The Question Every Aspiring Van Lifer Asks
Before you quit your job and build out a HiAce, you need to know: what does van life actually cost per week in Australia? Not the Instagram version. The real version, including the weeks when things break, the fuel bills on the Nullarbor, and the reality of eating well on the road.
Here's a realistic breakdown based on full-time van life in Australia, covering the main expense categories.
The Short Answer
For a single person living full-time in a van in Australia, expect to spend A$400–700 per week depending on your lifestyle. For a couple, A$550–900 per week. Here's where it goes.
Fuel: Your Biggest Variable
Fuel is typically the largest single expense in van life, and it varies enormously based on how much you move.
- Slow traveller (moving every 5-7 days): 100-200km/week, A$40–80/week
- Average traveller (moving every 2-3 days): 300-500km/week, A$120–200/week
- Fast mover (covering ground quickly): 700km+/week, A$280–400/week
Most van lifers settle into a rhythm of moving 2-3 times per week. At current Australian fuel prices, budget A$150/week for fuel as a starting point and adjust from there.
Food: A$100–200 Per Week Per Person
Food costs in a van are surprisingly manageable once you have a proper 12V fridge and a decent camp kitchen setup. You cook most meals yourself, eat fresher food than you might expect, and farmers markets along the coast are genuinely affordable.
A$120-150/week per person is realistic for someone who cooks regularly and shops at Aldi and Woolworths rather than expensive tourist-town IGA stores. Budget A$180-200 if you eat out occasionally or drink regularly.
Camping: Free to A$45/Night
Australia has exceptional free camping if you know where to look. Apps like Wikicamps and Campermate list thousands of free sites. Most van lifers mix free camping (3-4 nights/week) with paid sites (1-2 nights/week) for showers and power.
- Free camping: A$0 (the majority of nights)
- Rest stops and public land: A$0
- National park camping: A$8–20/night
- Caravan parks (powered site): A$35–55/night
Realistically budget A$50-120/week for camping if you mix free and paid.
Van Maintenance: A$50–100/Week (Averaged)
This is the number people forget to budget for. A well-maintained van costs less week-to-week, but services, tyres, and unexpected repairs average out to A$50-100/week over time. Set aside A$200/month minimum into a van maintenance fund from day one.
Insurance, Registration, Phone: A$70–120/Week
- Comprehensive van insurance: A$30–50/week
- Registration (amortised weekly): A$15–25/week
- Phone plan with data: A$25–45/week (Telstra recommended for coverage)
The Total: A$410–670 Per Week Solo
Adding it up for a single person who moves every 2-3 days, cooks most meals, and mixes free and paid camping:
- Fuel: A$150
- Food: A$140
- Camping: A$80
- Maintenance fund: A$50
- Insurance/rego/phone: A$90
- Total: ~A$510/week
This is lower than most people's fixed costs living in a Sydney or Melbourne rental. That's the point.
What Gear Makes the Biggest Difference to Weekly Costs
A quality 12V fridge saves you from daily ice purchases (A$5-10/day adds up fast). A solar setup means fewer paid campsites for power. A diesel heater means fewer nights in expensive caravan parks for warmth. The upfront investment in good gear pays back within months on the road.