RV Cost Calculator Complete RV Ownership Cost Calculator
Planning to buy an RV? Get a complete picture of ownership costs including depreciation, insurance, maintenance, fuel, financing, camping, and storage expenses. Make informed decisions with accurate budget projections.
Quick Start: Select Your RV Type
Detailed Cost Calculator
Purchase & Financing
New: $50K-$500K
Typically 10-20%
Current: 4-8%
Typical: 10-15 years
Annual Operating Costs
Average: 8K-12K
Class A: 6-10
Current average
Typical: $1.5K-$4K
Fixed Annual Costs
Of RV value: 2-4%
Annual: 10-20%
$30-80/night avg
$50-200/month
Your Ownership Cost Breakdown
Quick Comparison Tools
Compare different RV options and scenarios
Compare Two RVs
RV vs. Hotel Break-Even
Calculate how long until your RV pays for itself compared to hotel stays
Use total annual cost from calculator above
Understanding RV Ownership Costs
A comprehensive breakdown of what you'll pay to own and operate an RV
Depreciation
Often the largest hidden cost of RV ownership. New RVs lose 20-30% of their value in the first year.
- • Year 1: 20-30% loss
- • Years 2-5: 15-20% annually
- • Years 6+: 10-15% annually
- • Buying used avoids initial hit
A $100K RV loses $20-30K in year one alone
Financing Costs
RV loans typically range from 10-20 years with rates between 4-8% depending on credit and market conditions.
- • Interest rates: 4-8%
- • Loan terms: 10-20 years
- • Down payment: 10-20% typical
- • Total interest can exceed 50% of purchase price
15-year loan at 6% = $51K interest on $100K loan
Insurance
RV insurance costs vary widely based on RV type, value, coverage level, and your driving record.
- • Typical: 2-4% of RV value/year
- • Full-timers need special coverage
- • Liability: $100-$300/year minimum
- • Comprehensive adds $500-$2,000+
Shop multiple insurers - rates vary by 30%+
Fuel Costs
One of the most variable costs depending on fuel prices, your RV's efficiency, and how much you travel.
- • Class A: 6-10 MPG ($0.40-$0.67/mile)
- • Class C: 8-14 MPG ($0.29-$0.50/mile)
- • Class B: 15-20 MPG ($0.20-$0.27/mile)
- • 10K miles = $2,000-$6,700/year
Use our Fuel Calculator for trip estimates
Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for RV longevity. Budget 3-5% of RV value annually for upkeep and repairs.
- • Oil changes: $150-$300/year
- • Tires (4-6): $200-$500 each
- • Brake service: $400-$800
- • Appliance repairs: $200-$1,000+
Emergency repairs can cost $1,000-$5,000+
Storage & Camping
Off-season storage plus campground fees can add thousands to your annual budget.
- • Outdoor storage: $50-$150/month
- • Covered storage: $100-$250/month
- • Campgrounds: $30-$80/night
- • Monthly RV parks: $400-$1,200
Boondocking (free camping) can save thousands
12 Ways to Reduce RV Ownership Costs
Smart strategies to minimize expenses without sacrificing your RV lifestyle
Buy Used
Let someone else take the 20-30% first-year depreciation hit. 2-3 year old RVs offer great value.
DIY Maintenance
Learn basic maintenance tasks. Oil changes, winterization, and minor repairs can save $1,000+/year.
Membership Programs
Harvest Hosts, Thousand Trails, and Passport America offer significant campground discounts.
Shop Insurance
Get quotes from 5+ providers. Rates vary by 30%+ for identical coverage. Reassess annually.
Boondock More
Free camping on BLM land, national forests, and Walmart lots can save $1,500-$3,000 annually.
Fuel Efficiency
Drive 55-60 MPH, maintain tire pressure, and reduce weight. Improve MPG by 10-20%.
Larger Down Payment
Put down 20%+ to reduce interest payments. On a $100K RV, this saves $10K+ over loan life.
Preventive Care
Regular maintenance prevents expensive repairs. A $200 service beats a $2,000 breakdown.
Solar Power
Reduce generator use and campground fees. Solar setup pays for itself in 2-4 years.
Stay Longer
Weekly/monthly rates save 20-40%. Less driving also reduces fuel and wear-and-tear.
Home Storage
Store at home if possible. Saves $600-$2,400/year compared to storage facilities.
Right-Size Your RV
Bigger isn't always better. Smaller RVs have lower costs across all categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average annual cost to own an RV?
The average annual cost ranges from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the RV type, usage, and financing. Class A motorhomes typically cost $20,000-$30,000 annually, while travel trailers may cost $8,000-$15,000. The largest costs are typically depreciation (15-20%), financing (if applicable), and insurance (2-4% of value).
How much does RV insurance cost?
RV insurance typically costs 2-4% of your RV's value annually. A $100,000 motorhome might cost $2,000-$4,000 per year to insure. Factors affecting cost include: RV type and age, coverage level (liability only vs. comprehensive), your driving record, location, and whether you're a full-timer. Shop multiple providers as rates vary significantly.
What maintenance costs should I expect?
Budget $1,500-$4,000 annually for maintenance. This includes: oil changes ($150-$300/year), tire replacements every 3-6 years ($800-$3,000), brake service ($400-$800), appliance repairs ($200-$1,000), weatherproofing and roof maintenance ($300-$600), and miscellaneous repairs. Older RVs and those used extensively will have higher costs. Emergency repairs can cost $1,000-$5,000 or more.
How does RV depreciation work?
New RVs depreciate rapidly: 20-30% in year one, 15-20% annually for years 2-5, and 10-15% annually thereafter. A $100,000 new RV is typically worth $70,000-$80,000 after one year, $50,000-$60,000 after three years, and $30,000-$40,000 after five years. Depreciation slows after 10 years. Buying a 2-3 year old used RV avoids the steepest depreciation.
Is it cheaper to RV or stay in hotels?
It depends on travel frequency. If you travel 30+ nights annually, an RV can be cost-effective. At $150/night, hotels cost $4,500 for 30 nights. An RV's annual cost of $15,000 breaks even at about 100 nights. However, RVs offer freedom, flexibility, and amenities hotels don't provide. Consider your travel style, frequency, and destinations when deciding.
Should I buy new or used?
Used RVs offer better value. A 2-3 year old RV has already lost 30-50% of its value but still has most of its useful life. You avoid the steep initial depreciation while getting a relatively modern RV. However, new RVs come with warranties, the latest features, and no hidden problems. If you can afford it and plan to keep the RV 10+ years, buying new can make sense. For most buyers, a well-maintained 2-5 year old RV is the sweet spot.
What are hidden RV ownership costs people forget?
Common forgotten costs include: registration and taxes ($200-$1,000+ annually), storage when not in use ($600-$3,000/year), campground memberships and fees, propane refills ($100-$300/year), dumping fees, winterization supplies, extended warranties, roadside assistance, upgraded towing equipment, and ongoing upgrades/improvements. Many new owners also underestimate maintenance and repair costs.
How much does it cost to fuel an RV?
Fuel costs depend on your RV type and mileage. Class A motorhomes (6-10 MPG) cost $0.40-$0.67 per mile. Class C (8-14 MPG) costs $0.29-$0.50 per mile. Class B camper vans (15-20 MPG) cost $0.20-$0.27 per mile. For 10,000 miles annually at $4/gallon, expect $2,000-$6,700 in fuel costs. Use our fuel calculator for specific trip estimates.
Ready to Calculate Your RV Costs?
Use our comprehensive calculator above to get accurate ownership cost estimates for your dream RV