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Is It Cheaper to RV or Stay in Hotels?
By Andrea Agostini Ferrer MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Traveling in a recreational vehicle (RV) can be a remarkable experience. You gather your belongings, hit the road and stay at beautiful, remote destinations that lack traditional accommodations. For many, it’s also cheaper than staying in a hotel. However, the cost savings aren’t always guaranteed; they often depend on your destination, where you stay, how you get there, the number of people in your party, and whether you own or rent the RV.
Read on to learn more.
Table of contents
- RV travel costs
- Hotel costs
- How to choose between RV travel or hotel vacations
- Is It Cheaper to RV or Stay in Hotels FAQs
- Summary of Is It Cheaper to RV or Stay in Hotels?
RV travel costs
Traveling in an RV can be cheaper than staying in a hotel. And if you compare the cost of RV travel vs air travel, it can also be cheaper to drive to your destination instead of flying in. That said, an RV trip can get expensive depending on where you’re going, whether you’re renting the vehicle and the destination.
A study commissioned by Go RVing and the RV Industry Association found that a travel party of four can save up to 46% in travel expenses if they vacation in an RV. However, the study only includes travelers and full-time RVers who own their motorhomes or campervans, not those who rent them.
In some cases, the nightly rate for an RV can be as expensive or even more expensive than a hotel room. Here’s a range of daily rates for popular RV types found on RVShare, a well-known peer-to-peer RV rental platform.
- Class A: $150 to $450
- Class B: $80 to $350
- Class C: $125 to $450
- Travel trailers: $80 to $200
- Fifth wheel trailer: $125 to $250
- Truck camper: $50 to $250
The following are the expenses to account for if you want to travel in an RV.
- The cost of the RV: RVs retail anywhere from $35,000 to $300,000, depending on the model you choose and whether you buy used or new.
- Rental fees: Depending on the type of vehicle, RV rentals can start as low as $50 and go up to $600 a night. RVers must also account for insurance, cleaning fees, service charges and gas mileage.
- Campground fees: Fees range from $0 for public lands to over $100 per night for luxury RV parks. The average cost of an RV campground is about $30 per night.
- Fuel costs: The cost of gas for an RV trip depends on the cost of fuel at the time of your vacation, the miles you travel and the type of RV you use. Class A models are the least fuel-efficient and get around 6 to 10 miles per gallon (mpg). Class B models get between 18 and 22 mpg.
- Groceries: Unless you’re staying in an area with several options to eat out, you’ll need to stock up your fridge and cook your own meals.
- Power source: You may need a generator for off-grid RV camping, also known as boondocking.
Pros and cons of RV travel
In an RV, you can travel with more flexibility and camp in beautiful places like national parks or RV resorts. Another upside is that you get to make the space your own — you have your own bed, kitchen and easy access to your personal belongings. Plus, you don’t have to worry about packing and unpacking every time you move. Lastly, it’s a great way to take a road trip with children or pets without worrying about booking family and pet-friendly hotels.
The main downside is that a successful RV trip requires more effort and preparation. Most importantly, RV travel requires some degree of self-reliance and resourcefulness if the vehicle breaks down or there are maintenance issues along the way.
PROS
- Flexibility (no check-in or check-out restrictions)
- You essentially travel with your home on wheels
- Easy to travel with children and pets
- Unique travel experiences, especially in national parks
- Overnight fees at campgrounds are affordable
- You can save on dining expenses by cooking at home
CONS
- RV rental rates aren’t much cheaper compared to the average nightly rate at a hotel
- You’re responsible for maintaining the vehicle and troubleshooting any mechanical failures
- You are responsible for cleaning and disposing of your waste
- Buying an RV is a significant expense that depreciates and requires constant maintenance
Hotel costs
According to Statista, an average hotel stay costs $149 a night. The price may be higher or lower depending on the hotel’s location, amenities, and the size of the room. Some hotels also charge extra for additional guests who share the room with you, so larger groups may need to pay more or reserve a second room.
Costs to factor in when traveling to a hotel are:
- The nightly rate: Average rates for hotels nationwide range from $139 a night to $170.
- Airfare: If you’re traveling far away, you’ll need to fly to your destination. The average US flight cost is $260 dollars. That figure multiplied by the number of people in your party can quickly add up to thousands.
- Transportation: Unless you use public transportation, you must budget for a rental car or rideshare services.
- Eating out: Staying in a hotel typically means dining out at least once a day, and that adds up quickly. Prepare to spend anywhere from $10 to $30 per meal per person.
Pros and cons of hotel vacation
The main advantage of staying in a hotel is that even the most affordable places have housekeeping services. You don’t have to clean or worry about where your waste is going. You don’t have to concern yourself if there is a plumbing or electrical problem, either. Any issues that arise are the hotel’s responsibility.
PROS
- Housekeeping service
- There is no need to worry about maintenance
- Ease of booking
- Access to services and amenities like free breakfast and room service
CONS
- Higher costs for larger families
- Dining out is likely necessary
- Limited access to nature and outdoor activities unless you rent a car
How to choose between RV travel or hotel vacations
Choosing between an RV and a hotel depends on your travel style, budget and willingness to manage the complexities of RV travel.
From a financial perspective, consider the following to calculate which travel style is more cost-effective:
- The number of travelers in your party
- The length of the trip
- The number of miles from your location to your destination
- Whether you’re traveling with kids or pets
- Whether you’re visiting a city or a remote destination such as a national park
Financial considerations aside, think about your ideal travel experience.
Hotels are a better option for a relaxing and comfortable travel experience. The hotel staff takes care of the room and is on-call if you encounter any issues. Hotel rooms are also a much better option than an RV in urban areas since it’s much more difficult to find a parking lot or storage for an RV in a city.
With an RV, you’re responsible for maintaining the vehicle, troubleshooting any mechanical problems on the road, and disposing of your own waste. It’s extra labor that RV travelers must be cognizant of before embarking on a trip.
Renting an RV is best for people who want to experience remote natural areas, visit multiple destinations with a flexible schedule, and are willing to put in the effort to plan such a trip.
Is It Cheaper to RV or Stay in Hotels FAQs
How much does it cost to rent an RV?
Renting an RV may cost as little as $80 up to $300 per night, depending on factors such as the age of the vehicle, model, class and travel season. Older RVs are generally more affordable to rent than newer models.
After paying the rental cost, you’ll still have to pay campsite fees unless you want to boondock (camping off-grid in an area without RV hookups and amenities).
How much is an RV?
An RV costs anywhere from $35,000 to $300,000. The final price tag depends on the model, RV class, amenities and whether the vehicle is used or new. Additionally, the retail price is just the first of many expenses associated with RV ownership such as local taxes, vehicle registration fees, insurance, storage fees and maintenance expenses.
Summary of Is It Cheaper to RV or Stay in Hotels?
As with many questions regarding the price of something, the answer is that it depends. The cost comparison between an RV and a hotel room depends on where you’re going, what you’re doing and the size of your group, just to name a few.
The RV lifestyle is often more economical for larger groups and longer trips to remote areas like national parks. It allows travelers to save by combining lodging and transportation. Plus, they can cook their meals instead of dining out every day.
However, many budget hotels and rental properties cost about the same as an RV rental. In this scenario, it’s best to think about the trip holistically: consider the number of travelers, the activities you want to do, the cost of dining out and the cost of transportation (gas prices, airfare, car rentals, etc.). Finally, ask yourself how much work you want to do while traveling. RV travel is rewarding but requires more effort, while hotels and rental properties allow you to relax and enjoy the vacation with minimal worries.