How much does Van Life cost? Monthly expenses

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  • Опубліковано 14 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 137

  • @RUTHSOFFGRID
    @RUTHSOFFGRID 10 місяців тому +18

    I always love to see the breakdown on expenses. Imagine how you'll be able to budget when van's paid off!

  • @OutonaLimbwithKym
    @OutonaLimbwithKym 10 місяців тому +9

    LMAO!!! Sophie!!!!! Now THAT'S real vanlife!!!! Thanks for the shout out!! I enjoyed this video very much. And look at you go, Michele. Over 2k subs. I'm loving this so much.

  • @joshuahhester1827
    @joshuahhester1827 Місяць тому +1

    Just found your videos today! Please please PLEASE keep posting. I can see you being big on UA-cam down the road your videos are incredible! Safe travels dear!

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks so much for that confidence boost, Joshua! 🩷 I am continuing to post and trying to do so more regularly 🙂

  • @wendycamp307
    @wendycamp307 2 місяці тому +1

    Love the inside of your van very elegant. ❤. I just got a new small dog who loves to bark at people and dogs. I was fed up so I purchased a bark collar on Amazon for 45.00 it has 3 stages. It will beep which startles him also a vibration that really stops him from wanting to bark at everyone. I haven’t even had to use the shock thank goodness. I did this for two days and now I don’t have to even put it on him. I am so impressed with this I wanted to share with you. It has really help tremendously. Thank you for the video. 😊

  • @scottmorton5379
    @scottmorton5379 10 місяців тому +5

    I’m a part timer, have a cabin in Arkansas, gas is by far my biggest expense, but I do make long trips. Moab Utah, Colorado, and The Outer Banks in a month . My Ram truck uses a lot of gas, but I love the power to pull my camper when I take it.
    You are a doll, take care.

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      A cabin sounds wonderful! The Outer Banks to Utah.. that is a long trip! Sounds like you're hauling a lot, too. My van is the shortest wheel base they come. Someday I'd like to upgrade 😊

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      A cabin sounds wonderful! The Outer Banks to Utah.. that is a long trip! Sounds like you're hauling a lot, too. My van is the shortest wheel base they come. Someday I'd like to upgrade 😊

  • @maryraymond8375
    @maryraymond8375 10 місяців тому +3

    I have a small barky dog too! Lol. You are very patient with her. Not bad for an entire month. Looking forward to the next trip. Safe travels!

  • @Tom-Travels
    @Tom-Travels 10 місяців тому +8

    Nice. Good job!
    I enjoyed the video of your talents and skills in money management.
    Me? I spend an average of $2,200 a month.
    It's been the same amount for about the last year, or more.
    I'm plotting and planning on how I can reduce my expenses, a little bit, this year.
    Imagine this:
    My first job (1976) was as a Master's Degreed teacher at a junior collage.
    I made $660 a month. Public school teachers made $400 a month.
    Brand new Levi jeans cost $4 a pair. I bought my first house for $14K
    That was when money was real.

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      $2,200 a month is not bad! It would be so much more expensive in a house!

    • @maw6456
      @maw6456 3 місяці тому

      ​@@LifeWithMicheleSilver😂😂😂😂 what? No offense but 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

  • @DoneGone282
    @DoneGone282 10 місяців тому +2

    Thanks!

  • @calvinmarshall1610
    @calvinmarshall1610 10 місяців тому +2

    Hi there just stumbled upon this video thank you for sharing your expenses over a month in Florida very helpful. Looking forward to seeing the next episode

  • @KingsterLovey
    @KingsterLovey 10 місяців тому +4

    And that's with a Vehicle Payment! Awesome..TY

  • @NomadicNannie
    @NomadicNannie 10 місяців тому +5

    lol. Barky McBarkerson! 🐾💙
    I needed this video, it reminded me I need to keep receipts & track my spending.

  • @karenhellier8790
    @karenhellier8790 3 місяці тому

    Thanks for doing this video. I am always interested in seeing the expenses of real-life van life. Great job braking it down and your dog is a cutie!

  • @Simply.C
    @Simply.C 10 місяців тому +2

    Thank you for sharing such a personal aspect of your life with us. I’ve often wondered what actual cost would be for a month without mechanical repairs or unforeseen circumstances. I, personally, would value you sharing this summary with us monthly so we can get an idea of actual costs associated with a whole year.

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      I may do this again in the future, but I'm currently at home base so I can't count every month.

  • @justdawndb
    @justdawndb 8 місяців тому +2

    Wow, im seriously impressed! Your van looks beautiful & refreshing. Thank you so much for sharing!

  • @karenebarker9244
    @karenebarker9244 10 місяців тому +7

    You are so right that RV and Van life can be a reasonable or super expensive. My husband and I travel full time on pensions and are mostly frugal. Rarely eat out and enjoy free entertainment and nature activities. Only souvenirs are magnets or stickers. We live in shorts and T Shirts. We are vegetarians so no costly meat on the menu. There are lots of ways to enjoy this lifestyle but we choose to keep our investments growing and live within our means. Way to go Michele!

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому +1

      This sounds wonderful, Karene! I like to live frugally and only splurge on occasion. I also don't eat meat and am going on 25 years meat free this summer! I can't imagine how expensive my groceries would be. Living within our means is such a smart thing to do 😊

  • @BookMama72
    @BookMama72 4 місяці тому +2

    This is so helpful! Thank you!

  • @Christiananeriz235
    @Christiananeriz235 10 місяців тому +3

    I just found your channel. Love it! The grey hair look good too. You can definitely pull it off.

  • @jerroddooley374
    @jerroddooley374 10 місяців тому +4

    Barky McBark lol. Leave sweet Sophie alone. She’s the boss. Great video sweet lady. Stay safe

  • @rangeleycongregationalchurch
    @rangeleycongregationalchurch 10 місяців тому +1

    I did the same thing when I was in Florida. I kept my receipts. I was gone for a month also.

  • @noname7782
    @noname7782 3 місяці тому +1

    I'm the frugal van lifer. $400 a month is my average. Fone, car ins and prime movies plus food and gas. I live simple and stay in colorado springs during the heat of summer.

  • @oneforchrist7446
    @oneforchrist7446 8 місяців тому +2

    I love your videos! Would love if you would do more like every day or two. Also when you travel how do you secure your dog does he get buckled in? thanks!

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  8 місяців тому

      Thank you ❤️ I wish I could do videos that often, but they currently take me 5-8 hours to edit one video. I don't have the best equipment, so it takes a while.
      When I'm driving, Sophie sits in a doggy car seat in the front. 😊

  • @WaywardAbode
    @WaywardAbode 10 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for sharing your breakdown. :)

  • @Twilight_Charger
    @Twilight_Charger 4 місяці тому +1

    I'm converting a Sprinter van into an offroad Motorcycle hauler for cross country adventures. Maybe I'll attain your zen spending levels when I'm finished but now I seem to be spending that amount every few days. btw, love your hair and look, beautiful.

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  4 місяці тому

      Thank you 😊 💓 It's easy to drop a ton of money when building or making big changes. Motorcycle hauler sounds like fun!!

  • @hadeev
    @hadeev 8 місяців тому +4

    My car payment and rent combined are $1,130.00. Then there’s food, insurance and other expenses. I’m 62 years old, single, and an artist as well. I can’t figure out how to become self-sufficient, without having to work full-time, and not apply for Social Security until I’m at least 65 years old. I sell my originals, and haven’t a clue regarding having prints made. That would be a game-changer for me, in terms of generating a third income stream. My goal is to own a fixer-upper and a travel vehicle to camp in and create art from. How are some of my fellow creatives making their dreams come true?

    • @Artsylady2030
      @Artsylady2030 8 місяців тому +2

      I am an artist also you can get prints made at VISTA PRINT.....also you can get your SSI and still work .....then you get all the $$$ you are owed plus you can still make extra....Call SSI and ask how much you can make per month ....but you should get your SSI at 62 years old.....don't let them rip you off by waiting....

  • @RicsBag
    @RicsBag 7 місяців тому +1

    Your videos look like the real deal... A true Vanlife Champion. Always LoVe the hair look. 😍

  • @wendyhansen3223
    @wendyhansen3223 8 місяців тому +2

    I love your little dog so cute

  • @sharonross-vd1fg
    @sharonross-vd1fg 7 місяців тому +1

    Oh my goodness that's awesome 👌

  • @trishdecresce3952
    @trishdecresce3952 10 місяців тому +3

    Wow. That's amazing since that also covers the van payment and ins. What about health insurance and internet?

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому +1

      My health insurance is covered. Dental is 4 times a year. For internet I use the Hotspot on my phone.

    • @trishdecresce3952
      @trishdecresce3952 10 місяців тому +1

      That sounds really good. Thanks for the info.

  • @robertholman9743
    @robertholman9743 10 місяців тому +3

    I love the color of your hair❤❤❤❤❤

  • @southerngirlyall6497
    @southerngirlyall6497 10 місяців тому +2

    Michele, That's not bad. I figured your gas would be more. From my driveway in Upstate SC, exploring FL, and back home, I put 3,035 miles on my SUV. Totally worth it! Not sure what I spent on gas but I was in FL for 7 weeks.

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      That doesn't include transportation to and from Florida. That includes the month I was there moving from town to town. I figured that was more realistic.

  • @debslifesimplified6406
    @debslifesimplified6406 10 місяців тому +1

    I didn't realize your home base is Virginia. I'm thirty minutes south of the Virginia border off of I85. I loved Sophie barking in the background. She didn't like those people walking by her home lol.
    BTW I am in Jan's group. I just hadn't been to any gatherings.

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому +1

      Hi Deb! Well hopefully we'll meet at some future outings if you join us!

  • @johnadams7323
    @johnadams7323 10 місяців тому +1

    Thank you, your a Doll❤

  • @gonewiththekale
    @gonewiththekale 6 місяців тому

    $120 a month for insurance is amazing!! I've been quoted $240 a month since my promaster is considered a commercial vehicle, so my van just remains parked on family property until I can find something more affordable. You are so lucky🙏🏼

  • @CLdriver1960
    @CLdriver1960 10 місяців тому +3

    First time visitor to your channel. Expenses are usually an interesting topic. That’s very reasonable for a 30 day trip to Florida considering that food, lodging, and transportation are included in the cost.
    If I may make a suggestion for reducing the cost of ice:
    Get yourself a DC-DC battery charger, they produce a tremendous amount of power, do not require sunlight, and are reasonably inexpensive.
    Subscribed!

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      Thanks! Yes, people have mentioned these chargers before. But I'm not familiar with them. I suppose I should do some studying and figure it out!

  • @Thecargohustler
    @Thecargohustler 10 місяців тому +3

    You made my day ❤

  • @rictech.
    @rictech. 10 місяців тому +1

    Sophie was just talking. She was saying? Mom I see someone out there. Of course it’s when you are on the phone or doing a video. That’s ok I sat passionately with a smile enjoying. Thanks for the video and information??? You look absolutely beautiful. Your friend ric in nor cal .

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      Thank you Ric! Yes, she always tells me when someone is walking around, even if they're in their own yard 🤣

  • @Mikasa_akarman17
    @Mikasa_akarman17 9 місяців тому +1

    Can van drivers work on uber eat or any food drive application

  • @debbiedrake1638
    @debbiedrake1638 10 місяців тому +1

    Thanks for sharing that. I could be close to same. I do spend more eating out though. Cracker Barrel gets my$.
    Mostly cause I want to support them, when i sleep there.

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      I would love to support Cracker Barrel because I stayed at quite a few of them, but I couldn’t find a single thing to eat on their menu. I guess it helps me save money!

    • @RoxanneSumner-lg7gu
      @RoxanneSumner-lg7gu 9 місяців тому

      ​@@LifeWithMicheleSilvertheir eggs biscuits cheese hash browns, grits, and fresh fruit cups are great. Ice tea very good. But the gift shop with clothes, OMG.

  • @abyss5350
    @abyss5350 10 місяців тому +2

    As much as I travel my biggest expense is fuel which usually runs between 16k to 20k per month I average around 7mpg nope I don’t sit much payment on vehicle 2400 a month

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      Whoa! That's a lotta gas!!

    • @abyss5350
      @abyss5350 10 місяців тому

      @@LifeWithMicheleSilver not gas diesel I haven’t even bothered to factor in def

  • @edwizard62
    @edwizard62 6 місяців тому

    Barkie Mcbarkie hahahaha. Love this video.

  • @lavadaroufs
    @lavadaroufs 8 місяців тому +5

    I know you love your dog but how can you let it's barking dominate your life? There are ways to quiet the barking if you wanted to - I enjoyed your budget breakdown and thanks for sharing

    • @tammyburke9453
      @tammyburke9453 7 місяців тому +1

      NO CHIT. I thought, edit! That would be a deal breaker......and to be your neighbor 😮 ugh you're THAT person. Nope. Little tiny tyrant

    • @christinetaylor5162
      @christinetaylor5162 6 місяців тому +3

      Why do you feel the need to leave a negative comment? She is just starting out, please think of how someone feels before spreading your negativity.

  • @taniadolphy5122
    @taniadolphy5122 8 місяців тому +1

    Did you like Minnesota?

  • @bosshog1062
    @bosshog1062 10 місяців тому +3

    Your natural beauty is breathtaking, just saying.

  • @darlenemiller847
    @darlenemiller847 10 місяців тому +1

    😊🙏🐾

  • @fishntools
    @fishntools 8 місяців тому +1

    Why don't you charge your aux. batt. using the vehicle charging circuit?

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  8 місяців тому

      I don't know how to hook it up, and I don't like to drive around a lot. I do have a small Portable power station that charges from the 12v socket.

    • @willewing2754
      @willewing2754 20 днів тому

      Which portable charger do you have

  • @Loveable03-y8r
    @Loveable03-y8r 28 днів тому

    Hola hello beautiful world God Almighty bless all ❤️ Thank you soo much for not wasting your God given money keep it up !! God Almighty bless you ❤️🌟✨❤️

  • @sharonross-vd1fg
    @sharonross-vd1fg 7 місяців тому

    Love love love your baby you have there so precious 💖 🐶✌️💕

  • @robinw285
    @robinw285 8 місяців тому +1

    Great video, practical. What is your source of income?

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  8 місяців тому +1

      I'm currently making a small amount from UA-cam ads, paid promotions, and my art. I have a job that I'm super thankful for, but it's not sustainable. I'm hoping to transition away from the job by the end of the year.

  • @poodleprofessor
    @poodleprofessor 8 місяців тому

    What do you do for health insurance?

  • @scamphound1892
    @scamphound1892 10 місяців тому +1

    Nice breakdown! No dog food?

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому +1

      A bag of food lasts her 3 months, and I didn't need to replenish. I did pick up a little wet food with the groceries, tho. That's included.

  • @BeverlyAdventures
    @BeverlyAdventures 10 місяців тому

    I want to know how you were able to drive around for 30 days and get back to Virginia after under 150. 😂 I can’t do it and I am in a minivan when I drive to Maryland. Headed there next month so would love to know

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      I didn't include my transportation to and from. I calculated costs for the month as if I was already in the state. I did put $60 in my tank twice to get there.

  • @lynnp456
    @lynnp456 5 місяців тому +1

    im so glad your channel was recommended to me! i have a lot to learn!🚐 i lived in VA for 7 years all in hampton roads area! Hope you're having a great and safe summer! subscribed! and you have beautiful hair like my mom! 💜🤍

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  5 місяців тому +1

      Thank you, Lynn! It's been a hot summer. I'm definitely looking forward to cooler weather!

    • @lynnp456
      @lynnp456 4 місяці тому

      @@LifeWithMicheleSilver stay safe lovely ! 🌹

  • @Chihuahua-chica
    @Chihuahua-chica 10 місяців тому +1

    I love ur fur baby ❤

  • @dismaldog
    @dismaldog 10 місяців тому +1

  • @caroltaxman571
    @caroltaxman571 10 місяців тому

    What about medical insurance? What about toiletries and medicines.

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      Hi Carol. I don't pay medical. Dental is quarterly. Toiletries come from the grocery store and are included in the grocery bill, and I don't take any medications. I've been eating a mostly whole foods plant based diet for the majority of my adult life, and I am thankful it's kept me in great health.

  • @stevewright6290
    @stevewright6290 8 місяців тому +1

    How friggin cute are you... Hope you're enjoying life on the road.. If you roll thru Cocoa Beach FL,, lunch is on me..

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  8 місяців тому

      Thank you, Steve! I left Florida, but I will be back! I loved it there 🩵

    • @stevewright6290
      @stevewright6290 8 місяців тому

      @@LifeWithMicheleSilver Where did you visit in Fla ?

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  8 місяців тому

      @@stevewright6290 mostly Ocala area, down to Ft Myers, up to Altamonte, New Smyrna, back to Ocala, and then North up the east coast.

  • @theroyalgypsydiaries4658
    @theroyalgypsydiaries4658 7 місяців тому

  • @karihegg8961
    @karihegg8961 10 місяців тому +1

    Do you sell your art?

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      Yes I do. I'm also planning to sell t-shirts with my art on them ☺️

    • @midlife_journey
      @midlife_journey 10 місяців тому

      I want to see them at some point. Maybe a video on that? I saw a sneak peek in your other video. It looked nice.

  • @anniesshenanigans3815
    @anniesshenanigans3815 8 місяців тому +2

    either get closer to the camera, because I can barely hear you... or get one of those clip on mic. good luck!!

  • @Artsylady2030
    @Artsylady2030 8 місяців тому +1

    I was wondering how Old are you ??? just curious hard to tell with the hair ...thanks

  • @randallmiser2976
    @randallmiser2976 10 місяців тому +1

    Great video! I'm seeing an actual traveling cost of about $369.87 due to you trip. The rest is the same every month if your at home or on the road but that's a good way to see what it might be if your going full time. 🥰 Keep up the good work!

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      Yes! Next winter I may stay longer in Florida since it won’t break the budget!

  • @denise2782
    @denise2782 10 місяців тому

    I found video very hard to hear. I have on full volume

  • @donnadavis2006
    @donnadavis2006 6 місяців тому

    Only question I have is Discover bill. $60. Was it an old purchase or new? If new, what category was this in?

  • @محمداليمني-ح6ظ
    @محمداليمني-ح6ظ 6 місяців тому

    لا. تدققين. .❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤. الحب.

  • @scruffynubbles4792
    @scruffynubbles4792 10 місяців тому

    What is the point of having solar panels if you dont USE THEM?!?!?

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому +1

      Hi scruffy, I'm not sure what you're talking about as this question doesn't have anything to do with my video. I have 3 solar panels and wish I could fit more on my roof! Thanks for commenting tho!

  • @lewisvogel466
    @lewisvogel466 6 місяців тому

    I have a suggestion. Purchase the Haynes Repair Manual for your van which shows all the maintenance you're supposed to do. I would be willing to bet you don't do all the maintenance on your vehicle that you're supposed to. Maintenance should be the top line item on your budget. But you didn't even have maintenance listed in your budget. You'll probably end up getting stuck somewhere as a result. Also, you apparently don't have AAA or roadside towing assistance. If you dont make maintenance your top financial priority, and don't have roadside towing assistance, then make sure to have about 3,000 dollars in savings to pay for when your fuel pump, alternator, starter or power steering pump goes out and you're stuck screwed somewhere in some town that doesn't have a mechanic. I'm sorry to tell you this, but I see a scenario like that happening in your future.

  • @bts_officially
    @bts_officially 6 місяців тому

    Jeeeeeeez why too low cost of living?

  • @JulieBme
    @JulieBme 10 місяців тому

    I’m not sure all this counts since you apparently have a “home base”. But y’all are cute.

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому +2

      Most vanlifers have a "home base". I don't own a home. I don't pay a mortgage or even rent. Where do you think they go to do their builds, needed repair, or upgrades? Spend time with loved ones? Get a break from traveling? No need to be dismissive.

  • @susansharp112
    @susansharp112 10 місяців тому

    Why do women put curtains in their vehicles that minimally block. It’s like they are saying I live in my van come get me.

    • @LifeWithMicheleSilver
      @LifeWithMicheleSilver  10 місяців тому

      Hi Susan. My curtains don't minimally block. I have privacy curtains all around.

  • @citytrees1752
    @citytrees1752 5 місяців тому

    please just get to the point

    • @BookMama72
      @BookMama72 4 місяці тому +2

      Please take a hike.

  • @chartmann43
    @chartmann43 8 місяців тому

    I’m having a terrible time deciding what to do! I just bought a 🚐! And it’s something I’ve wanted to do for so many years now and I’m finally at a place in my life (56 years old) and quit my nursing career after having a couple of surgeries this past year. But! My biggest dilemma is that I have two bonded bunnies. I’m normally a dog person but my soul dog passed away in November 2022 and I just couldn’t get another dog so I saved a couple of rabbits instead! They’re very delicate creatures and fear everything! I bought a 2011 Ford Transit Connect with a lot of miles on it already. I live in California but from Texas. I’m in the process of getting my van ready to travel and my lease ends on August 1st! I’m selling all of my belongings and can’t wait to be rid of the “stuff”!
    But my bunnies would most likely die if I took them with me and I’m feeling so guilty about thinking of rehoming them 😢… so… long story.. sorry.
    I was just looking for any advice or thoughts on this. Idk too many people who are educated in bunny care, but it’s not easy and it’s expensive. I think I’m just venting here because you seem like such an empathetic person who might have some insight into my situation.
    I love your van.
    I can’t wait to stop paying $3k for rent, not even including utilities ect! Haha!
    Anyway. Thanks for listening. And thanks for your video today on budget. That alone inspires me! And BTW, you’re absolutely gorgeous! 🩵🩵🤍🤍

  • @MagdyMostafaabdo
    @MagdyMostafaabdo 8 місяців тому +1

    Love ❤