How Much Does A Typical Van Life Build Cost?
Have you ever dreamed of travelling around in your very own van? A “van life” could be the answer to all of your travel dreams. A van life build is the process of transforming a van into a living space. If you're looking for a way to travel comfotably, a van build could be your solution.
But one of the biggest concerns when it comes to van life builds is cost. After all, turning a van into a livable space is no small venture. With that in mind, we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the cost of a typical van life build.
Factors That Impact Build Cost
Before you can estimate a van life build cost, it’s important to understand the variety of factors that can influence the price. First and foremost is the size of the van itself. The larger the van, the more space you will have to work with, and the more expensive your build is likely to be. The age and condition of the van can also affect the cost of the build.
Beyond the van itself, there are a lot of other factors that can affect the overall cost. For example, you’ll need to choose the materials you want to use in your build and purchase them. This could include wood, metal, insulation, and other components that help make the van livable. Additionally, you’ll need to think about the tools you’ll need, the cost of any labor you hire, and more.
Example Build Costs
Putting together an estimate for a van life build cost is challenging, as it varies from person to person, depending on their individual needs and wants. That said, there are some general rules of thumb when it comes to van build costs that can help you approximate your own cost.
At the low end, you could build out a simple van life setup in the $2,000 to $5,000 range. This would likely include a bed, storage, a cooktop, and basic plumbing. If you’re willing to invest more money, you can go for a more luxurious setup in the $7,000 to $15,000 range. This could include amenities like a solar power setup, water tanks, a composting toilet, and more.
At the high end of the cost spectrum, you’ll find yourself spending in the $20,000 to $50,000 range. This could include high-end appliances, an electric system, huge windows, extra-luxurious and customizable seating and storage, plus a professional finish to give the van that true luxury feel.
What About Used Vans?
If you’d rather not spend the money on a brand new van, you also have the option of buying a used one. Used vans generally cost much less than a brand new one, making them a great way to save some money. The downside is that you never know what condition the van is in until you buy it, and there’s always the chance that it comes with a lot of maintenance needs.
When it comes to used van builds, you’ll find that the costs are generally lower than for new ones. This is especially true if you’re willing to do the work yourself or find used tools and materials. You can get a decent used van build in the $5,000 to $10,000 range, and by cutting costs and doing the work yourself, you might even get a setup for less.
The Bottom Line
The cost of a van life build can vary wildly depending on how luxurious your setup is, and what kind of van you buy. Basic setups can be done for as little as $2,000, but if you want luxury amenities, you could spend hundreds of thousands of dollars. However, by shopping around for deals and doing some of the work yourself, you can still create an amazing van life build on a budget.