One of the questions we get asked the most is: How much does it cost to live on a boat?
It’s an understandable curiosity – this lifestyle often feels like a distant dream for many. That’s why we choose to share our expenses – not to justify how we live, but to show what’s possible when you align your life with your dreams.
For us, it’s not about being rich. It’s about making intentional decisions and prioritizing experiences over things.
But two years of sailing have taught us that no two journeys look – or cost – the same.
In 2023, we spent $70,929 as we explored the Eastern Caribbean. We hopped from island to island, enjoying turquoise waters and vibrant local cultures. Hurricane season found us in Grenada, where boat parts were harder to find and pricier – which added to the cost.
We also flew home twice that year, reconnecting with family and friends. While those trips brought us joy, they also made us acutely aware of how quickly travel expenses add up.
Fast forward to 2024, and our path took us in a completely different direction – literally. With a budget of $72,275, we sailed north from the Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and then the Bahamas before making our way up the U.S. East Coast.
This was a year of contrasts. In the U.S., we found boat parts were easier to access and far more affordable, making repairs less stressful. We stayed on more mooring balls than ever, especially during three unforgettable road trips that took us inland. These road trips allowed us to explore California and other U.S. destinations we would never have reached by boat.
Instead of flying home twice like the year before, we only took one international flight.
As we tallied up the numbers, we couldn’t help but notice how two vastly different years ended with similar totals. The Caribbean’s simplicity in 2023 came with its own unique expenses – pricier groceries, harder-to-access repairs, and limited marina stays. In contrast, 2024’s journey through the U.S. introduced higher marina fees and tourism costs, but we balanced that with cheaper groceries, better connectivity, and accessible boat maintenance.
Every year on the water comes with lessons.
For us, 2023 was about embracing simplicity – anchoring near remote islands, enjoying local markets, and navigating the challenges of Caribbean living. Meanwhile, 2024 was about embracing variety, from sailing to road-tripping, and learning how to balance adventure with the realities of budgeting.
Ultimately, every dollar we’ve spent reflects a memory created, a lesson learned, and a life truly lived. Whether it’s watching the sunrise over a calm anchorage, diving into turquoise waters, or exploring new cities by land, this lifestyle is everything we dreamed of – and so much more.
So, what about you? Could you see yourself living on a boat, charting your own path across the sea?
Expense Comparison: 2023 vs. 2024
Category | 2023 | 2024 | What Changed? |
$14,823 | $11,439 | Repairs were cheaper and more accessible in the U.S. | |
Boat Insurance | $4,650 | $5,154 | A slight increase for continued coverage. |
Groceries | $16,637 | $13,360 | Groceries were cheaper in the U.S., but variety led to splurges. |
Dining Out | $4,738 | $6,283 | Primarily during road trips in 2024. |
Diesel/Fuel | $2,379 | $3,586 | More miles covered in U.S. waters. |
Marinas/Moorings | $2,510 | $5,399 | Higher U.S. marina and mooring fees. |
Health Insurance | $3,120 | $2,515 | Optimized for better coverage at lower costs. |
School | $680 | $215 | Simplified with Khan Academy and fewer apps. |
Flights | $8,706 | $6,356 | One flight home and domestic U.S. flights. |
Tourism | $1,620 | $6,666 | Includes road trips, attractions, and tours. |
Transportation | $1,799 | $4,354 | Reflects road trip rentals and fuel costs. |
Formalities | $1,455 | $1,709 | Slight increase with U.S. entry fees. |
Communication | $2,030 | $1,480 | Cheaper, better connectivity in the U.S. |
Grand Total | $70,929 | $72,275 | Slightly higher, with new adventures. |
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