Full-Time RV Living Costs in the First Year (What It Really Costs in 2026)

One of the first questions people ask before going full-time RV living is simple:

“How much does it actually cost?”

Not the Instagram version. Not the “we only spend $1,200 a month” headline. The real numbers — including startup costs, monthly expenses, and all the stuff no one remembers to mention.

The truth is this: your first year of full-time RV living is almost always the most expensive. You’re buying gear, learning lessons the hard way, and figuring out what kind of RVer you actually are.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what full-time RV living costs in the first year — and how to avoid overspending.

The Big Picture: Average First-Year Cost

For most full-time RVers, the total first-year cost falls somewhere between:

$25,000 and $60,000+

That’s a huge range because RV living is flexible. Your budget depends on:

Your rig (trailer, fifth wheel, motorhome)
How often you move
Campground style (resorts vs boondocking)
Fuel prices
Lifestyle choices

Let’s break it down piece by piece.

Upfront Costs (Before You Even Hit the Road)

This is where new full-timers get surprised.

RV Purchase or Setup

If you already own an RV, great — you skip the biggest hit. If not:

Used travel trailer: $10,000–$30,000
Used fifth wheel: $20,000–$45,000
Used motorhome: $25,000–$60,000+

On top of that, many people spend extra on:

Hitch, weight distribution, or tow upgrades
Surge protectors and electrical gear
Sewer hoses, water filters, pressure regulators
Leveling blocks and wheel chocks

Typical first-year setup cost: $2,000–$5,000 (even with a used RV)

Monthly Living Expenses (The Core Costs)

Once you’re rolling, these are the expenses you’ll feel every month.

Campground and Parking Fees

This is the biggest variable.

RV parks (nightly): $35–$90 per night
Monthly stays: $500–$1,200
State parks or COE parks: $300–$700
Boondocking: Free to very cheap

Most full-timers average $600–$1,000 per month in the first year while they figure out what works.

Fuel and Travel Costs

Fuel adds up faster than people expect.

Gas or diesel: $300–$600 per month on average
Tolls and route detours: Variable
Moving too often = higher fuel costs

Traveling slower is the easiest way to save money.

RV Insurance and Registration

Full-time RV insurance costs more than recreational coverage.

Insurance: $100–$250 per month
Registration and inspections: $100–$300 per year

Maintenance and Repairs (The Silent Budget Killer)

Something will break in the first year.

Roof reseals. Tire replacements. Appliances. Slide issues. Plumbing leaks.

Even if you’re careful, budget for:

$1,500–$3,000 per year minimum
More if you buy an older rig

If you don’t use it, great. If you need it, you’ll be very glad it’s there.

Utilities and Connectivity

Internet and Phone

If you work remotely, this is non-negotiable.

Cell phone plans: $100–$200/month
Hotspot or data plans: $50–$150/month
Boosters or antennas (one-time): $200–$600

Electricity and Propane

Electricity: Often included in monthly stays
Propane: $30–$100/month depending on weather

Cold climates cost more. Always.

Food, Life, and Normal Expenses

RV living doesn’t erase everyday life.

Groceries: $400–$800/month
Dining out: Varies wildly
Laundry: $40–$80/month
Entertainment, subscriptions, and hobbies

If you overspend here, RV life won’t magically fix it.

First-Year Reality Check: A Sample Budget

Here’s a realistic middle-of-the-road first-year estimate:

Campgrounds: $9,000
Fuel: $6,000
Insurance & registration: $2,500
Maintenance & repairs: $2,500
Internet & phone: $3,000
Food & daily life: $8,000
Setup gear & upgrades: $3,000

Total first-year cost: ~$34,000

You can go lower. You can absolutely go higher. But this is a realistic expectation for many new full-timers.

How to Lower Your First-Year RV Living Costs

The easiest savings come from three places.

Move Less

Monthly stays save huge money on fuel and campground fees.

Learn Basic Maintenance Early

YouTube, forums, and experience will save you thousands.

Don’t Overbuy Gear

You don’t need everything on day one. Buy what you actually use.

Final Thoughts

Full-time RV living isn’t cheap — but it is flexible.

Your first year costs more because you’re learning, adjusting, and setting up a system that works for you. By year two, most people spend less, stress less, and travel smarter.

If you’re planning to go full-time, budget honestly, keep an emergency fund, and remember: RV living isn’t about being cheap — it’s about spending intentionally.

And that mindset is worth more than any spreadsheet.