RV Cost Comparison Calculator
Calculate Your RV Costs
Cost Comparison Results
Based on your inputs: Renting saves you €0 over 5 years compared to ownership.
For reference: The article shows that for the average 15 days/year usage, ownership costs €63,800 vs rental costs €31,800 over 5 years.
Buying an RV sounds like freedom on wheels-waking up to mountain views, road trips with no hotel bookings, living where you want. But before you hand over your savings, ask yourself: is it financially smart to buy an RV? For most people, the answer isn’t yes. Not because RVs are bad, but because the hidden costs eat away at the dream faster than you think.
What You Actually Pay When You Buy an RV
Let’s start with the sticker price. A brand-new mid-size motorhome costs between €60,000 and €100,000. Used ones? You can find decent ones for €25,000-€45,000. But that’s just the beginning. RVs depreciate hard-like a new car, but worse. Within three years, you’ll lose 30-40% of its value. Five years? You’re looking at half your original investment gone.
Then there’s insurance. A typical RV policy in Ireland runs €800-€1,500 a year, depending on age, size, and usage. Compare that to a car: €400-€700. You’re paying nearly double just to be covered.
Registration and road tax? In Ireland, RVs are taxed as commercial vehicles if they weigh over 3,500kg. That means €500-€1,200 annually, not the €100-€200 you’d pay for a regular car. And forget about free parking. Most towns charge for RV parking. Even campsites with hookups cost €25-€50 a night.
Operating Costs Add Up Fast
RVs guzzle fuel. A 6.0L diesel engine doesn’t care if you’re on the M50 or the Ring of Kerry-it still burns €1.80-€2.20 per liter. At 15 mpg, a 500km trip costs you €70-€90 in fuel alone. That’s more than a full tank for most cars.
Maintenance? RVs are complex. You’ve got a refrigerator that runs on gas and electricity, a water pump, a waste tank system, slide-outs, awnings, roof seals, and a generator. One bad seal on the roof? €1,200 to fix. A faulty water heater? €800. A battery pack replacement? €600. These aren’t “once-a-year” fixes. They’re annual surprises.
Storage is another hidden bill. If you don’t have a garage or driveway big enough, you’ll need to pay for off-site storage. In Dublin, that’s €150-€300 a month. That’s €1,800-€3,600 a year just to keep it parked. And if you’re not using it for six months? You’re still paying.
How Often Do People Actually Use Their RVs?
Here’s the cold truth: most RV owners use their vehicle fewer than 15 days a year. Studies in the US and Europe show the average is 10-14 days. That’s less than two weekend trips. For most families, it’s even less-maybe just one long summer break.
Think about it. You’ve got a €40,000 asset sitting idle 350 days a year. That’s €114 a day you’re paying just to own it. Even if you use it 15 days a year, you’re spending €3,000 per trip. Compare that to hiring: €150-€250 a day for a fully equipped motorhome. For 15 days, you pay €2,250. And you don’t have to worry about maintenance, insurance, or storage.
RV Hire: The Smart Alternative
Why own something you use so rarely? Hiring gives you flexibility. Want a small camper for a quiet lakeside weekend? Rent one. Need a big motorhome for the whole family this summer? Rent a bigger one. Need to add a bike rack, a pet carrier, or a rooftop tent? The rental company handles it.
When you hire, you’re not stuck with outdated models. Newer RVs come with better insulation, solar panels, lithium batteries, and smart climate control. You get the latest tech without the depreciation hit.
And here’s the kicker: rental companies handle maintenance, cleaning, and inspections. You return it dirty? They clean it. A tire goes flat? They replace it. A fridge breaks? They fix it. You pay for convenience, not headaches.
Who Actually Benefits From Owning an RV?
There are exceptions. People who live full-time in their RVs-digital nomads, retirees, seasonal workers-can make ownership work. If you’re using it 200+ days a year, the math flips. But that’s not most people.
Another group: those who already have a garage, no storage fees, and a mechanic buddy who’ll fix things for a six-pack. If you’re handy, have space, and use it constantly, ownership might make sense. But if you’re not in one of those categories, you’re paying for a luxury you rarely enjoy.
The Real Cost of Ownership vs. Hiring
Let’s break down five years of ownership versus hiring for 15 days a year:
| Cost Type | Owning (€) | Hiring (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Purchase (used RV) | €35,000 | €0 |
| Insurance (€1,000/year) | €5,000 | €0 |
| Registration & Road Tax (€800/year) | €4,000 | €0 |
| Storage (€200/month) | €12,000 | €0 |
| Maintenance & Repairs | €6,000 | €0 |
| Fuel (15 days/year @ €80/trip) | €1,200 | €1,200 |
| Campsites (15 days/year @ €40/day) | €600 | €600 |
| Hiring Fees (15 days/year @ €200/day) | €0 | €30,000 |
| Total | €63,800 | €31,800 |
Even if you buy a used RV for €35,000, you’ll spend over €63,000 in five years. Hiring costs just over €31,000. You save more than €32,000. And you still get to travel the same routes, sleep in the same spots, and enjoy the same freedom.
What You’re Really Buying
When you buy an RV, you’re not buying freedom. You’re buying a liability. A big, heavy, expensive liability that demands time, money, and attention. You’re trading cash flow for clutter. You’re locking yourself into a commitment that doesn’t match how most people actually live.
RVs are meant to be rented, not owned. They’re perfect for occasional adventures, not daily life. If you want the experience without the burden, hire one. You’ll save money, get better equipment, and avoid the stress of repairs.
There’s no shame in renting. In fact, it’s smarter. You get to try different models. You get to test if you even like RV life before spending a fortune. And if you decide you don’t? You just return it.
Final Verdict
Is it financially smart to buy an RV? For 95% of people, no. The costs are too high, the usage too low, and the alternatives too good. Hire instead. It’s cheaper, easier, and gives you more freedom than ownership ever could.
If you’re still tempted to buy, ask yourself this: Would you buy a luxury yacht if you only used it two weekends a year? Probably not. An RV is the same thing-just on wheels.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy an RV in Ireland?
For most people, renting is cheaper. Owning an RV costs €60,000-€80,000 over five years when you add insurance, storage, maintenance, and fuel. Renting the same amount of time costs about half that-€30,000-€35,000. You avoid depreciation, repairs, and storage fees.
How much does RV storage cost in Dublin?
RV storage in Dublin ranges from €150 to €300 per month, depending on size and security. Covered, secure sites cost more. If you don’t have a driveway or garage, this is a non-negotiable monthly expense.
Can you live in an RV full-time in Ireland?
Yes, but it’s challenging. Ireland has no legal right to wild camping in most areas. You need to pay for campsites, which cost €25-€50 a night. Full-time RV living requires careful planning for water, waste, power, and winter heating. Most people who do it work remotely or are retired with savings.
What’s the best RV to buy if I must own one?
If you’re determined to own, go for a used, lightweight motorhome under 3,500kg to avoid commercial vehicle tax. Models like the Volkswagen California, Fiat Ducato-based campers, or older Mercedes Sprinters are reliable. Buy from a reputable dealer with service history. Avoid anything over 10 years old unless it’s been fully refurbished.
Do RVs hold their value in Ireland?
No. RVs depreciate faster than cars. A new RV loses 30-40% of its value in the first three years. After five years, it’s often worth less than half. Resale is hard because demand is low, and buyers are cautious about maintenance history.
Are there hidden fees when hiring an RV?
Yes, but they’re transparent. Most companies charge for mileage over a daily limit (usually 150-200km), cleaning if returned dirty, and damage waivers. Some add insurance premiums. Always read the fine print. But unlike ownership, you’re not paying for things you don’t use.
Can I use my car insurance for an RV?
No. RVs require specialized insurance because they’re classified as motorhomes or commercial vehicles. Standard car insurance won’t cover them. You need a dedicated RV policy that includes liability, breakdown, and campsite cover.
What’s the best time to rent an RV in Ireland?
April to June and September to October are ideal. Prices are lower, crowds are smaller, and weather is still good. Summer (July-August) is peak season-book early and expect 30-50% higher rates. Winter rentals are rare and expensive due to cold and limited access to campsites.
Next Steps: Try Before You Buy
If you’re still unsure, rent first. Book a weekend trip this spring. Sleep in it. Cook in it. Drive it on narrow Irish lanes. See how it feels. Then decide: is this worth €60,000? For most, the answer will be clear.