This is by far the most popular form of alternative living that appeals to anyone from hardcore nomadic hippies to rich hipsters on a break from city life. The US is currently seeing a home revolution with folks across the nation converting old Sprinter vans into mobile homes. It’s cheap to buy and you can obviously travel anywhere.
Of course, the sky is the limit in terms of luxuries and amenities, but for the basics, it can cost as little as $3,000 to buy and build your own vehicle. Things can get steep but it’s still a whole lot cheaper than buying an actual house.
The World Thought Otherwise
Bruce was so enthusiastic about his plans; however, the world had its own plans too. He sadly passed away at the age of 87, way before the world came to an end and way before there was any purpose for his dream. He was a great believer in unity and harmony, but he forgot one important thing.
He spent almost half of his life preparing for the future while neglecting the present and all it had to offer. Today, his wife and family are left wondering what would have happened if only Bruce's plans had really come true and the world would have come to an end. Bruce's world sure did, but in a different way.
Gone are the days of mega-mansions and luxury lifestyles. With the rise of housing costs and an increasing need to "go green", people are turning to new housing styles. These can include anything from the Instagram glorified "van life" lifestyle to DIY homes on self-sustaining hilltops.
While many of these options are low-cost, they do still require a bit of cash. Whether it be over the price of conversions, construction, or upkeep, it's best to find out what these alternative lifestyles actually look like, and if they are worth the cost for you.
Luxury Vans
Not everybody wants to rough it. You can't blame them. If you can afford to, then why not. These luxury vans that have some of the luxuries of a home can start at around $15,000. If you like, you can even get a van for about $100,000 and feel like you never really left home but can still wake up to wherever you want.
The legendary Volkswagen or a brand new Sprinter can cost between $25,000 to $60,000,. That's us the van itself, never mind random additions and upkeep.
What Comes After The Purchase?
Once you've made the initial purchase, you'll be surprised that there are things that you need to add, like a toilet and sink. Yup, only occasionally do vans include primary things like toiles and insulation. Generally, those are all add ons. You can also go to town on what type of flooring you want, the cabinet designed and bed frame (if at all.) alternatively, a hammock and minibar or cooler can work just as well.
If you want to go cheap, you can put around $1,000 into basic amenities. It may not be the most aesthetic thing in the world and if this is for you Insta-lifestyle, you should probably rethink it, but this is a version of van life that works for many.