A WOMAN who has moved from a flat to a caravan has revealed the difference between the two in her January bills.
Katrina decided to compare her different to see which was the , and was left stunned by the results.
Katrina took to TikTok to share a look at her two-bed caravan as she compared the January bills for the home compared to her two-bed flat last yearCredit: katrinascaravan/Tiktok
While she has to pay ground rent, it covers a whole host of things – including access to a sauna and swimming poolCredit: katrinascaravan/Tiktok
The only thing that is more expensive living in the caravan than the flat is the internetCredit: katrinascaravan/Tiktok
Katrina even gets her bins collected thanks to living on the holiday parkCredit: katrinascaravan/Tiktok
She took to TikTok to share a video of the comparison, beginning by pointing out that both her caravan and her former flat have two bedrooms, while the former is slightly “more modern”.
Starting with the ground rent for her , that costs £350 a month, but includes the pitch she’s on, her bins being collected, her rates and access to the sauna and swimming pool.
“In my flat I was paying £1,000 for rent,” she said, which solely covered “living in the flat”.
“For gas and electric in my caravan this month, I have spent £80,” she continued.
“In the flat this time last year, I spent £106 on
The water in the caravan is free as it’s included in her ground rent, but she had to pay £60 for it in the flat.
“If you’re new here, I don’t pay council tax at the caravan because I have a residential address that I do not own and I chip into when I’m there,” she said.
“I haven’t stayed there this month, so that is a zero.
“But in my flat last year, it was £224.”
Katrina has to pay £75 for Wi-Fi in the caravan, while in the flat it was £27, and insurance at the caravan is £25 a month.
She added that she didn’t pay insurance at her old flat because she “was stupid”.
Totting up the total, she said that the total bill cost for her caravan was £530, while the cost of living in the flat last January was £1,417.
“So this month alone, I have saved £887.”
“Fat saving this month!” Katrina captioned the video.
People were quick to comment on the TikTok, with one writing: “Why don’t more people do this?
“This is brilliant!”
How much does it cost to live in a caravan?
LIVING in a caravan can be an economical and flexible lifestyle choice in the UK. Here's a breakdown of potential costs:
Initial Costs
- Caravan Purchase: £8,000 – £40,000 (depending on size, age, and condition)
- Caravan Insurance: £200 – £800 per year
Ongoing Monthly Costs
- Pitch Fees: £150 – £600 (varies by location and facilities)
- Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): £40 – £120
- Maintenance and Repairs: £20 – £80
- Internet and TV: £20 – £50
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £15 – £40
Other Potential Costs
- Waste Disposal Fees: £8 – £25
- Transport Costs (if moving locations): Variable, depending on distance
- Optional Add-ons (Awning, Solar Panels, etc.): £400 – £1,600 (one-time)
Sample Monthly Budget
- Pitch Fees: £400
- Utilities: £80
- Maintenance and Repairs: £40
- Internet and TV: £40
- Gas for Heating/Cooking: £25
- Total: £585
Annual Estimated Cost
- Total Monthly Costs: £585 x 12 = £7,020
- Insurance: £500
- Maintenance and Repairs: £480
- Total Annual Cost: £8,000
Tips to Save
- Off-Peak Pitch Fees: Look for lower rates during off-peak seasons.
- DIY Maintenance: Handle minor repairs yourself.
- Energy Efficiency: Invest in solar panels to reduce utility costs.
While initial setup costs can be significant, ongoing expenses for living in a caravan can be relatively low, making it a viable option for those seeking an affordable and mobile lifestyle in the UK.
“More residential site are needed in the UK with the cost of living being what it is,” another insisted.
“We’re buying one, you have to leave 2 weeks of the year though you just go on holiday,” a third said.
“I have several friends who live on the park.”
“Love your caravan – so clean and perfect,” someone else commented.
Katrina lives in the caravan for 11 months of the year, so doesn’t have to pay council tax while she’s there.
Residential caravans – available to access 12 months of the year – do have to pay the tax.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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