Van Life on a Budget

Initial Costs: Purchasing Your Van

The first step in your van life journey is buying the vehicle. Prices can vary significantly depending on the type and condition of the van. One of the first big decisions you'll face is whether to build out the van yourself, hire a professional to do it or buy one that’s already been converted. This choice mostly depends on how much time, budget and skill you have.

Building it yourself will definitely cost less but it’s also the most time-consuming option.

You’ll also need to decide how big you want your new home on wheels to be. A smaller van might suit those on a tighter budget or planning shorter trips, while a larger van is often preferred by people living on the road full-time and willing to spend a bit more for extra space and comfort.

We opted for a Ford Transit, which is a fairly large van that we can stand up in and after living in it full-time for the past four years, it’s hands down the best decision we made for long-term comfort.

We bought our second-hand 2018 Ford Transit Long Wheelbase back in 2021. It was an ex-courier van with an empty interior and cost us AUD $24,000. We did the fit-out ourselves for around AUD $10,000 over six months, bringing the total cost of our home on wheels to $34,000.

These days, van prices have gone up quite a bit. A second-hand van can range from AUD $10,000 to $40,000, while a newer model could set you back AUD $50,000 to $80,000 or more, depending on the make, model and condition.

If we were to pick a “ballpark” average for someone looking at a second‑hand van plus a decent fit‑out (not luxury, but comfortable enough for van‑life), a good estimate might be somewhere between AUD $30,000‑$50,000.

For those on a budget, entry level “backpacker” style vans (basic sleeping setup) might be around AUD $8,000‑$15,000 depending on age/condition.

Insurance, Registration and Road Side Assistance 

Once you have your van, you'll need to factor in insurance and registration costs.
Insurance costs can vary depending on the van’s value, your driving history, and the type of coverage you choose, typically ranging from AUD $800 to $1,500 per year. Registration fees also vary by state, but generally average around AUD $400 to $800 annually.

Roadside assistance is also a must to avoid stress and unexpected costs during a breakdown. It’s been an absolute lifesaver for us while on the road. Plans typically range from AUD $100 to $300 per year. We’re with RACQ and honestly can’t recommend them enough!

Fuel Costs

Fuel is one of our biggest expenses while travelling. In Australia, fuel prices can fluctuate but generally hover around AUD $1.50 to AUD $2.00 per litre. In some very remote areas it can go all the way up to $3.00! The most we have ever paid for fuel was in Kings Canyon, Northern Territory at $2.79!! 

If you’re planning to travel Australia, budgeting around AUD $150 to AUD $300 per week for fuel is reasonable, depending on your travel frequency and routes.

Food and Supplies

Living on the road often means cooking your meals, which can help you save significantly. We generally cook 6 out of 7 nights of the week and treat ourselves to takeaway once a week. We are also suckers for a good bakery and love our meat pies.

If you plan to prepare your own food, budgeting about AUD $150 to AUD $250 per week for groceries is most realistic. This allows for fresh produce, good quality meats, pantry staples and occasional treats. Eating out occasionally will add to your budget, so consider balancing meals at restaurants with home-cooked options.

Accommodation and Campsites

While van life offers the flexibility to camp almost anywhere (including stealth camping), you may still prefer to stay in designated campsites or the occasional caravan park. Apps like WikiCamps or Hipcamp can help you easily find campsites, whether you're after free spots, caravan parks or unique stays on private land.

Camping costs can vary widely. Free campsites are fairly abundant and some only ask for a small donation. Paid sites typically range from AUD $10 to $50 per night.

If you don’t feel comfortable with stealth camping, budgeting around AUD $150 to $250 per week for accommodation will give you a comfortable mix of free and paid options.

Maintenance and Repairs

Regular maintenance is essential for your van's longevity.
It’s important to budget for regular servicing, tyres and unexpected repairs. We recommend setting aside around AUD $100 to $200 per month for maintenance costs, though this can fluctuate depending on the age and condition of your vehicle. On average, we found that a standard service for the van cost around AUD $400 to $600.

Always keep an emergency fund in case of breakdowns.
In our three years of travelling around Australia, we experienced two major breakdowns that left us semi-stranded. One was in an Aldi car park for five days and the other was on a bridge during peak-hour traffic in Perth.

Both times, it took around 1–2 weeks to have the van inspected and repaired. Thankfully, we had roadside assistance, which helped cover some of the accommodation costs. However, mechanical repairs can be very expensive so having an emergency fund in place is essential to be prepared for anything.

Phone Plans and Internet 

We’re with Optus and spend around AUD $200 per month for two phones. I (Mia) am on a plan, and Brody is on pre-paid. We've set it up so that I have a large data allowance of 500GB per month which Brody can hotspot from when needed.

We don’t always have reception in more remote areas, but we actually enjoy that because it gives us a chance to disconnect from the world and fully enjoy nature.

For our laptops, we mostly use our phones as hotspots, which has worked well enough for us over the past three years. That said, cafés and libraries have also come in handy when we’ve needed free Wi-Fi.

If we had a bigger budget, I’d definitely recommend getting Starlink, which costs around AUD $195 per month. I’ve heard nothing but great things about it and would guarantee reception pretty much anywhere in Australia.

Entertainment and Activities

Exploring Australia’s natural wonders and attractions is one of the biggest highlights of van life.
Many national parks charge entry fees, usually around AUD $10 to $25 per vehicle. Budgeting about AUD $50 to $100 per week for other activities and experiences will allow you to enjoy the great outdoors, visit popular attractions, and take part in local events without overspending.

That said, there are a few bucket list experiences that are absolutely worth the splurge, typically costing between AUD $300 and $500. Here are a few we highly recommend:

• Swimming with Whale Sharks in Exmouth

• Swimming with Sea Lions in Jurien Bay

• Helicopter Flight over Uluru

• Shark Cage Diving (if you are brave enough)

• Reef Sleep on the Great Barrier Reef

All of these experiences can be found on the below website:

https://adrenaline.sjv.io/3J0jKd

You can use our code 'DRIVEWITHSUNNIE10' for an additional 10% discount!

Conclusion: Total Estimated Costs

As a couple, we found that we spent approximately AUD $2,500 to $4,000 per month living the van life in Australia, depending on our travel style and choices so expect to pay about half that if you’re doing van life solo!

While the costs can add up, planning and budgeting go a long way in helping you enjoy this lifestyle without financial stress.

With a bit of foresight, van life can be an affordable way to explore Australia’s breathtaking landscapes while embracing a simpler, more adventurous way of living.
And let’s face it you’re not paying rent, electricity, or water bills on the road, so that alone saves you bucket loads! So, pack your essentials, hit the road, and discover the incredible beauty Australia has to offer!