Spotting a motorhome for sale at what looks like a steal can make your heart skip a beat. But here’s the surprise: a similar model, same year, and almost the same mileage can cost thousands less in one US state than another. Some folks save enough to cover a year of campsite fees just by shopping across state lines. Why such a huge difference, and where do you actually find motorhomes for the absolute lowest price?
The Big Price Gap: Why Motorhomes Cost Less in Some States
Imagine two friends: one shops for a used Class C RV in Texas, the other in California. The Texas buyer might spend $51,000. The Californian? He’s forking over nearly $62,000 for a model with the same kitchen, the same color sofa, and quite frankly, the same miles on the odometer. There’s nothing magical about Texas RVs—they’re just cheaper because of local laws, taxes, and a big culture of RV ownership.
The price difference is mostly about state sales taxes, registration fees, insurance, local demand, and even the sheer number of RV dealers. Some states—like Montana, Oregon, and New Hampshire—have no sales tax at all, instantly saving buyers possibly thousands. Then there are states like Arizona and Florida with massive used motorhome markets, so prices are kept lower by competition. It’s like buying strawberries at a Saturday market: the more vendors, the better prices you can bargain for.
But look beyond the tax sticker. For example, in Washington and California, you could get stung by steep registration fees—sometimes running $2,000 or more for a large Class A—making so-called bargains vanish. Even insurance premiums swing wildly: rural states usually beat city-heavy ones. Dealers in some states regularly buy motorhomes at auctions then resell them, undercutting private sellers elsewhere, especially in places like Michigan and Indiana, where RV manufacturing happens.
Then let’s talk about supply and demand. When COVID-19 hit, RVs became the symbol of safe travel, and certain states with more workforce and factories pumped out inventory, helping keep prices soft even as demand popped. Indiana, the undisputed RV capital of the world, builds around 80% of all motorhomes in the US. Big numbers mean better deals there and in nearby states.
But don’t just chase savings. Is it practical to buy halfway across the country? For some, yes—especially for expensive rigs, since the savings can dwarf the plane ticket and gas for that maiden voyage home.
States Where Motorhomes Are Cheapest in 2025
The hunt for the cheapest motorhome can feel like tracking down Bigfoot. Some states really do stand out, and it’s not just because they like country roads or have endless sunshine. Actual data from dealers and national sales—plus toll-free hotline calls to state DMVs—show these are your top contenders:
- Montana: This is the darling of full-time RVers and savvy retirees for a reason—there’s zero sales tax, registration can be handled by mail, and you can even set up a Montana LLC (perfectly legal) to park your new RV there, even if you live elsewhere part of the year.
- Oregon: Another no-sales-tax haven, but with strong local demand, especially around Portland and Eugene, used RVs are plentiful and dealers are willing to cut deals on leftover inventory in the off-season.
- Florida: This is America’s snowbird central. With loads of retirees swapping rigs or downsizing every winter, you’ll find a massive secondhand market. Florida charges a 6% sales tax, but aggressive competition keeps base prices super low.
- Arizona: Like Florida, a strong snowbird market combined with hundreds of dealers means it’s tough to beat Arizona for bargain hunting, especially in late spring when folks are heading home and unloading their motorhomes fast.
- Texas: With a booming RV culture and no vehicle inspections for out-of-state buyers, Texas delivers generous supply and reasonable taxes.
- New Hampshire: No sales tax, and with plenty of seasonal touring, you’ll stumble on private sellers eager to offload their rigs when fall frost rolls in.
Here’s a quick comparison from mid-2025 between these states for a 2021 Class C motorhome (24-28 feet, 15,000-30,000 miles):
| State | Average Used Price (USD) | Avg. Sales Tax | Typical Registration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $49,500 | 0% | $250 |
| Oregon | $51,000 | 0% | $320 |
| Florida | $53,000 | 6% | $400 |
| Arizona | $52,000 | 5.6% | $380 |
| Texas | $51,500 | 6.25% | $420 |
| New Hampshire | $50,000 | 0% | $300 |
The table doesn’t lie—look at states with no sales tax, but remember: even if a state is cheap, the best price might come from private owners looking to make a deal, especially after summer season.
Tips for Getting the Best Deal—No Matter the State
You don’t need a master’s degree in negotiation, but there are some clever moves to slash thousands off your next purchase:
- Travel off-season: Prices dip in late autumn and early spring. Sellers are motivated; dealerships want last season’s models off the lot.
- Consider private sellers: They often price below dealers. Sites like RVTrader or Facebook Marketplace can be goldmines, especially right after major holidays.
- Look for leftover units: Brand-new motorhomes in “last year’s” color or trim are discounted once new inventory arrives. Ask dealerships about these markdown units.
- Buy in a low-tax state and register there: For full-timers or those with flexible residency, setting up in Montana or South Dakota saves thousands up front and over time.
- Inspect, inspect, inspect: If a deal seems too good, it might be hiding water damage, hidden wear, or electrical gremlins. Bring a checklist and, if possible, a mechanic or RV technician.
- Negotiate extras: Dealers will often throw in free add-ons (awnings, roadside assistance, even hitch installation) if you play your cards well.
- Don’t get hung up on mileage alone: Older rigs with good maintenance can outlast newer, overdriven bargains that skimped on oil changes.
And don’t forget—state sales tax isn’t always based on where you buy, it’s where you register. Some buyers buy in Florida (big supply, cheaper prices), then register in Montana (no tax), but make sure you don’t accidentally break any residency laws—it’s a fine line, but perfectly doable if you’re a part-time traveler or own property in a low-tax state.
Pitfalls? Watch for title transfer hassles, inspection or smog check requirements if moving the RV to a new state, and insurance rules that might differ from state to state. Some states, like California or New York, are infamous for bureaucratic delays and endless paperwork when switching plates.
When Is It Worth Traveling Across States for a Motorhome?
Sounds wild—fly to Phoenix, shop all day, and drive back to Illinois in a used Winnebago. But thousands do exactly that each year. Whether it’s worth it depends on the size of the savings and your flexibility.
If you’re buying a basic Class B van worth $30,000, the savings often get eaten up by travel costs pretty quick. But for a newer Class A luxury motorhome ($150,000+), that 6% difference in tax plus $10,000 in lower sticker price in Arizona or Florida suddenly justifies booking a one-way ticket and making a family road trip out of the return journey.
Some buyers go even further: they hire local inspection services to check the motorhome before flying out. It’s money well spent—a mid-2020s survey by the RV Industry Association showed that 1 in 5 used RVs had undisclosed issues that cost buyers over $4,000 in repairs soon after purchase. That’s not a lesson you want to learn the hard way, trust me. My neighbor back in Dublin imported an old Airstream from California; he saved thousands, but shipping and plus surprise Irish VAT nearly killed his budget in the end.
Shipping across states is also an option. There are dedicated RV transporters, and costs range from $1.50-$2 per mile. If you buy in Oregon but live in New York, expect to pay a couple grand if you can’t drive it back yourself.
If you’re already full-timing (living on the road), buying and registering in a state with friendly laws and taxes makes even more sense. Digital nomads and retirees often switch residencies to South Dakota, Texas, or Florida for this reason—friendly registration rules, no vehicle inspections, and minimal fees. Many RV mail forwarding companies specialize in exactly these kinds of arrangements.
What to Watch For: Common Motorhome Buying Traps By State
You’ve picked the state, found a great rig, price looks right. But here’s where folks slip up:
- Hidden taxes and fees: Some states will claw back "dealer documentation fees" or out-of-state transfer fees that can easily tack $500 or more onto your bill.
- Registration restrictions: Not all states let non-residents register a vehicle easily. Montana is most flexible via LLCs, but you need to do your homework and maybe speak to an attorney or a specialist service.
- Insurance limitations: Each state has its own minimum insurance laws, and some require proof of local address for competitive rates. Big difference between New Hampshire and, say, New Jersey, where annual insurance can jump by over $1,500.
- Emission standards: States like California will require you to meet strict emission inspections when you re-register your bargain purchase, sometimes meaning serious upgrades or repairs before you can legally drive it home.
- Title problems: Some sellers, even dealers, don’t have a clean title—or any title. Make sure the paperwork is done before you pay a penny.
If you’re buying with a loan, some banks won’t finance out-of-state purchases for private party sales. Dealers often work with national lenders, but have backup options if you’re emailing or calling a private seller hours away.
Always run a VIN check (national database that shows if the RV has been stolen, salvaged, or flooded in a hurricane). The $20 spent now might save you from heartbreak or even legal headaches down the line.
Keep careful track of all bills of sale. If you’re using a Montana LLC, for example, you’ll need extra documents to show the RV’s legal owner (that’s technically your company, not your name personally), which can catch some warranty companies or lenders off guard.
Bottom line: the cheapest state to buy a motorhome isn’t always where you find it parked, but where your paperwork lets you keep it—without giving it all back in taxes, fees, or headaches. There’s a bit of legwork, but the right deal is out there, waiting at the edge of the next state line.