Breaking Down the Real Annual Costs of Full-time RVing
The full-time RVing dream is easy; It’s the budget that keeps most people parked in the driveway. You’ve got the motivation, follow-through, and all the route planning in spades. But will the numbers actually work within the scope of your vision? The good news is that there’s no single price tag attached to this lifestyle.
It’s completely subjective. So much depends on the expectations of your experience, and your ability to live by the financial choices you make. Here we will break down the real annual costs of life on the road- from campsites, insurance, maintenance and internet- to expenses that catch many RVers by surprise.
The dream will continue to inspire your journey. But understanding the numbers will get your vision on the road.
Fuel
This expense varies among RVers. First of all, what kind of rig are you driving? If you are in a large gas-powered Class A– you might be getting 6-8 miles per gallon. A travel trailer might average 10-15 miles, and a class B camper Van could get upwards of 20 mpg. Another huge variable in this expense is whether you are a slow or fast traveler. Are you traveling across the country and back more than once a year?
Or are you moving slower and staying in one place for 2-4 weeks? And don’t forget to factor in the gas you use exploring any given place once you’ve settled in. The cost of fuel is the third variable in this expense. In today’s political climate, that number is riding a steep roller coaster of unknowns.
Your annual fuel cost will be the miles you plan to travel in a year- divided by your MPG, multiplied by the average fuel price. The average cost for full-time RVers is between 3,000 and 6,000$ in fuel per year.
RV Insurance, Maintenance, and Repairs
Insurance costs will vary based on your rig’s value, age, domicile state, driving history- and whether you are full time or a recreational user. Full time, comprehensive coverage will likely fall in the 1200-3500$/year range. No matter how diligent you are with RV and Vehicle upkeep- things will wear out. The age of your rig and tow vehicle, how frequently you travel, and the willingness to tackle repairs yourself will all influence this category.
The average range here is: 1,500-8,000 annually. I know- these are wildly different numbers. While RV maintenance might be more stable from year to year, repairs are harder to pin down. But if you keep up with your maintenance, theoretically- your repairs will be on the lower end of the range.
Propane, Service, and Utilities
This number will depend on how many cell phone lines you have, your phone plan, signal boosters and satellite internet choices. The average cost is around 1200-4000$ annually. Propane powers many RV furnaces, water heaters, refrigerators, and stoves. Utility costs fluctuate based on climate, season, and campground policies. This is also a good place to insert gas for generator usage. The average cost here is 300-2500$ a year.
Memberships and Registration Fees
Memberships can save you a lot of money long term in campground and park entrance fees, and emergency towing fees. These fees average around 150-1500$/year. Registration fees vary depending on a variety of factors: are you registering one rig, or a tow vehicle as well? Some states are known for lower registration costs while others are considerably more per year. The type and value of your RV and tow vehicle also play a role in this expense. The average range for this annually is about 200-1500.
Miscellaneous is a category that I like to include ‘everything else’ that could come up. Postage fees, tolls, parking permits, ferry fees, laundry facilities, and so much more. This category will be different for every individual or family.
Campgrounds
Most RV budgets will include campgrounds under ‘General RV Expenses.’ But one of the biggest ways to save money on RV travel is to skip the campground all together. High campground fees can leave travelers questioning the price vs value, especially when priced at $175/ night to park an RV. Some may ask: shouldn’t I just get a nice hotel somewhere? It is a huge expense for full-time RVers and only appears to be rising in cost.
Boondocking is becoming increasingly accessible to the average RVer. Modern solar technologies are bringing the luxuries of campground life to off-grid living. If you can stomach the upfront cost of this technology- you can save anywhere from 40-200$ a night in campground fees. But for those of us that lack the technology, or desire, to live off grid, campground fees are a necessity. These can average anywhere from 9,000 to 15,000$/year. Ouch!
Personal Expenses
This is a different category altogether, including food, health insurance, clothes, credit card interest fees, and more. But some personal expenses may need to be shifted for this lifestyle. Health insurance might need tailoring if you foresee yourself in more dangerous situations. And sometimes high stress living can incur more doctor visits on the road.
If you plan to cover a lot of ground in little time, you may find yourself eating out more often. It can be hard to face a tiny kitchen with little energy left from a long drive. All these little financial tweaks require foresight and a realistic vision of what this lifestyle will require of you.
Realistic Expectations
Making a budget is really all about knowing yourself and being honest with your goals. Some families spend less on the road than maintaining a traditional home. Others spend considerably more chasing bucket-list destinations and resort-style amenities. The beauty of this life is its remarkable flexibility.
You can tailor the dream to fit the needs of your family and your budget. If you want this lifestyle to feel like a permanent vacation- expect to pay for it. But if your goal is to experience more, own less, and spend your time making vivid memories- there are countless ways to make that work.
Olivia de Soria