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, we both return to the East Coast.
The entire period, Mark, Maya, and I lived in a room with en-suite bathroom and a makeshift “kitchen” in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Zesty was parked in the driveway, feeling neglected. Apart from getting a thorough cleaning inside and out and having a few parts replaced or fixed. No diesel cost, but May is when our annual camper insurance is due, generally making it the most expensive month of the year.
The weather wasn’t great. Being cooped up affects Mark more than me. I’m always busy with one or another writing or editing project (or attempting to make headway with my travel memoir – choosing an editor last month), happy with prolonged computer time. Walks with Maya in town involved crossing the road often to avoid pedestrians and keeping at least 6 feet distance when passing on the trails.
Mark found a forested, dog-friendly park ten minutes away from our home base, so he often drove Maya there for a hike. Her itchiness has improved since Florida, but we needed another bottle of Apoquel, which set us back $175 for 100 pills. It’s the cheapest option for this anti-itch medicine. Other “extra” expenses in May included flowers for my mother-in-law and one take-out dinner from a local burger joint.
As often, our camper van is the most expensive category in this monthly report, but June should be better!
To learn what other full-time nomads spend each month, check out the expense blogs of our vanlife friends Duwan and Greg at Make Like An Ape Man.
