Breaking Down the Costs of Life on the Road: Full-Time RV Living

What do you need to know about full-time RV living or an RV trip? You may consider the recreational activities you can enjoy, what food to prepare, and where to find a local RV park, but these aren’t the real priorities.

Before embarking on the RV trip of your dreams, you should know how much you will spend on your RV each month. One of the main costs of RV living is electricity, and choosing a device like Ampace power station may sound like a good solution.

If you have chosen a full-time RV lifestyle, Ampace will save you a lot of money on your electricity bill and your RV costs will be significantly reduced.In this blog, we'll reveal the costs of each type of RV life and how you can save money for yourself.

The Cost of RV Living 

RV living involves various monthly expenses that add up over time. Here are several key cost factors to consider:

Fuel Costs

Depending on how often you travel and the efficiency of your RV, fuel expenses can range from approximately $300 to $700 per month. If you're constantly on the move, fuel costs may increase; if you stay in one place longer, these expenses might be lower.

Campground or RV Park Fees

When parking your RV, you may choose options like rv campgrounds near me, rv parks, or campgrounds rv parks. Monthly fees in RV parks often range from $100 to $200, although prices can vary based on the location and the amenities provided.

Maintenance and Repairs

Routine maintenance such as oil changes, tire replacements, and general upkeep can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 per month on average. The exact amount depends on the age and condition of your RV.

Insurance

RV insurance typically costs between $50 and $100 per month, though this figure might vary based on factors like your driving history, RV model, and coverage options.

Phone and Internet Packages

To stay connected, many RV owners pay for phone and internet services. These packages usually cost between $50 and $100 per month; however, depending on your family's personal needs, these expenses can easily reach $100 to $200 per month if you require high-speed or premium data plans.

Utilities and Other Services: Focusing on Electricity Costs

In RV living, utilities such as water, waste disposal, and electricity hookups can add an extra $50 to $200 per month to your overall expenses. 

RV Trip: How to Save Slectricity

Although some costs are difficult to avoid, we can still choose the best way to cost. In RV camping, you often rely on various types of electrical equipment, which typically consume a significant amount of power during the process. With rising costs and the unpredictability of grid electricity, many RV enthusiasts are turning to alternative solutions-solar energy to reduce these expenses. 

How Many Watts Does RV Use

First, let’s take a look at the equipment commonly used in an RV and their energy consumption:

Summary: Approximately 17.68 kWh/day (close to 20 kWh, with the remainder possibly coming from other temporarily used small appliances or calculation errors).

Electricity Rates by Region: February 2025 Data

According to the latest data from February 2025 , the average electricity rates across various regions in the U.S. are as follows:

Utah: 10.91 cents/kWh (lowest in the U.S.)

National Average: 17.01 cents/kWh

California: 32.68 cents/kWh (highest on the U.S. mainland)

Daily Electricity Cost Calculation

Assuming the RV’s daily power consumption is 20 kWh, the daily electricity costs for different regions are calculated based on the rates above as follows:

Utah: 20 kWh × 0.1091 USD/kWh = 2.18 USD

National Average: 20 kWh × 0.1701 USD/kWh = 3.40 USD

California: 20 kWh × 0.3268 USD/kWh = 6.54 USD

Monthly Electricity Cost Calculation

Based on the daily electricity costs, the monthly costs for each region are calculated as follows:

Utah: 2.18 USD/day × 30 days = 65.46 USD

National Average: 3.40 USD/day × 30 days = 102 USD

California: 6.54 USD/day × 30 days = 196.08 USD

How Can Solar Help Reduce RV Electricity Bills

Harnessing Solar for Sustainable Energy

Using sunlight to generate clean, sustainable energy that reduces reliance on conventional energy sources is a whole new way to reduce your electricity costs. For example, using an Ampace Andes 1500 portable power station can help offset or even eliminate your dependence on the grid, providing a more sustainable and economical power source for your RV.

Reducing Grid Dependency

By generating power with solar panels, you can produce electricity right in your RV, minimizing reliance on the grid. During peak daylight hours, solar panels provide ample power for your appliances, reducing the need for conventional energy sources and lowering your monthly bills—delivering real benefits for you.

Long-Term Financial Gains

While the initial investment in solar panels and a power station might feel substantial, the savings on your monthly electricity bills will outweigh the upfront costs in the long run.

Ampace Andes 1500: The Solar-Powered Backup for RV Living

The Ampace Andes 1500, with a capacity of 1462Wh, pairs with a 600W solar panel to fully charge in 3-5 hours. On sunny days, you can typically complete about two charging cycles (roughly 2924Wh), significantly cutting electricity expenses and offering full-time RVers both economic and practical rewards.

• Save Money with Ease: In California, savings range from 48¢ per day (one charge) to 96¢ (two charges), adding up to $172-$344 annually—especially impactful in high-cost regions.
• Off-Grid Freedom: The Andes 1500 supports multiple devices simultaneously, with a peak output of 3600W to meet even greater demands, reducing reliance on the grid or generators.
• Long-Term Reliability: With a lifespan exceeding 10 years and a 5-year warranty, it ensures steady power for your travels.

FAQs about RV Living