Van life not so cheap: blogger spends over €1,000 a month living in a camper

A 2008 Polar Glacier caravan, featuring a sauna, full kitchen, and underfloor heating, remained unsold at a Klaravik auction in Sweden. The starting price was under €14,000, but the minimum bid was not met. The reason is a ban on public road use from December 2026 and no technical inspection since 2014.

Diana Cabeza, 31, from Toledo, moved into a 12 sq m motorhome to cope with the housing crisis and gain freedom. She runs a blog about motorhome life, sharing expenses and tips. Average monthly costs for this lifestyle in Spain range from €600 to €1,200, including financing, insurance, and fuel. Illegal overnight stays in natural areas can result in fines up to €5,000.

Fiat has unveiled the Ducato Camper Van with all-wheel drive. The model is powered by Multijet 4.0 diesel engines ranging from 120 to 180 hp, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Features include adaptive cruise control, lane centering, autonomous emergency braking, and a rearview camera. The cabin offers swivel seats, LED headlights, and keyless entry.

The Government of Asturias has allocated €630,000 across four grant programs for local entities to boost tourism development. Applications are accepted until June 9. One of the funding lines, worth €150,000, is specifically for creating motorhome parking areas.

The Segovia city council will not immediately decide on relocating the motorhome area to the former regiment site. Priority is given to launching a parking lot for tourist buses and assessing its operation first.

Chloe, creator of TikTok channel @furgoenlibertad, who lives in a 2-square-meter camper van with her dog and cat, outlined ways to secure internet for remote work. The basic option is unlimited mobile data with phone tethering, but it fails in remote areas. Alternatives include Starlink satellite internet with a pauseable subscription and a 4G/5G router with a SIM card that boosts signal. The monthly cost of vanlife in Spain ranges from €500 to €1,200, with initial investment for buying and converting a van between €20,000 and €70,000.