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 May 2025. I’ll go into detail on why each was what it was and any fluctuations we found.
| Category | Spent in May 2025 |
| RV and vehicle costs | $1,779.23 |
| Repairs, maintenance & registration | $616.69 |
| Camping costs | $323.34 |
| Groceries | $547.22 |
| Phone and internet | $300.76 |
| Fuel & DEF | $111.57 |
| RV miles driven | 608.8 miles |
| Tolls | $10 |
| Memberships | $115.46 |
| Entertainment/fun/eating out | $462.08 |
| Travel | $0 |
| Life insurance | $46.62 |
| Vehicle insurance | $0 |
| Health insurance | $516.37 |
| Various normal expenses | $348.10 |
| Total spent | $5,177.44 |
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 Thousand Trails Orlando in Clermont, FL, moved to Tropical Palms RV Resort in Kissimmee, FL moved to Thousand Trails Orlando in Clermont, FL, moved to a Love’s RV Hookup in Lake City Florida, and ended the month at another Love’s RV Hookup in Gulfport, MS.
What did we do:
Since we’re planning on wintering out west this year and not Florida, May was about “see ya later” hangouts with friends who will be staying east this year, finishing up doctor’s appointments, keeping our noses to the work grindstone, and squeezing every last drop of Disney World time. The last few visits with Bret were so chill, not waiting in super long lines, not rushed to do the next thing, exploring different areas and enjoying the food. It was also about starting our long trek across the country.
We have used RV Trip Wizard to plan every trip since we got on the road in November 2020. We love RV Life so much that we have partnered with them. If you're looking for a planner for your RV trip, this is what we use!
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 $616.69 this month. We spent $76.70 to renew our RV registration for two years. We spent $500.00 to clean and wax our RV & truck. And $39.99 to patch a hole in our truck tire.
Camping costs
This was $323.34 for the month. We stayed in Thousand Trails campgrounds almost the entire month. $97.14 was our monthly annual dues. And $226.20 for Love’s RV stops & a KOA overnight for our trek west.
Groceries
Our groceries were $547.22. This was back to our average costs, thankfully, not too much higher as we stocked up to head west. This does include shopping at Walmart, which sometimes includes purchasing things for the RV such as toilet paper.
Phone and internet/hotspots
We spent $300.76 on our phones and internet. We have an unlimited plan through Verizon for our phones which is $190.76. 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 $111.57 for fuel this month. I’m surprised this wasn’t higher since we left Florida to head west but the fuel charges didn’t hit the account until June. 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 $115.46 on memberships. This was refund for an electric charge $79.54 we got in error. We spent $30.00 on picking up packages at a campground. We also renewed our RPI membership for $165.00.
Entertainment/fun/eating out
We spent $462.08 on fun this month. This was a more moderate fun month, but we were catching up with RV friends in the Florida area before we headed west
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 $0 on auto insurance.
Various normal expenses
The total spent on random other expenses was $348.10. This was mostly Bret getting some new shoes and clothes. 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.
0 Comments