Every month, I post a report of our expenses to show that it is possible to live a comfortable, exciting, and adventurous life without breaking the bank. The less money you spend, the less you need to make. 🙂
This report includes ALL of our expenses, in US$, for two adults and one 60-pound dog (we adopted Maya on June 4th, 2019). Under groceries we incorporate food, produce, and non-alcoholic drinks predominantly bought in supermarkets. Toiletries belong in that category as well. Dining out means eating at a restaurant/event or purchasing take-out food. The health category covers non-prescription medicines and vitamins/supplements; medical contains prescription drugs and doctor’s visits. Because of our income level, Mark and I are eligible for free health care within the state of Massachusetts. For check-ups and extensive care, we return to the US East Coast. Other health issues are resolved locally and out of pocket where needed and possible.
In May 2024, Mark, Maya, and I (Liesbet) traveled around Central Argentina in our truck camper Thirsty Bella. Despite driving across the continent from west to east, we had a decent expense month, thanks to being careful with our budget, shopping for cheaper produce, donations we’d saved up, and emptying our cupboards and fridge.
(As always, hover over or click on photos in galleries to read their captions.)
As often, the car cost was the highest with fuel being the ultimate winner and us ordering spare parts in the US, like new brake pads for the front and oil filters. In the middle of the country, namely in the province of La Pampa, we encountered a nice surprise: gasoline was much cheaper than elsewhere in Argentina. That, combined with a better exchange rate for the dollar, had us fill up our tank for about $2.50 a gallon! Unfortunately, that joy didn’t last long as from the moment we entered the province of Buenos Aires, prices skyrocketed again. So, we are back to $4 a gallon ($1/liter). We only paid for tolls once.
Our grocery cost for May was average. We bought some special ingredients for nice homecooked meals and appetizers with friends (like they did for us), but this was offset the last two weeks, as we started eating our stores. We want to leave as little food as possible in Bella during our impending absence.
Recently, Mark and I have been ordering clothes, dog items, and other gear on Amazon for when we visit the US. It’s like everything we own has been ripped or irrevocably damaged. I guess we are going back at the right time! For more than a few reasons…
I think these jeans are done!
We paid the usual $35 for Starlink (our business takes care of the other half) and I added $5 to my Skype account, which allows me to call my parents on their landline if WhatsApp doesn’t work (or they don’t hear the ringtone). And, we spent much more money on “propane” again, which is a story in itself. Drinking water didn’t cost us anything in May.
Because of the freezing fall weather (yes, it’s been cold and uncomfortable for weeks now) in Central Argentina, we needed to run our propane heater a lot. Usually, one 20-pound (10kg) tank lasts us three months. Not now. After a ridiculous cold spell, our gauge showed empty and we needed to make a detour to get the tank filled. Except, unbeknownst to us, the owner of the shop only had butane, so put that into our tank – and overcharged us. In tropical climates (like when we sailed), this is not an issue. In icy temperatures, however, butane is not the right choice, which we learned the hard way.
We had finally arrived in an attractive and peaceful spot by a lake. By 6am the following morning, the temperature had dropped so much that the butane – and therefore our heater – didn’t work. The only way to get the liquid gas flowing and evaporating (“boiling”) again was to pour warm water over the tank in an outdoor cabinet. Luckily, the flame of our stove was big enough to produce lukewarm fluids.
We had two options: top up the tank with “real” propane (since it was a holiday and the weekend, no store was open) or move to a town where above-freezing temps were predicted. That’s what we did. Of course, the weather forecast was wrong and, this time at 3am, we were out of luck and heat!
We saw our breath inside and shivered, as Mark put many clothes on, warmed up some water on a struggling flame, poured it over the gas tank, used the then properly working stove to heat up a massive pot of water, and repeated the process. Our heater worked!
When the heater stopped working again (meaning the butane had gotten too cold), he went outside to pour more warmish water over the tank. Eventually, he wrapped Maya’s dog towel around the tank, so, when wet, that kept the gas in operating condition a bit longer. It was a long night!
Trying to keep the butane gas from “freezing”!
We found a new propane filling station (triple checking it wasn’t butane) as soon as possible. They charged us for a full tank, despite it only being half empty. It didn’t matter!
Filling our tank again, this time with propane in San Antonio de Areco
The cold weather brings other issues with it, like heaps of condensation, turning into mold. We need to open hatches and drafty cabinets and wipe up water constantly, which keeps us shivering and uncomfortable. Because of our upcoming trip to Massachusetts and Belgium, out of Buenos Aires, we cannot leave the area and escape what feels like winter in the Southern Hemisphere.
Other items we ordered online to bring back to the camper in September are a new keyboard and cover for Mark’s laptop, strong Velcro, water filters, and a gasket for Bella, and three types of batteries.
And now is when I want to thank our dear followers and readers who donated money towards our “enjoyment” level the past months. We’d saved some of that up and received new contributions, allowing us to go out for dinner a few times (or order take-out pizzas to make the funds last longer ????) in May. One time, we picked up cheap, basic crusts at a restaurant and added our own toppings.
Your generosity also let us enjoy some good wines, which we bought in stores and vineyards (at an average of $3.50 a bottle), and it allowed Mark and me to savor a couple of tastings at Bodegas. To us, the wonderful yet affordable wine of Argentina is one of this country’s highlights so far!
Out of character, we did pay for camping last month. We spent a few nights ($3 x 4) at municipal campgrounds with American friends, who allowed us to plug into their rig (our system is not set up for the local 220V outlets) and – for the first time in six months – have a 100% full camper battery! For two nights and days, we did not have to struggle with our power supply and usage.
When checking options to store our camper during our absence, we stayed one night ($7) at Zaparancho near Buenos Aires. More about that in a future post.
Quick stop at Zapparancho in Villars, near Buenos Aires
Most of the nights, we camped for free; sometimes in nature and sometimes in bustling towns. Guess what’s our favorite?
I am currently buying a couple of small gifts for my niece and nephew in Belgium and, lastly, dropping off dirty clothes set us back $10. We can’t wait to do our own laundry soon! As a matter of fact, Mark and I are really looking forward to a multiple-month break from the road as this lifestyle has recently become much more challenging due to the lack of sunlight (power issues) and warmth (discomfort).
We are both pleased with May’s expenses totaling around $1,000, especially since this amount includes a bunch of gear that is waiting for us in the US.
(It might be easier to read the table when turning your device in the horizontal position.)
Find all our expense reports here. To learn what other full-time nomads spend each month, check out the blogs of our vanlife friends Duwan and Greg at Make Like An Ape Man.
Next up: Atuel Canyon & San Rafael in Mendoza Province
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June 5, 2024 at 16:15
Liesbet, you say this is your worst month. Still you are experiencing an exciting and adventurous life although I must admit you look pitifully cold inside Bella.
I admire your ingenuity: swaddling the butane gas container with Maya’s towel + making a pizza meal with crusts and your own toppings. May your extended journey to the States and Belgium bring warmer temps and new jeans for Mark! 😀
June 7, 2024 at 11:34
Hello Marian,
First off, thank you so much for your continued support and generosity. You are one amazing, kind, and caring woman!
Something went wrong with WordPress, which repeated the “summary sentence” of May being our worst month, but, as a matter of fact, it was not. It was one of our better expanse months in the last few years, actually. So, I’m sorry for the confusion. When I noticed the mistake, it was too late and blog emails had gone out already. I’ll make sure next month says something different! 🙂
In this lifestyle one has to be flexible and resourceful, but I have to admit that we never expected to be living in a tiny, thin-walled box in freezing temperatures for so long. We usually avoid such a thing. Never again! If we can prevent it, haha. And, yes, we are surely looking forward to our visits to the western world. And, to new jeans – both of us!
June 5, 2024 at 16:19
It looks like you are bringing your average down again. A $244 grocery Bill is amazing.
I tried my best to eat down our food before we left for Colombia and did pretty good. We made lots of road food for our 16 hour flight – granola bars and quesadillas and then left it all in the rental car.
Looks like you found some nice places to camp. I hate the cold and find it very hard to function in it. We are currently complaining lots about the heat but I’d rather be hot than cold.
I love that you have found some good cheap wine and tasting. Have a great trip back to the Northern Hemispere.
June 7, 2024 at 11:38
Hi Duwan,
We were quite happy with the total amount of May, as we were careful with our spending, but never checked the status during the month itself. The grocery cost was a good one. We have had to be very strict about only buying “affordable” produce, as the prices for everything have gone up so much in Argentina.
I’m so sorry you forgot all that prepared and planned food in the rental car. I have a huge mental list about everything we still have to do and all the meals we can still cook with our leftover vegetables and wares. I love this kind of thing – getting rid of stuff. In a few days, stress will prevail, though.
Cartagena is brutally hot and humid. You’ll find much more agreeable weather in Medellin. Once you’re settled there, I’ll send you some tips and info. Enjoy the move!
June 5, 2024 at 16:21
Wow, you look so cold it’s painful! Maya clearly has the right idea.
June 7, 2024 at 11:40
Anabel, I don’t think there is a dog more spoiled, cared for, and loved than Maya! If only she realized this. We tell her all the time, especially when the camper is surrounded by cold, shivering, and hungry strays.
I’m happy to report that the temperature has climbed now, here in Buenos Aires. No more winter coat and wool hat needed, except at night. So, we are “back to normal” for our last days on the continent.
June 7, 2024 at 11:58
Glad to hear that!
June 9, 2024 at 15:17
Thanks!
June 5, 2024 at 17:16
Anything below sixty degrees is too cold for sleeping.
Hope you have a safe and secure place to leave your camper while you’re gone.
June 7, 2024 at 11:42
Hi Alex,
We have flannel sheets, a wool blanket, and two sleeping bags spread out over our bed, so cold temperatures at night don’t face us. We only program the heat at 45 degrees F, to prevent water and fittings from np freezing and breaking. It’s during the day that the frigid weather is bothersome, since we can’t keep warm and can’t go outside to do things. Luckily, this is now a thing of the past! 🙂
Yes, we found a place to store the camper and are moving there on Monday. Fingers crossed!
June 5, 2024 at 18:59
Piece of cake. Imagine your cost in the US or the EU?
June 7, 2024 at 11:44
Hi Susan,
Time will tell what our expenses will be in MA and Belgium this summer. I’ll be sure to keep track, but I feel it will be okay since we won’t have those high costs for fuel, we cook our meals, and we sleep for free. Plus, there are all those wonderful people who want to spoil us. 🙂
June 5, 2024 at 21:34
Hey Liesbet! As usual you did an amazing job keeping your expenses so low. And I admire your courage and fortitude with all the COLD!!! You definitely deserve the break of a few months!!! May the travel there be smooth and easy and you enjoy the “ease” of the experience and recharge your batteries for the adventures to come. I can’t wait to hear about it! ~Kathy
June 7, 2024 at 11:47
Hi Kathy,
Thank you for your sympathy. Or is it empathy?
I have to admit that we’ve been quite uncomfortable lately and can’t wait for a little break. All I want to do when I get to the US is sleep! And, then again in Belgium. At least for a few days. I’m so looking forward to comfort and the small things in life that will make me happy, like a restful and quiet night and unlimited hot water, electricity, and internet. We’ve been struggling with power, so that has limited our comfort and online presence. I’ll be sure to soak all that up this summer!
Thanks for following along and supporting our journeys.
June 6, 2024 at 15:35
Good grief it looked cold! You’ve probably considered this, but have you tried free phone calls on the free Signal app? I use it with my son when he’s in Japan.
June 7, 2024 at 11:50
Hi Jacqui,
We have never been this cold when living in an RV and it surely was never the plan. We sorely underestimated the fall weather in Central Argentina, but, then again, people tell us this is rare. A statement we have heard over and over as the world climate is changing. Still a way more comfortable life than Lucy had. 🙂
I’ve never heard of the Signal app before. In general, we are doing fine with our free Skype, Messenger, and WhatsApp calls. The Skype credit is for when I can’t reach the intended person via these means, which doesn’t happen a lot. Those $5 of Skype credit usually last a few years.
June 9, 2024 at 16:44
That was a good month budget-wise, but I don’t envy you the damp misery of your camper. Here’s hoping for warmer, dryer times ahead for you! 🙂
June 14, 2024 at 16:46
Hi Diane!
We are in Massachusetts, USA, now – Warmer, dryer, and more comfortable times! But, busy as ever, being thrown back into the life of my aging mother-in-law, so we have three adults and one dog to take care of and keep up with. 🙂
June 10, 2024 at 23:16
Wow, you guys did fabulous with all your hardships in the way! I’ll be you can’t wait for your hiatus from life on the road! <3
June 14, 2024 at 16:48
Hi Debby!!
We have arrived in the land of plenty and comfort and summer! 🙂 Of course, it is busy as ever to take care of extra people, visit doctors and vets, arrange appointments and errands, prep for Belgium and our return to Argentina (yes, already), … But, we are pleasantly surprised at the grocery store prices. They have gone up a little bit for our usual food items, but are nowhere near as high as in Argentina. Except for the wine! 🙁
June 14, 2024 at 21:42
Wow! More expensive in Argentina is crazy!
June 19, 2024 at 14:33
Yup. The grocery stores and fuel anyway. Eating out and medical visits are much cheaper still. 🙂
June 18, 2024 at 07:54
I don’t think I’ve ever seen you look so cold, Liesbet. Come to think of it, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you guys wrapped up so well to protect yourselves from the freezing temperatures. I had no idea that Central Argentina got so cold. But at least you’re only two days away from the shortest day, and summer will be on its way again!
How crazy that the cost of fuel can vary so much. However, I’ve seen it happen here in the UK. This usually results in long traffic queues at petrol stations, undercutting the rest.
I did hear that wrapping something in fleece can help protect it from the cold. Maybe wrapping some fleece around the butane gas tank will help.
June 19, 2024 at 15:06
Hi Hugh,
I admit that we have a couple of very uncomfortable months behind us. It’s no fun to be cold! Yet, I’d have a hard time picking between “too cold” or “too hot and humid” when it comes to camper life. I know which one you’d prefer. 🙂 Ideally, no extremes, please. Or, we are better off in an insulated, climate-controlled house.
When you look at Central Argentina on a world map, you will notice that it’s pretty far south – and close to the South Pole. So, winter time (and even the fall, apparently) can get quite frigid. Usually, we run away from uncomfortable climates, but this time around, we needed to stay in the middle of the country to catch flights out of there.
And guess what… we went from “days away from the shortest day” to “days away from the longest day.” 🙂 Here in Massachusetts we’ve hit summer, currently mid-nineties and humid. But, it won’t last long. Like I mentioned before, we seem to bounce between extremes.
If you’re ever curious about where we are, currently, I update our location in the right column of my blog. Happy summer!