Van Life in Spain: Why the Costs Turned Out Higher Than Expected. Juanma López, a popular Spanish blogger, has published a detailed breakdown of his monthly expenses living in a van. The total exceeded €1,000, dispelling the myth of cheap van life. We explore where the money goes and why the freedom of life on wheels doesn’t always save your budget.
Juanma López, known on Spanish social media as @byjuanmalopez, has openly shared how much his life and travels in his own van cost him. His experience debunks the popular belief that van life is a way to save money: according to the blogger, his monthly expenses consistently exceed 1,000 euros.
The main expense is fuel. Juanma spends about 400 euros a month on gasoline, as he rarely stays in one place for long. Another 350 euros go towards groceries, while restaurants and entertainment cost 150 euros. Internet, which is essential for his work and blog, costs him 90 euros: he uses the Starlink satellite service to stay connected even in the most remote locations.
An additional 80 euros a month are spent on campsites, laundromats, and gyms. At the same time, Juanma does not pay for electricity or water—his van is fully self-sufficient in these aspects. Altogether, expenses total 1,070 euros, not counting unexpected costs or repairs.
The myth of cheap van life
Juanma emphasizes that the idea that living in a van is automatically cheaper does not match reality. "I don't know why, but many people think living here is cheap. Actually, that's not true," he notes. Even with a minimalist lifestyle, expenses for fuel, food, and connectivity remain significant.
The blogger is also known for equipping his van with a powerful gaming PC and actively promoting the concept of Sigilo Camping—overnighting in a van without drawing attention. This lifestyle requires not only flexibility but also constant budget management.
Expenses breakdown
Here is what Juanma López's monthly budget looks like:
- Fuel — 400 euros
- Groceries — 350 euros
- Restaurants and leisure — 150 euros
- Starlink internet — 90 euros
- Campsites, laundromats, gyms — 80 euros
- Electricity and water — 0 euros (self-sufficient)
Juanma notes that the total may vary: expenses go up during trips and drop slightly during quieter months. On average, though, the budget stays around 1,000–1,100 euros.
Why life on wheels doesn’t always mean saving money
Juanma López’s experience shows: mobility and not having a permanent address don’t guarantee savings. Even without rent, expenses for fuel, food, and connectivity remain significant. For comparison, it’s a similar story in other countries: in the UK, for example, a campsite with electricity and water can cost around 900 euros per month.
The question of real expenses concerns many who are considering van life. Juanma advises calculating every budget item in advance and not relying on 'miraculous' savings. His approach is backed up by the experience of others who choose a mobile lifestyle for the sake of freedom, not just to save money.
A practical tip for those looking into van life: carefully analyze not only major but also minor expenses. Even small outlays for services, eating out, or everyday needs quickly add up. As Juanma points out, 'even if you think you’re spending little, the final figure might surprise you.'
The question of personal expenses for mobile living is relevant not only in Spain. For example, in the article about summer bonuses for pensions in Spain it is also emphasized that even minor changes in the budget can significantly affect quality of life.
Ultimately, Juanma López's experience is not just an honest look at expenses, but also a reminder: freedom on wheels requires not only desire, but also a sober calculation.
