The city routine life is hectic and also not everyone’s cup of tea. In fact, every year, more and more people from different backgrounds bid farewell to traditional living for the RV lifestyle. Those who choose RV living have their justified reasons, but how much does it cost to live in an RV, and is it worth it?
There are numerous expenses you can predict beforehand when it comes to the nomadic lifestyle, for instance, the costs for fuel, health and vehicle insurance, RV repairs, storage, and camping.
This inclusive blog will cover all of these costs and give a quick breakdown so that you can determine whether RV living is an appropriate choice for you. It will also present three top recommendations for solar power stations. These power stations are portable and have been selected based on features exclusive to RV living.
How Much Does Full-Time RV Living Cost?
Living on the road may feel liberating, but it is not without cost. So, before you take the plunge, accounting for your expenditures is crucial since this will help you decide whether you can go Full-time RV or not.
Gas and Propane
The cost of gas and propane is one consideration for living in an RV. Gas expenses typically cost $500 a month, while propane costs range between $150 to $150. Despite the fluctuations in gas and petroleum costs, it is likely to be one of the largest expenses in RV living.
Campsite Fees
Also, remember to include the campsite fees in the budget. On average, nightly camping fees range from $15 to $40 - this can differ by location. Some sites are considerably more premium than others. At some campgrounds, season permits are also available and typically include daily rate discounts.
Food
Food expenses will stay the same as traditional housing even if you move to full-time RV living. The monthly cost of groceries, dining out, and other food-related expenses can reach hundreds of dollars. Similar to a typical household, cooking meals in an RV can reduce food costs to some extent. Moreover, dining in an RV is comparable to dining out but with much adorable views.
RV Maintenance
Next comes RV maintenance and repairs. These are the most difficult to predict while living in an RV full-time. These expenses are zero in some months, while they can exceed $1,000 in other months of the year. So, we recommend setting aside at least $200 per month to keep your RV in its best condition.
Electricity
The average electricity costs vary by state, but anticipate paying an average of $90 a month - it is an estimate for a small family. Using a solar power station for powering your RV and appliances, you can save on your bills by as much as 40 to 60%.
Vehicle Insurance
Vehicle insurance is one of the important costs to consider. In most circumstances, it is recommended to get full coverage insurance on your RV that includes both collision and liability coverage - the typical annual costs for RV insurance range between $800 to $1000.
Health Insurance
Health insurance is not something to be underestimated, even while living in the wild. Even though not every company will offer insurance for RVers, there are still some that offer specifically tailored coverage for RVers and those who are frequently on the go.
Basic health insurance plans cost around $400/month for an individual and $1000/month for a family. These rates can vary depending on the type of coverage you choose and the insurance company.
Phone and Internet
Most in RV living also wish to stay connected to the internet while traveling. For that, they have three main options:
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Buying a cellular data plan.
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Using surrounding WiFi connection.
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Satellite internet.
Each of these choices has its plus and negative points. So, doing your study before you decide on one of these is crucial. Based on your plan, phone and internet charges for RVers can cost anywhere between $50 to more than $100 per month.
Entertainment
Whether you like going to the movies, engaging in outdoor adventures, or just visiting local attractions, these costs can add up to $100 to $300 a month. The best way to cut your expenses on leisure is to look out for coupon codes and discounts online.
Other Involved Costs
Based on your RV usage and lifestyle, some other costs may arise. These can be costs for cleaning service, mail delivery, RV wash fees, and tolls. You may also need to set aside some extra money for pet-related expenses. Depending on the number of your family members and their individual needs, these costs can run from $50 to more than $100 per month.
RV Living Total Monthly Costs
Based on RV type and preferred lifestyle, the total monthly cost of RV living is between $3,000 to $5,000 per month. To make it more affordable, we advise sticking to a budget and making intelligent spending decisions.
With cautious planning and smart spending habits, you can maintain a comfortable style on the road without going bankrupt.
How to Save RV Living Costs?
Just like any other living, full-time RVing can be expensive or incredibly cheap. It’s fully up to you how much you spend on full-time RV living monthly costs. Below are our tips for saving money while living in an RV.
Invest in A Used RV
First, rather than spending money on a brand-new RV, we recommend purchasing a used, well-maintained RV. Doing so will save you an enormous amount of depreciation that occurs as soon as a new RV is driven off a certain distance. It will also be wise if you pay in cash – this way, you can avoid spending thousands on interest.
Consider RV Memberships
The RV industry is full of camping memberships that can help you save money. Research memberships thoroughly and choose the ones that align best with your travel style.
Some popular options among full-timers include
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Coast to Coast.
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Thousand Trails.
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Boondockers Welcome.
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Harvest Hosts
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KOA (Kampgrounds of America)
Cut Back Your Electricity Costs
Most RVers use diesel generators to electrify their RV. These generators use fuel and constitute a huge chunk of RV costs. You can reduce your monthly fuel budget costs by electrifying your RV with solar power stations.
Look for Free Attractions
All towns and cities have some free attractions. There are zoos and national parks with free admission or free days, as well as museums that don’t charge any fee. Seasonal festivals can also be a great option. Explore such free activities in your surrounding area and skip those expensive tourist attractions.
Recommended BLUETTI Solar Power Stations for RV Living
BLUETTI, one of the top solar companies worldwide, is best known for its incredibly efficient solar power stations and backups. Obviously, full-time RV living needs planning ahead of time since there are a number of machines and appliances that require electricity in an RV, such as CPAP machines, space heaters, laptops, coffee makers, toasters, microwave ovens, and more. With a BLUETTI solar generator by your side, you can live comfortably in an RV without breaking the bank.
BLUETTI AC200MAX Solar Power Station
The BLUETTI AC200MAX is not your average power station. It comes with a robust 2,200W pure sine wave inverter, giving all your devices a safe and reliable source of power.
Want a backup that is both powerful and stable? The AC200MAX has got you covered. With two expansion ports, you can integrate up to two BLUETTI B230 (2,048Wh each) or B300 battery modules (3,072Wh). These units, with their ample sizes, can bring total capacity to an astonishing 8,192W - this power is enough to stay off the grid for two to three days.
The AC200MAX welcomes up to 900W of power from the sun. Also, you can fast charge it at the rate of 1,400W using both a wall outlet and solar panels simultaneously. This way, your AC200MAX will be filled up in less than two hours, so you are always ready to go.
In addition, the AC200MAX includes 16 versatile outlets that allow you to run all your devices simultaneously without breaking a sweat. Whether it’s charging your phone, running your laptop, or even powering a refrigerator, this solar generator can handle it all.
The AC200MAX also offers some specialty features for RV enthusiasts. It features a built-in 30A NEMA TT-30 outlet and a powerful 12V 30A DC outlet, ensuring you have the power you need wherever your adventures take you.
BLUETTI AC200P Solar Power Station
In a world replete with off-grid power solutions, the BLUETTI AC200P with 2000Wh capacity stands tall as a reliable power source. Whether you are going through an outage, in the middle of nature, or driving in your RV, this solar generator will keep you charged at all times and in all places.
What’s the big deal? The AC200P features 17 versatile outlets. Apart from the standard AC outlets, it includes USB-A, USB-C, a cigarette lighter port, and 12V/3A DC ports. It also boasts a 12V/25A RV port and a 15W wireless charging pad. This way, it empowers you to charge multiple devices.
The AC200P combines durability and safety in one power station. It incorporates LiFePO4 battery technology that offers over 3,500 charging cycles, meaning it can last nearly a decade with daily use.
Also, its advanced battery management system (BMS) keeps a watchful eye on every aspect of its performance. It protects your device from potential risks that may find their way into day-to-day operations.
RV living is synonymous with freedom. The open road, the call of the wild - it’s something that calls to the inner adventurer in us. With the AC200P, that freedom multiples by a factor of hundreds. The BLUETTI AC200P can power most of your gadgets, like a coffee maker, electric grill, car fridge, radio, projector, and more.
BLUETTI EP500Pro Solar Power Station
The BLUETTI EP500Pro is another inclusive solar power station that can accommodate all your energy needs, whether it’s a lively party, a camping trip, or full-time RV living. With its high capacity of 5,100Wh and up to 15 outlets, the EP500Pro can effortlessly power everything from laptops to air conditioners and heaters and even electric vehicles.
The EP500Pro has a unique edge over other similar power stations. It has a built-in dual-core microcomputer whose firmware can easily be upgraded through your internet connection. These things make the EP500 Pro worth an investment since it is always getting better.
Unlike gasoline generators, the BLUETTI EP500PRO keeps your lights on and your devices charged without any maintenance, fuel, carbon monoxide, or annoying noise.
Are you in search of a system that can be fast-charged? The EP500Pro can be paired with up to 1200W MPPT solar input for quick charging or to keep your devices running without depleting the onboard battery. The deal also includes a decent 5-year warranty for your peace of mind.
With its combination of LiFePO4 battery technology and advanced monitoring system, the EP500Pro is a trustworthy power source for miscellaneous scenarios - it can even run your entire household without any hitch.
Final Word
Are you not satisfied with conventional housing? If so, put some serious thought into RV living. The nomadic lifestyle comes with a greater level of freedom - that might be what you are missing in your life.
At BLUETTI, we offer an extensive selection of power sources to support your RV’s living expenses. Our portable stations and solar panels are designed with flexibility and high-end performance in mind. That’s it!
