Cost of RV life with kids is one of the first questions families ask when they start dreaming about RV life — and for good reason. Between campground fees, groceries, fuel, and all the “surprise” expenses that come with raising little humans in a small space, RV life can either be wildly affordable… or wildly stressful.
We workamp while living full-time in our RV, which means our campsite costs us nothing… but there are still plenty of other expenses to plan for.
In this post, I break down the cost of RV life with kids, including what most families spend, what we actually pay, and how workamping changes the budget.
One of the biggest hidden costs of RV life with kids is food. Hungry toddlers in a campground is a recipe for chaos, so I stick to simple meals that work in a tiny kitchen. Check out my RV camping food ideas to see what we actually cook on the daily.
Typical Cost of RV Life With Kids
When people search for the cost of RV life with kids, they’re usually trying to figure out if full time RV living with kids cost is cheaper than renting or owning a home. For families who move often, the biggest expenses are campground fees, fuel costs, groceries, and insurance.
Groceries, propane, and basic expenses make full-time RV living with kids similar to a regular budget — plus constant RV repairs.. For the honest side of this lifestyle, check out my full-time RV living hacks post.
Our Actual Cost of RV Life With Kids (Workamping)
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the cost of RV life with kids, including what most families pay versus what we spend.
| Expense | Typical RV Family (Paying for Camps) | Our Family (Workamping) |
| Campground Fees | $800 – $1,500/month | $0 |
| Electric | $100 – $200/month | $0 |
| Water & Sewer | $50 – $100 | $0 |
| Propane | $50 – $150 | $50 – $150 |
| Fuel | $300 – $800 (traveling) | $0 (stationary) |
| Groceries | $800 – $1,000 | $800 – $1,000 |
| RV Payment | $300 – $1,000 | $250 |
| RV Insurance | $100 – $200 | $125 (progressive) |
| Internet & Phones | $150 – $300 | $100 (park has wifi also) |
How Meal Planning and Simple Recipes Cut Down RV Food Costs
One of the easiest ways to lower the cost of RV life with kids is by planning meals ahead of time. When you’re living full-time in an RV, groceries can quickly add up — especially for a family of five. Simple, repeatable recipes that use minimal ingredients, stovetop or skillet cooking, and one-pot meals help reduce food waste, save money, and make mealtime less stressful.
For ideas, check out my RV camping meal ideas, where I share quick, kid-friendly recipes perfect for family RV monthly expenses. Want your own free foodie download? Subscribe to get my favorite RV meal planner and start saving on groceries while keeping the whole family happy on the road!
Hi, We’re The Rogers
At HikeCookShare, we’re a family of five navigating RV life, toddler chaos, and tiny-space adventures together. I share our real-life experiences, easy family recipes, must-have RV gear, and tips that make full-time RV living with kids manageable—and fun! Cozy up and explore our posts to see how we make life on the road work for our family.
How Workamping Changes the Cost of RV Life With Kids
Workamping lowers the cost of RV life with kids by giving us a free campsite, which removed one of the biggest monthly expenses.
I work my remote job Monday through Wednesday, while my husband handles the kids by keeping them outside, running errands, and taking them to parks and hiking trails. Because we are stationary, our fuel costs stay low, which helps keep our family RV monthly expenses more predictable.
The tradeoff is having a set schedule and responsibilities, but it gives us better work–life balance since we’re not constantly chasing income just to cover rent. We’ve been able to explore the area more, enjoy slower days with our kids, and spend more time outside together.
Not worrying about rising rent has been a huge stress relief and has helped us keep our RV living budget for families more stable while we settle into this season of life.
How to Save Money on Campgrounds Without Workamping
If you’re looking to lower the cost of RV life with kids without workamping, one of the easiest strategies is choosing campgrounds that aren’t in the heart of tourist towns. RV parks farther from popular destinations often charge lower nightly or monthly rates — sometimes $800–$1,000 compared to $1,200+ in high-demand areas
How Much Does It Cost to Live at a Campground Year Round
The going rate for long-term campground living in our area is about $1,200 per month, though I’ve seen spots as low as $800 if you’re willing to stay an hour or more away from the city. On top of that, utilities like water, electric, and sewer usually add around $200 a month.
When you factor in all of these expenses, the cost of RV life with kids can quickly add up, especially with higher usage of water, electricity, and propane for cooking or heating. Families often find that groceries, fuel, insurance, and maintenance push their monthly budget higher, making campground living just one piece of the full RV living budget for families.
Even stationary, there are tradeoffs: staying put lowers fuel costs but doesn’t eliminate the daily expenses of keeping five kids fed, entertained, and comfortable. That’s why understanding real-world costs — not just nightly campground fees — is key to planning a sustainable, long-term RV lifestyle.
Do Campground Rates Change in Peak vs Off-Season?
Yes — campground rates do change depending on the season. During peak travel times, nightly, weekly, and monthly rates can increase significantly compared to off-season prices. Families planning the cost of RV life with kids should expect higher fees in summer, holidays, and popular vacation months, while staying in the same park during the off-season can save hundreds of dollars per month.
RV Insurance
One of the most important parts of budgeting for RV life with kids is insurance — but here’s a key tip: most companies charge higher premiums if you state your RV is your full-time residence. Many families, like us, avoid listing full-time occupancy and instead insure the RV for occasional use or travel to keep rates more affordable.
Can a Family of 5 Live Full Time in a RV?
Yes — a family of five can absolutely live full-time in an RV, but it takes planning, organization, and realistic expectations. The cost of RV life with kids doesn’t just include campground fees; groceries, utilities, insurance, and unexpected repairs all add up. Space is limited, so finding ways to maximize storage, keep kids entertained, and maintain a daily routine is essential.
For us, being stationary and workamping has made full-time RV living much more manageable. With one parent working remotely and the other managing the kids’ activities, we’ve found a rhythm that keeps our family RV monthly expenses predictable while still allowing time for outdoor fun, local adventures, and quality family moments.
Full-time RV life isn’t just about saving money — it’s about balancing living costs, lifestyle, and family priorities. With the right setup, you really can create a comfortable, functional, and even fun home on wheels for a family of five.
Smart storage and organization makes all the difference in turning a small space into one that actually works for daily life.
The Real Truth About Full-Time RV Living With Kids
RV life with kids has its costs and challenges, but it’s also given us the freedom to create income on our own terms. Since starting my blog in 2022, I’ve built a flexible source of passive income, and adding Amazon work has only strengthened it.
No matter your setup, understanding the true cost of RV life with kids is key to planning a comfortable, flexible, and realistic lifestyle on the road — or at a stationary campground.