The Ultimate Guide to Building an RV Living Budget

You know this feeling right? Its the 1st of the month and the rent’s due again. Maybe it's time to stop paying this expense. You could just get a Campervan or an RV, and hit the road. Freedom, adventure, and a lower cost of living? Sounds great but here’s the catch: The RV life can look like an Instagram highlight reel, it’s also a lifestyle that requires serious budgeting. Without a solid plan, that dream can turn into a financial nightmare faster than you can say “I’m not renewing the lease”

This guide is here to help you keep things on track. From figuring out how much you’ll spend on gas and campsites to those sneaky little costs you didn’t even think about (like, seriously, why does laundry cost so much on the road?), we’ve got you covered. Let’s break it all down so you can stay focused on the good stuff—like chasing sunsets and finding the best roadside diners.

Estimate Your Monthly Expenses

Everyone living in a vehicle will have some core expenses. Fuel, Food, Maintenance and Repairs, Insurance, Overnights, Cell Phone, Internet, and Entertainment. The beginning of a budget starts here.

Fuel Costs

• What You Need to Know: Fuel is going to be one of your biggest expenses. Your costs depend on how far you drive, how many mpg your vehicle gets , and where you’re filling up
• Pro Tip: Download Upside or a similar app to track down cheaper fuel options. Trust me, every penny counts.
• Example: Figure out how much you plan to drive every month. (its always better to overestimate) If your RV gets 10 mpg, and you’re driving 1,000 miles a month with gas at $4 per gallon, you’re looking at $400. It’s manageable if you plan ahead.

Campground and Overnight Fees

• What You Need to Know: Where you park your RV makes a huge difference. State Parks? Sometimes as low as $15. Fancy RV resorts? They’ll cost you $50+ a night or more. Hotels easily $100+ in many areas. Boondocking on public land? It’s totally free, but you’ll need to be self-sufficient.
• Pro Tip: Mix it up! Do a little luxury campground splurge here and there, but lean on boondocking to save cash. Sign up for Harvest Host for information on free and reduced RV Parking all over the country. Also check out our article on free campsites in the US.
• Example: Budget $300-$600 per month, depending on your needs.

Maintenance and Repairs

• What You Need to Know: Stuff will break. It’s not an “if” but a “when.” Tires, plumbing, and those random squeaks you hear at 3 a.m. It all adds up. To be successful in RV you have to save for unexpected repairs.
• Pro Tip: Set aside a repair fund—it’s like a piggy bank for when the RV gods aren’t smiling on you. You can hold this in an interest bearing savings account for a double benefit. Complete
• Example: Put away $200-300 a month for maintenance and surprises.

Vehicle Insurance

• What You Need to Know: Insurance isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential. Costs vary depending on your RV, how often you use it, and the level of coverage.
• Pro Tip: Shop around and compare quotes. Make sure to pay attention to levels of coverage and what’s included.
• Example: Expect to spend $50-$150 a month.

Utilities

• What You Need to Know: Utilities like propane, electricity, and water can sneak up on you. Some campgrounds include them but make sure to specify between full, partial, and no hook up sites when booking.
• Pro Tip: Keep tabs on your usage. Propane is surprisingly affordable, but long showers will cost you if you’re hooked up.
• Example: Plan for $50-$100 a month.

Food

• What You Need to Know: Eating out every day? Your wallet will hate you. Cooking in your RV? Much friendlier on the budget.
• Pro Tip: Stock up on staples like rice, beans, and pasta, and hit local farmers' markets for fresh produce. Beware some full time RV’ers have reported spending over $1000 in a month in food. Cooking at home will drastically reduce this.
• Example: Budget $300-$600 a month but this can vary widely.

Internet and Phone

• What You Need to Know: Reliable internet is a must if you’re working remotely or bingeing Netflix. Data plans and mobile hotspots will be your best friends.
• Pro Tip: Starlink is generally the most reliable internet available for full time travelers and remote workers. Especially in remote areas.
• Example: Set aside $100-$200 a month.

Entertainment

• What You Need to Know: From national parks to local breweries, there’s plenty to do without spending a fortune.
• Pro Tip: Get a National Park Pass—it’s $80 a year and totally worth it if you love the outdoors.
• Example: Budget $50-$150 a month.

Miscellaneous Costs

• What You Need to Know: Little things add up. Think laundry, pet care, dump fees, tank treatments, subscriptions, household items.
• Pro Tip: Keep a “misc” line in your budget to avoid surprises.
• Example: Budget $100-300 per month.

How much are current full time RV’ers spending per month? This of course can vary greatly depending on your lifestyle. We recently averaged the monthly budget from 25 popular RV life youtubers. We found monthly expenses generally ranged from $2,466 to $4,706 per month.

This lifestyle requires a lot of upfront costs (purchasing a RV, registration, insurance safety gear, living essentials, storage and more . Because of this it may be better to consider renting an RV first to see if you like the life. Check out our friends at RV Share and Outdoorsy for some great RV rentals.

With the right approach to budgeting RV life can be an incredibly rewarding lifestyle. Are you considering it? Let us know in the comments the biggest thing holding you back.