Our Most Expensive Month of Van Life Yet
September 2025
Hey, Happy Travellers! It’s Steve and Wendy here, back with another update on our full-time van life journey. September 2025 was a whirlwind, taking us from Sweden through Germany, Luxembourg, and France, before landing back in Jolly Old England. We’re parked at a nostalgic spot; a CL site we first stayed at in 2016 when we sold everything to embrace this nomadic life. With autumn’s vibrant colours behind us, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of our most expensive month yet: a whopping £2,744. Buckle up as we break down our expenses, share our new budgeting system, and reflect on why van life still beats a bricks 'n' Sticks home.
A New Expense Book for a New Chapter
After a year of tracking costs, we decided to start fresh with a brand-new expense book (a steal at £1!). We’ve nailed down 12 categories to cover everything, including a miscellaneous catch-all for those random spends. From Swedish crowns to euros to pounds, we’ve converted it all to give you the full picture in GBP. Despite some illness and non-stop travel, we’ve done our best to keep it accurate—within £10-20, though small cash spends (like a £5 coffee or croissants) might slip through. No audits here, just a rough guide to keep us honest!
The Breakdown: Where Did £2,744 Go?
Here’s how our September spending shook out across our 12 categories:
-
Fuel (Diesel): £370
Travelling from Stockholm through Germany, across France, and around the UK racked up miles. Not bad for such a long haul! -
LPG: £0
No heating needed, and we’re hooked up to electric at our current CL site, so the fridge runs on mains power. -
Ferries & Tolls: £140
Covers the Travemünde to Rostock ferry and French motorway tolls. (Note: We used the Channel Tunnel but paid for it earlier, so it’s not included here.) -
Motorhome Costs: £56
£25 went to prepping for solar panels (MC4 connectors and tools), plus £31 for monthly road tax. We pay monthly for convenience, even if it’s a tad pricier. -
Internet & Technology: £187
Includes £66 for unlimited phone/data plans across Europe, plus other tech buys (new microphones or phone cases, though we can’t recall exactly what!). -
Groceries: £363
All our food shopping, excluding eating out. We also buy frozen white fish for our cat Pippin, which is tucked into this category. -
Personal Items: £342
Thermal clothing, medicines, shoes—essentials for staying comfy and healthy on the road. -
Entertainment: £500
Our biggest splurge! Pub visits, coffees, meals out, museum entries, and takeaways added up as we soaked up local culture. -
Vet Fees & Pet Food: £344
Mostly vet visits for Pippin to keep her happy and healthy. Her fish food is in groceries, as it helps her digestion in our cozy van space. -
Miscellaneous: £119
Bits and bobs like shoe insoles, bamboo cleaning cloths from a French market (a charming salesman got us!), postcards, and van magnets. -
Site & Parking Fees: £273
Campsites, aires, and UK parking costs for our various stops. -
Laundry: £27
A small but necessary expense for keeping things fresh.
Total: £2,744
It’s a big number, but with all the travel (and some illness slowing us down), we’re not surprised. We’re confident it’s close enough, even if a few cash croissants went unrecorded.
Looking Ahead: More Big Expenses
October’s shaping up to be another pricey month. We’re upgrading tech—Steve’s getting a new phone, and Wendy’s inheriting the old one (her current phone’s battery barely lasts hours). We’re also prepping the van for warmer climates, with a MaxxAir fan installation for better airflow and a cab aircon repair. The van will be in the shop for two days, so we’re booking a hotel for a night of unlimited hot showers—a luxury compared to our “army showers” in the van (wet, soap, rinse, done to save water!).
Van Life vs. House Life: Why We Love This
People often ask how van life compares to a traditional home. Honestly, we think it’s a steal. No massive utility bills, council tax, or endless house repairs (remember those weekend DIY shop runs?). Sure, we have van maintenance, but it’s minimal compared to a house. September’s £2,744 covers everything—living, travelling, eating, and exploring. Next month, we’ll add big-ticket items like van insurance (£700-£800), but we’re not including the van’s purchase price or depreciation, as that varies wildly (£10,000 to £250,000 depending on your rig).
Tips for Aspiring Van Lifers
- Track Expenses: A simple notebook with categories helps you stay on top of spending.
- Convert Currencies: If you’re crossing borders, convert everything to one currency for clarity.
- Budget for Splurges: Entertainment (like pub nights) can add up—plan for it!
- Pet Costs: Factor in vet visits and special food to keep furry friends healthy.
- Embrace Small Sites: CL sites like ours are affordable and often include electric hookups.
Wrapping Up
Van life isn’t always cheap, but it’s rich in experiences. From French markets to autumnal England, we’re living our dream. Thanks for joining us on this journey—drop your own van life costs or tips in the comments below! Stay tuned for October’s update, and until then, happy travels!