Full-time RV costs can range so much, it can be hard to give an accurate number, but you can have a framework to start calculating your numbers. We are a full-time working couple with no kids or pets. See some links below for other RVers actual spends!
This is what we actually spent in June 2025. I’ll go into detail on why each was what it was and any fluctuations we found.
| Category | Spent in June 2025 |
| RV and vehicle costs | $1,779.23 |
| Repairs, maintenance & registration | $0 |
| Camping costs | $129.05 |
| Groceries | $661.99 |
| Phone and internet | $303.90 |
| Fuel & DEF | $1,029.68 |
| RV miles driven | 2,423.5 miles |
| Tolls | $10 |
| Memberships | $139.77 |
| Entertainment/fun/eating out | $437.85 |
| Travel | $0 |
| Life insurance | $46.62 |
| Vehicle insurance | $1,521.86 |
| Health insurance | $516.37 |
| Various normal expenses | $315.05 |
| Total spent | $6,891.37 |
A few notes – I’m not including the costs of our businesses (because that can vary greatly and you may not be running a business out of your RV) or our rental (previously our home). These are just our full-time RV costs for the month.
Where were we:
We started out the month at the Love’s RV Hookup in Gulfport, MS moved to Thousand Trails Colorado River in Columbus, TX moved to Thousand Trails Bay Landing in Bridgeport, TX moved to a Love’s RV Hookup in Amarillo, TX moved to Grants KOA in Grants, NM moved to Thousand Trails Verde Valley in Cottonwood, AZ moved to Palm Springs Oasis in Cathedral City, CA and ended the month moochdocking with family near Fresno, CA.
What did we do:
We moved, a lot! In just over three weeks, we went from Florida to California. It was super fast and not a speed I recommend at all. We did get to see a number of fun things and try some fun restaurants. Namely – Cadillac Ranch and a place called G’s Burgers. Thankfully, the next few months will include longer stays and moves that only require one tank of fuel.
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RV and vehicle costs
We spent $1,779.23. This includes the payment for our truck, which is $979.35 each month, and our rig, which is $399.88 per month. We’ve started to make an additional payment of $400 towards paying down our rig. We have a seven-year loan on the truck and a twenty-year loan on the RV.
Repairs, maintenance & registration
We spent $0 this month.
Camping costs
This was $129.05 for the month. We stayed in Thousand Trails campgrounds almost the entire month. $97.14 was our monthly annual dues. And $31.91 for 50 amp service at a campground.
Groceries
Our groceries were $661.99. This was a littler higher than normal, but not all of our stays have been close to an Aldi. This does include shopping at Walmart, which sometimes includes purchasing things for the RV such as toilet paper.
Phone and internet/hotspots
We spent $303.90 on our phones and internet. We have an unlimited plan through Verizon for our phones which is $193.90. We have a 100 gig hotspot plan with T-Mobile which is $55 a month and a 100 gig hotspot plan with Cricket which is $55 a month.
Fuel & DEF
We paid $1,029.68 for fuel this month. I’m surprised this wasn’t higher since we hauled 2,423 miles this month. But thankfully, we use Open Roads which saves us SO much at the pump! With some of our savings apps, there was one fill up that almost cost us less than $2.00.
Tolls
We spent $10 on tolls.
Memberships
We spent $139.77 on memberships. This was the renewal for our Harvest Hosts membership.
Entertainment/fun/eating out
We spent $437.85 on fun this month. This was a more moderate fun month, but we went out to eat a little more at fun restaurants and had quite a few fast food meals on travel days.
Travel
We spent $0 on travel this month.
Life insurance
Our life insurance was $46.62 for the month.
Health insurance
My health insurance was $516.37 for the month.
Auto insurance
We spent $1,521.86 on auto insurance. This was for the truck and we pay bi-annually.
Various normal expenses
The total spent on random other expenses was $315.05. This was mostly the cost of a sewer tote, which we needed for moochdocking with family who don’t have sewer. I tend to toss everything that doesn’t fit into a category here. So a trip to Target may be groceries, clothes, and fun, but it ends up here.
I want these posts to help guide you as you plan to hit the road full-time, see other budgets when you’re already full time, or show you that this isn’t the life for you. Did I answer all your questions? Do you have any more? Let me know in the comments below!
Other RVers expenses
There are so many ways to travel and so many family make ups, rig type and ways to live on the road, here are other RVers who share what they spent.
The Adventure Detour – family of three with pets in a fifth wheel. Lots of great info here too!
Open Roading – couple with pets in a fifth wheel. Kalyn’s spending posts are some of the cleanest and prettiest looking costs I’ve seen!
Wild RV Life – couple with pets in a fifth wheel. They do a LOT of boondocking as well.
The Traveling Tiongsons – couple with pets in a travel trailer toy hauler. These guys have done all of the lower 48!
Herrins on the Roam – family of five in a fifth wheel.
Nomad Nesters – couple in a fifth wheel.
Road Rabers – family of five in a fifth wheel.
Blogs
Living in Beauty – retired couple with pets in an Airstream. This is one THE best summary spending posts I’ve seen. They’ve been on the road since July 18, 2016 and have all of their stats on this link. Very helpful!
The Home That Roams – couple with pets in a travel trailer. They also share about boats as well!
Reset Your Journey – family of four in a travel trailer. Very detailed post!
Live Work Dream – couple with pets in a fifth wheel. Another one with detailed posts about budgeting and costs.
YouTube Channels
Our Road Less Traveled – Couple with pets in a fifth Wheel.
Class C Broads – Couple with FIVE dogs! in a Super C.
Happy Travels Life – Family of three with pets. – Travel trailer.
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