Introduction
The cost of living in the United States can vary significantly depending on your location and lifestyle choices. As housing prices continue to rise across the country, more and more Americans are considering alternative living arrangements in RVs and motorhomes as a way to dramatically reduce housing expenses.
Full-time recreational vehicle (RV) living has become an increasingly popular option for those looking to explore the open road while spending less on housing each month. An RV lifestyle provides mobility, flexibility, and freedom. But is it actually cheaper to live full-time in an RV versus a traditional house?
This article will analyze the average monthly costs associated with RV living versus living in a fixed home. We’ll look at factors like RV payments, maintenance, insurance, campsite fees, and more that contribute to the overall affordability of living on wheels. Pros and cons of RV living will also be explored.
Average Monthly Cost – House
The average monthly cost of living in a house in the US ranges from about $1200-$1500 per month. The largest portion of this monthly housing cost is typically the mortgage payment, which averages around $1200-$1500 on its own for most homeowners.
Of course, housing costs can vary dramatically depending on the size of the home, location, real estate taxes, homeowner’s insurance rates, and other factors. But for a typical single family home in the US, expect to budget $1200-$1500 per month or more just for the housing itself. This doesn’t include utilities like electricity, gas, water, internet, etc.
While real estate markets fluctuate, it’s safe to assume your mortgage or rent payment will be the biggest line item when it comes to the cost of living in a traditional house. The national median existing single-family home price is around $320,000, meaning a 20% down payment of $64,000 and 30-year mortgage with 4% interest would result in a monthly payment of about $1,300. And that’s not even counting property taxes and insurance!
So when looking at the average monthly cost to live in a house in America, be prepared to allocate $1200-$1500 or more just for the housing costs alone. Of course there are ways to reduce this, like opting for a smaller home or less expensive area. But for a typical family home, expect the monthly housing budget to be in the range of $1200-$1500 on average.
Average Monthly Cost – RV
Living in an RV typically costs between $1500-$3000 per month, depending on your lifestyle choices. The main expenses for RV living include:
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RV payments – If you finance your RV purchase, expect monthly payments similar to a car loan. New RVs can cost $75,000 or more, so payments may be $500/month or higher.
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Maintenance & repairs – RVs need regular maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, generator service, etc. Repairs like appliance issues or water leaks can add up fast. Allow $200-300/month.
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Campground fees – Expect to pay $500-1200/month for campsite rentals, depending on location and amenities. State parks and BLM land are budget options.
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Fuel costs – With an RV’s low gas mileage, plan for $300-500 in fuel costs monthly. Frequent moves increase costs.
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Insurance – RV insurance averages $100-$300/month depending on your rig, driving history, etc.
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Propane – If your RV uses propane for appliances/heat, budget $30-60/month.
Your lifestyle and choices impact your costs significantly. Eating out more, taking part in activities, driving greater distances all drive up your monthly expenses. RV living can be very budget-friendly or quite lavish depending on your style.
Pros of RV Living
One of the biggest advantages of RV living is the increased mobility and flexibility it offers. With an RV, you can easily relocate to a new area without the hassle and expense of selling a traditional house. RVers have the freedom to travel around the country, spending time in their favorite places or following job opportunities. The RV lifestyle also allows for schedule flexibility, as you don’t have to take vacation time to travel – your home rolls right along with you!
In addition to flexibility, RV living has the potential for significant cost savings compared to traditional housing. By eliminating mortgage or rent payments, property taxes, and utilities, many RVers reduce their monthly housing costs substantially. The savings allow more disposable income for retirement accounts or pursuing hobbies and experiences. However, RVers do incur maintenance, fuel, insurance, and campsite costs, so the potential savings depend greatly on the individual’s lifestyle and spending habits. Cost of living also varies dramatically across different regions in the US.
RV living can also appeal to those looking to simplify their lifestyle. Living in a tiny mobile space encourages minimizing possessions and focusing more on experiences. Without a house to maintain, RVers can spend less time on cleaning and upkeep. The compact RV kitchens also lend themselves to cooking simple fresh meals versus elaborate affairs.
Finally, many RVers cite the sense of community as a major perk of the lifestyle. RVers become familiar faces at campgrounds and gatherings, forging friendships and support networks across the country. Seasoned RVers pay it forward by helping newcomers adjust to life on the road. The shared love of travel bonds the RV community together.
Cons of RV Living
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Limited space: One of the biggest cons of RV living is the confined space. RVs are significantly smaller than traditional houses. Families and couples can start to feel cramped, especially after spending extended time inside during bad weather. The tight quarters can make it challenging to find alone time or get proper separation between work and living spaces.
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Maintenance and repair costs: Maintaining an RV usually costs more than a house. RVs need regular maintenance like oil changes, generator tune-ups, tire rotations, and roof resealing. Things also tend to break more frequently in RVs than houses. Replacing appliances, fixing leaks, and repairing slide-outs can get expensive with parts and labor.
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Isolation: RV living can get lonely at times, especially for solo travelers. Since RVs are constantly moving, it can be hard to put down roots and establish a community and network of friends. Long stretches alone on the road between destinations can cause some RV owners to feel isolated.
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Lack of stability: For those looking to settle down in one spot long-term, RV living may not be suitable. Finding affordable campsites for extended stays can be tricky. RVs don’t provide the same stability and permanence as a fixed home. Changing views and new locations are exciting at first but can get tiring after awhile. The transient lifestyle also makes things like enrolling kids in local schools more difficult.
Must-Haves for RV Living
Living in an RV requires some special gear and equipment to handle life on the road. Having the right supplies on hand makes RV living much easier and more comfortable. Here are some of the must-have items for RV living:
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Portable Power Station: An essential for powering and charging devices when not connected to shore power. Look for one with a large capacity battery that can be recharged via solar panels or the RV alternator while driving.
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Water Filter: Filtering your fresh water supply removes contaminants and improves taste. Under sink and whole RV filters are popular options.
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Sewer Hose: Choose a durable, kink-resistant sewer hose long enough to reach dump stations. Use stabilizers to prevent leaks.
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Leveling Blocks: Leveling your RV prevents appliances from malfunctioning and keeps you comfortable. Sturdy leveling blocks lift and support wheels.
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Propane Tanks: Propane powers appliances like stoves, ovens, and furnaces. Have full spare tanks on hand for extended stays off-grid.
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Solar Panels: Reload batteries using the sun. Foldable solar panels can be set up at your site.
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First Aid Kit: Be prepared for minor injuries and ailments with a well-stocked first aid kit designed for RVs.
Having the right gear makes RV living more convenient. Invest in quality equipment to handle power, water, sewage, and other essentials when on the road.
Is RV Living Safe?
Living in an RV full-time can absolutely be safe with the proper precautions in place. As with any home, an RV requires regular maintenance and repairs to ensure appliances, plumbing, electrical systems, and other components are in good working order. It’s critical to stay on top of any issues to prevent potentially dangerous situations.
Choosing safe locations to park and camp overnight or longer-term is also important. Opt for RV parks with security features, well-lit areas, and emergency access. Avoid parking in isolated areas or places where your RV could be more vulnerable.
Situational awareness and weather preparedness are also key for RV safety. Pay attention to weather reports and forecasts to avoid driving in severe storms or high winds which could be treacherous in a large vehicle. In cold areas, take precautions against freezing pipes and tanks. Have an emergency plan and supplies in case of natural disasters like hurricanes or tornadoes.
While RVs can feel less stable than a fixed building, they can absolutely be a safe living option by following basic safety protocols and using common sense precautions. Taking the time to properly maintain your RV, choosing safe locations, and staying aware of weather and environmental conditions can help ensure your RV lifestyle is secure.
Conclusion
Whether choosing to live in an RV is cheaper than living in a house depends significantly on factors like location and lifestyle choices. In some cases, RV living can result in cost savings compared to housing expenses like rent or mortgage payments. However, there are expenses associated with RV living as well, like the cost of purchasing the RV, maintenance fees, insurance, campsite rental fees, and fuel. So while an RV has the potential to be more affordable, it does come with ongoing costs that need to be accounted for.
One major factor is location – popular destinations and areas with high demand for campsites will likely charge more for overnight and long-term rental spots, driving up the cost of RV living. The lifestyle of the individual or family living in the RV also plays a big role. Those who eat out frequently, partake in costly recreational activities, or have other expensive habits may not experience significant savings compared to traditional housing. Ultimately, RV living can be a smart financial move for some, but it depends on each individual or family’s specific expenses, income, lifestyle, and location. The costs and benefits should be thoroughly estimated before committing to full-time RV living.
FAQs
What are the potential cost savings of RV living compared to traditional housing?
Living in an RV has the potential to save money compared to paying rent or a mortgage, property taxes, and home insurance. Monthly RV payments and campground fees are often cheaper than housing expenses. However, there are many factors to consider. Frequent travel and moving between locations in the RV can increase costs like fuel and maintenance. Financing and owning the RV also has expenses that add up over time. So while RV living presents an opportunity to save, the actual cost differences depend greatly on each individual’s situation.
What hidden costs may come with RV ownership?
Some hidden costs of RV living include:
- Maintenance and repairs – RVs need regular upkeep and break downs can be costly
- Insurance – Required RV insurance plans with comprehensive coverage
- Campsite fees – Nightly, weekly, or monthly rates at campgrounds
- Fuel costs – RVs get 10-15 mpg so fuel costs add up quickly
- Depreciation – RVs lose value quickly, especially within the first 5 years
- Storage fees – Off-season storage at an RV facility
- Customizations and upgrades – Improvements like solar panels
What are some of the drawbacks of limited space in an RV?
The small space in RVs can present challenges:
- Difficulty finding room for all your belongings
- Lack of privacy and alone time
- Crowded living quarters
- Nowhere to escape from travel companions
- Challenges entertaining guests
- Pets may feel cramped
- Not enough space for hobbies or projects
- Feelings of claustrophobia in tight spaces
So considerations of personal lifestyle and privacy should be weighed when deciding if RV living is right for you.