What Should I Factor in As I Budget for Living in an RV Full Time?

What Should I Factor in As I Budget for Living in an RV Full Time

Living in an RV has the potential to be your most affordable lifestyle yet, but it still requires planning and budgeting to make the most of your resources. Whether you're moving into an RV full time for the financial benefits, of you just want to be smart with your resources and prioritize a budget-friendly RV lifestyle, we can help you take into consideration the expenses you'll have as a full time RVer.

Your RV Costs

Not all RVs will come with the same costs. The rig you choose, and the way you finance it, will make all the difference. Your monthly cost will be made up of the RV loan payment (if you're not buying one outright), RV insurance, and the registration and taxes. Regular maintenance is also a part of this, but it's not usually a predictable monthly expense

You may also want to look into extended warranties for added peace of mind when you're on the road. These can vary in cost depending on your coverage, but are worth exploring if you want to avoid a costly and unpleasant surprise.

Campground and RV Park Fees

Part of the joy of living in an RV is saying goodbye to paying rent, but you'll still be paying rent in a way unless you plan on boondocking all the time. Your camping style and where you decide to stay can drastically change your monthly costs, so it's essential to pay attention to this as you plan your travel.

Many full-timers choose to stay in one place for a full month to maximize savings. You can also pay nightly in most RV resorts and state or national parks. Seasoned full time RVers like to plan their stays out at least a month at a time so the cost can be anticipated and more expensive campgrounds can be spread out rather than being paid for back to back.

Fuel and Travel

RV life means you're taking your home on the road, so fuel is a key line item. Your fuel costs will vary widely depending on how far you plan to drive between destinations and the details of your rig. If you have a trailer and can drive your truck without towing to explore in town, you'll save a bit on fuel compared to an RV you need to take with you everywhere you go. Calculate the average MPG of your setup to get an idea of what you can expect for each leg of the trip.

Utilities

As you budget for living in an RV full time, you need to think about utilities.

You won't have your utility bills coming to the mailbox anymore, but there are still ongoing expenses to consider. Even off-grid, you still need to power your life. Plan for:

Propane (for cooking and heating): ~$30–$60/month
Electricity (sometimes included in park fees)
Water & Sewer Dumping (usually included, but not always)
Laundry: $10–$30/month
Internet/Phone: $75–$150/month
Mail forwarding service: $10–$25/month

Finding a Semi-Permanent Location

Travel and exploration is half the fun of living in an RV, but sometimes it's nice to settle in one location for a bit. This can be a budget-friendly choice (eliminating the need for fuel and sometimes costing less in park fees) and also allows you to rest, connect with other RVers, and plan for the next location.

If you're planning a stop in the Dallas area, we would love to host you at Southern Bell RV Park. Guests at our park enjoy a long list of amenities, including:

Fenced dog park
Wash house
Fire pits
Picnic areas
On site laundry
Vending machines
On site management
Pet friendly animals on site

Between amenities and one of the friendliest staffs you'll meet, it's easy to make yourself at home. Check our availability any time to book your stay!

The beauty of RV life is that it’s flexible—you can scale your lifestyle up or down to match your budget. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a digital nomad on the move, planning ahead helps you focus on the adventure instead of unexpected costs.