Is Full-Time RV or Vanlife Cheaper Than Renting in 2026? The Real Numbers
- Emily Richards
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
There are so many reasons why we gravitated to full-time RV living and to be honest, finances were not the number 1 reason - but it is one of our most asked questions! We chose RV life for the freedom and adventure, for the chance to raise our child with a closer connection to nature, to live out our dream of seeing more of this world.
But the reality for many is that rent prices are climbing. Groceries feel personal. And every lease renewal email lands like a polite financial threat.
So naturally, the question starts floating around family dinner tables and late-night Zillow scroll sessions:
Would it actually be cheaper to live in an RV or van full time in 2026?
Not the dreamy Pinterest version. Not the perfectly color-graded Instagram version.
The real one.
We lived full time for about 3 years, we’ve run the numbers. And here’s what you should know.
What Does Renting Cost in 2026?
While costs vary by location, here’s the general national range in 2026:
1-bedroom apartment: $1,600–$2,200 per month
2-bedroom apartment: $2,000–$2,800+ per month
Utilities: $200–$400
Renter’s insurance: $15–$30
Parking (if applicable): $100–$300
Realistic monthly total:👉 $2,000–$3,000+ per month
And that’s before groceries, childcare, health insurance, or saving for anything resembling a future.
In higher cost-of-living cities, those numbers climb fast.
How Much Does Full-Time RV Living Cost in 2026?
Now let’s talk RV life. The numbers surprise people.
RV Payment
$400–$900 per month (Or $0 if owned outright)
Our Cost: We bought a used RV outright for $40,000. It was road ready, but we put a few thousand dollars into upgrades like solar and interior design (aesthetic upgrades).
This cost is going to vary SUPER widely. You can find cheap rigs and upgrade them, but may run into more issues while on the road requiring $ to repair. If you are handy, this can be a great option.
Campground Costs
Free dispersed camping: $0
Monthly RV park: $500–$1,200
Realistic mixed average: $400–$900
Fuel / Propane / Dumping / Water
Gas: $300–$800 depending on how often you move
Propane:
$20–$35 to fill a standard 20 lb tank
Larger 30 lb tank: $30–$50
Built-in RV tanks (20–40 gallons): $60–$200+ depending on size
Dumping: $5–$15 per dump at most RV parks or standalone dump stations
Water: Free at many campgrounds - we also spent around $300 on a water filtration system (this saved our lives while traveling through Mexico)
Maintenance & Repairs
$100–$300 average monthly buffer (Some months nothing. Some months… everything.)
When you live full time in a vehicle, things break often and you have no landlord to cover the costs - thats all on you.
Internet
Internet for us was a non-negotiable as we work remotely.
$100–$200 for mobile hotspot or satellite
We use Starlink with unlimited roaming for around $165 a Month.
Dish / Kit options:
Standard Starlink dish (portable): typically around $599 USD (prices can vary). This includes the dish, router, and necessary cables.
Starlink Mini (smaller, lighter, often van-friendly): around $229–$299 USD (often on promo).
Flat High-Performance Dish (designed for in-motion mounting, roof installs): $2,500+ if you want always-connected service while driving.
Accessories like mounts, tripods, and protective cases run $50–$200 extra depending on setup needs.
Insurance
$100–$200 again this will vary based on your vehicle.
Food
Comparable to traditional living unless you eat out frequently
Average Monthly RV Living Range:
$1,500–$3,000 per month
Yes, RV life can be cheaper.
It can also quietly cost the same as renting if you:
Move weekly
Stay in premium RV resorts
Eat out like you’re permanently on vacation
Finance a high-end rig
Freedom is flexible. So are expenses.
How Much Does Vanlife Cost Per Month in 2026?
Vanlife tends to operate with slightly different math.
Typical Monthly Costs:
Van payment (if financed): $300–$800
Campgrounds: $0–$600
Fuel: $300–$700
Maintenance: $100–$300
Insurance: $100–$200
Internet: $100–$200
👉Average range: $1,200–$2,500 per month
If your van is paid off and you move slowly? You can absolutely keep costs under $1,500.
But if you’re constantly chasing the next scenic sunrise? Fuel adds up quickly.
The Hidden Costs No One Talks About
This is where the glossy reels fade and the real-life ledger shows up.
Transmission failure: $3,000–$6,000
New tires: $1,000+
Emergency campground stays
Propane refills
Laundry
Storage unit back home
Health insurance
Vehicle depreciation
Rent doesn’t break down on the side of the highway in Utah.
But it also doesn’t give you desert sunrises outside your door.
Trade-offs live everywhere.
When RV or Vanlife Is Actually Cheaper
It’s typically cheaper when:
Your rig is paid off
You travel slowly
You boondock frequently
You cook most meals
You avoid luxury RV parks
You aren’t financing a $180,000 setup
The slower you move, the cheaper it gets.
Speed costs money.
The Lifestyle Factor No Spreadsheet Captures
This is where the math gets complicated.
RV and vanlife aren’t just financial decisions.
They’re lifestyle decisions.
You trade:
Square footage for open sky
Stability for flexibility
Routine for movement
For families, you gain:
Kids growing up outdoors
Shared experiences
Proximity to nature
Time over traffic
You also accept:
Smaller living space
More logistics
Fewer guarantees
The cost equation isn’t just dollars. It’s values.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Lifestyle | Average Monthly Cost |
Renting | $2,000–$3,000+ |
Full-Time RV | $1,500–$3,000 |
Vanlife | $1,200–$2,500 |
The overlap is real.
The difference comes down to how you live.
So… Is Full-Time RV or Vanlife Cheaper Than Renting in 2026?
The honest answer?
It depends.
If you’re intentional, travel slowly, and manage expenses wisely, yes. It can be significantly cheaper.
If you treat it like a rolling vacation, finance heavily, and move constantly, it may cost the same or more.
RV life and vanlife are not automatic money savers.
They are amplifiers.
They amplify your habits. They amplify your spending style.They amplify your priorities.
What It Comes Down To
If your goal is purely financial optimization, there are cheaper ways to live.
If your goal is freedom, flexibility, outdoor living, and redefining “home,” the math becomes broader.
For us, the value has never been only about monthly expenses.
It’s about:
Where we wake up
The kind of childhood we’re building
The life we’re designing
And yes, we still track the numbers.
Because freedom feels better when the math works too.
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