She has been living on a boat since 2019 and spends $6,000 a year, with only one caveat: “When I can use a bathroom, it’s fabulous”

Humans are capable of living just about anywhere. Our adaptability and resilience have led us to settle in some of the most inhospitable places on Earth – including the northernmost islands of the Arctic. But freelance writer and illustrator Elizabeth Earle has added a new setting to that list: she bought a boat and set out to live on one of Britain’s legendary canals.

And she’s not alone. According to Sky News, an estimated 15,000 people in the UK have made the same decision, drawn by a mix of financial reasons, a thirst for adventure, or the desire for greater independence. But while it’s easy to romanticize the idea, the reality comes with its own set of challenges.

A tough start – but worth the reward

Earle spent around £3,800 ($5,000) on her first boat. For the first few months, there was no shower, she used a bucket as a toilet, and she had to endure freezing temperatures. But her perseverance paid off: she completely refurbished the vessel and later sold it for well over $20,000, which allowed her to upgrade to a larger, more comfortable boat.

In an interview for Money on Sky News, Elizabeth – speaking from the Coventry Canal in Warwickshire and accompanied by her rescue dog Leela – says she loves being “in the middle of the countryside.” “If I want to leave tomorrow, I just go,” she adds. Despite the sacrifices, she says life on a boat has given her a unique sense of freedom and a simpler way of living.

Still, it’s not without its downsides. In winter, coal is essential to keep the boat warm. Running out means carrying 55 pounds of it across muddy towpaths. She also points out the risks of walking alone at night and the need to be extra cautious with her belongings.

Access to basic services is another hurdle. Most boats rely on pump-out, cassette, or composting toilets – Elizabeth uses the latter. “When I go to a friend’s house and can use a bathroom, it’s fabulous,” she jokes. For showers, she heads to the gym, which helps her save water.

The cost of life afloat

Although boat living is often seen as cheaper than owning or renting a home, the costs can still add up. Earle spends the equivalent of around $6,200 a year – $520 a month – covering expenses like insurance, gas, coal, diesel, and the license required by the UK’s Canal and River Trust.

And that’s on the lower end. For those seeking more space or comfort, the investment can be much higher. Tracey Essery, a 63-year-old sustainability consultant, pays between £500 and £600 a month in bills, and spent over £100,000 on her barge. “Living on a boat takes a lot more planning than living in a house,” she says. “If you’re not prepared, it can be a very expensive mistake.”

For others, though, canal life offers a slower pace and a stronger sense of community. “When we lived in a house, we didn’t know our neighbors. Here on the boat, there’s always someone ready to help,” say Maxine Brown and her husband. Despite the hurdles, they insist they’d never go back to living in a house and plan to stay on their boat well into old age.

That said, living on a boat isn’t for everyone. It takes planning, effort, and a willingness to give up certain comforts. But for those craving a freer life closer to nature, it can be a deeply rewarding adventure. “You only get one life,” says Maxine. “If you get the chance – do it.”

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