With home, mortgage and rent prices continuing to skyrocket, as well as travel costs and hotel fees not getting any cheaper, utilizing a recreational vehicle (RV) for vacation travel or even full-time living makes an increasing amount of sense in 2025. Much like owning a home or renting an apartment, with RVs, you can just as easily purchase one or choose to rent one.
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A few important factors to consider, though, are as follows: What is your budget? How often do you plan to use an RV — throughout the year or for one or two vacations annually? Do you have the storage space to park an RV when not using it? Would you be better with a Class A RV (big and bus-like), a Class B (small and built on a van chassis) or a Class C (a happy medium between A and B, with a bed built in over the driver’s cab).
If you’re unsure as to which choice is best for you, GOBankingRates recently published an RV rent-versus-own breakdown for those curious about the recreational vehicle life.
Of the thousands of RVs out there, which is the right one for you to buy or rent? GOBankingRates culled a breakdown from The Strategist to find your answers, with prices variously sourced from Outdoorsy, RVshare and RVtrader.
Also see whether new or used RVs give you better value.
RVs for Inexperienced Drivers
- To Buy: Thor Four Winds 23 U
- To Rent: Entegra Coach Odyssey
As noted in The Strategist, RVs are by definition larger than regular vehicles and can be difficult to drive, maneuver and stop. They recommend those just starting out behind the wheel of an RV to begin with small Class C’s. For instance, the Thor Four Winds can run from $50,000 to $100,000 — depending on whether you buy used or new. The Entegra Coach Odyssey rents for as low as $200 per night.
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RVs for Anxious City Drivers
- To Buy: Winnebago Solis
- To Rent: Winnebago Travato 59K
Even an experienced RV driver can be a bit nervous handling a big rig throughout overcrowded city streets or taking tight turns amid rush-hour congestion. The Strategist recommended Class B’s for those forced to drive throughout cities, as the B’s “camping van” size makes it rather maneuverable in traffic. From that class, the Winnebago Solis can cost anywhere from $144,000 to $183,000, while the Winnebago Travato can rent for around $250 per evening.
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RVs for Full-Time Drivers
- To Buy: Solitude 380 FL-R
- To Rent: 2017 Grand Design Reflection 323 BHS
The Class A RV is the largest of the RV classes, a bus-like rig that is spacious enough to feel like an actual home on wheels. For those looking to drive (and live) full time in an RV, the Class A is the way to go. You can easily rent a Grand Design Reflection for under $200 per night, while purchasing a giant Solitude 280 FL-R can cost between $130,000 and $155,000.
RVs for Solo Traveling
- To Buy: 2020 ATC Toy Hauler
- To Rent: 2018 Dune Sport Dynamite
RVs aren’t just for family outings. Sometimes you just need to get away from it all on your own. That’s why smaller, towable trailer RVs are the best options for solo adventurers. These are typically 16- to 20-foot trailers meant for weekend camping trips for one. You can purchase an ATC Toy Hauler for roughly $40,000. Renting a Dune Sport Dynamite costs only around $100 per night.
RVs for Luxury Living
- To Buy: 2007 Country Coach Magna
- To Rent: 2018 American Coach American Dream
For those with deeper pockets, a luxury Class A can be your own personal mansion on wheels. They can come loaded with a sizeable bedroom space, a kitchen, work spaces and a heavy-duty air suspension system to keep the ride from getting bumpy. If you can afford it, a Country Coach Magna can be bought for around $300,000, while an American Coach American Dream can rent for just under $1,000 per evening.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 RVs You Should Buy — and 5 You Would Be Better Off Renting
