FULL-TIME RV LIVING COSTS: How much does it REALLY cost to RV in 2024?

Discover the truth about full-time rv living costs and how much it really takes to embrace the nomadic lifestyle! 💰🚐 In this video, we're breaking down all the expenses you need to consider before hitting the road.

From the initial costs of purchasing and outfitting your RV to the ongoing expenses like fuel, campground fees, and maintenance, we're leaving no stone unturned. 🧐 We'll share real numbers from our own full-time RV living experience and provide tips for budgeting and saving money along the way.

We'll also discuss the often-overlooked costs that can catch new RVers off guard, like healthcare, insurance, and unexpected repairs. 🏥🔧 Plus, we'll share how we've learned to balance splurging on amazing experiences with being mindful of our spending.

But it's not all about pinching pennies! We'll also highlight the priceless benefits of RV living, like the freedom to explore new places, the ability to spend more time in nature, and the incredible community of fellow nomads. 🌄👥

Whether you're a seasoned RVer or just starting to research the lifestyle, this video will give you a comprehensive look at the financial realities of full-time RVing. 💸 We'll help you determine if it's the right choice for your budget and goals, and provide resources for further planning.

So grab a notepad and join us as we dive into the nitty-gritty of RV living costs! 📝 Don't forget to subscribe and share your own budgeting tips or questions in the comments below. 💬 Let's help each other navigate the financial side of this amazing adventure!

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👨‍⚖️ LIKE THERE'S NO TOMORROW- All Rights Reserved
*This channel for entertainment purposes only. We are not travel or RV experts. We share our opinions and what works for us, but you should do your own research and make your own decisions.

00:00 Introduction
03:30 Grocery Expenses
05:05 Eating Out
06:10 Fuel Expenses
11:53 Camping Fees
17:54 Repairs & Maintenance
19:39 Registrations
20:09 Insurance
21:02 Laundry
23:37 Internet
26:33 Entertainment
28:23 Memberships
35:14 Mail and Domicile
38:10 Total & How We Cut it in Half!

Tags: full-time rv living costs, rv living, rv life, full time rving, rv budget, rv expenses, cost of living in an rv, rv financing, rv tips, rv hacks, rv travel, rv lifestyle, rv camping, rv nomad, rv couple, rv family, rv living full time, rv living cheap, rv costs, rv finances, rv money, rv savings, rv financial freedom, rv cost of living, rv living on a budget

[PuddinTime]

This was the most transparent and honest look at a typical nomadic RV life. Normally I see these unrealistic and cheap type of videos that leave out a ton of their expenses to make it seem like it’s almost free. More things to consider is your depreciation of the RV itself. Won’t count your truck because it’s not like you would t have one anyhow, but for a house you will gain and an RV lose, so it’s something I would add in. Might be 10k a year or so for a 80-100k type or rig and 4-7k for a pull behind for instance.

[mikeweis]

This was very interesting and informative. We also detail all of our expenses. It’s shocking to see how our money is spent when I run monthly/annual reports. I would bargain that anyone criticizing your expenses probably does not detail their expenses and does not have a clue. Great video.

[SuperSushidog]

Everyone lives this lifestyle differently, so it's hard to compare expenses between FTers. We are old and retired, so I'm sure we eat less as we're more sedentary now. But that said, our grocery budget is about 1/3rd of yours, though we eat out a couple times a week on average, spending almost as much as we spend on groceries. We don't buy organic or gluten free anything, and we make it a game to shop for sales at Walmart and such. We eat a lot of rice, buying it by the 50lb bag, as this is out staple, saving us a ton vs $3-$5 a loaf bread, pastries and such. To be fair though, the West Coast can be spendy for both food and fuel, which is why we avoid California if we can. Sadly, we still have family and friends in Ventura and visits ain't cheap.

You're absolutely right in that fuel is a controllable expense. Just travel less and burn less. Like you guys, we move about every 2 weeks for most of the year and usually winter over in one place. We have a 1999 National Tropical Class A gasser that we drive about 6, 000 miles a year and a 30+ mpg toad so average around $3, 500-$4, 000/yr in gas for both. Propane cost us about $350 last year, but we'll be using less this year since we installed our 5, 000w solar system and high-efficiency heat pump. We now both heat and cool 24/7 with the sun. It will also cut our generator fuel to practically nothing, as now we just exercise it once a month.

We boondock most of the time, which keeps our RV site cost down to practically nothing. Solar really makes a difference, doesn't it? We're in NC now, visiting family where there's very little boondocking. However, we found an RV park that is letting us stay in the back of the park without hook-ups for only $100/mo., including water, dump and trash disposal. This is saving us $500/mo. off their regular rate. I haven't tracked it accurately, but I'm certain our campground, RV park, dump fees, laundry, etc. cost us under $1, 400 last year.

We are domiciled in Louisiana where the insurance is high, but registration low. The insurance on our 1999 Coach and 2006 Chevy Cobalt toad runs about $1, 000/yr. for both. Add another $109/yr. for our Escapee Roadside Assistance plan. Registration only costs $80 every 2 years for both MH and toad. We have a cheap $27/mo. cell phone plan, Our mailing service costs $120/yr. + postage and our internet access through FMCA is $65/mo. Repairs and maintenance are roughly the same as you spend, but we had a one-time expense this year for our huge solar system expansion that cost us about $6, 500, plus another $1, 500 for our EG-4 mini split heat pump. We already had about $3, 500 in solar/batteries but they have already paid for themselves many times over considering the amount of boondocking we do. Our new expanded system allows us to boondock even more in superior comfort, just like we are plugged into a power pedestal at an RV park. It also allows us more flexibility in the places and seasons we can stay.

I guess the bottom line is that we live this FT lifestyle traveling and living as we please for 1/3rd of what it used to cost us to live in our old S&B home.

[travelingwithtroyandrhoda]

Over the past 9 years of learning mode (7years) and full time (2years) I have seen the monthly range people share from under $1000/month to $15, 000/month. Under $1000 is boondocking 100%, no eating out, low grocery bill, not traveling often. On the other end is retired with lots o cash and eating out a lot, lost of adult beverages, lots of expensive entertainment, staying only in high end resorts, etc. Cost is a lot like a house in the sense that it is what you make it. Good video to share your experience and appreciate how open you were. Enjoying seeing your channel grow also!

[sissinoklahoma]

Thanks for the overview! When I calculate RV expenses, I only account for the things directly related to living on the road. While the way you did it is much more inclusive of most monthly expenses and probably a good resource for people in the planning stages. Its quite a service that people like you two provide to the rest of us, thank you for the "boots on the ground" view of life on the road.

[pollyburton]

I appreciate the information. I really hadn't thought about all of those expenses. It's a lot to think about, which is what anyone who is considering this life stile should be doing . It opened my eyes for sure. Not in a negative way, just in a wake of reality .

[bretpeterman]

Thank you for calculating the majority of expenses. You are being very realistic with budgeting.

[eschient]

I've been collecting these types of videos for several years. We're looking to retire early and hit the road full time in about 2 years to make up for all those vacations we never got to take. It's great to see how the expenses change and contrast between RVing styles - especially year to year for the same people as they learn new things and go from newbies to old hands. Thanks for taking the time to give us new data points!

[keithward]

Great video. Lots of good information and wonderful reality check for those that may be looking at going full time. Keep up the good work and safe travels.

[kelliespencer]

We are exploring the idea of becoming FT rv living. We are about two years out from being ready, so I’m beginning my research!

I just came across y’all’s channel today and I find your videos so helpful and insightful to new or potentially new rvers!

[MaherHannamagproperties]

Greatest video ever for newbie’s like myself. Thanks for the time you took to make this video.

[kathymocek]

One of the best expenses recap video’s out there, Thank you!

[alphadoom]

We moved into a home 4 years ago after saving a substantial amount for a down payment. We live in TX. The 2 years before that were spent in a 160 sqft Travel Trailer. We stayed in a park, ate out regularly, paid for kids college, AND saved the down payment for a 4bd/3ba home. It CAN be very cheap, but even on average, without much change to lifestyle, the cost of living in a RV full time is cheaper than the average "Jones's" consumerist lifestyle.

[wbmgr]

Nice job putting all that together. I would venture to say that most people have no idea what they are spending until they go through such an exercise. They’re probably just out there doing what they want and don’t have a clue. It sounds like you guys are having a blast. Keep on keeping on.

[cbow]

Thank you for all your time and hard work putting that together! It was a real eye opener.

[ljclapper]

Thanks! As a RV newbie (haven't even picked it up yet) this was so helpful!

[Thenordicchisel]

Thank you for the information as we are in the process of purchasing our dually and researching the best option fifth wheel for us ( leaning towards the Brinkley your thoughts). I have watch several of your videos now and love how you two are brutally honest about your start up mistakes. It’s very helpful and has helped me plan a lot of things I didn’t think about. The little tips with the credit card company’s and the rv apps are great and much appreciated. Thanks for the honesty

[VELOPERS]

I travel full time and "entire" budget is $2000 / mo. and travel to all the amazing places.

[Spenttheirinheritance]

Thanks for your info, I always like to see where we fall with our spending. We have been full time for 2 years. We have about the same categories, last year we spent $25, 660. ytd, so an average of $2140. per month. And like you I didn't add everything in, .... but for 2024 I'm going to put in every single penny we spend, gift, donate etc. And REALLY see our numbers. First time watching you. Safe travels.
Maryann

[michellearceneaux]

Thank you, much!!!! I cannot possibly convey how much I truly appreciate you doing this video!!! I'm about to head out, for the next year. While I will be RVing differently, this info was SUPER HELPFUL!!! I learned a lot, and have a better understanding on the reality, so I can make better choices.