One of the first questions people ask me about RV life is:

“How much does it actually cost to live full-time in an RV?”

The truth is, it depends on your lifestyle, where you park, and how often you travel. Some people do it super frugal, while others spend more than they would in a traditional home. But to give you a realistic idea, I’m breaking down our actual monthly expenses so you can see what it costs us to live on the road.

Our Monthly RV Living Costs

Lot Rent – 

$850

This is our biggest fixed expense. Lot rent is what we pay for our RV spot at a campground or RV park, and it usually includes hookups for water, sewer, and electricity. Prices vary a lot—some smaller parks can be $400, while resort-style spots near cities or beaches can be well over $1,500. For us, $850 is about average.

Internet – 

$150 (Starlink)

Since we work online, reliable internet is non-negotiable. We use Starlink, and it has been a total game-changer. At $150 a month, it’s pricier than a traditional home internet plan, but worth every penny. Campground Wi-Fi is usually spotty at best, but Starlink keeps us connected whether we’re parked in the mountains, the desert, or a quiet rural town. We can stream, take video calls, and run our business without worry.

Car & RV Insurance – 

$350

Insurance is a must when you live on the road full-time. Ours covers both our tow vehicle and our RV, giving us peace of mind while traveling. The cost is a little higher than a typical car-only policy, but it’s necessary for the lifestyle.

Propane – 

$75–$150

Propane powers our stove, oven, water heater, fridge (when off-grid), and furnace in the winter. The cost fluctuates with the seasons—around $75 in warmer months, but closer to $150 when we’re running the furnace regularly.

Other Expenses to Keep in Mind

While those are our main recurring bills, there are a few extras that vary month to month:

• Fuel: If we’re staying put, this is minimal. If we’re traveling often, it can add up quickly.
• Groceries: Pretty similar to what we’d spend in a traditional house, but we plan a little more carefully since RV storage is limited.
• Maintenance & Repairs: RVs are like tiny houses on wheels, and things break. We try to keep a cushion in the budget for those inevitable repairs.
• Fun & Adventures: Part of RV life is exploring! We budget for attractions, eating out, and local experiences wherever we travel.

So, What’s the Bottom Line?

On average, our core RV living expenses come out to around $1,425–$1,500 per month. That number doesn’t include groceries, fuel, or extras—but it gives a pretty realistic baseline for what it costs to live this lifestyle.

For us, the trade-off is worth it. We spend less than we would on a mortgage or high rent, and we gain the freedom to travel, explore, and build the life we want—without being tied to one place.

✨ RV living may not always be cheaper, but it gives you something a traditional home never will: freedom, adventure, and the chance to wake up somewhere new whenever you want.