RV Cost Calculator Full-Time RV Living Budget Calculator
Calculate your complete monthly expenses for the RV lifestyle
Real Cost of Full-Time RV Living
Most full-timers spend between $2,500-$5,000 per month depending on travel style, campground choices, and lifestyle preferences. Use this calculator to create YOUR personalized budget and see if full-time RV living fits your finances.
Housing & RV Costs
Combination of park types
Total camping: $1,200/mo
Housing Total: $2,370/mo
Transportation
RV Fuel: $380/mo
Transportation Total: $1,060/mo
Maintenance & Repairs
Oil, filters, general upkeep
$100/mo averaged
Maintenance Total: $400/mo
Utilities & Communications
Utilities Total: $270/mo
Food & Supplies
Food Total: $880/mo
Healthcare
Healthcare Total: $680/mo
Lifestyle & Recreation
Lifestyle Total: $440/mo
Personal & Miscellaneous
Personal Total: $360/mo
Savings & Emergency Fund
Savings Total: $900/mo
Your RV Living Budget Summary
Housing & RV Costs
32.2% of budget
$2,370
Transportation
14.4% of budget
$1,060
Maintenance & Repairs
5.4% of budget
$400
Utilities & Communications
3.7% of budget
$270
Food & Supplies
12.0% of budget
$880
Healthcare
9.2% of budget
$680
Lifestyle & Recreation
6.0% of budget
$440
Personal & Miscellaneous
4.9% of budget
$360
Savings & Emergency
12.2% of budget
$900
TOTAL MONTHLY BUDGET
$7,360
$88,320 annually
vs. Traditional Housing
Traditional Housing (estimated)
$3,000
Your RV Budget
$7,360
Additional Cost
$4,360
$52,320 per year
💡 Budget Tips for Full-Time RVers
🏕️ Campground Strategy
Mix free boondocking with paid parks to save $500-1000/month on camping fees.
⛽ Fuel Savings
Slow down! Stay 2-4 weeks per location to reduce fuel costs significantly.
🔧 Maintenance Budget
Set aside 10-15% of your budget for unexpected repairs. RVs need regular maintenance!
📱 Internet Options
Research multiple carriers or Starlink for reliable remote work connectivity.
Budget Breakdown
Understanding Full-Time RV Living Costs
Full-time RV living costs vary significantly based on your travel style, campground preferences, and lifestyle choices. While some full-timers live comfortably on $2,500/month, others may spend $5,000 or more for a more luxurious experience.
The biggest variables in your budget will be camping fees and fuel costs. Choosing to boondock (free camping) more often and staying in one location longer can dramatically reduce your expenses. Meanwhile, traveling frequently and staying at resort-style RV parks will increase costs but provide more amenities and convenience.
Don't forget to budget for unexpected repairs and maintenance. RVs require regular upkeep, and issues can arise at any time. Setting aside 10-15% of your budget for repairs and maintenance is a smart strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does full-time RV living really cost?
Most full-time RVers spend between $2,500-$5,000 per month, with an average around $3,500. Your actual costs depend on travel frequency, campground choices, whether you have an RV payment, and your lifestyle preferences.
Is RV living cheaper than traditional housing?
It can be, especially if you're strategic about campground choices and travel slowly. However, when you factor in maintenance, fuel, and campground fees, the savings may be less than expected. The real benefit is often lifestyle flexibility rather than pure cost savings.
What are the hidden costs of RV living?
Common hidden costs include tire replacements ($1,000-2,000 every few years), unexpected repairs, higher insurance rates, mail forwarding services, and the cost of replacing belongings that wear out faster from constant travel.
How can I reduce my RV living expenses?
Boondock more often, travel slower to reduce fuel costs, cook meals instead of dining out, use campground memberships (Passport America, Thousand Trails), maintain your RV regularly to prevent costly repairs, and consider workamping opportunities for free camping.
What about healthcare insurance for full-time RVers?
Healthcare is a major consideration. Options include ACA marketplace plans, health sharing ministries, or if eligible, Medicare. Many full-timers establish domicile in states with favorable insurance options like South Dakota, Texas, or Florida.
Budget Categories Explained
🏠 Housing & RV Costs
Includes RV payment, insurance, campground fees, hookup charges, propane, dump fees, and storage. This is typically your largest expense category at 30-40% of budget.
🚗 Transportation
RV fuel, tow vehicle costs, insurance, tolls, and parking fees. Fuel costs vary greatly based on travel frequency and fuel prices. Staying put longer saves significantly.
🔧 Maintenance & Repairs
Regular maintenance, unexpected repairs, and tire replacements. Budget 10-15% for this category as RVs require more maintenance than traditional homes.
📱 Utilities & Communications
Cell phone plans, internet (hotspot or Starlink), and streaming services. Reliable internet is crucial for remote workers and can cost $100-150/month.
🍽️ Food & Supplies
Groceries, dining out, and household supplies. Shopping at discount stores and cooking more can significantly reduce this category.
❤️ Healthcare
Health insurance, prescriptions, and medical expenses. This can be one of the most expensive categories, especially if you're not yet Medicare-eligible.
🎉 Lifestyle & Recreation
Entertainment, hobbies, pet care, and gym memberships. One of the joys of RV living is exploring new places—budget for activities and experiences.
💰 Savings & Emergency
Emergency fund contributions, retirement savings, and sinking funds for known future expenses. Essential for financial security on the road.
Money-Saving Strategies for Full-Time RVers
🏕️ Boondocking
Free camping on BLM land, national forests, or using apps like Campendium and FreeRoam can save $1,000+/month on campground fees.
🐢 Travel Slowly
Staying 2-4 weeks in one location dramatically reduces fuel costs and allows you to take advantage of monthly campground rates.
🎫 Memberships
Passport America, Thousand Trails, and Harvest Hosts memberships can provide 50% off camping or unique free camping opportunities.
👔 Workamping
Work at campgrounds, Amazon facilities, or other seasonal jobs in exchange for free camping and sometimes additional income.
🔧 DIY Maintenance
Learn to do basic maintenance and repairs yourself. YouTube and RV forums are excellent resources for DIY tutorials.
🍳 Cook More
Cooking meals in your RV instead of dining out can save $300-500/month. Meal planning and batch cooking are your friends.
Ready to Start Your RV Journey?
Use this calculator to plan your budget, adjust your expenses, and see if full-time RV living fits your financial goals. Remember, every RVer's budget is different—make it work for YOUR lifestyle and priorities.
💡 Pro Tip: Start with a trial period before committing to full-time RV living. Rent an RV for a month or two to test your budget assumptions and see if the lifestyle suits you.