Nico Murillo lost his job at Tesla in 2024, sold his $1.2 million (£0.91 million) home and moved into a Tesla. Two years later, he says the unconventional lifestyle is helping him save $1,500 (£1,133) a month.
Murillo had already spent nights sleeping in his car to avoid a three-hour round trip between his home in Lathrop, California, and Tesla's Fremont factory. But after losing his job, he sold the house and chose to continue living in his vehicle rather than look for another conventional home.
From Tesla Job to Life on Four Wheels
YouTuber Nico Murillo was laid off from his production supervisor role at Tesla in April 2024 after five years with the company. He subsequently sold his home and chose to move into his Tesla, documenting the experience as part of his journey towards financial independence.
His decision was not entirely without precedent. While working at Tesla, Murillo had sometimes slept in his car on workdays to avoid his roughly 1.5-hour commute each way. He also showered at the factory and ate meals there, according to his account of that period.
Why He Chose a Tesla Model X
Murillo initially moved into a Tesla Model Y after his 2024 layoff, according to his own account. More recent reports say he now lives in a Tesla Model X, which he uses as both transport and accommodation.
The Model X offers a relatively spacious cabin and seven-seat configuration, allowing the rear seats to be folded down to create a sleeping area.
He Sold His $1.2M Home
Murillo's own account says he sold his five-bedroom lakeside house after the layoff and moved into his Tesla rather than taking on another property.
Living in the Tesla does not mean living without expenses. Murillo uses 24-hour gym memberships for showers and bathroom facilities, while rotating his sleeping spots between local streets, rest areas and parking lots.
According to recent reporting, Murillo's total monthly spending is around $2,200, including food, insurance, gym memberships and phone-related costs. Murillo says eliminating rent and several household costs allows him to save around $1,500 a month.
'When I saw rent in California, electricity, gas, water, garbage eliminated, and also got rid of my car note... I started saving, get this, $1,500 (£1132.88) per month just on a regular GNC job,' he said in the video. 'You don't have to do it. I'm not telling you, but like the experience of living in it full-time is awesome,' he said.
The $1,500-a-Month Saving
Murillo's claimed savings come from costs he says disappeared after he moved out of the house, including rent, electricity, gas, water, rubbish collection and a car payment. The $1,500 figure is his own calculation rather than an independently verified comparison of his previous and current household costs.
For Murillo, the Tesla has therefore become more than a way to get around. After losing his job and selling his home, it has become his full-time living space — completely eliminating traditional housing overhead while, by his calculation, drastically reducing the amount he needs to spend each month on everyday bills.
