RV vs House Expenses: How the Numbers Stack Up

If you’re debating whether to hit the road in a motorhome or settle down in a brick house, the first thing you’ll hear is ‘it’s all about money’. That’s true, but the picture is more detailed than a simple price tag. Below we break down the big cost groups so you can see which lifestyle fits your wallet.

Upfront costs – buying a motorhome or a house

Buying a new motorhome in the UK usually starts around £40,000 for a modest roof‑top tent rig and can soar past £150,000 for a luxury coach‑type. Used models can be half that, but you’ll still need to budget for a thorough service, possible upgrades, and a road‑worthy warranty.

A starter home in Nottinghamshire averages £250,000‑£300,000, with deposits of 5‑10% (£12,500‑£30,000) needed for a mortgage. Even a modest flat will cost more than a brand‑new motorhome.

Both purchases also bring taxes: motorhomes attract a vehicle excise duty (VED) that ranges from £0 to £250 per year depending on emissions, while a house brings stamp duty on the purchase price – 2% on the slice between £125,001‑£250,000, climbing higher for more expensive properties.

Every‑month bills – insurance, fuel, utilities and more

Insurance for a motorhome typically costs £500‑£1,200 a year, depending on size, age and where you park it. Homeowner’s insurance in the UK averages £200‑£350 annually, but you’ll also pay council tax on your property, which can be £1,000‑£2,000 a year depending on the band.

Fuel is the biggest variable for a motorhome. A 15‑litre‑per‑100‑km motorhome uses roughly £1.30 per litre of diesel, so a 500‑mile road trip can cost £80‑£100 in fuel alone. Houses have a steadier utility bill: electricity, gas, water and waste water typically total £150‑£250 per month.

Maintenance on a motorhome is more frequent. Expect annual servicing (£300‑£600), tyre replacement, and occasional repairs. A house needs upkeep too – boiler servicing (£100‑£150), roof checks, and garden care – but those costs are spread out and often lower per month.

Parking or storage adds another layer. A motorhome needs a safe, legal spot, which can be £50‑£150 a month at a certified site or a rented hangar. A house includes council tax and possibly a mortgage payment, which, at current rates, often exceeds £800‑£1,200 per month for a median property.

Depreciation works opposite ways. Motorhomes lose value quickly – about 15‑20% in the first three years – while houses usually appreciate over time. That means the long‑term financial picture can tip in favour of a house if you plan to stay put for many years.

Flexibility is the hidden cost. With a motorhome you can chase festivals, seaside spots, and national parks, but you also sacrifice a stable address, which can affect things like broadband packages, school enrollment, and even some job opportunities.

Bottom line: if your budget can handle a high upfront outlay, a mortgage, and steady utility bills, a house offers stability and growth. If you value mobility, lower initial spend, and can manage variable fuel and storage costs, a motorhome can be cheaper in the short run but may drain more cash over time.

Before you decide, write down your expected monthly spend for each option, add a buffer for surprise repairs, and compare that figure to your income. Seeing the numbers side‑by‑side will make the choice a lot clearer.