5 Ways to Save Money at Campgrounds {Roadschooling Series!} (2024)

FAQs

How to live cheaply in an RV? ›

The short answer is that it can be cheaper to live in an RV than a house in the US, but it depends on several factors. For example, the cost of living in a house varies depending on the city, state, and neighborhood, as well as the size and age of the home.

The cost of full-time RV living can vary widely, with budgets typically ranging from $1,600 to $5,000 per month. Those seeking a minimalist lifestyle can live on around $1,000 monthly by finding free RV parking spots or becoming campground or park hosts.

What is the 3-3-3 Rule of RV Travel? The 3-3-3 rule is a set of guidelines for how you can structure your travel for maximum enjoyment by driving only 300 miles per day, camping for three nights in every campground, and arriving at your site by 3 PM.

Typically, the average cost will be less than what you spend on an RV. ​The total monthly cost of living in an RV can average around $1400 to $3000. ​The total monthly cost of living in a starter home can average around $5000.

Living in your RV full-time — either a motorhome or a travel trailer — as your permanent residence is easier than ever. But it does take planning, research, and an adventurous spirit.

You can live in an RV luxuriously or on a budget. The major expenses of full-time RV life are campsite fees, fuel, RV and vehicle payments, and activities as you travel. Don't forget to account for maintenance, repairs, groceries, mobile phones, WiFi, insurance, and other daily costs like food and supplies.

RV Life Is Slower Paced

The RV lifestyle, however, requires a different mindset. Being go, go, go all the time is not healthy or fun. It is exhausting. Allow yourself the freedom to stay in one place for a week or longer at a time.

Look into our KOA Rewards camping loyalty program that offers 10% off daily registration rates, not matter how you camp, all year long as well as the following benefits: Rewards points that accumulate for cash off future stays. Free night of camping during KOA Rewards Weekend.

Is living in an RV stressful? ›

If You're Anxious, You're Normal

The first few months of RV living were really difficult. I left a perfectly good job, missed my family, and felt ungrounded. I had at least two panic attacks even though I was still having fun.

However, as with any lifestyle choice, there are potential risks and dangers of living in an RV that must be considered. From fire hazards and air quality issues to theft concerns and road accidents, there are numerous factors that could affect the safety and well-being of full-time RV travelers.

Living in an RV without hookups can be a great way to experience freedom and adventure, but it does come with its challenges. The length of time you can live comfortably in an RV without hookups depends on your level of self-sufficiency and your ability to manage resources like water, power, and waste.

Is RV living cheaper than renting a small apartment? Not anymore. RV life has become quite expensive. After C19 hit, many people could not afford their rent, so they bought an RV and moved into an RV park.

Entire families, with their kids, have decided to pack up, travel, and live — with all the comforts of home in their mobile home. For some, the choice is simple: life on the road in an RV is a nonstop adventure with fringe benefits like more leisure time with loved ones, a simpler life, and financial flexibility.

Full-time RVing can live up to the dream, but it's not a full-time vacation. Long-term RV travel requires practice and management to sustain for months or years to come.

Cons of Full-Time RV Living

Lack of stability: Full-time RV living lacks stability, as you are always on the road and may not have a permanent home base. For this reason, it's possible that you find there is not much chance to build relationships with others in the way you did with your old neighbors.

RVs usually have a lower initial price in comparison to the majority of homes but the top models can compete with the starting prices of homes in some places. For many, renting or owning an RV tends to be cheaper than traditional housing.