Average monthly cost to FullTime

[Greyeagle]

Just thinking/wondering what the average cost would be to full-time. I know everybody's will be different depending on location, travel and eating/shopping habits... Just checking looking for a ball park figure. Any input will be greatly be appreciated. Thanks

[336muffin]

You are correct RoadDog, it would be impossible. Sorta like "How high is up?" We keep costs down by not staying less than a week. We boondock whenever it is convenient but not at Walmarts. We belong to several clubs that has rally's with sites discounted up to 14 days. Thousand Trails works for us sometimes, we always use enough nights for our benefit.
We never pay for one night anywhere. We also volunteer for a free space to stay for a month.
ocaisanilly go out to dinner but not nightly.
One thing one has to learn......you're NOT on vacation, it's a way of life!

[Waiter21]

One thing one has to learn......you're NOT on vacation, it's a way of life!

Good point.. We're planning for it, probably about 5 years.

[Durango Dave]

I only get $1300 per month and i am able to make it work. However if something were to happen to the RV or Truck which was expensive, i would be sunk, so think about having a good savings account balance as well. Plus the way i am having to travel is way different than i wanted to. I can only go as far as half a check gets me max, then i have to stay there for the month until i get my next check.

Consider 450 per month for rent on average sometimes that includes elect and sometimes it does not. Also consider that you will want to have money to do something while your there rather than just sit in the RV as i am having to do. So youll need some luxury funds.

[luckyd]

As mentioned....how high is high.

You can get a 180 day pass for BLM lands for $180.
This is boobdocking on BLM lands.

You can get full hookup sites for as little as $15/mo.
This depends where you want to live.

Rent is a big part of your budget. You need to eat wherever
you are, so unless you plan on eating out every day, your food
cost will be the same as you now spend.

Maintenance on your RV is something that will be required,
whether it is based on mileage or time. The more you are
capable of doing yourself, the less you need to pay for.

Fulltiming is a "way of life" so you need to plan for it the same as
you would plan retirement, a job change, etc.

If you live in the USA, you are more able to "just follow the sun".

[biggcrisp]

I have read people saying that they get by on $500 per month.

I just did 7 days for $900.
That was only spending on gas, camp sites and food.

Cheaper for me to stay a part timer.

[Dutch Star Don]

Unless you've never been camping, you should be able to do your own math. No one knows how you like to eat, what level of coach you have and where you're going to want to camp.

There is a big difference between full timing to see the country or full timing to just survive on a minimal income. Unfortunately, many people are moving to RV's and living in trailer parks, because that's all they can afford. That's not really full timing it.

There are people full timing on $2K a month and others that spend $8K or more a month. It just depends on your budget.

[gruelens]

Originally Posted by RoadDog

... Just checking looking for a ball park figure ...

$1500 a month on up ... way up

This does not include the fact that your RV is a depreciating asset. If you fulltime long enough you need to factor in replacement of the RV.

[Mudfrog]

Originally Posted by luckyd

As mentioned....how high is high.

You can get a 180 day pass for BLM lands for $180.
This is boobdocking on BLM lands.

You can get full hookup sites for as little as $15/mo.
This depends where you want to live.

Rent is a big part of your budget. You need to eat wherever
you are, so unless you plan on eating out every day, your food
cost will be the same as you now spend.

Maintenance on your RV is something that will be required,
whether it is based on mileage or time. The more you are
capable of doing yourself, the less you need to pay for.

Fulltiming is a "way of life" so you need to plan for it the same as
you would plan retirement, a job change, etc.

If you live in the USA, you are more able to "just follow the sun".

As far as the bolded,, what's the catch? Is this with some kind of campground membership, club, volunteering? From what i've ever seen, $15 doesn't buy a single night, much less a month.

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by Mudfrog

As far as the bolded,, what's the catch? Is this with some kind of campground membership, club, volunteering? From what i've ever seen, $15 doesn't buy a single night, much less a month.

I don't think he meant $15/month. However, you can definitely stay for $15/night at many places - depends on what kinds of parks you stay. If you use Passport America you can do it. If you're 62+ and have the Senior Pass you can stay at national parks, national forest campgrounds, BLM, COE and even national wildlife refuges sometimes allows camping. There are many public areas where you can boondock at no charge and it's very enjoyable.

As stated previously, you can't think that you will be on vacation. You'll be living a new lifestyle. You'll learn when and how to cut corners and spend less. There are many free things to do when exploring an area. Also stated previously, I agree with knowing folks who spend $2K and others who might spend $8K.


A very important thing, I believe, is that you be free of debt before going into it and also have a good savings. Another extremely important thing to think about nowadays is your medical insurance. If you're on Medicare - no problem. If not, it will be costly and you really have to do research as to what state will give you insurance that you can travel with. A few years ago it was much easier for younger folks.

[Mudfrog]

Originally Posted by twogypsies

I don't think he meant $15/month. However, you can definitely stay for $15/night at many places - depends on what kinds of parks you stay. If you use Passport America you can do it. If you're 62+ and have the Senior Pass you can stay at national parks, national forest campgrounds, BLM, COE and even national wildlife refuges sometimes allows camping. There are many public areas where you can boondock at no charge and it's very enjoyable.

I have a feeling it is a typo but figured i'd ask since it could somehow be a surprising possibility. On the $15 a night with full hookups, i realize that's also possible, just harder to find unless you have the the Passport or Senior Pass.

Yes, improved campsites with electric and/or water can be had for around the $15 range. It's not that hard to find free boondocking but i don't believe many allow for more than a night or two stay at a time. Not sure how that would work out for fulltiming.

[jpharley]

I would work up a budget using the money you will have available. Do not forget anything, including the monthly magazine you may buy. Select an amount you are willing to spend for campgrounds (make it realistic) and log every purchase. That way you will be able to decide if you will have enough money or what adjustments are required. We use an Excel spreadsheet.

[dexters]

Originally Posted by RoadDog

Just thinking/wondering what the average cost would be to full-time. I know everybody's will be different depending on location, travel and eating/shopping habits... Just checking looking for a ball park figure. Any input will be greatly be appreciated. Thanks

You are correct RoadDog, it would be impossible.

Do you currently have a budget for your non-fulltiming lifestyle? If so, you should be able to adjust that for full timing.

[Greyeagle]

Yes, when the monies are gone we stop.... No not really we pretty much buy whatever we want when we want it