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How Much Does a Mobile Clinic or Outreach Van Actually Cost?

  • arthur5737
  • Nov 17
  • 5 min read
mobile offices for outreach parked on the side of a street

(2025 Edition for Mobile Offices, Clinics & Outreach Units by Next Gen Vans)


Across the U.S., mobile health and outreach vehicles are transforming how care and services are offered. From on-the-street addiction treatment, pop up clinic consults, or roaming community counseling hubs.


At Next Gen Vans, we specialize in converting vans for nonprofit, government, and healthcare organization use. For example: mobile offices, outreach vans, mobile clinics.


A common question we hear: What’s the realistic price tag for a mobile clinic or outreach van build?”


The honest answer: it depends a lot on specs, equipment, and mission. Below is a breakdown of real world costs and what you should budget when planning a mobile build.


For more information, email info@nextgenvans.com or jump on a free consultation.



mobile clinic interior with seat, table, space for testing and medical use

Mobile Clinic Costs in 2025

For most mobile outreach or clinic-style vans, you’re looking at a common ballpark of $100,000 to $230,000, depending on vehicle, tech, layout, and professional equipment necessary. Some factors that shift the number:

  • The base vehicle: A new electric high-rooftop van will cost significantly more than a used gas van.

  • Accessible or medical-grade add-ons: ADA lifts, exam pods, refrigeration, etc.

  • Power and off-grid capacity: Bigger batteries, solar or shore charging, heavy HVAC.


Here’s a quick breakdown by application type:

Use Case

Budget Estimate

Mission Notes

Outreach / Case Mgmt

~$100,000 – $150,000

Entry-level outreach, mobile staff desks

Mobile Clinic

~$130,000 – $180,000

Consultations, basic exam, telehealth

Full Medical Unit

~$180,000 – $230,000+

X-ray, dental, full lab, heavy equipment


Case Study: Real Build from Next Gen Vans

Here’s a example (2025) of a mobile outreach unit we built on a new high-roof 170WB Mercedes Sprinter 170WB AWD.


Vehicle Base

  • 2025 Mercedes Sprinter 170WB 2500 AWD → ~$75,000

Core Build – Infrastructure & Systems

  • Full interior finish: flooring, walls, ceiling, insulation, sound-dampening

  • Electrical & power: shore/alternator charging, inverter, outlets, USB/USB-C ports, dimmable lighting

  • HVAC / ventilation: fan system, 48V air-conditioning

  • Exterior branding/wrap ~$57,000

Interior Components

  • Seating and workstation layout: DOT-approved floor, swivels, benches, tables ~$13,800

  • Windows, cabinets, tied-in storage: insulated windows, upper/lower cabinetry with LED lighting, cabinetry for fridge, etc. ~$13,850

  • Electronics & Upgrades: running boards, satellite internet (Starlink), smart TV/webcam, dash cams ~$8,400

  • Battery/Power Upgrade: e.g., 15 kWh capacity to support long-hours off engine ~$8,800

  • Miscellaneous: freight, documentation, user-manual, video tutorials ~$1,000

Total Breakdown

  • Vehicle: ~$75,000

  • Build: ~$103,000

  • Extras: ~$43,000


    Estimated Total Investment: ~$180,000


This layout is ideal for a nonprofit or health outreach team needing flexibility, brand presence, and off-grid capability.


mobile outreach van parked on the side of the street with full branded vinyl wrap

Common Upgrades That Drive Cost Up

Every mission is different. Here are typical add-ons that organizations often choose:


  • Connectivity & power: Satellite internet (Starlink), cellular boosters, solar panels, dual alternator charging, big battery banks.

  • Accessibility & mobility features: ADA-compliant wheelchair lifts, tie-down systems, modular seating for staff/clients.

  • Medical & hygiene equipment: Running water/sink, dry-flush toilet, vaccine-grade refrigeration, exam chairs, x-ray or dental gear.

  • Branding & environment enhancements: Full-wrap exterior, advanced lighting (interior/exterior), awnings for outdoor set-ups, bug screens.


What Specifically Impacts Your Bottom Line?

When you’re planning your mobile service vehicle, here are the main levers that impact cost:

  1. Mission / Purpose – A basic outreach van costs less than a fully-equipped medical exam van.

  2. Equipment level – The more specialized gear (e.g., lab, imaging, dental), the higher the price.

  3. Accessibility features – ADA ramps/lifts can add $10K–$25K+ by themselves.

  4. Power & HVAC – Bigger battery systems, climate control, off-grid readiness raise the budget.

  5. Customization – Custom graphics, cabinetry, finish quality all multiply cost.

  6. Vehicle size & base condition – Larger vans (longer wheelbase) or new electric versions cost more.


mobile clinic van equipment and batteries stored in the van

Essential Components You Should Include in Your Mobile Unit


For a well-rounded mobile clinic or outreach van, make sure the build includes:

  • A consultation or exam area (or staff workspace)

  • Heating, air-conditioning, and proper ventilation

  • Running water & sink (for hygiene, sanitation)

  • Workstation(s) for data/tele-health operations

  • Storage for medical supplies, reagents or outreach gear

  • Off-grid or shore-power capable electrical system

  • Proper lighting and outlets for medical technology

  • Exterior branding, signage, and visibility


These features turn a mere van into a true mobile service platform — able to reach underserved populations, operate off-site, and deliver measurable impact.



Funding & Grant Strategies


Many nonprofits and government agencies finance their mobile units through grants and public programs. Here are common funding sources you should investigate:

  • Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) — especially for rural health and outreach services

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — for addiction treatment, behavioral-health mobile work

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – community health, prevention, vaccination programs

  • Federal funding streams (e.g., via ARPA/CARES) still exist in some states

  • Private foundations (e.g., Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Kaiser Foundation)

When you’re writing a grant or proposal, attach a detailed budget, clearly define how the vehicle supports your mission, and include a professional builder’s quote (like those we provide at Next Gen Vans) to strengthen your submission.



Budget Scenarios at a Glance


Here are simplified scenarios with estimated investments, for planning purposes:

  • Basic Outreach Van: ~$100K — MVP mobile workspace with HVAC, power, basic furnishings.

  • Mid-Tier Mobile Clinic: ~$150K — Consultation area plus storage, refrigeration, ADA ramp.

  • Full-Blown Medical Unit: ~$230K+ — Specialized equipment (dental/x-ray), high-capacity power/system upgrades.

These are guidelines — the actual cost depends on your mission, equipment, vehicle choice, and customizations.


custom mobile clinic build with tv and monitor inside the vehicle


Why Choose a Fully Custom Build?


It’s tempting to think a used van or prefab solution is “good enough”. But at Next Gen Vans we believe a custom-build is worth that premium because:

  • You get the latest innovations — e.g., satellite internet, high-cap battery systems, purpose-built cabinetry

  • Off-grid or remote-site functionality saves downtime and supports outreach in underserved areas

  • Branding and layout are optimized for your organization’s identity and mission

  • High-quality materials and craftsmanship reduce repairs and increase life-span

  • Modular design supports flexibility — changes in mission, staffing, or equipment are easier down the road

In truth, your van becomes part of your service delivery platform, not just a vehicle.


mobile clinic van interior with seating and workspace

Next Steps for Your Organization


At Next Gen Vans we’re ready to help you build a mobile solution tailored to your mission. After an initial consultation, we’ll provide:

  • A 3D model of your proposed layout

  • A detailed price breakdown aligned to your specs

  • A full custom bid that shows how the van supports your organization

If you’re ready to explore what a mobile clinic or outreach van could look like for your organization, reach out and schedule a call — we’ll map out your path.



mobile clinic driving in the city streets of new york
Disclaimer: Figures in this guide are approximate and intended for planning early-stage budgets. Final pricing varies based on vehicle, materials, equipment, custom requirements.

 
 
 

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