by Denis Carter

RV vs. Tiny Home: Which is Ideal For Full-Time Living?

November 11, 2022

The pandemic has made a lot of people reconsider their living situations. Resignations and early retirements have become more common; plus, remote work has become the new norm for many, which has led to a rise in popularity for both RVs and tiny homes.

In fact, many people are now choosing to live full-time in RVs (RV camping essentials for beginners) or tiny homes in order to have more freedom and flexibility in their lives. But which one is the better option for full-time living? To help you decide, here is a comparison of RV vs. tiny home living.

What is an RV?

In this post, when we say RV, we refer to a motorhome, trailer, or 5th wheel. RVs come in all shapes and sizes, from small campervans to luxurious buses. They usually have a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living area, and some even have a separate office space.

RVs can be parked at a campground or moved around frequently. Many people who live in RVs full-time choose to travel often, as it allows them to explore different parts of the country (or world) and meet new people.

What are the pros of RV living?

Flexibility and freedom:

Another big advantage of RV living is the flexibility and freedom it provides. If you get tired of one location, you can simply pack up and head to another spot. In fact, many RVers choose to travel frequently, as it allows them to explore different parts of the country (or world) and meet new people.

RV living also gives you the freedom to work from anywhere. If you’re a digital nomad or remote worker, an RV can be the perfect option for you, as it allows you to live and work from anywhere in the world.

You can go anywhere:

An RV is also a great option if you want to travel often or go on long road trips. RVs come in all shapes and sizes, from small campervans to luxurious buses, so there’s sure to be an RV that’s perfect for your needs.

It’s cheaper than a house:

RV living is also generally cheaper than living in a traditional sticks-and-bricks home. RVs are much smaller than most homes, so they use less energy and resources. Plus, you won’t have to pay for rent or a mortgage, and you can save money on property taxes.

What are the cons of RV living:

There are a few downsides to RV living that you should be aware of before making the switch.

More expensive than a tiny home:

Top-of-the-line RVs can cost upwards of $1 million, while even a modest RV will set you back at least $20,000. In contrast, you can build a tiny home for as little as $10,000.

Of course, the cost of an RV will be partially offset by the money you save on rent or a mortgage, but it’s still something to keep in mind.

Harder to find parking:

It can also be difficult to find a place to park your RV, especially if you’re moving around frequently.

RV parks and campgrounds are often booked up months in advance, so you may have to get creative when it comes to finding a place to park your RV. You may also have to pay a monthly fee to keep your RV at an RV park or campground.

Limited space:

RVs can feel quite cramped, especially if you’re used to living in a traditional home. If you have a lot of belongings, RV living might not be for you.

You’ll also need to be comfortable with sharing small spaces with your family or roommates, as there is usually not a lot of privacy in an RV.

Lack of stability:

While RV living does provide a lot of flexibility, it can also be quite unstable. If you’re uncomfortable with constant change and upheaval, RV living might not be for you.

In addition, RV parks and campgrounds can sometimes be noisy and crowded, which can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. As a matter of fact, many RVers end up getting “park burnout” after living in an RV park for too long.

The upfront cost:

RVs can be expensive at the outset, especially if you choose to customize your RV or buy a top-of-the-line model. Typically, you can expect to spend at least $10,000 on an RV, and the cost can go up from there.

What is a tiny home?

<strong>RV vs. Tiny Home: Which is Ideal For Full-Time Living?</strong> 1

A tiny home is a small dwelling that is usually less than 400 square feet. Tiny homes can be built on a foundation, such as a traditional home, or they can be built on a trailer, which makes them mobile.

Tiny homes usually have all the same amenities as a traditional home, such as a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room. However, they are much smaller in size, which can make them feel cramped.

What are the pros of tiny home living?

Affordability:

Compared to an RV, a tiny home is usually more affordable. The cost of a tiny home will depend on the size and amenities, but you can expect to spend around $30,000 on a basic model.

Of course, the cost of living in a tiny home will also depend on whether you choose to buy or rent your dwelling. For example, you can rent a tiny home for as little as $500 per month.

Eco-friendly:

Another big advantage of tiny home living is that it is much more eco-friendly than RV living. Tiny homes use less energy and resources, which makes them more sustainable.

In addition, many people who live in tiny homes choose to use green energy sources, such as solar power, which further reduces their environmental impact.

Low-maintenance:

Tiny homes are also low-maintenance, as they require less cleaning and upkeep than a traditional home. This is especially convenient if you’re always on the go. Compared to an RV, a tiny home is easier to keep clean and organized.

What are the cons of tiny home living?

You need a place to park it:

One of the biggest drawbacks of tiny home living is that you need land to park your home. This can be a challenge if you don’t own land or if you move frequently.

You may also have to pay a monthly fee to keep your tiny home on someone else’s land. If that’s the case, make sure to factor that cost into your budget.

Not for everyone:

Another downside of tiny home living is that it’s not for everyone. If you have a lot of stuff or if you prefer more space, a tiny home might feel cramped.

In fact, many people who live in tiny homes end up downsizing their belongings significantly. If you’re not comfortable with living in close quarters, tiny home living might not be for you.

Difficult to resell:

Another disadvantage of tiny homes is that they can be difficult to resell. Because they are such a niche market, it can be challenging to find a buyer for your tiny home.

If you do decide to sell your tiny home, you may have to sell it for less than you paid. Of course, this is also true of RVs, so it’s important to keep that in mind when making your decision.

The Bottom Line: Which is better for full-time living?

The debate of RV vs. tiny home living is a personal one. Both lifestyles have pros and cons, and the decision of which is better for you will ultimately come down to your preferences and needs.

If you’re looking for an affordable, eco-friendly, and low-maintenance option, tiny home living might be right for you. However, if you prefer the freedom of moving your home with you.

Ultimately, the best way to decide which lifestyle is right for you is to try both. Rent an RV for a trip and see how you like it. If you find that RV living isn’t for you, you can always try tiny home living.

Author

Denis Carter

I am Dennis, a Management guru with something to say. I chose blogging as the means to convey my message because I believe that it is a powerful tool for reaching people. As a Business graduate, I have many innovative ways of looking at life and I want to share my knowledge with others so that they can approach situations differently. My goal is to help people become more productive and successful.

View all posts | Website