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.
This is what we actually spent in November 2022. I’ll go into detail on why each was what it was and any fluctuations we found.
| Category | Spent in November 2022 |
| RV and vehicle costs | $1,379 |
| Repairs & maintenance | $229 |
| Camping costs | $76.79 |
| Groceries | $460 |
| Phone and internet | $228 |
| Fuel & DEF | $390 |
| RV miles driven | 17.5 miles |
| Memberships & Tolls | $20 |
| Entertainment/fun/eating out | $341 |
| Health insurance | $400 |
| Various normal expenses | $194 |
| Total spent | $3,717.79 |
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 spent the month hopping between Lake Magic RV Resort in Clermont, FL and Orlando RV Resort in Clermont, FL.
What did we do:
November was great to settle down for the winter, start some new work (Bret is working at a business locally) and for me (Jen) to visit Disney. The winters in Florida are like coming home, because technially we “live” in Florida and this area feels like home. This was the first month since being on the road that we ALMOST covered our expenses with our income. We are also enjoying the grocery savings from shopping at BB’s & a new store we found here in Orlando, Sacks Grocery Liquidators. Both had great deals on food and drastically reduced our grocery spending.
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RV and vehicle costs
We spent $1379. This includes the payment for our truck, which is $979.35 each month and our rig, which is $399.88 per month. We have a seven year loan on the truck and a twenty year loan on the RV.
Repairs & maintenance
We spent $229. This was for a tire rotation and a fuel filter change.
Camping costs
This was $76.79 for the month. We stayed in Thousand Trails campgrounds the entire month. The $76.79 is our monthly cost for our annual dues.
Groceries
Our groceries were $460, which was finally lower than normal. We found another “scratch and dent” grocery store down here in Orlando called Sacks Grocery Liquidators. Just like BB’s, it has great prices and allowed us to stock up. We only purchase produce, dairy and any odds and ends that we need. This does include shopping at Walmart, which sometimes includes purchasing things for the RV such as toilet paper.
Phone and internet/hotspots
We spent $229 on our phones and internet. We have an unlimited plan through Verizon for our phones which is $116.85. We have a 100 gig hotspot plan with T-Mobile which is $57 a month and a 100 gig hotspot plan with Cricket which is $55 a month.
Fuel & DEF
We paid $390 for fuel this month. We moved three times and despite those short drives, our drives to other places were a bit higher. Bret got a job locally, so he’s been driving more. I, Jen, also went to Disney a few times.
Memberships & Tolls
We spent $20 in memberships and tolls. This was for tolls on roads here in Florida.
Entertainment/fun/eating out
We spent $341 on fun this month. This was less than last month but more than I thought. Then again, that does include going to Disney again. 🙂
Health insurance
My health insurance was $400 for the month.
Various normal expenses
Total spent was $194.
I tend to just toss everything that doesn’t fit into a category in 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, to see other budgets when you’re already full time or show you that maybe 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!