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Before the pandemic, over 1 million people in America lived in an RV. That's quite a well-known fact, which you probably knew. But did you know that the number of full-tome RVers might go up significantly over the next few years?
Nearly 94 million Americans consider themselves campers. According to the North American Camping Report, nearly four in 10 campers have shown interest in full-time camping after the pandemic.
The cost of RV living is one of the main considerations for people who are thinking about making the switch. In this article, we'll outline some of the key cost considerations for full-time RV living.
Living in an RV Full-Time Cost
So, what's the cost of living in an RV?
The cost of living in an RV full-time can be very affordable. If you exclude things like healthcare costs, business expenses, and paying taxes, you can easily live in an RV for $2,000 per month.
Now, the cost of living in an RV depends on many factors, including:
- How much time you spend on the road: The cost of living in an RV full-time will be lower if you spend more time on the road. This is because you'll save on costs like campsite fees, gas, and vehicle maintenance.
- The size of your RV: Another huge factor is the sheer size of your RV. Obviously, a smaller RV will cost less to operate than a large one.
- How much stuff you have: The more stuff you have, the more costs you'll have for things like storage, maintenance, and repairs.
- Family members: How many people are living in your RV at the moment? If you have a family of four, your cost of living will be higher than if you're living alone.
- Where you live: Rural areas and big cities cost different amounts to live in. In general, living in an RV in a rural area will cost less than living in a big city.
These are just some of the main cost considerations for full-time RV living. Let's take a closer look at each of these factors.
The Cost of RV Living: What to Consider
When you're living in an RV full-time, there are a few key cost considerations to keep in mind. Here are some of the most important ones:
● Gas Costs
One of the biggest cost considerations for RV living is gas. If you're constantly on the move, you're going to be spending a lot of money on gas. With the gas prices skyrocketing in 2022, this might be the biggest cost consideration for full-time RVers.
● Campsite Fees
Another cost to consider is campsite fees. If you're living in an RV full-time, you're going to need a place to park your RV. Campsites can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200 per month. The price depends on the location, amenities, and length of stay.
● Food Costs
Food is another cost to consider when you're living in an RV full-time. Obviously, the cost of food will depend on how much you eat and where you buy your food. In general, you can expect to spend around $400 per month on food.
● RV Maintenance
RV maintenance is another cost to consider. RVs are expensive to maintain and repair. You can easily spend $100 per month on RV maintenance. Of course, if you're handy, you can do some of the maintenance yourself and save money.
● Vehicle Insurance
Another cost to consider is vehicle insurance. If you're living in an RV full-time, you're going to need to ensure your RV. Vehicle insurance can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 per year. The cost depends on the type of RV, the state you live in, and your driving record.
How to Start Living in an RV Full-Time
Now that we've looked at some of the cost considerations for full-time RV living, let's look at how to start living in an RV full-time. The first step is to figure out if RV living is right for you.
Are you the type of person who enjoys being on the move? Do you like exploring new places? If so, RV living might be a good fit for you.
The next step is to figure out how you're going to pay for your RV living expenses. There are a few options:
- You can save up money before you start living in an RV full-time. This is the best option if you have the time and patience.
- Another option is to finance your RV. This is a good option if you don't have the money to pay for an RV upfront.
- Renting an RV is another option. So if you're not sure if RV living is right for you. It's also a good option if you don't have the money to buy an RV outright.
How to Lower Your RV living Cost
There are a few ways you can lower your cost of living in an RV full-time. Here are some tips:
- Use coupons: Food can be a major cost, especially if you're living with your entire family. One way to save money is to use coupons. You can find coupons for everything from groceries to restaurant meals.
- Use a fuel-efficient RV: There are some RVs that are more fuel-efficient than others. If you're looking to save money on gas, you might want to consider buying a fuel-efficient RV. Sure, it’s going to cost you but consider it an investment for the future.
- Slow down: If you're constantly on the move, you're going to use a lot of gas. One way to save money is to slow down and stay in one place for a while. This will help you save on gas and campground fees.
- Join a membership club: There are some RV clubs that offer discounts on campground fees. If you're looking to save money on overbearing fees, you might want to join one of these clubs.
- Do your own repairs: If you're handy, you can save money by doing your own repairs. This is a great way to save money on RV maintenance.
The Bottom Line on RV Cost of Living
RV cost of living can be high if you're not careful. But if you follow some of the tips above, you can save money and enjoy full-time RV living. Do some research and figure out what cost considerations are important to you. Are you ready to hit the road?
