RV Living Cost: What It Really Takes to Live on the Road

When you think about RV living cost, the total expenses of owning or renting a motorhome for daily life on the road. Also known as van life expenses, it’s not just about the price tag on the vehicle—it’s everything that keeps you moving, powered, and parked legally. Most people assume buying a campervan is the big cost. But the real bill adds up fast: fuel, insurance, maintenance, site fees, water, electricity, and even the little stuff like toilet chemicals and propane. If you’re thinking about ditching rent and living in your rig, you need to know what’s hiding under the hood.

One major factor is motorhome ownership, the long-term financial commitment of buying and maintaining a vehicle designed for full-time living. A used Class B motorhome might start at £20,000, but that’s just the beginning. Depreciation hits hard—some models lose 30% of their value in the first three years. Then there’s servicing. Engines, slide-outs, water systems, and batteries all need attention. One broken water pump or faulty fridge can cost £800 to fix, and that’s if you catch it early. And don’t forget registration, road tax, and mandatory insurance. These aren’t optional extras—they’re monthly bills.

Then there’s campervan rental cost, the daily and hidden fees you pay when you borrow a motorhome instead of owning one. If you’re renting, you’re looking at £60–£150 a day, depending on the season and model. But that’s not all. Mileage limits? Extra charges. Cleaning fees? Usually £50–£100. Insurance excess? Often £1,000 or more. And if you damage the awning or scratch the body, you’re paying out of pocket. Renting sounds easier, but over a few months, you could end up spending more than if you’d bought your own.

And let’s talk about RV maintenance, the ongoing work needed to keep your home on wheels running safely and comfortably. It’s not just oil changes. You’ve got to check seals on windows, empty holding tanks, test propane detectors, clean solar panels, and replace tires before they crack from sitting too long. Neglect one thing, and it can snowball. A leaky roof leads to mold. A weak battery kills your fridge. A clogged black water tank means you can’t flush. These aren’t weekend fixes—they’re part of your weekly routine.

Where you park matters too. In the UK, wild camping is mostly illegal unless you’re in specific spots like Dartmoor or the Lake District (and even then, rules vary). That means you’re often paying for a pitch at a caravan park. A decent site with electric hook-up and showers can cost £20–£40 a night. Do that 20 nights a month? That’s £400–£800 right there. Some people cut corners with stealth camping, but that’s risky. Getting fined or towed isn’t worth saving £30.

So what’s the real answer? Living in an RV isn’t cheaper than a flat unless you’re smart. You need to track every pound. Use a budget app. Build a buffer for repairs. Choose free or low-cost stops when you can. And if you’re renting, read every line of the contract. Most people don’t realize how much they’re spending until they’re stuck on the side of the road with a dead battery and no cash for a tow truck. The freedom of the open road is real—but it comes with real bills.

Below, you’ll find honest breakdowns from people who’ve done it: how much they spent, what surprised them, and what they’d do differently. No fluff. Just the numbers, the mistakes, and the tips that actually help.