You’ve seen it before, people living out of their RV (like us!) or the #vanlife. It looks awesome but what does it really cost to live this way?

Here’s are some basic costs related to the RV/Travel Trailer living based on our experience so far. There are many ways to reduce these cost which I will go over slightly as we go. Essentially, there are the main expenses and the ‘fluff’ which is your day-to-day expenses.

1. When we are stationary:

Campground/RV Parks

$400-$700 a month includes Water, Electricity, Sewer Hookups.

This depends on the amenities and location of the campground or RV Park. (It could be a lot pricier/cheaper too!)

Cheaper Alternative: Boondocking (no hookups) on free BLM land= FREE!

Fuel Cost

$150 a month

For running errands and weekly exploring trips

Electricity

About $20-40 a month

Depending on your location you may run your AC more or less

Cheaper Alternative: Go Solar!! Be self-sufficient!

Propane

Less $10 a month

If you don’t use propane to heat your house, the cost of propane just for cooking/water heating is pretty minimal.

Gray/Sewer Dumping

Free! Typically included in your Campground/RV park stay.

If you’re boondocking; there are many dump station across the country. Price range between $0-15 per dump.

2. When we’re on the move.

Typically only 2-5 days between location for us

Campground/RV Parks

Around $15-100+ per night at campgrounds

Getting a RV membership could save you up to 50% per night.

Cheaper Alternative: Free On BLM land/Dry camp (No hookups)

Fuel Cost

Depends on mileage covered and type of vehicle.

Electricity

Free a campground with electricity hookup

Alternative: No Electricity hookup on BLM land or free with Solar Panels!

Propane

Less than $10 a month

Sewer Dumping

Always Free as we typically dump our tanks before leaving the park and when arriving to our new park.

Other Cost to Keep in Mind

RV Maintenance

Maintenance is huge if you want to avoid big costly repairs.

Insurance

Varies Per person/car

Car insurance and RV insurance are a must!

Groceries

$200 a month

Varies per location

Phone & Internet bill

$120 a month

Healthcare

Varies per person

Laundry

$25 per month at laundromat (around 3 loads a week)

Laundromat typically on site at RV parks

Virtual Membership

$50 per month for Adobe Creative Cloud Membership

Eating Out

Varies per location

Gym Membership

$10-20 a month

Many budget gym offers nationwide access which includes showers if ever needed.

Misc.

Clothes, tools, entrance fees, parking fees, activity fees …

These numbers are solely based on what we have experienced thus far. We choose to remain at one location for many months at a time, while not being as exciting, it allows me to work on-site for a local company. Once I land a remote job, we will take this show on the road and we’ll explore a whole lot more!

As you’ve noticed, there are cost savings opportunities so this can be done for even cheaper. This lifestyle is exciting and addictive. You’ll want to explore more everyday. Got questions? We have answers! Don’t hesitate to ask, we’d love to help. 🙂