Is full-time RV living cheaper than owning a home in 2025? A real cost comparison

In 2025, full-time RV living costs an average of $1,800 to $3,500 per month, compared to $2,500 to $4,500 for traditional homeownership. While RVing can save over $1,000 monthly by boondocking, factors like fuel prices, maintenance, and campground fees determine the final savings.

Full-time RV living has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional homeownership, especially as U.S. housing prices and interest rates remain high in 2025. Many people considering the RV lifestyle ask the same question:

Is full-time RVing cheaper than owning or renting a house?

The answer depends on your travel style, budget discipline, and expectations—but for many people, the answer is yes.

The 2025 housing crisis and the RV alternative

As U.S. housing prices and interest rates hit record highs in 2025, the American Dream is shifting gears. Many people are ditching traditional mortgages for life on the road, asking one critical question: Is it actually cheaper to live in an RV?

The answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no”—it’s a “how.” Your travel style, budget discipline, and willingness to live off-grid determine whether you save thousands or end up spending more than you would in a suburban cul-de-sac.

In this post, we break down the real-world costs of full-time RV living versus homeownership in 2025, exposing the hidden expenses that the “influencer” lifestyle often hides.

Is full-time RVing cheaper than living in a home in 2025?

Short answer: Yes, full-time RV living can be cheaper than owning a home in 2025—but not for everyone.

For minimalists, slow travelers, and people willing to boondock or stay long-term in one location, RV living often costs significantly less than maintaining a traditional house. However, frequent travel, newer RVs, and luxury campgrounds can quickly erase those savings.

Pro tip: All things point to the same reality: lifestyle choices matter more than the RV itself. You have to do you, but the cheaper options are stationary RV living, stealth camping, and workamping. As a digital nomad, it would also allow you the freedom to make housing costs cheaper when choosing an RV.

But the growing problem is that people across the nation have been priced out of housing, and finally, the media is speaking up. CNBC reported on growth in full-time RV residency due to housing affordability issues. And I’m sure the developers aren’t happy.

Why full-time RV living can be cheaper

Lower purchase price and monthly payments

The upfront cost of an RV is usually far lower than that of a home. In 2025:

• Used RVs typically cost $10,000–$100,000
• You can find free or cheap RVs (often no more than $500) that need a little bit of elbow grease and TLC.
• The U.S. median home price is about $430,000
• Bankrate reports that median U.S. home prices vary widely by state, with national figures around mid-$300,000s–$400,000s in 2025.

According to EcoFlow’s cost guide, RV loan payments often range from $225–$650 per month, while average mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) frequently exceed $2,000 per month.

No property taxes or HOA fees

Unlike homeownership, full-time RVers usually avoid:

• Property taxes
• HOA fees
• Major home repairs like roofs, foundations, or plumbing systems

These alone can save thousands per year.

Lower utility and living costs

Because RVs are smaller:

• Utilities often cost $100–$300 per month
• Solar setups can reduce costs even further. Think solar panels and power stations.
• Long-term RV park rates average $500–$800 monthly, often including water, sewer, and electricity

Boondocking on public land can reduce campground costs to $0, but remember, you have to think about how you will get water, get rid of waste (human and other), and power. You’ll need to think about resources such as portable waste tanks and water filtration.

Typical monthly cost for budget RVers

Stationary or slow-travel full-time RVers often report total monthly expenses of $1,500–$2,500, which is far below the cost of owning or renting a home in many areas. For the frugal RVers living off-grid like me, I spend way less. It’s a matter of finding places that are close to each other and buying in bulk. The less time you spend on the road, the less fuel costs and wear and tear.

When full-time RV living is not cheaper

Rising campground costs

In 2025, nightly RV park rates have increased:

• $40–$100 per night at private campgrounds
• Monthly costs can exceed $1,200 for frequent movers

Fuel and travel expenses

Fuel adds up quickly:

• $200–$700 per month, depending on distance traveled
• Most RVs average 6–14 MPG
• Fuel prices in 2025 average $3.15–$3.50 per gallon

Maintenance, repairs, and depreciation

Unexpected repairs are one of the biggest downsides:

• Tires, roofs, engines, or slide-outs can cost $5,000–$10,000+
• RVs depreciate much faster than homes
• Unlike houses, RVs do not build equity

Also see, The RV life toolkit you might not know you needed.

Higher costs for luxury or new RVs

Financing a newer RV at 6–10% interest can result in payments similar to a mortgage. For high-end RVers or frequent travelers, monthly expenses often reach $3,000–$5,000, rivaling or exceeding homeownership costs.

Full-time RV living vs Homeownership cost comparison (2025)

Average monthly costs (excluding food and personal debt):

Sources: Aggregated 2025 data from EcoFlow, Bankrate, and U.S. Census reports. Actual costs vary by lifestyle, location, and vehicle or home value.

Conclusion: Is full-time RV living worth it financially?

Full-time RV living can be cheaper than owning a home, especially for:

• Minimalists
• Slow travelers
• Boondockers
• RV owners without loans

However, frequent travel, rising campground fees, unexpected repairs, and depreciation can make RV living just as expensive—or more—than homeownership.

The key is budgeting honestly for your lifestyle. RV living is not automatically cheap, but with the right approach, it can save thousands per year while offering unmatched flexibility and freedom.

FAQ: Full-time RV living costs in 2025