Is It Cheaper to RV or Stay in Hotels? Cost Breakdown

If you’ve ever planned a long trip, a work assignment, or even thought about living on the road, you’ve probably asked yourself this exact question: Is it cheaper to RV or stay in hotels?

It’s a fair question. Hotels seem simple. RV life sounds adventurous. But when you start adding up the costs, things get interesting… and sometimes surprising.

Let’s talk it through like friends sitting at a picnic table, coffee in hand, no sales pitch. Just real numbers, real-life situations, and honest pros and cons.

Is It Cheaper to RV or Stay in Hotels for Short Trips?

For short stays — think a weekend or a few nights — hotels usually win.

A decent hotel might cost:

• $90–$180 per night
  
• No setup, no cleanup
  
• Utilities included
  
• No fuel towing costs
  

If you’re only traveling for two or three nights, RVing often costs more once you factor in campground fees, fuel, and setup time. Hotels are just… easier.

But once trips stretch longer than a week, the math starts to change.

Is It Cheaper to RV or Stay in Hotels for Longer Stays?

This is where RVing starts to shine.

Let’s break it down.

Average Hotel Costs (Per Month)

If you stay in a hotel for a month:

• $120 per night x 30 nights = $3,600
  
• Eating out adds more
  
• Laundry costs extra
  
• Limited space
  

Even extended-stay hotels can still run $2,500–$3,000 per month in many areas.

Average RV Living Costs (Per Month)

RV living can look like:

• Monthly RV park: $500–$900
  
• Fuel (varies): $150–$300
  
• Utilities (sometimes included): $0–$150
  
• Groceries instead of eating out
  

That often lands between $700 and $1,200 per month, which is a huge difference compared to hotels.

So if you’re staying put for a while, RV life usually wins on cost.

Hidden Costs People Forget About

When asking is it cheaper to RV or stay in hotels?, people often forget the “in-between” expenses.

RV Hidden Costs

• Maintenance and repairs
  
• Propane
  
• Insurance
  
• RV payment (if financed)
  

Hotel Hidden Costs

• Eating out constantly
  
• Parking fees
  
• Pet fees
  
• Laundry
  
• Resort fees (yeah, those are real)
  

Neither option is totally free of surprises. RVing just spreads costs out, while hotels stack them daily.

Cooking Changes Everything

This one matters more than people think.

In an RV, you cook. A lot.
In hotels, you mostly don’t.

Cooking your own meals can easily save:

• $20–$40 per day per person
  
• $600–$1,200 per month for a couple
  

That alone can tilt the scale toward RV living, especially for long-term stays.

Space, Comfort, and Feeling Human

Hotels are convenient. But living in one long-term can feel cramped fast.

RV living gives you:

• Your own bed
  
• Your own stuff
  
• A routine
  
• Outdoor space
  

For people considering long-term RV living, places that support extended stays — like those designed for people who want to live in an RV — make a big difference. That’s why guides like this one on living in an RV long-term are helpful for understanding what daily life really looks like beyond just costs.

Is It Cheaper to RV or Stay in Hotels for Families?

Hotels get expensive fast with families.

You might need:

• Two rooms
  
• Rollaway beds
  
• Extra food costs
  

RV living lets everyone stay in one space, cook meals, and settle into a routine. For families traveling for work, school breaks, or temporary relocation, RVing often saves thousands over time.

Kids also tend to love it. Parents… mostly do too, once the dust settles.

What About Solo Travelers?

Solo travelers are a toss-up.

Hotels:

• Simple
  
• No maintenance
  
• No long-term commitment
  

RVs:

• Higher upfront cost
  
• More responsibility
  
• Much cheaper over time
  

If you travel constantly and don’t stay long in one place, hotels may still make sense. But if you slow down, RV living starts to pay off pretty quickly.

Long-Term RV Parks vs Hotels

This is where RV life really pulls ahead.

Many RV parks offer monthly rates that are way lower than nightly stays. These parks are built for people who work, live, and settle in for a while — not just vacationers.

Hotels aren’t designed for long-term living. RV parks are.

And mentally? It makes a difference. Living somewhere, even temporarily, feels different than passing through.

Lifestyle Costs Matter Too

Money isn’t the only factor.

Hotels:

• Cleaned for you
  
• No outdoor space
  
• Less privacy long-term
  

RV living:

• More responsibility
  
• More freedom
  
• A stronger sense of home
  

Some people thrive in hotels. Others feel trapped after two weeks. Knowing which one you are matters more than spreadsheets.

Is It Cheaper to RV or Stay in Hotels for Work Travel?

For traveling workers — nurses, contractors, remote employees — RV living is often much cheaper.

Hotels charge nightly.
RV parks charge monthly.

That difference alone can save thousands over a single contract.

Plus, having your own kitchen, bed, and routine after a long workday just hits different.

Final Answer: Is It Cheaper to RV or Stay in Hotels?

Here’s the honest answer:

• Short trips: Hotels are usually cheaper and easier
  
• Long stays: RV living is almost always cheaper
  
• Families & workers: RV life wins on cost
  
• Convenience seekers: Hotels still have their place
  

If you’re staying more than a week or two in one area, RVing often saves serious money — especially when paired with a long-term friendly RV park.

The key is matching the option to your lifestyle, not just your wallet.