Ever wondered how much it really costs to live full-time in an RV? Whether you’re dreaming of hitting the road with your family or are already in the planning phase, understanding the true expenses behind the RV lifestyle can help you budget realistically—and avoid surprises.
We’re a full-time RV family living in a 2025 Brinkley 3610 fifth wheel, pulled by our trusty Ford F-450. Along with our 8-year-old son and our miniature Aussiedoodle, we’ve been traveling the U.S. and documenting our adventures. Below, we’ll break down the real costs of RV living and everything that goes into it.
Monthly Breakdown of Our Full-Time RV Living Costs (as of 2025):
| Category | Estimated Average Monthly Cost |
| RV Payment | No payment – $1,500 |
| Truck Payment | No Payment – $1,200 |
| Campsites/RV Parks | $300 – $1,500 |
| Fuel (Diesel) | $100 – $800 |
| Internet & Cell Plans | $50 – $450 |
| Insurance (RV + Truck) | $100 – $600 |
| Maintenance/Repairs | $100 – $700 |
| Food & Dining | $400 – $1,200 |
| Entertainment | $50 – $1,500 |
| Subscriptions/Apps | $30 – $150 |
| Miscellaneous | $200 – $400 |
| Estimated Total | $1,330 – $7,300 |
Your personal total will depend on several key factors, which we’ll dive into next.
What Impacts the Cost of RV Living?
1. Type of RV You Choose
The kind of RV you live in dramatically affects both your upfront and monthly costs. Here’s a quick comparison:
🚌 Class A Motorhomes
- Large and luxurious, built on a bus chassis.
- Price Range (New): $150,000 – $500,000+
- Great for those wanting max comfort, but come with high fuel and maintenance costs.
🚐 Class B Vans (Camper Vans)
- Compact and nimble, great for solo travelers or couples.
- Price Range (New): $80,000 – $200,000
- Lower fuel costs, easier parking, but limited space.
🚍 Class C Motorhomes
- Mid-size with sleeping over the cab.
- Price Range (New): $90,000 – $450,000
- Good balance of space and drivability.
🚛 Fifth Wheels (like ours)
- Towed by a heavy-duty truck; large living space.
- Price Range (New): $45,000 – $200,000+
- Requires a tow vehicle (another big cost), but you can detach and explore in the truck.
🛻 Travel Trailers
- More affordable and can be towed by a truck or SUV.
- Price Range (New): $20,000 – $80,000
- Great budget option but may lack some high-end features.
Buying new often means a higher monthly payment but peace of mind through warranties. For example, our Brinkley 3610 came with a manufacturer warranty, which has already saved us money on early fixes.
If you go used, you might save up front—but be ready for surprise maintenance costs without coverage.
2. Campsites, RV Parks, and Where You Stay
Where you choose to park your rig is one of the biggest monthly variables.
🏝️ RV Resorts ($60 – $120/night)
- Full hookups, paved pads, laundry, pools, playgrounds, dog parks, and more.
- Great for families and long-term stays, with weekly and monthly discounts.
🏕️ Mid-Range RV Parks ($30 – $60/night)
- Most have full hookups, basic amenities, and good locations.
- Often family-owned and quieter than big resorts.
🌲 Boondocking / Dry Camping (Free – $20/night)
- No hookups, usually on public land (BLM, national forests, etc.).
- Great for adventure lovers and budget-conscious RVers.
- You’ll need solar or a generator and good water conservation habits.
🛠️ Monthly Stays and Memberships
- Many RV parks offer monthly rates ($500–$1,200/month).
- Consider memberships like Thousand Trails, Passport America, or Harvest Hosts to save long-term.
We rotate between luxury resorts for family-friendly amenities and cheaper parks or boondocking to balance the budget.
3. Internet and Cell Service
This is critical for remote work, schooling, or streaming. Here’s our typical setup:
🔌 Internet We Use:
- Starlink RV: $150/month for high-speed satellite internet. Great in remote areas.
- T-Mobile 5G Home Internet: $50–$70/month. Excellent in urban and suburban zones.
- Cellular Hotspot Plan (Verizon): $80–$120/month for backup or while driving.
Some RV parks offer free Wi-Fi, but it’s usually too slow or unreliable for work. Expect to invest in multiple plans and devices if you need consistent connectivity.
4. Maintenance and Repairs
Maintenance is a cost many new RVers underestimate. Here’s what we’ve learned:
Routine Maintenance Includes:
- Roof resealing
- Tire checks/replacements
- Slide and seal lubrication
- Bearing repacking (for trailers)
- Water heater and A/C servicing
Estimated Monthly Budget: $100 – $300, even if nothing goes wrong that month.
Unexpected Repairs:
- Water leaks, electrical issues, brake failures, and appliance breakdowns can pop up anytime.
- If you’re not under warranty, these fixes can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
Warranty Tip:
If buying new, take advantage of the warranty window to get things fixed early. We’ve had several issues handled under warranty, saving us over $2,000 in the first year alone.
With a used RV, consider third-party warranty coverage—or budget more heavily for potential repairs.
Family Life on the Road
Traveling full-time with our 8-year-old has been one of the most rewarding (and sometimes challenging) parts of RV life. Homeschooling on the road, finding kid-friendly stops, and creating routines have all taken time to figure out.
We’ve learned to plan around our son’s interests—like finding parks with playgrounds, museums with science exhibits, and activities that let him learn by doing. The flexibility of RV life means history lessons can happen at Gettysburg, and science class might take place under the stars in Utah.
Our dog loves the travel days and the new smells at every stop. It truly feels like home on wheels—for all of us.
What We Wish We Knew Before Going Full-Time
Hindsight is 20/20. Here are a few things we wish we had known:
- Budget extra for the first year. There will be unexpected costs.
- Test your setup before launching. A short “shakedown trip” can help identify issues.
- Internet is everything. Don’t skimp on this if you work or homeschool.
- Everything moves. Secure it before you drive—or you’ll learn the hard way.
- Stay flexible. RV life rarely goes as planned. That’s part of the magic.
Despite the learning curves, we wouldn’t trade this lifestyle for anything. It’s opened our eyes to what matters most: time together, freedom, and the joy of discovery.
Final Thoughts
Full-time RV living can be more affordable—or more expensive—than a traditional lifestyle, depending on your setup and choices.
Whether you’re in a $40,000 used travel trailer or a $200,000 fifth wheel like ours, being prepared for the full scope of expenses helps make the journey smoother.
For us, the freedom, family time, and experiences are worth every penny. Read our full-time RV living guide!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is it cheaper to live in an RV full-time than in a house?
A: It can be, but it depends on your lifestyle. RV living eliminates mortgage or rent, but adds costs like fuel, campground fees, and maintenance. Being frugal and boondocking can make it cheaper than traditional housing.
Q: How do you get mail while traveling full-time?
A: Many RVers use mail forwarding services like Escapees, Traveling Mailbox, or a family member’s address. We use a mail service that scans important letters and forwards packages to wherever we’re staying.
Q: What do you do about healthcare on the road?
A: We use a nationwide health insurance plan and telehealth services. Urgent care clinics and walk-in appointments are easy to find in most towns.
Q: How do you find places to stay overnight?
A: We use apps like Campendium, RV Life, Harvest Hosts, and Google Maps reviews to find safe and affordable places. Some nights, we book resorts ahead; other times, we wing it and find last-minute boondocking spots.
Q: What’s the best RV for full-time families?
A: It depends on your space needs and towing preferences. Fifth wheels offer lots of room and residential-style living, but motorhomes are more mobile. We chose a Brinkley 3610 fifth wheel for its space and features.
Q: Can you work full-time while living in an RV?
A: Absolutely. Many full-timers work remotely. You’ll just need solid internet (Starlink or a good cellular setup) and a quiet workspace.
