We lived in a van because we wanted a cheaper life off grid – we saved SO much cash, it’s a no-brainer
A COUPLE who lived in a van have revealed just how much money their off-grid lifestyle cost them per month.
Julian and Heidi haven’t lived in a proper house since 2020, and converted a 2018 Mercedes Long Wheel Base instead – so they could travel around while also saving cash.
In a video on their TikTok page, they revealed their monthly outgoings – which totalled just £530.
“On average we spend about £5 a month on gas,” Julian said.
“We have a six kilo gas bottle and we refill it at petrol stations with LPG refill.”
The next biggest cost was food shopping, which cost them around £280 a month at Lidl.
Their fuel cost between £150 to £500 a month, which depended on if they were travelling and how far.
“The £500 is at the very high end if we’re travelling around and we’re going exploring, or we’ve gone down to Greece or Turkey,” Julian said.
“Or if we’ve got weddings to do all around the UK.
“So it really does vary in our lifestyle but it can be significantly reduced if you are looking at getting into van life.”
Next up was their van insurance, which they got free as they’re partnered with Sterling.
But this would usually cost around £800 a year.
Before going to Turkey, they took out breakdown cover with the AA, and it was £250 for the year on special offer, which worked out to be around £20 a month.
“Last but not least is tax,” Heidi said.
“We pay our tax monthly and that is £25 a month.”
They then rounded up their outgoings to the pound, and said they spent around £530 a month.
They also had to spend an additional £450 a month paying back the loan they took out to buy and convert the van – but that was a temporary cost until it was paid back.
People were quick to comment on the video, with one calling their lifestyle “the dream”.
“So interesting,” another praised.
As a third said: “Honestly it can be a lot cheaper than that.
“It all depends on how the person chooses to live.”
“You missed phone and WiFi costs,” someone else commented.
To which Julian replied: “Yes you are right.
“We spend £20 a month on Wi-Fi.”
“Other hidden cost is depreciation, wear and tear plus servicing of the van,” another person pointed out.
“Yes, 100%”, Julian replied.
Since sharing that video, Julian and Heidi have sold their van, and are now living on, and converting, a narrowboat.