in the yearly figure. So based on July alone, you could be just as adventurous EVERY SINGLE MONTH of the year for $28,440 USD/year. Most full time jobs pay a fair bit more than that annually, and that's just ONE single income. So I'd say it is definitely achievable, and the largest obstacle to the lifestyle remains the upfront cost in purchasing/creating your home on wheels :) Thanks for the transparency! Love the vids
I wanted to offer being your moderator whenever you guys go LIVE. Sometimes people are inappropriate, unfortunately. I watched the questions on sex etc & one person in particular was so off the track inappropriate. Anyway. I moderate for Angie Atkinson if you'd like a referral. Would like to help keeping you guts safe while going LIVE. Just a suggestion. It won't hurt my feelings if you don't feel you'd like a moderator at this time. God bless. I LOVE watching you guys.
While that total may sound high, I have friends who spend $300 just on coffee! Also, you are not paying rent! That 💰 is going instead to maintaining your van! I have seen what you buy at grocery stores/street vendors and it is quality stuff! And for some of my friends-that is their liquor bill!
I am so impressed you shared this, very interesting and personally-it is none of anybody’s business!
Thank you for being so open. As soon as I can get my own budget in rein, I’ll be getting your chai!
Hi Kathleen, totally agree! It's so interesting how everyone budgets their month and we value shopping local etc and choose not to spend that money on liquor etc. Happy to share with great people like you in the hopes that it helps you in some way or another!
Kathleen Reynolds c
Id LOVE love love to hear the difference between travel and office. Iv got 3 girlies and 2 dogs and want to do a schoolie kinda thing. We love all your vids!!!
From London Ont.
Im paying $89 with Virgin basicaly bare min phone(1gig)
As well as $26 Chatter canada wide calling no data and 100 text. For my oldest daughter.
Cells are such!!!! BS!!!
You could live in an apartment or house on rent for that much and save the money you spent on the van for an annual trip lol. But if you were smarter with your expenses you could save heaps more. How about a prepaid sim for when you are in the US? Instead of paying tons for internet look for the cheapest and biggest plans I pay $80 Australian for 250gb using a hotspot. I pay 15 a month for unlimited calls and text on my phone. I pay $30 for propane every 3 months. Averaging less than a $1000 a month living in a van with two dogs. Work fulltime too. Payed about 10k for the van.
@@CanadianFarmGirl1 over in the UK the cell phone bills can be as low as £5 a month. You get hardly anything for it, but there you go.
Free shower advice!: find the closest hotel and call them, say you're traveling and ask if they'll rent you a room for an hour to shower. I've done this and typically they give you a room that is waiting to be cleaned but they usually dont charge anything! Sometimes I'll give the front desk a few bucks out of courtesy but I dont think its expected. Hope this helps!!
Thanks for the insight Mariah! We'll have to try this hack sometime soon :)
Eamon & Bec also truck stops have showers for about 2 bucks
Wow wtf I didn’t know this!!!!!! Wooooooo!!!!
Yeah, these are both great suggestions. Very useful when traveling. But, when you stay local, get a gym membership at a place that has multiple sites near you. Shower like there's no tomorrow. Thats what I do. And, don't tell anyone else but, in a pinch, I have a shoulder bag with a plastic bottle insert that I can fit like two gallons of water into. I go to a public restroom, fill the bag with warm water and then lock myself into a large stall. I can then carefully rinse my whole body and use the toilet. A little towel, soap, and done. It's not a shower but you can get cleaned up every day. Just don't leave a wet stall or make a mess to be nice.
Chances are the guy behind the desk just wanted to bone Mariah, hotels don't do this.
Yeah definitely do a cost video for a month where you are not actively travel for us full time van dwellers (or future full time van dwellers)
Will do! Consider it done!!
Is it more expensive to buy normal things there than on the mainland?
Writing a "personal budget" for others is almost impossible, the best way to to just share what you spend, and it gives you at least a rough idea taking an average from different types of people :)
But yeah...the phone bill is O.o
$3,000 for a whole month long vacation in your own home? You can’t beat that! Much love buddies😊
Peyton Bequette OMG I said the same thing!!! Amaze Balls!! 👍🏽😊
Thanks Peyton! We're pretty happy with the life we're living. No complaints here :)
well.. in europe u can do it with about 800 euro - 1000 euro = 904 - 1130 US dollar. depends on how much u want to drive..
I live in a 3 bedroom 2 bath house with a back yard and off street parking, and I have my own washer, dryer and a dishwasher, and all of my bills are only $2,500 a month!!! My morgage/rent is $900, and the rest is just our regular monthly bills, my phone bill is $35 a month. Smh I wouldn't pay $444 a month for phone service!! We also have wifi through Xfinity at $10 a month! Just need a child in school to become eligible for that wifi plan! Of course our planet fitness bill is $20 a month! So I save money anywhere I can! So I shop around for everything!! I can't believe you guys spend$2500 a month living in a van!!! I have a whole house for that much!!
Yes but they spent that much and vacationed for an entire month... You pay for space/utilities, but they pay for the experience. To each their own.
Incase anyone doesn’t want to do the math this is around $2,500 USD
Thanks for the conversion help Abby!
I wish my bills were $2,500 a month 😭 Amazing!
our mortgage alone is $3200. In CA🤦🏽♀️
That's awesome my rent alone is $1,200 and then plus car insurance, food, phone bill and other bills probably adds up to $2,500 and im not travelling around the country getting these experiences. That's so cool.
My monthly expenses is 600 for rent 30$ for my light bill. $300 for food and 120 for gas. I also live in an RV park so my rent is 600 which is pretty expensive!! So $1,150 a month more or less!
I found your channel and I an 14 and you guys have inspired me to live in a van when I am older
Well i am going to be 14 on the 22nd of september
That's awesome Maria! Happy early birthday!!
Same
Same!! I want to live in a van when I'm older my grandparents built there own house so that will help me get started
Also I just turned 14 on June 20th
I turn 16 in august and me and my girlfriend are gonna convert a bus, do you have any tips or ideas on what we should do.
Thanks for your honesty every other van life vlogger I’ve seen just straight up refuses to go there or dilly dallys around the question. although is an invasive question it’s an extremely valid one and I so appreciate you putting it out there even though you felt vulnerable. That’s why I subscribed because you guys are real. You don’t try to glamorise everything.
To balance it out.. we pay $3800 in RENT here in San Francisco, haha. So YOU'RE GOOD GUYS!
Oh boy! No kidding! I thought Toronto rent prices were insane but my golly that's a pretty penny!!
Oh my god in the Netherlands you can get an apartment for like 500 bucks😅
Renske Dollekamp Imma bout to hop over to the Netherlands
💀💀💀
Sanne Aronsson how do you (or anyone) afford that? In Texas, you could buy 500 acres and a house for less then that per month
I ordered your chi, and the experience was very professional. I'm a coffee person, but I love the chi. Love your vid's...keep it up!
That's incredible! Thank you so much for your support Duane XX
Chai*
I pay $28 a month w Koodo and survive on wifi when I travel. Fun fact; gps works without paying for data when I travel to the states from Canada. All you have to do is connect at any wifi source and start gps before you leave. It will guide you all the way but mostly where reception is available. Even if you loose the signal or you get a little lost and find your way back it will catch the signal again. You can even try it if you have data now by turning it off and just having your wifi signal on. Happy adventures everyone!
Woohoo! Y'all were in my area! It make this life so much more real when I see that Van lifers are actually on this side of the world! Hope you both had a beautiful trip!
Those phones are insane and the van total I get it you gotta keep it serviced. You guys look gorgeous as usual!
We do the same, we travel even more for a 1000€ a month! And it’s been 7 years already :) 3000+$ seems a bit to much!
So vulnerable! Thanks for opening yourselves up. I hope there aren’t a million haters, because you guys are great! You had a fun summer vacation/workcation *on the cheap*!! Keep the adventure videos coming!
I’d love to see the comparison between a travel month and a non-travel month 😊💕
So real & open hearted you two are. You two go above & beyond. Thank you again for all you do.
I’ve watched tons of van life expense videos (couples) and the monthly expenses ALWAYS seem to be $2000 usd give or take a couple hundred. So you guys are right on the money
Would definitely love more business related content!
You got it Roxanne!!
Verizon US plans are sooooooo much cheaper!!! And Canada and Mexico are included - no roaming. Maybe you can get US phones? $444 is nuts.
I was thinking that. My boyfriend got a deal with Sprint for a year for unlimited data and you get to bring your own device for literally $3/mo. Imagine how much more food you could buy with $441 in savings a month 😂
I have a family plan, 5 lines for $180, $444 is INSANE!
In the Netherlands, unlimited data (counts for the entire EU) is only around 30-40 Euros a month. $444 shocks me
@@Lieke. I just had to pick my jaw off the floor, does anyone know if thats changed yet in Canada as were hoping to go next year. in the UK I pay £25 for unlimited everything.
I've paid $30/month for ten years .... $45 on a month when unlimited data is needed....
444 is wild
Good insight. Things you don't really think about when considering this lifestyle.
I hope y’all make/made a video of when you weren’t traveling and your budget then! It’d be interesting to see the months when you spend less
First off, I want to say to both of you that anything and everything you want to talk about that’s part of your everyday life go for it. You both are so interesting and I personally, do not care what you talk about. It’s really cool hearing how you live. Thank you.
The monthly expenses are a bit steep for me but as long as you can afford it I say go for it. You live only once, and you two are doing something that you love, and I hope to do that one day.
Would love to see the at-home vs on-the-road financials! Thanks for your work!
Will be sure to share Lou :)
Thank you for posting this! Please DO post a comparison to other months such as those months you stay closer to home, etc. Thank you, again! : D
Great video! Would love to see a video about your van life expenses for a month in Toronto.
I think that would be a really interesting comparison as well!! Considered it done ☺
Loved this video! It gives a super well rounded and realistic perspective of what it's like to live and work from your van which is really helpful to see! I'd love to see some more content on your Chai company, when you're back in Toronto! I live in the Barrie area and am looking into what it would cost to start a small company and potentially live in a Van as well! Obviously be as candid as you feel comfortable with, but even a vlog explaining a little more about how your profits go directly back into your business and what that means for receiving an income to go towards these expenses, would be a really helpful video, or even Podcast!
...That being said I haven't listened to your business podcast yet so maybe you have already talked about that there...
Question: Again answer as you feel comfortable, but the money you are using to travel (gas, insurance, phone, coffee), is that money you see as a business expense (as you are growing your business through travel) or is that saved money that you use as vacation money at your own out of pocket expense? I'm just curious about this in particular because I'm wondering if it would be reasonable to travel full time, say for a year or so (maybe fly back to ontario now and again) because the travelling is involved in your business income, or if you would have to take month long breaks to replenish the saved vacation budget.
Love the how to vids, the podcasts, and your beautiful faces! Keep up the great work!
Can you BELIEVE what we spend per month on our phone bills?!?! 😱😱😱
... fellow Ontarian (North Bay) - seems a workable alternative in the States is a pay as you go scenario - so I've been told - but 20+gigs is $$$
I did bug eyes on your grocery amount and then nearly died when I found that it didn't include eating out. Made me feel better about us spending $300-$400 a month for a vegan couple. But then I immediately thought yeah but I also have to pay $1300 rent in addition to almost all the other expenses you guys listed. You still proved to me it's cheaper living van life traveling then living in Barrie and being stationary.
My jaw is still on the floor!
I spend almost that much in the states, but I have 3 phone lines and “not quite” unlimited data.
That phone bill had me like
*blink, blink 😐😑😐
But overall for two people living their dream - yay! 😄
You guys are GREAT! Literally just stumbled upon your UA-cam channel a few days ago, and I have been doing nothing but binge watching from start to finish. Of course inbetween daily life, and working. I am also Canadian, pretty close to your tea warehouse (Kitchener Waterloo Area) I have seriously fallen in love with your whole lifestyle you choose to live. I am honestly pitching a part time Van Life to my fiance very very soon. I believe life has more to offer than just staying in one spot the rest of your life. PS: I get the whole cell phone extreme prices as I work for Bell (Canadians again will know this company) PPS: love your podcasts as well.
Yeah have you looked into getting a phone plan in the states that can work effectively in Canada? Maybe Tmobile? They are always running great deals.
Hello Eamon and Bec, thank you for motivating and inspiring people to discover the world and having a lifetime experience. I am from Uzbekistan and i would be happy to host you here one day. So far I was able to travel several beautiful countries with my friends and I can say that it gives a new energy every time to the person to continue chasing goals and dreams. I also run a tea company, but the way you do it is incredible. I hope one day as soon as I meet my right partner will get a van and go to the Euroasian tour on wheels! Thanks again for the content and inspiration.
You know, I don’t think that sounds bad at all. I told my boyfriend that if he’s serious about doing life on the road that I wanted us to be having at least 3K a month and after seeing this video it’s definitely not out of the ballpark. I would totally love to see a cost breakdown of “regular” living though just to put it into perspective
Yeah, I think that's a great budget marker (remembering that sometimes our "car servicing" bracket is 0)! I think we'll do a comparison video on the expenses of van life in the city because I'm so curious about the breakdown now ahha!! Stay tuned loved Ellie :):)
8:30 ....pretty sure that’s the Cape Breton tartan at that market table,,,,,it’s where I’m from and currently living,,,,I use to live in Toronto as well for 6 years!!!! ✌🏼❤️😊.&🌱
Go with Freedom Mobile!!! They have unlimited data and they’re cheap!! I’m in Toronto as well.
Not good for travelling. Even though they advertise nationwide data it more than pften goes into roaming once your out of the main cities.
For showers where Planet Fitness isn't around, Googlemap Search Aquatic Centers. City Pools. Community Centers - with workout rooms. Even small cities and towns have city pools. I've found places with free showers in Vegas. No need to fake a gym membership tour. Sneaking into campsites - sometimes you have to. I did that when I cancelled my L.A. fitness membership and had no idea where a cheap shower was. Especially here in the dessert SW.
Share it all! Keep it real! Love it! Thanks for being vulnerable and sharing money stuff. 💸👍
Thanks for the kind response and support Rachelle 🤗
Jomigosta tu cmintario
Yes PLEASE comparison video, as I am plotting my van life journey, I want to know everything!!
Thank you for this video! It’s great getting an idea of this. Especially with interested into my own van! I’d love to see the other video!
So glad it was helpful Kairi! Once we've been settled back in Toronto for a solid month we will be sure to share a comparison video of van life while traveling versus van life expenses while living and working in the city :)
Another great option for free wifi is the local library. I try and stick to my hometown library branch where I'm a member but when im traveling around Ill stop in at different branches. Maybe something to look into, saves me a lot from buying teas and bagels at cafes when Im trying not to spend as much on eating out.
Another sweet video! Sending you both love & big hugs from a fellow Ontario girl ('Sauga!) ♡♡♡
What! No way! I'm from Sauga too :):)
Omg! that's awesome! 😊
Awesome!! So cool that you shared this!! Makes it so much more tangible!!
Not paying for campgrounds makes a huge difference in those numbers. Do you have a video sharing how do you pull that off, be it in Toronto or while traveling? That would be super helpful.
Great video.
Hi Douglas, we have a few videos about stealth camping over night ua-cam.com/video/0Za89cR8mxg/v-deo.html or try ua-cam.com/video/h2iPMoIVnmc/v-deo.html
Thank you for being so raw and sharing true numbers it is super helpful!
Have you thought about getting Verizon plan in the states? I work in Canada and US and it is free in Canada 🇨🇦! Good luck
T-Mobile has a plan for mobile phones for like unlimited pre paid.
Nothing about Canadian phone or internet is free. Believe me.
@@guymacher4116 I am glad we have competition in telecoms in UK and EU.
I love to just watch you two, you seem like such a truly genuine great couple! Love your energy!
You should literally get phones here in the US we have four lines with unlimited everything even unlimited calling to and from Mexico and Canada and we spend a hundred bucks a month, and they charge $3 which is the store fee. So obviously in total that's $103 a month for 4 lines. Now when we don't feel like going Down to the store to pay the bill, we pay online which doesn't charge a fee.
I would love all of those video suggestions you were saying :) We love everything about you guys! :)
You guys are so inspiring! I love what y’all have done with your van/lifestyle:) a big dream of mine is to live out of a vehicle and travel the USA. Peace and love to you guys xx
Sounds like an amazing dream to work towards! We too want to spend a big chunk of time enjoying the States in our converted van too!!
Eamon & Bec aww thank you! Yeah I’m 19 and have already made it to 29 states, my ultimate goal is of course all 50:) and I would love love love to experience this life as much as I can you know?:) xx
THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS! I am saving up for vanlife right now and this is VERY helpful
I was just going to ask about Bob!!! Lucky I waited till the end of the vid.... Thanks for sharing that info with us👍💰 I don't think that was too bad...you did do alot of fun things and traveled quit a bit. Can't wait to see how Bob is doing!
We know everyone is super excited to see Bob again!! He thinks no one has much interest in "an old guy like me" (his words... not mine) and I have to keep assuring him that he has the most loyal fans!!
Great video guys, thanks for sharing,.
PS i had to take a mad round trip yesterday Bali - KL - Bali and I gobbled up all of your podcasts in one hit, they really got me through and I have got to say that I LOVE THEM! Keep creating and doing what makes you happy
Where did you find such nice tank top?! It's so flattering!
As a family of 6 ( 2 adults 4 kids) we spend only $130-$140/week.... whilst we have a house our bills are low. Electricity doesn't cost us as we have solar. We rarely eat out if we do it's like $60 max a month... My phone bills for 6 mobiles and home phone is $170/month ... we have some cheap phone plans here in Australia.... I think what you're doing is great. It's great to explore and live.
Definitely comparison video please!
Coming at you once we've been living in the van back in the city for a solid month :)
Thank you guys! Appreciate it! About to move into my van full time and I so appreciate this realness :)
Bec, I know you get solo female questions a lot that you aren't comfortable answering them because all of your van life experience has been with Eamon. I was just wondering, though, if you think you would have considered doing van life on your own if you had't met him yet. Living in a van has become my main goal for after graduating college next Dec. And in all likelihood I will be doing it alone with a pupper. I know that's a very open ended question, but do you think you would still enjoy it if you were solo, do you think you could make it work financially without Chiawala, etc. Maybe it would be a good Q&A question for another time. Anyway, thanks for this video and all you do. You two are a huge inspiration and I have learned so much.
Love you guys!
Kallie
I am currently hesitating to try vanlife because I'm going in Czech Republic for work soon and thinking about living there in a van ! (even if it is not the same prices but whatever, it always help to have an idea)
Love you guys, keep working like this !
Your coffee and eating out is really not that much as compared to a normal couple living here in the U.S. I know many single people who spend twice as much as that in U.S. dollars a month. Your groceries bill is high, but it would be high because you likely are shopping at places like whole foods and other natural stores. Car expense is high too, for just a check up but it is a Mercedes so that is usually twice the normal cost for a regular van. All in all, for the adventures and life style you live, it is not bad at all. How much is your health insurance for a self-employed individuals? That is where in the U.S. it would be high base on age and sex. You guys are young and healthy so you can get by with buying the cheap insurance that only covers healthy young individuals.
Hi Garry, Canadians have free health care so we are very fortunate to not have to factor that into our monthly expenses :)
Eamon & Bec what about when you travel to the US,?
@@lolwowomg14 no one really gets insurance for vacations as long as it's not immediate would probably just drive back to canada
@@slipppers100 Emergency's do happen, wouldn't wanna have any type of Emergancy in America.
I wondered if you have ever heard of a smart hub? It has a SIM card in it and a monthly fee but all you need is a power source and service and it’s high speed internet. Don’t know if that would work for you or if it’s available in your area just thought I would mention it 🤷🏻♀️. Love the video and the ones you suggested about your business sound great.
Totally appreciate this guys!! 🤗🤗🤗 trying to work out my expenses and I'm thinking Australia MIGHT be similarly priced.... so thank you 🤗🤗
So happy to help!!
I think 'ChaiBec-n-EamonWalla' has a certain ring to it... Thank you for being so open and transparent about your finances, love ya lots
How about “no travel” total expenses?
My goddess- you would cry to see what we spend in a month as a family of 4! And I love your adventures Slush fund. We’ve done this since pre kids, (one named Eamon!) for the past 15 years and we travel every year together.
Yes I think it would be interesting to hear your comparison of traveling vs working daily spending.
Go Chaiwala Chai!
I know that sounds like a lot of people (it is a lot of money for people like me) but if I had the money I would do just the same as you! How can you put a price tag on the adventures and friendship you receive back! I love watching your video's and most of all I love the two of you, you make me smile
Awe thank you Deborah! We are so happy to share our journey and experiences with you :)XX
Great video guys. 👍 $3200 per month is not bad. It’s only about $100 per day. That’s a steal. No commute no property taxes no yard maintenance less less stress and more more fun time. I’ve been looking for a van to convert or short school bus to convert to explore the USA and Canada. Thanks for many great ideas and fun times. Safe travels ❤️🚌😎😎🎶🎶☀️🍷🍕
Lmao wut?
You guys have me asking my husband to sell our house and convert a sprinter! haha love your videos and adventures. Ps. Also love The Office references in Ep. 2 of Reroot :)) Keep It Simple Stupid
Okay lovely! So many things to chat about here lol... first... THANK YOU for listening to our podcast!... and second YAY for potential van life with the hubby!!
I appreciate this breakdown. As a small business owner, I completely relate to the fluid income/bills that is normal for you. My current monthly output is fairly small as a single person. I’m working now to develop a secondary business that I can run on the road and convert my current business of 5 years to one that I can manage on the road. Van life here I come.
Side note, you need to bring your chai up to southeast Alaska. I live in an extremely artsy community that loves small businesses and products. I can name so many places that need good chai and would most likely be willing to work with a small company.
bec - what brand is that tank?? I see you wearing it a lot and it looks so good and comfy!
It's Knixwear
Tank is from Knixwear bit.ly/2qYgZGw -- you can try code Becca15 for 15% off your order :):)
Beanvb- you need to watch Bec’s wardrobe video!!
Wow Canadian phone plans suck! If you want mobile internet in Australia, one of the major carriers does 200gb for $80. Awesome video though guys!
I would love to see the nuts and bolts of your small business. You guys are great! No matter what content you put out there....
Awe thank you so much David! We're excited to share more with you!
Although we usually stay at campgrounds, (a habit we got into when we had kids and had to had electricity for our son's nebulizer) I want to say 3000$ sounds about right. I think we have spent less on phones, we have 5 people on T-Mobile unlimited for 200$. But with meals out in a new area, and gas it can add up quick. So far we have been lucky and haven't spent more then 45$ a night for a campsite. Next week we head to the North Shore of Lake Superior to enjoy the Fall Equinox with the family. Something that will be tons cheaper because we are camping in our old VW Vanagon.
Hi Debi! That sounds fantastic. Wishing you an amazing Fall Equinox :):)
I'd be interested in an annual average on just the Sprinter alone. Business use included. God bless.
Thanks for the insight Chantelle!
Yes, please! I'd love to know how much you spend traveling comparing to when you are not.
T-moble here in the USA has unlimited Data for $80 per month & it's cheaper than that for senior citizens
T-moble has partnered with other countries so the phone works no problem
Sign up for that have your bill set to auto pay
Use your debt or credit card
I live in the US I have T-Moble and my phone has moble hot spot I use my phone for everything and hook up what ever I need to, to go online
Android tablet, computer, handheld game systems
It's great
Love your video's
looking into VanLife for my move to BC in a year or two, very excited and nervous! Glad to see it can be done though!!
hahahaa I love it.. but we eat smoothies you guys, and sometimes kale people. I really thought WOW 3236 dollars, but then I saw it is about 2000ponds, for 2 people, including rent, and adventures.. not so bad you guys!
I really like this im a single guy and iv been debating on doing the camp life in winter and summer just to put little more adventure in my life. But on your guys service maintenance can't you buy package every year where all u gotta do is go in show 5hem your card n off to service your vehicle goes. Yes I live in canada too. But love you two gonna inspire me to do the same be safe happy living
Do this every month!❤️💕
very helpful little video!!! thank you. my girlfriend and i are thinking of doing something similar; who knows, one day we might even swap vans. good luck with everything. i m sure we'll be back here soon. Izo and Alice
At first I thought that was a lot and then I converted it to pounds and it made wayyyy more sense lol. Glad you made this vid, was super insightful, do more like this!!!
So happy to know this video was helpful! Haha yes Canadian dollars are pretty weak even compared to USD (which i think our budget comes out to $2500/month there).
Open Air Prisoner oh yeah I’m not necessarily saying stuff in the UK is cheap it’s just when it’s like 2.5 Canadian dollars to 1 pound their total spending seemed way more normal if that makes sense
I am going full time Van/popup trailer this November. I have done Van life before for stretches and had a blast. My work allows me to travel. My advice. Have a good vehicle, be financially prepared. Dont go into it broke. Sacrifice and save. Thay will let your mind focus on the adventure ahead not the motor your sitting on.
I spent 6 months on the road in 2020 and stayed in the Grand Canyon South Rim for a month and a half in my van in 2020. I spent around 600 dollars for the entire time there.
I stayed 4 separate nights at state parks so I could take showers in an actual shower and get supplies and have some social interaction. It cost me about 100 dollars to camp. The rest of the time I camped for free at some breathtaking scenic areas.
I spent about 400 on food drinks and entertainment.
100 bucks in gas for traveling from various place to place to hike, mountain bike, site see.
It's really not that expensive if you go into it right and have a solid plan.
I would be interested of how much it cost when you live in TO
I live in Fonthill, which is just west of Niagara Falls. I am considering buying a Ford Transit van to stay in for a week each month on road trips. Find your stuff helpful, and was happy to see a Canadian based channel. I am wondering about most winterizing and surviving our hot humid summers while considering my van design.
My wife and I spend $1500 a month living in our house all in (no mortgage). Goes to show that living in a van isn't necessarily cheaper. My drinking runs another $800, which maybe needs cutting back.
"OMG! We're going to die!" I was like... "What happened? Was it the fly? Was it the battery?" LOL
Great video, guys. Keep up the great work!
It was the camera lol 😆
This is music to our ears guys! we are planning on going full time van life next year and we just returned from travelling due to budget, but 100% our biggest cost was accommodation, would love more videos like this , especially one where you aren't travelling around as much? love your content :)
Matt&Jess
YorkshireTrippers
Definitely interested in tea company, give us some more info so we can buy some 💥
Will do Nancy!! Can't wait to share a bit more with all of you!
Pretty normal monthly expenses. Same as living in an apartment. Except you make memories and friends while I sit in relative obscurity. Well done!
$444?? Wowww have you guys considered getting a plan in the states?...we have a lot of unlimited plans here
OH YES! We tried to get a plan while in the States but found out that when we return to Canada our data is capped at 500MB per day... no good!
Eamon & Bec smh that’s how these companies get people
Eamon & Bec could one of you get one in Canada and the other in the US? Then you have unlimited (or close to in both) I dont know how it all works just an idea
as a small business owner I would LOVE more business related videos
WOW That's pretty Good Actually!!! I've spent that on a weeks vacation... y'all had the whole month with a bunch of excursions!!!
Yes, absolutely! We're super happy with our budget. Allows us to live a happy, free life!!
I’m really going to have to rethink about my next vacation 🤔🤗
This was so helpful! I'm planning on buying a van and converting it for takeoff Spring 2019 (fellow Canadian!) Your videos have been so great in answering a lot of questions and helping me plan it out! Watched this while sipping a chai as well! xo
How's your dad doing on the van build? Don't normally get a response, lol Just thought I'd ask. Surprise, I'm also Canadian! 🙄
It's coming along! Full van tour coming very soon 😊
@@eamonandbec So happy for him! Great news...😊
Off subject but I would love to rock a chaiwala chai shirt! Do you think that you might sell logo shirts in the future? Sending hugs from Birmingham, Alabama!💜
I was thinking that. I also love their logo, the cartoon picture of the two of them, would make a good logo for a Tshirt
You thought your coffee shop costs were high?! My friend spent 900$ at Starbucks in 3 months
I’m gonna cheat the system on food side of things - I’ve already moved onto 80% Huel diet (would do 100% but I like going out trying different foods once in a while). Yes it’s not very exciting (picture cold porridge the next day kind of taste) but given limited space and resources available it’s probably the safest bet on having nutritional complete and balance diet. Also doesn’t require cooking but comes at an expense of extra water used to prepare the shakes . Saved storage space on food (cupboards, fridge) and cooking area (mind you still would have small portable gas stove available for emergencies) could be used to fit 20 more gallons tank to fit the bill. Could also use steamer if sufficient power supply was fitted.
I’m not living in a van (can’t afford one yet, have my eyes on some Fiat Ducato/RAM ProMaster second hand) but I just don’t have time (and/or energy or feeling lazy at given moment) to prepare food that wouldn’t be junk. I’m on this kind of diet for over a year now and my blood tests and feeling of well being are at all-time high.
Next time get a prepaid US phone when you visit.
Yeah, that's a good option except that we run our company while on the road and need our clients to be able to get in touch with us still!
Ask if you can't port your business number to the prepaid US cell phone but with no extra charges.
my Aunt does this when she travels. Her US phone gets her Canada number calls when she is traveling. I am not sure how she does it but it is possible
You can get a google voice number for your business and forward calls and texts to whatever cell phone plan you are using.
You seem to be traveling internationally most of the time though. Especially within the US. You should permanently get US cell phones with unlimited data and minutes plus decent international coverage and port your phone numbers over.
Super late to the party but I haven't seen anyone put in the yearly figure. So based on July alone, you could be just as adventurous EVERY SINGLE MONTH of the year for $28,440 USD/year. Most full time jobs pay a fair bit more than that annually, and that's just ONE single income. So I'd say it is definitely achievable, and the largest obstacle to the lifestyle remains the upfront cost in purchasing/creating your home on wheels :)
Thanks for the transparency! Love the vids
I wanted to offer being your moderator whenever you guys go LIVE. Sometimes people are inappropriate, unfortunately. I watched the questions on sex etc & one person in particular was so off the track inappropriate. Anyway. I moderate for Angie Atkinson if you'd like a referral. Would like to help keeping you guts safe while going LIVE. Just a suggestion. It won't hurt my feelings if you don't feel you'd like a moderator at this time. God bless. I LOVE watching you guys.
Thank you for the kind offer Maddy! Not sure how we do that exactly but we may just take you up on it :)
I love that you guys have a gym membership!! I often wonder how a workout (a must have for me) can be added to the van life, now I see it!!
“Oh my gosh, we’re going to die!”