How much I've been spending on rent per month, the misfortunes, and the lessons
I'm failing in my goals
After "what do I do with my stuff?" and if I'm a "tech guy," another question I frequently hear is how much I spend on monthly rent. This is a fair question, as it is the most important topic for a nomadic life.
As I said, I'm not a very organized nomad, including my finances. I know how much I earn, spend, and save, but I'm not one to do meticulous calculations, even before the nomadic life.
Since financial health is crucial, I propose we detail my expenses together.
First, I need to calculate how much I would have spent if I had continued my pre-nomadic life. I was paying R$ 1,400 (US$ 285) in rent (including fees) and about R$ 150 (US$ 30) for other bills like internet, electricity, and gas. So, a total of R$ 1,550 (US$ 315) per month.
Considering that this amount would be adjusted for inflation, I should spend around R$ 1,700 (US$ 345). I must also consider that this amount was for living with my ex-girlfriend. If I lived alone, which is a bit more expensive, I would spend around R$ 2,000 (US$ 408) monthly.
From January to June (six months), I would have spent R$ 12,000 (US$ 2,448). Let's calculate how much I have spent.
January
January 1 to 20 - I stayed at a friend's house who was traveling, so I didn't spend anything.
January 20 to 30 - Airbnb in Porto Alegre: R$ 1,047 (US$ 213)
Lesson: Have good friends.
February
January 30 to March 8 - Airbnb in downtown São Paulo: R$ 4,000 (US$ 816)
Lesson: The plan was to spend R$ 2,500 (US$ 510), but the Airbnb I reserved was canceled at the last minute. I had to choose another one, which was much more expensive due to the short notice. Airbnb only refunded me R$ 700 (US$ 142) (not included in the total). Shit happens.
March
March 8 to April 4 - Airbnb in Budapest: R$ 2,302 (US$ 469)*
Lesson: Book in advance. Take advantage of Airbnb's monthly discount. An amazing Airbnb in Budapest that I reserved six months in advance was a great price. Also, choose affordable destinations. Budapest is incredibly cheap, and many things are even more affordable than in São Paulo.
*I split the cost with a friend. The total price was double that. Nevertheless, all the above conditions apply if it were an individual reservation.
March 21 to 24 - Hostel in London: R$ 451 (US$ 91)
Lesson: London is becoming more expensive for those earning in Brazilian reais. I traveled to cover an event about remote work for No Direction Home and had to stay in a hostel, the only option that fit my budget. It's not easy to stay in a hostel after turning 30.
April
April 5 to 7 - Hotel in São Paulo: R$ 200 (US$ 40)
April 7 to 19 - Airbnb on Paulista Avenue: R$ 2,200 (US$ 448)
April 19 to 23 - Avaré, at my parents' house: 0 (Lesson: Whenever I can, I try to spend a few days there. I save money, enjoy my parents' company, and eat mom-cooked meals.)
April 23 to 24 - Hotel in São Paulo: R$ 111 (US$ 22)
April 24 to 28 - Airbnb in Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro, with my mother (the amount I paid): R$ 550 (US$ 112)
April 28 to May 15: Friend's house in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro: R$ 1,500 (US$ 306).
Lesson: Staying in multiple places in one month is tiring because luggage is constantly moving around. It also means missing out on monthly discounts, which can be a great ally. I need to stay longer in one place, but unfortunately, these last months I couldn't do so for various reasons.
May
May 16 to 17 - Once again, accommodation fell through last minute. A friend helped me: 0
May 17 to 26 - Booking in downtown São Paulo: R$ 2,000 (US$ 408)
May 26 to June 1 - Housi on Paulista Avenue, São Paulo: R$ 1,600 (US$ 326)
Lesson: I spent much more than I wanted. One of the reasons was the last accommodation in Housi. I was invited to a lecture on May 31 and had a few days to rent a place. This is a disadvantage of the nomadic life. If I had a home, this wouldn't be an issue.
June
June 2 to 7 - Avaré, at my parents' house: 0
June 8 to 28 - Booking in downtown São Paulo: R$ 3,000 (US$ 612)
Total spent so far this year: R$ 18,961 (US$ 3,869). Averaging it out per month, I'm spending R$ 3,160 (US$ 644). This represents 58% more than I would have paid if I weren't a nomad. My initial goal was to spend 30% more.
I'm failing miserably. I want to believe it's because of this series of unforeseen events. And that with experience, I will better understand my needs and how to spend less. I have the lessons; I need to put them into practice.
Another critical point is that if I'm spending more on housing, I save in other areas. I'm not a person of luxuries. I live with the essentials. I spend on food and entertainment. I don't accumulate things. I don't buy anything unnecessary. Things may be balanced, even if I continue to spend a little more than I would like.
I hope this post has helped those interested in having a more flexible life.