With rents across the country at all-time highs, it’s not surprising to see more people embracing RV living. Are you thinking about taking to the nomadic lifestyle? Life in an RV is a thrilling experience. Take it anywhere you want to go and explore the United States on an endless road trip.
Living in an RV takes some adjustment, but after a few weeks, you‘ll find it’s a liberating experience. You get the freedom to live where ever you want. Pull up to a beach parking lot and fall asleep to the sound of the ocean, or travel to a National Park and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Where ever you want to go, your RV will get you there. RVs come in different classes, with each offering you something different for your remote living experience. In this post, we’ll unpack what type of RV is best for full-time living.
What Does it Cost to Live in an RV Full Time?
Costs for RV living vary, depending on your lifestyle requirements and what type of RV you’re driving. In most cases, you can expect to pay between $2,000 to $3,000 per month to live in your RV full time. Your choice of accommodations affects your budget, and so do other factors like fuel and maintenance for your vehicle.
Living in an RV is certainly more affordable than staying in an apartment or house. However, it’s not the free ride you might expect. You need to account for the running costs of your vehicle. Paying for fuel is only one part of the operating expenses of your vehicle.
Servicing, new tires, and other maintenance expenses cost money, and you’ll need to account for them in your monthly budget. Some of the additional costs involved with living full time in your RV include the following.
Your RV payment
You’re going to need to lease or buy your RV. Since we doubt you’re paying cash for the vehicle, it will cost you a monthly payment. Insurance payments also add to your monthly expenses. Most RV insurance policies give you adequate coverage for around $30 to $50 per month.
Parking facilities
If you can’t take advantage of free spots to park your RV, you’re going to need to find a campground to spend the night, or the week, depending on your plans. Campground fees can be anything from $10 to $70 per night, depending on the location and amenities offered.
Propane
Most RVs come with propane tanks to power your cooking appliances, and some use propane for heating. This gas is cheap, and you can get a refill on a 10lb propane tank for around $20.
Utilities
With RV living, there’s no more property taxes, and no refuse or electricity bills. However, you’re going to have to pay to dump your sewage.
Batteries & Maintenance
While many appliances in your RV run on gas, many need electricity. You’re going to need to maintain the battery bank to ensure you don’t lose power.
Other Expenses for Living in an RV Full-Time
The expenses mentioned above are the key differences between living in a brick-and-mortar home and living on the road. However, you’re going to have all the same costs as you did at home regarding your RV lifestyle. Make sure you budget for the following expenses.
- Laundry
- Cellphone and internet bills
- Food and groceries
- Health insurance
Can you save money living in an RV?
Sure, RV living is far more affordable than staying in an apartment or house. With the average rental in the United States being $784, living in an RV can save you plenty of cash. In areas like San Francisco. RV living can save you tens of thousands of dollars on rent during the year.
RV living frees up your cash flow, allowing you to catch up on outstanding debts, improving your financial position. Many Americans are turning to RV living to help them cut back on the rising costs of living. Sure, the FED may say inflation is at 2% or lower, but anyone taking a trip to the grocery store will paint a different picture.
With living in an RV camper, you get a chance to catch up on your finances. Like your home, an RV retains some of its value over years. After paying off your RV, you have equity in the vehicle you can use for other financial plans.
Best RV’s for Living in an RV All-Year Round
What is the Best Small RV for Full-Time Living?
Also known as Class B or C RVs, smaller recreational vehicles are the most popular choice for RV living. A smaller RV is affordable, and all you need for two or three people. With a small RV, you don’t have to worry about driving a Class A monster round a winding mountain pass.
There are plenty of small RV models available. Our top choice for the best small RV goes to the Unity Small. This Class B RV offers you plenty of space and luxury, featuring European design. You get an aerodynamic exterior and modern finishes on the interior.
Prices start at $134,210 USD and are 25’ 1” in length.
The Unity small comes with efficient floorplans, with layouts for twin beds, corner-beds, and a total FX setup. You get dual entertainment areas, with room to walk around, and armoires featured on both sides of the central bed.
Some of the other better small RVs include the following models.
- Porto Small Motorhome from Winnebago
- Revel from Winnebago
- Interstate Grand Tour Luxury from Airstream
- Chateau Small RV from Thor Motor Coach
- Navion Small Motorhome from Winnebago
What Is the Best Class C RV for Full-Time Living?
If you’re going with a Class C RV, you have plenty of options. We scored through listings, comparing the features of the top models. We picked the Winnebago Aspect is our top choice for the best Class C RV.
The Winnebago Aspect is ideal for two or three people traveling the US. There’s plenty of storage space and upscale finishes that look fantastic. You get solar and blackout shades for the interior of the vehicle, as well as a walkaround bed.
There’s a range of color options for your finishes, and different choices for fabrics and cabinets. You get your choice of one of two floorplans, with Winnebago offering 27-foot or 30-foot rigs.
What Is the Best RV for Stationary Living?
If you’re looking for a hotel on wheels, you need the Newmar King Aire. This model comes with plenty of customizable options to make your RV feel like home.
You get a durable outer aluminum frame, protecting the elements, including hailstones. This RV comes with climate control and all the comforts of home.
You get ventilation for the bathroom and comfortable living space with plenty of standing height. There’s room to move around in the Newmar, without feeling cramped.
What Is the Best 5th Wheel for Full-Time Living?
A fifth-wheel RV is the conventional terms for RVs featuring a split-level design. The raised forward section on the RV gives you more storage and living space.
These models come with a design that requires towing by a truck. They rely on the “fifth wheel hitch” to attach to the vehicle.
The Grand Design Solitude is the best option for a fifth-wheel RV, and if the Newmar is a hotel on wheels, this place is a palace. This RV rivals many apartments on floor space, with plenty of functionality and storage space.
They come with a price tag of $80,000 (new), are 34’11” in length with an exterior height of 13’5” and a hitch weight of 2,350 pounds.
What Is the Best RV for Full-Time Family Living
The Airstream Classic gets our recommendation for the best family RV for full time living. This model is the biggest in the Airstream fleet, featuring classic styling. You get a 1930s design, look, and feel to the RV, with modern finishes and fittings.
The Airstream Classic is available in four models, with varying comfort levels to suit your needs and budget. The 33FB model is the most spacious version and suitable for a family. You get three additional feet of floor space and fittings that include memory-foam mattresses, a pull-out couch, and a rain-style luxury shower.
This RV comes with pre-installed satellite radio, USB charging ports, and a 65-inch TV.
What Is the Best Class A RV Brand for Full-Time Living
When rock stars and comedians go on tour, they rely on Newmar coaches. Newmar has a range of the best RVs for living all-year round.
When it comes to Class A RVs suitable for royalty, Newmar is the preferred brand of the rich and famous. These RVs feature high-quality design and fittings, as well as excellent amenities. These coaches hold value, offering the best RV experience possible.
What States Can You Live in an RV Full Time?
There are plenty of states where you can live full time in your RV. Our top spot in Florida. You get amazing weather, with the ocean nearby, and plenty of parks and camping sites to stay across the state. You don’t need to complete any permits or paperwork to live in your RV full time in Florida.
Other states that take a friendly leaning on RV living include the following.
- Texas
- South Dakota
- Arizona
- California
- Wyoming
- South Carolina
- Oregon
- Nevada
- Colorado
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