Full-time RV Life: Worth the Cost?

Full-time RV living can be cost-effective for some people, as it eliminates the need to pay for rent or a mortgage, and allows for the flexibility to explore different locations. Here are a few factors that can make RV living expenses cost-effective:

• Elimination of housing costs: One of the biggest expenses in life is housing, and by eliminating the need to pay for rent or a mortgage and property taxes, RVers can save a significant amount of money. We sold our “sticks and bricks” home within the first three months of full-time RV life.
• Boondocking: Boondocking refers to camping without hookups and it can be a great way to save money on camping fees. Many public lands, such as Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, National Forests, and state parks, allow boondocking, which can save RVers thousands of dollars per year. You can also “moochdock” with friends and relatives.
• Low maintenance cost: RVs are relatively low-maintenance, which means that they don’t require the same level of upkeep as a traditional home. This is especially true if you’re willing to put in a little simple labor.
• Fuel efficiency: Some RVs are more fuel-efficient than others, and choosing a smaller or more efficient RV can help to minimize fuel costs.
• Insurance and Registration: Some states offer lower registration and insurance costs for RVs, which can save RVers money. South Dakota, Texas, and Florida to name a few. To take advantage of this you would have to move your “domicile” to one of these states. We domicile in South Dakota which has saved us on registration, insurance, and taxes.
• Workamping: Workamping is a way of traveling and working at the same time. Some RVers work part-time jobs or volunteer in exchange for a free campsite, which can save them money on camping fees. In our case, Jim still has a full-time remote career.
• Cooking and eating at home: Eating out can be expensive, but cooking and eating at home can save RVers a lot of money. Many RVs come with kitchens, allowing you to cook your own meals. We cook in our RV often. It’s cheaper to buy groceries than go out to eat.
• Entertainment: RVing allows for a wide range of free and low-cost entertainment options, such as hiking, biking, and sightseeing. Using Starlink as our main source of internet (We have a cellular data plan as a backup.) we stream our favorite movies and shows.

It’s not always cost effective:

While full-time RV living can be a cost-effective lifestyle choice, there are certain factors that can make RV living less cost-effective, such as:

• Upkeep and Maintenance: RVs require regular maintenance and repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming. This includes things like replacing tires, brakes, and other mechanical parts, as well as regular cleaning and detailing to keep the interior in good condition. While this is listed as a pro above it can also be a con depending on your type of RV and how much you travel.
• Fuel and Towing costs: If you’re towing a vehicle behind your RV, you’ll need to factor in the cost of fuel and the added wear and tear on your vehicle. Additionally, if you’re driving a larger or less fuel-efficient RV, your fuel costs will be higher. There are ways to save money on fuel. We have the TSD card for diesel which allows us to get diesel at the truck stop lanes ad discounts from $0 to over $1 per gallon. We’ll write a post about this in the future.
• Campground and RV Park Fees: While boondocking can save money on camping fees, it’s not always possible or desirable to do so. RV parks and campgrounds can be expensive, especially in popular tourist areas, and you’ll need to factor in the cost of hookups and amenities like showers and laundry facilities. We have a deeded RV lot in AZ for winter stays which saves a lot. We also have a Thousand Trails membership and “moochdock” with family and friends for several months each year.
• Insurance and Registration: RV insurance and registration can be costly, especially if you’re driving a high-end or luxury RV. Additionally, if you’re domiciling in different states, you’ll need to factor in the cost of registration and license fees in those states.
• Health and Medical: Full-time RV living can put stress on your health and you may need to factor in the cost of health insurance and medical expenses. This can be particularly true for older RVers or those with preexisting conditions. At this point in our RV lifestyle we’re fortunate that Jim’s job provides health insurance coverage.
• Food and Entertainment: While RVing can save money on housing costs, it can also lead to increased costs for food and entertainment, as you’ll need to eat out more often and may find yourself spending more on activities and attractions while on the road.

It’s important to keep in mind that every person’s situation is different, and the cost-effectiveness of RV living will vary depending on individual circumstances. Careful budgeting and planning can help to minimize the costs of RV living and make it a more cost-effective lifestyle choice.

Read about our summer road trip in a 5th wheel from NY to OR. To read more about budgeting for full-time RV life see 15 Tips For Full Time RV Living On A