Full-time RVing has become a huge trend in the last couple of years, mostly thanks to social media influencers taking the road-warrior lifestyle to a whole new level. But many people who hastily jumped into full time RV living found it more distressing than enjoyable, and we don’t want you to go through that! So, how much does full time RV living cost in 2022? And is it the right choice for you?
Let’s find out!
How Much Do RVs Cost
Assuming you don’t currently own an RV, the first cost on your plate would be purchasing an RV. Understand that not all RVs are made the same. On average, a regular used RV could range from 20K to 70K. The price varies significantly based on the classification, mileage, and overall condition of the RV.
To break the price down further:
- A Class A RV could cost 50K to 200K and up, and is the hardcore option for experienced full time RVers.
- A Class B motorhome are usually about 40K, but can go up much higher if you’re buying new. They are sometimes just ad capable as a Class A under normal circumstances and are preferred by many RVers.
- A Class C RV, also the most commonly-purchased RVs, can sometimes be as affordable as 15K. Generally, they stay below 40K if you’re buying used.
Of course, there are luxury RVs that are definitely fun to look at, but the price instantly go up and could reach the dumbfounding half a million mark in some extreme cases. In the end, you should look for an RV that’s affordable, in good condition, and meet most of your needs.
How Much Does It Cost to Renovate an RV
RV remodeling prices could vary depending on various factors, including floor plans, custom furniture, interior decors and accessories, appliances, and additional functions needed. Typically, a few thousand dollars should be more than enough to renovate a used RV.
What Affects your RV Living Cost
Now that we’ve had the basics sorted out, you should have a drivable RV. Then, we can finally talk about how much the real full time RV living cost is, based on 2022 numbers. Generally speaking, people can live comfortably on a 3-4000 monthly budget if full time RVing, but some have been living on less than 2K a month and still doing fine.
To summarize, the following items will impact your living cost most significantly:
- Gas cost
- Repairs and maintenance
- RV Insurance
- Utility cost
- Groceries & other household necessities
- Campsite cost
- Entertainment
Therefore, grab your notepad and start jotting down some numbers. This will help you understand if going full time road warrior is even doable for you.
Gas and Fuel
We don’t need to remind you how much the gas price has gone up. Currently, the national gas average is $4.32 per gallon. Along the west coast, gas could be over $7.00 per gallon, whereas many places in the Midwest are still sticking to a cost below $4.00.
Either way, now really is the time to rethink how much your gas will be, and factor it into your 2022 full time RV living cost. This will also help you plan your travel routes, since the gas prices are affected by many elements and could fluctuate drastically throughout the year.
Repairs and Maintenance
Regular maintenance is definitely a main piece behind the cost of RVing. Most part-time
RV Insurance
Having proper coverage for your RV is the responsible thing to do for yourself, your family, and everyone else on the road. Luckily, getting your RV insured isn’t as difficult as you may think. On average, RV insurance is somewhere around $1500.
Most major insurance companies provide RV insurance with full coverage. So, give your agent a call and you should be good to go - unless you plan on using your RV as an office or storefront, then you’ll need to look into the business insurance options.
Utility Cost
Utility cost is another thing that could skyrocket the bill. The less need you have for lighting, heating, etc., the lower your utility bill would be. The two major utility spending for RVers would be electricity and heating. So, think about how you’d save money living in a house — many of those methods work for RVs too.
Groceries & Life Necessities
Most average U.S. households spend somewhere around $400 a month on groceries. If you’re traveling alone or just with a partner, that cost could be significantly lowered. There are also other ways to save on groceries, such as adjusting your diet, meal prepping. You can even build a small indoor garden out of your RV.
Campsite Cost
The next cost on the full time RV living cost list is campsite costs. The average RV park rates is about $38 per night, whereas public campgrounds would be a bit cheaper. Depending on where you are, there may be some additional charges.
As a result, many people have learned to find free spots to spend the night, known as dispersed camping. Dispersed camping is also a great way to find undiscovered wonders along the way. However, we don’t recommend doing so unless you’re comfortable and knowledgeable about camping and the outdoors.
Entertainment
Finally, if you’re traveling, you better be having some fun! Therefore, don’t forget to budget for entertainment.
Entertainment costs could vary depending on your lifestyle. It may be as basic as internet and streaming services, or as extravagant as private tours. If you like to party, bars and restaurants would definitely be the main piece on your expense list.
In the end, it’s about being smart with how you live and save while still having a good time.
Is Full Time RV-ing the Right Choice For You?
If you’ve followed this guide and wrote out a monthly living cost estimate, now is the time to ask yourself the realistic question: is this the right thing to do?
If you listen closely to full time RVers sharing their RV living tips with people looking in from the outside, you might hear things that aren’t delightful and exciting at all. Often, it’s not about the living cost, but other things that come along with the nomad lifestyle.
Therefore, speak to people who’re experienced and consult families and friends. Understand what to expect before jumping into a major lifestyle change. Even if you do move forward with the road warrior path, you’ll still find the transition smoother if you did your research and prepared yourself ahead of time.
Featured Image Credit: Unsplash
