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In many cases, it’s much less expensive to convert a bus than to buy an RV, especially if you’re considering a newer RV model, which can exceed $100,000.

Another huge benefit of school bus conversion is that you are in control of the renovation project. You get to pick your camper's new layout and all the appliances and furniture.

While school buses can easily cost $300,000 when they're new, you can often find used buses for just a few thousand dollars. These vehicles experience extreme depreciation due to government regulations; they can only be used for so long before they must be replaced. Due to those same regulations, other government agencies cannot purchase them for their own uses, so the consumer market is the only place they can go.

The length of time it takes to convert a bus depends on the scope of the project (and size of the bus), how much work is DIY vs. done by a professional contractor, and how much work you’re doing up front.

In general, expect at least a couple of months for a conversion, but larger conversions could take six months to a year. Remember: You can tackle projects as you go: Get the basic work done so that it’s livable, and then continue to enhance your living space over time.