The costs of RVing full-time: It varies greatly

Q: <strong>What are the hidden costs of living in an RV?</strong>

The most common hidden costs of living in an RV include emergency repairs (like a blown radiator or roof leak), mail forwarding services, and "dump fees" for sewage and trash. In the winter, a poorly insulated RV can burn through a 30lb propane tank in 3–4 days, which can add $200–$400 to your monthly winter budget.

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How much does it cost to RV full-time? The answer is that it varies greatly based on your lifestyle, rig, and travel pace. Whether you are a solo traveler looking for a budget RV lifestyle or a family needing a large fifth wheel, your monthly expenses will look very different.

While I can’t give you an exact “to the penny” figure, this guide breaks down the average cost of full-time RV living to help you build a realistic RV budget for beginners.

Table of Contents

Monthly RV budget estimates: Low vs. high

The numbers are going to vary greatly from person-to-person, location, and comfort levels.

Expense category	Budget (Boondocking)	Luxury (RV parks)
Camping fees	$0 – $100	$1,200 – $2,500
Fuel	$200 – $400	$600 – $1,000+
Groceries/dining	$300 – $500	$800 – $1,200
Maintenance fund	$100	$300
Connectivity	$50 – $150	$150+
TOTAL	$650 – $1,250	$3,050 – $5,150+

The cost of full-time RVing

The cost of RV living varies widely based on lifestyle, RV type, travel frequency, and personal choices. Here’s a breakdown of key expenses with some estimated ranges.

RV purchase or rental

The cost of an RV itself can vary significantly depending on whether you buy or rent. Used RVs, such as small trailers or Class A motorhomes, typically range from $500 to $100,000, offering a more budget-friendly option for those looking to own.

Yes, you can find older RVs that need some love (or not) for that cheap. After COVID, prices soared, but as of late, they’ve been coming down.

New RVs, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $35,000 to over $300,000, depending on the model and features.

For those not ready to commit to ownership, renting an RV is an alternative, with daily rates ranging from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the size and amenities included.

Campground fees

Campground fees for RV living vary depending on the type of site and amenities and location. Basic campsites typically cost between $10 and $45 per night, offering minimal facilities. Anything close to a major tourist trap is probably going to cost a bit more.

RV parks with amenities like electricity, water, and sewer hookups range from $40 to $100 per night. For those staying longer, monthly rates are more economical, falling between $500 and $1,500, with even lower costs for extended stays.

Alternatively, boondocking costs nothing but requires extras such as solar panels and water storage to sustain off-grid living.

Fuel

Fuel costs for RV living typically range from $200 to $800 per month, depending on how far you travel and your RV’s fuel efficiency, which can vary between 5 and 15 miles per gallon for gas or diesel. My RV is closer to 5 miles per gallon.

For example, a 500-mile trip in an RV that gets 10 MPG, with fuel priced at $3.50 per gallon, would cost about $175. Traveling slower (staying in one spot for 2 weeks) is the number one way to reduce your monthly fuel expenses.

Insurance

Insurance for RV living typically costs between $500 and $2,000 per year, with the exact amount depending on factors such as the type of RV, the level of coverage selected, and the driver’s record. I’ve heard of many varying rates and coverages.

Maintenance and repairs

Maintenance and repairs are a significant part of RV living costs. Routine maintenance, such as oil changes and tire replacements, could range from $500 to $2,000 per year, depending on the RV’s size and usage.

Additionally, unexpected repairs, like fixing roof leaks or addressing engine issues, can add another $1,000 to $5,000 annually, making it essential to budget for both regular upkeep and unforeseen expenses.

Another thing to consider is your ability to fix things. If you’re a jack of all trades such like me, my costs are much lower. You’ll also need to take into consideration the age of the RV, especially if it’s a motorhome. More things can and will go wrong.

Food and groceries

This is similar to how you live in real life. The amount you spend also depends on what you eat. You can eat cheaply or expensively.

Another consideration is that you may have less refrigerator space, so buying in bulk may be reduced for perishables. I currently have an e-cooler and it only refrigerates or freezes.

Utilities and internet

The costs for utilities and internet in RV living can add up quickly. Propane, used for heating and cooking, typically runs between $10 and $150 per month. In the summer, I might only spend $10. In the winter, costs rise sharply if you aren’t in a “winter-ready” rig.

Internet access, essential for many RVers working online, ranges from $45 to $165 monthly, depending on whether you rely on a mobile hotspot or satellite service.

Starlink for RVs has become the gold standard for connectivity. Plans range from $120 to $150+ monthly. Pro-tip: If you purchase a Starlink directly from the company through my link, we both get a free month of service. Note that it must be bought from Starlink directly—not Home Depot or Best Buy—to qualify for the credit.

Electricity, when not included in campground fees, can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 per month, varying with usage and location. These expenses depend heavily on your travel style and how much you prioritize comfort and connectivity. If you stay off-grid like me, your electricity costs are essentially zero after the initial investment in a boondocking solar setup.

Some other considerations may be trash, water, and sewage dumps — which can range from $7-$20 per dump or even as much as $7 per trash bag. It depends on the place. I’ve been in places where I could get free water and places where I’ve had to pay for all of my water — bathing, cooking, cleaning, and drinking.

Miscellaneous expenses

Miscellaneous expenses for RV living can add up depending on your lifestyle. Entertainment and memberships, such as Good Sam or Thousand Trails, typically cost between $50 and $200 per month, offering benefits like campground discounts or access to exclusive sites.

Personal expenses, including clothing and hobbies, vary widely based on individual preferences and can range from minimal to significant, depending on how often you indulge in activities or need to replace gear.

Frequently asked questions about RVing costs

For many, yes. By boondocking on public lands and performing your own maintenance, you can live on less than $1,500 a month. However, if you stay in luxury resorts and drive a fuel-thirsty Class A, it can be more expensive than a traditional mortgage.

The most common hidden costs of living in an RV include emergency repairs (like a blown radiator or roof leak), mail forwarding services, and “dump fees” for sewage and trash. In the winter, a poorly insulated RV can burn through a 30lb propane tank in 3–4 days, which can add $200–$400 to your monthly winter budget.

Yes. You need a “full-timer’s policy,” which acts similarly to homeowners insurance. It covers personal liability and your belongings, which a standard “recreational” policy does not.

You can’t just be “from the road.” You must establish a legal tax home (domicile) for your driver’s license and insurance. Popular states like South Dakota, Florida, or Texas are favorites because they have no state income tax, but you’ll need to pay for a professional mail forwarding service (usually $150–$300/year) and potentially travel back to that state for vehicle inspections.

The “standard” advice is $1,000 to $2,000 a year, but many forum veterans suggest a $5,000 emergency fund. One major engine issue or a delaminated roof can wipe out a small budget instantly. If you aren’t a “DIY-er,” keep in mind that mobile RV tech service calls often start at $150 just to show up at your door.

While $150/month for Starlink seems high, it often replaces the need for multiple $50 cell phone “hotspot” plans that usually have data caps. For remote workers, it’s a fixed cost that prevents “data overage” surprises, which is a major hidden expense for beginners. Since you’ll often be around your router, you could consider dropping your cellphone plan from unlimited to just a few gigs. Check US Mobile for plans as they are cheap and offer AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile as an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). Plus, you can swap carriers if you need to! I’ve been with them for three years now.

In the end…

The cost of full-time RV living is highly individualized, shaped by factors like your RV type, travel habits, lifestyle choices, and whether you prioritize comfort or frugality. Expenses can range from a few hundred dollars a month for budget-conscious boondockers to thousands for those enjoying luxury RV parks and frequent travel (and there are some truly expensive luxury RV parks out there).

Carefully consider the costs, such as campground fees, fuel, insurance, maintenance, food, utilities, and miscellaneous expenses, and you can tailor your budget to fit your unique needs.

Whether you’re more of a minimalist seeking adventure or traveling with a family and pets, full-time RVing offers flexibility to live on your terms—just plan ahead and account for both expected and unexpected costs to ensure an enjoyable journey.

Once the major upfront costs are paid for (RV, solar, batteries, etc), you can live fairly cheaply, or it can be pretty expensive. The choice is yours.

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Monthly RV budget estimates: Low vs. high