What it Really Costs (and How We Make It Work)
Living full-time in an RV with kids sounds dreamy ā the freedom, the adventure, the open road ā but letās be real: it takes serious budgeting to make it work long-term. In this post, Iām breaking down what our yearly RV budget looks like, what expenses surprised us most, and how we make every dollar count while still living a beautiful, memory-filled life.
š Our Realistic Monthly RV Budget
Before hitting the road, we had no idea how different RV living costs would be from our old life. Hereās what a typical month of RV living looks like for our family of two:
| Category | Monthly Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RV Park / Campground Fees | $600ā$1,000 | Varies by location; we mix free stays with full hookups |
| Gas / Diesel | $350ā$600 | Depends on how far we travel that month |
| Groceries & Food | $500ā$700 | We cook 90% of meals in the RV |
| Phone & Internet | $100ā$150 | Essential for working & homeschooling |
| RV Maintenance | $50ā$200 | Budget for oil changes, tires, and surprises |
| Insurance (RV & Health) | $300ā$450 | RV-specific and health coverage |
| Activities & Sightseeing | $100ā$200 | Many free options, but we splurge occasionally |
| Subscriptions / Apps | $25 | RV Trip Wizard, Disney+, Upside, etc. |
| Laundry | $30ā$50 | Laundromats or campground machines |
| Misc. / Kid Expenses | $100ā$200 | Toys, clothes, homeschool supplies |
š Hidden or Surprising Expenses
Even as a planner, Iāve been surprised by some costs:
- Propane costs sneak up in winter months.
- Repairs always take longer (and cost more) than expected.
- Good RV parks book out early, especially the affordable ones.
- Travel insurance or roadside assistance is a must-have.
- Amazon packages add up quickly ā itās easy to forget youāre still on a budget when youāre ācamping.ā
šø Money-Saving Tips That Help Us Stay on Track
These tips keep us from overspending while still living fully:
- Use apps like Upside for fuel savings.
- Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome = free overnight stays.
- America the Beautiful pass = cheap access to national parks.
- Walmart pickup & meal planning = lower grocery costs.
- Good Sam Club + Passport America = discounted campground stays.
- Digital libraries + local storytimes = free kid entertainment.
š©āš§ How We Make It Work as a One-Income Family
As a solo mom on the road, Iām often asked how we afford this lifestyle. Hereās what works for us:
- Freelance and remote work (writing, design, digital products).
- Blog income + affiliate marketing through Mom On Wheels.
- Selling digital downloads (like our RV planners!).
- Occasional brand collaborations through Instagram and Pinterest.
- Budgeting HARD ā every dollar has a job.
āØ The Bottom Line
RV life with kids isnāt always cheap ā but it is doable. With intention, planning, and a flexible mindset, you can absolutely live a meaningful, adventurous life on the road without breaking the bank. Weāve traded square footage for freedom, and Iād do it again in a heartbeat.
š¬ Have questions about RV budgeting or curious how we make it work on one income? Drop them in the comments or follow us on Instagram [@MomOnWheels2025] for behind-the-scenes tips from the road!
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