When most people imagine RV living, they picture retirees chasing warmer weather with a golden retriever and a pension.
But that’s no longer the full story.
Today, more and more people – young professionals, families, digital nomads – are hitting the road full-time or part-time in search of something different: more freedom, fewer expenses, a slower pace, or just a break from the traditional grind.
I know, because I’m doing it myself this summer, with my teenage daughter and our dog.
And with housing prices and rent shooting through the roof, many are seeking out alternative housing options, even if they plan on staying in one spot for the most part. But here’s the honest truth: RV life isn’t cheap by default.
It can be affordable, freeing, and even financially strategic – but only if you know what you’re getting into.
So before you buy a rig and set off into the sunset, let’s break down what it really costs to live in an RV – and how to make it work for your real life and real budget.
Upfront Costs: Buying or Renting Your RV
The first big decision? Whether you’re buying or renting – and what kind of RV fits your budget and your life.
Buying an RV: New vs Used
- New RVs can range anywhere from $60,000 to $150,000+, depending on the model, size, and features. While you’ll get a warranty and shiny finishes, they depreciate fast – sometimes as much as 30% the moment you drive off the lot.
- Used RVs can be found for $10,000 to $50,000, especially if you’re flexible on aesthetics. The tradeoff? More wear and tear – and fewer guarantees.
Class C vs Tow – Behind Trailers
- Class C Motorhomes (the classic one-piece RV with an over-cab bed) offer everything in one vehicle – easy to park and drive, but harder to separate your living space from your mode of transportation.
- Tow-Behind Trailers, or Fifth Wheels can be more affordable and give you flexibility (you can leave the trailer at the site and drive your vehicle elsewhere), but they require a truck with proper towing capacity, and are often smaller.
Don’t Forget These Upfront Extras:
Your RV will come with some standard pieces, but I can vouch – pretty much immediately, you’ll want to upgrade the mattresses and you’ll need some basic storage solutions. You’ll also want to consider some of the things to make RV life more comfortable – an outdoor table and awning set, a rechargeable Halo battery.
- Registration, insurance, title transfer fees
- Basic upgrades (mattresses, organizers, storage fixes)
- Safety gear (tire pressure monitors, leveling blocks, surge protectors)
Trying Before You Buy: Rental Options
Not ready to commit? Smart move.
Platforms like Outdoorsy or RVshare let you rent an RV for a weekend or month to test the waters. Expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $250 per night, plus mileage, cleaning fees, and deposits.
Money-Smart Tip:
Try renting both a motorhome and a tow-behind setup before buying. It’s the best way to figure out what works for your travel style and comfort level – without a five-figure mistake. I favor a tow-behind because it makes it easier to ditch the trailer at the campground and go explore the area. I also feel more comfortable driving it. Other people greatly prefer a Class-C. Don’t waste your money buying one only to find out you prefer the other.
The Hidden Housing Cost: Campground & KOA Fees
Buying an RV might feel like solving your housing costs – but it doesn’t mean you’re parking for free.
Most RVers spend a significant part of their budget on where they sleep. Campground fees can vary widely depending on location, amenities, and season.
KOA Campgrounds: Comfort Comes at a Cost
KOAs (Kampgrounds of America) are one of the most popular and beginner-friendly options in the U.S. They’re well-maintained, easy to find, and offer hookups for water, electricity, and sewer – sometimes even pools and mini golf.
But convenience isn’t cheap:
- Average KOA nightly rate: $45–$90
- Premium sites or peak season locations: $100+ per night
- Monthly discounts: Some KOAs offer extended-stay rates, but they vary
Staying at a KOA for a month could run anywhere from $1,200 to $2,700, depending on the site. I prefer these in general, especially if I haven’t been to a town before, but they certainly aren’t the only option!
Cheaper Options Exist – If You’re Flexible
If KOAs are stretching your budget, there are other options. Just be careful to research the safety and amenities of the site, to ensure you’ll have a smooth stay.
- State parks: $15–$40/night, often with fewer amenities
- BLM land & boondocking: Free or donation-based, but no hookups
- Harvest Hosts & Hipcamp: Membership models that give you access to wineries, farms, or private land
- RV memberships (Passport America, Thousand Trails): Discounted stays with upfront membership costs
Extra Fees to Budget For:
- Utility hookups (sometimes tiered)
- Dump station fees if not included
- Laundry, propane fills, or firewood
Money-Smart Tip:
Mix your stay types. A few nights at a KOA, followed by a week of boondocking, can balance comfort and cost – without blowing your monthly housing budget.
Fuel, Gas & Movement Costs
One of the biggest financial surprises for new RVers? Just how much fuel it takes to get from point A to point B.
If your dream is to travel cross – country, know this: fuel is a major recurring expense – and it adds up fast.
Fuel Economy: Not Your Daily Driver
Most RVs average 6–13 miles per gallon, depending on size, weight, and terrain. Tow – behind trailers add strain to your tow vehicle, and large Class A motorhomes can guzzle fuel like it’s going out of style.
Here’s a ballpark:
- Driving 1,000 miles at 8 mpg = 125 gallons
- At $4.00/gallon = $500 in fuel for a single trip
And that doesn’t include side trips, grocery runs, or detours. With my tow-behind, I generally average about 200 miles a tank – so that’s how much I drive between stops! I do NOT like filling up the tank when hitched. If I have to travel more than 200 miles, I’ll usually bring 5 gallon gas tanks as back-up.
Stationary vs. Always Moving
The more often you move, the more you’ll spend. Full-time RVers often save money by:
- Traveling short distances between stops
- Staying at each site for a week or more
- Planning a logical route to avoid backtracking
Other Travel-Related Costs:
- Tolls (especially for large rigs on major highways)
- Parking permits or day – use fees for public lands
- Wear – and – tear on your vehicle from rough roads or elevation changes
Money-Smart Tip:
Treat your fuel like rent – set a cap and plan your route around it. Apps like GasBuddy or RV Life Trip Wizard can help you estimate mileage and fuel costs before you ever hit the road.
Utilities on the Road: Water, Electricity & Dump Fees
Just because you’re not paying a utility bill to a city doesn’t mean your RV life is off-grid or free.
Staying connected and comfortable still comes with costs, and they vary depending on how often you hook up to campground utilities or rely on your own systems.
Electricity
- At most campgrounds (especially KOAs), electric hookups are included in your nightly fee. However, if you are on a long – term stay contract, electricity is usually metered and billed separately.
- If you boondock (camp without hookups), you’ll likely rely on:
- A generator (fuel costs + noise)
- Or solar panels (expensive to install but can save money long – term)
Propane
Propane powers your RV’s stove, heater, fridge, and water heater (depending on your setup).
- Expect to spend $30–$60 per refill, lasting 1–3 weeks depending on usage
- Winter RVing? Your propane costs can double if you’re heating regularly
Water & Sewer
- Campgrounds with full hookups include water and sewer access
- Some charge for water separately if you’re staying long – term
- Dump station fees range from free (for guests) to $10–$25 at standalone stops
Other Costs to Watch For:
- Surge protectors to protect your rig from bad campground wiring ($100–$300 upfront)
- Water pressure regulators and filtration systems
- Portable tanks if you plan to boondock but still want water access
Money-Smart Tip:
Install a small solar setup if you plan to boondock often. Even a basic system can keep your essentials running – and your generator off. Also invest in a Halo battery – mine has saved us from stalling on the side of the road, power outages, and more.
The Internet Dilemma: What RV-Friendly Wi-Fi Really Costs
Whether you’re working remotely or just want to stream Netflix and check your bank account, internet access is one of the trickiest parts of RV life – and it’s rarely free or reliable. We’ve RVed for months at a time, for several years now, and we’ve experienced it ALL.
Campground Wi-Fi: Often Unusable
Many campgrounds advertise “free Wi-Fi,” but here’s the reality:
- It’s often too slow to stream, upload, or Zoom
- Signal can drop when the campground is full
- Some sites throttle speeds or charge for faster tiers
If you need real connectivity, you’ll need your own setup.
Real RV Internet Options
- Mobile Hotspot
- Use your phone or a dedicated hotspot device
- Requires a robust data plan
- Reliable in cities, but spotty in remote areas
- Cost: $50–$150/month depending on data cap and provider
- Signal Boosters
- Amplify existing cellular signal
- Great in fringe areas, but only helps if some signal exists
- Cost: $400–$700 upfront
- Starlink RV Plan
- Satellite-based, designed for mobile use
- Requires open skies (trees or mountains = interference)
- Cost: $150/month + $599 hardware
- Getting more reliable – but still not ideal for everywhere
What RVers Actually Spend on Internet
- Budget setups: Around $60/month using a mobile hotspot and smart data use
- Heavy – use remote workers: Up to $200+/month with boosters, Starlink, and backup plans
Money-Smart Tip:
Combine tools: a mobile hotspot plus a booster plus campground Wi-Fi can give you options without always maxing out your data. And always check coverage maps before you book a site.
Maintenance & Repairs: What Breaks, and What It Costs
In 2023, I spent an unplanned month in Texas because of ongoing tire issues. It cost a lot of time, frustration, and about $200.
But, if you’ve ever owned a house or a car, you already know: things break.
Now imagine combining the two – and shaking them down a highway at 65 miles per hour. That’s RV life. I know this, and leave room in my budget for those unexpected issues.
Common RV Maintenance Costs
Even with a well – built rig, expect regular upkeep on:
- Tires: $100–$350 each, and they wear faster than car tires
- Brakes & suspension (especially if you’re towing)
- Plumbing leaks – a common headache in older models
- Roof resealing every 1–2 years to prevent water damage
- Water heaters, appliances, generators, and AC units
Some years, it’s a few hundred. Other years, it’s a few thousand.
Average Annual Maintenance Spend
- Light use or newer RV: $500–$1,500/year
- Full-time or older RV: $2,000–$5,000/year
- Emergency repairs can spike that quickly (tire blowouts, axle damage, water intrusion)
How Long Does an RV Last?
With regular care, most RVs last:
- 15–20 years for tow-behinds
- 10–15 years for motorhomes driven frequently
- Heavy use or poor storage can cut that in half
Money-Smart Tip:
Start an RV-specific emergency fund, even if it’s just $50/month. It’s not if something breaks – it’s when. And the more remote you are when it happens, the more it’ll cost to fix.
Alternatives to RVs: Van Life, Renovated School Buses & Tiny Homes on Wheels
RVs aren’t the only way to live life on the move – or on a budget.
If the traditional motorhome isn’t your style, you’ve got options. But just like with RVs, flexibility and planning are key.
Van Life
- Popular with solo travelers, creatives, and digital nomads
- Vans (like Ford Transits or Sprinters) are smaller, stealthier, and easier to park
- Pre-converted vans: $40,000–$90,000
- DIY conversions: $15,000–$30,000+ (van + build materials + time)
Pros: Great gas mileage, mobility, urban parking
Cons: Extremely limited space, minimal privacy, not family – friendly
Converted School Buses (“Skoolies”)
- Buses can be bought for under $10,000 – but conversions are labor – intensive
- DIY skoolie costs: $25,000–$50,000+
- Need mechanical know-how or contractor support
- Registration and insurance may vary by state
Pros: Fully custom, lots of space, often more “homey”
Cons: Heavy, slow, lower MPG, harder to find parking
Tiny Homes on Wheels
- Like RVs, but often built with residential materials and more insulation
- Best for longer stays in RV parks or private land
- Costs: $40,000–$100,000+ depending on customization
Pros: More durable, feels like a real house
Cons: Not always legal for travel on public roads, limited mobility
Money-Smart Tip:
Before committing to any alternative home-on-wheels, research zoning laws, insurance requirements, and resale value in your area or state. These setups can offer amazing freedom, but they also come with red tape.
Physical & Emotional Costs and Benefits
People often focus on the dollars, but there’s a mental math that comes with RV life, too.
Yes, the financial trade-offs can be empowering.
But the lifestyle itself? It’s not all sunsets and freedom shots.
The Benefits: Why People Fall in Love With RV Life
- Freedom to go where you want, when you want
- Simplicity: less clutter, fewer distractions, lower cost of living
- Nature: waking up near mountains, lakes, or desert skies
- Clarity: many RVers say they feel more present with fewer obligations
But There Are Trade-Offs
- Isolation: Especially if you’re solo or far from community
- Lack of routine: Can be mentally exhausting for some
- Physical strain: Driving fatigue, tight spaces, temperature swings
- Weather matters: Windy nights, hot cabins, cold mornings
- Space tension: In relationships, small arguments can feel bigger
RV Life With a Family?
It’s doable – but you have to be intentional:
- Clear division of space (even just visual or behavioral zones)
- Time outside is essential
- Communication must be consistent
Money-Mindset Tip:
RV living can support your wellness – but only if you build in structure, space, and self – awareness. My daughter and I have learned a lot of lessons – how to let go of unimportant material things, how to make personal space when there’s none to be had. And upgrading to a slightly larger trailer that allowed us to have clear – cut private spaces was 100% worth it.
It’s not about escaping your life. It’s about living it differently – with more intention and less clutter.
Tips to Make RV Living Work (Without Losing Your Mind)
RV life isn’t about perfection.
It’s about planning smart, staying flexible, and learning what you actually need to thrive.
Whether you’re weekend wandering or going full – time, these strategies can help your lifestyle match your financial goals and your sanity.
Pack Like a Minimalist
- Bring only what you use regularly
- Stick to multi – purpose items (like collapsible cookware, modular furniture, and compact tools)
- Everything should earn its spot
Create Mental Dividers – Even in Small Spaces
- Use curtains, shelves, or rugs to define zones (work, sleep, eat)
- Set routines for different times of day to reduce chaos
- Have a “get outside” plan for when space starts to feel tight
Prep for Change, Then Pivot When Needed
- Travel plans will change: weather, breakdowns, availability
- Keep an emergency fund and a backup route
- Build margin into your schedule to absorb surprises
Declutter Regularly
- Even in 100 square feet, stuff accumulates
- Do a weekly sweep of what’s not serving you – physically or mentally
Don’t Do It Alone
- Join RV Facebook groups, apps like iOverlander or Campendium, and community forums
- Ask questions, share wins, and crowdsource solutions
Final Tip:
You don’t have to do this forever to make it count.
Even part – time RV life can teach you financial resilience, intentional spending, and how to create a life on your terms.
RV living isn’t a shortcut to easy street – but it can be a strategic path to greater financial freedom, simpler living, and deeper alignment with your values. Like any lifestyle shift, it comes with trade – offs. But with the right expectations and a clear budget, it’s possible to create a version of RV life that works for your goals – not just your Instagram feed.
Thinking about the RV lifestyle? Start by tracking your current housing costs – and compare them to your ideal mobile setup. Then, build a budget that supports your goals, not just your gas tank.