Hiring vs Buying an RV in Australia: Cost & Convenience Compared

Australia’s vast landscapes, stunning coastal highways, and wide-open outback roads make it one of the most RV-friendly countries in the world. Whether you’re dreaming of a month-long East Coast escape or considering a year-long lap around the country, travelling by recreational vehicle offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, without sacrificing comfort.

But before you hit the road, there’s one big question to answer: should you hire an RV or buy one outright?

It’s a decision that can dramatically impact your travel costs, flexibility, convenience, and even your entire road trip lifestyle. While hiring might seem like the easiest path for short-term travel, buying an RV could offer better long-term value — but also comes with more responsibility.

This article dives deep into the pros, cons, and true costs of each option. Whether you’re a digital nomad, grey nomad, international visitor, or Aussie road-tripper, we’ll help you make a smart, informed decision that fits your travel goals and budget.

Overview: Renting vs Buying an RV in Australia

Before comparing the numbers and lifestyle differences, it’s important to understand what each option actually entails — and who it’s typically suited for.

Renting an RV in Australia

Hiring an RV is the most popular choice for short-term travellers, holidaymakers, and international tourists. Rental companies like Apollo, Britz, and Let’s Go Motorhomes offer vehicles ranging from compact campervans to luxury 6-berth motorhomes.

Rentals are usually available for durations from a few days to several months, with optional add-ons like insurance, kitchen kits, bedding, GPS, and roadside assistance. Pick-up and drop-off can be done in different cities, giving you flexibility in route planning.

You don’t need to worry about maintenance, registration, storage, or resale — it’s a pay-as-you-go model that suits those looking for simplicity and minimal commitment.

Buying an RV in Australia

Purchasing an RV means becoming the full-time owner of your vehicle, whether new or second-hand. It gives you total freedom to travel when and where you like, make customisations, and avoid ongoing rental fees.

This option is best suited to:

• Full-time travellers or those doing “the big lap” around Australia

• Grey nomads or long-term retirees

• Families road-schooling their children

• Digital nomads needing a consistent mobile base

However, buying comes with responsibilities: insurance, registration, servicing, storage, and the possibility of depreciation or repair costs.

Summary

In short:

• Renting is ideal for trips under 3 months, one-off holidays, or those testing out RV life.

• Buying makes sense for long-term travel, frequent road trips, or lifestyle change.

Understanding your trip duration, travel style, and comfort with ownership will help guide the best choice for your journey.

Cost Comparison: Rental vs Purchase in Australia

When deciding between hiring or buying an RV in Australia, cost is often the deciding factor. But looking only at rental fees or purchase prices can be misleading. To make a smart financial decision, you need to consider upfront costs, ongoing expenses, hidden fees, and even resale value.

Rental Costs: Pay-As-You-Go

Hiring an RV gives you predictable, all-inclusive pricing. On average:

• Campervans: $60–$130 AUD per day

• Motorhomes: $130–$300+ AUD per day

These prices vary depending on:

• Travel season (high season = higher prices)

• Vehicle size and age

• One-way fees between cities

• Add-ons (insurance, bedding, GPS, etc.)

For example, a 2-week East Coast trip in a 2-berth motorhome might cost $2,800–$3,500 AUD including insurance and extras.

The upside? No servicing, no long-term liability, and no registration. The downside? That money is gone forever — there’s no return on your spend.

Buying Costs: Investment and Ownership

Purchasing a used or new RV comes with higher upfront costs, but potential long-term savings.

• Used campervans: $20,000–$50,000 AUD

• New motorhomes: $80,000–$180,000 AUD

• Luxury or 4WD RVs: $200,000+ AUD

Ongoing costs include:

• Registration: ~$1,000/year depending on state and weight

• Insurance: $800–$2,000/year

• Servicing & repairs: ~$1,000/year or more if heavily used

• Storage (if not travelling full-time): $100–$300/month

• Depreciation: RVs lose value over time unless resale is timed well

However, if you travel for 6 months or more, ownership often becomes more economical than long-term hiring. Plus, when you’re finished, you can resell the RV — potentially recovering 50–80% of its purchase price, especially in a strong used vehicle market.

Cost Example: Rental vs Purchase for a 6-Month Trip

Let’s compare:

Renting a 2-berth motorhome for 6 months:

• Daily hire: ~$150 × 180 days = $27,000

• Add-ons and fuel: ~$3,000

• Total = $30,000 AUD

Buying a used RV for $45,000:

• Operating costs: ~$4,000 (fuel, rego, insurance, servicing)

• Resell value after 6 months: ~$35,000

• Total net cost = $14,000 AUD

That’s over 50% cheaper than renting, assuming you’re comfortable with managing the vehicle and reselling it later.

Lifestyle Factors and Freedom

Beyond costs, one of the most important aspects of the hire vs buy decision is how it fits into your lifestyle and travel rhythm. The difference isn’t just financial — it’s about how much freedom, responsibility, and flexibility you want on the road.

Renting: Flexibility Without Commitment

Hiring an RV is perfect for travellers who want a short, commitment-free adventure. You pick your route, choose your vehicle size, and hit the road without worrying about maintenance or repairs. It’s especially great for:

• Tourists visiting Australia for 2–6 weeks

• Locals planning a once-a-year holiday

• People who want to try RV travel before buying

Rentals also allow you to test different vehicle types. You can try a campervan one trip, a 4WD camper the next, and a full motorhome the third time — all without being locked into ownership. There’s no storage needed, no long-term costs, and minimal paperwork.

But renting also means you stick to a schedule. Your pick-up and drop-off dates are fixed. Extending your trip can get expensive or unavailable. You’re also limited in how much customisation or personalisation you can do with the vehicle.

Buying: True Travel Freedom

Owning an RV opens the door to unlimited travel at your own pace. You can change direction, stay longer in a place you love, or pause for weeks without worrying about rental return deadlines. It’s the ultimate choice for:

• Grey nomads exploring Australia over months or years

• Digital nomads working remotely from the road

• Families on a roadschooling journey

• People who want to travel off-grid or full-time

You also have the freedom to customise your vehicle — from adding solar panels to installing a water filter or upgrading the mattress. You know the history of the vehicle and can create a space that truly feels like your home.

However, buying also comes with responsibility. If something breaks, you’re the one who fixes it (or pays for it). You need to manage registration, insurance, and long-term maintenance. For some, that’s part of the adventure. For others, it’s too much hassle.

Convenience and Logistics

While lifestyle and cost are crucial, don’t overlook the logistical realities of renting versus owning an RV. The ease (or hassle) of booking, preparing, maintaining, and storing your vehicle can shape your experience just as much as the travel itself.

Renting: Streamlined and Stress-Free

Hiring an RV is designed to be as convenient as possible. Once you’ve booked online or through a travel agent, the rental company handles nearly everything:

• The vehicle is cleaned, serviced, and road-ready

• You receive a walkthrough on how to use appliances, batteries, and dump systems

• Roadside assistance is typically included

• Extras like GPS, camp chairs, and kitchen kits are optional add-ons

There’s no long-term upkeep, and if something goes wrong, you simply call the rental provider. Pick-up and drop-off at different cities is often available, making one-way travel easier. The booking process takes minutes, not weeks, and there’s no need to think about registration or inspections.

The catch? Availability can be limited during peak seasons. Booking late may mean higher prices or fewer options — especially in December, January, and school holidays.

Buying: Responsibility With Freedom

Purchasing an RV means you manage everything — from finding the right vehicle to handling breakdowns. While it offers total autonomy, the process can take time:

• Researching and inspecting vehicles (new or used)

• Organising registration, roadworthy checks, and insurance

• Possibly fitting accessories or upgrades before your first trip

• Ongoing maintenance and servicing before/after every journey

If you’re not travelling full-time, you’ll also need to store the RV securely — either on your property or at a paid storage facility.

One big logistical benefit of ownership: you can leave your gear packed and ready. Spontaneous weekend getaways become much easier when your vehicle is your own. No booking, no forms, no delays — just start the engine and go.

But if you’re not mechanically inclined, or don’t enjoy paperwork, the convenience of hiring may outweigh the freedom of ownership.

Pros and Cons of Renting an RV

Renting an RV in Australia is the easiest way to get started with vanlife or motorhome travel — but it’s not always the most economical or flexible in the long run. Let’s break down the key advantages and disadvantages of hiring.

Pros of Renting an RV

1. Low commitment
You don’t have to worry about buying, selling, or maintaining a vehicle. Just pick it up and go.

2. Flexibility in vehicle type
Want to try a campervan this time and a motorhome next time? Renting lets you explore what suits you best.

3. No registration or servicing
Insurance, rego, and upkeep are all handled by the rental company — saving you time and effort.

4. Roadside assistance included
Most rental companies include 24/7 support, which offers peace of mind for mechanical issues or breakdowns.

5. Ideal for one-way trips
Many providers allow different drop-off locations, making route planning more flexible without looping back.

Cons of Renting an RV

1. Expensive for long trips
Daily rental fees add up fast. A multi-month trip can cost more than buying a second-hand vehicle.

2. Fixed timelines
You’re locked into pick-up and drop-off dates, with costly penalties for changes or delays.

3. Limited availability in peak season
During summer or school holidays, vehicles can be fully booked months in advance.

4. No personalisation
You can’t modify the setup or store your gear inside between trips. It’s not “your” van — it’s temporary.

5. Bond and excess
Rental vehicles require a security bond and often have high damage excesses unless you pay extra for premium cover.

Pros and Cons of Buying an RV

Owning your own RV unlocks a level of freedom and customisation that renting can’t offer — but it also comes with responsibilities that some travellers may not be ready for. Let’s explore the main advantages and drawbacks of RV ownership in Australia.

Pros of Buying an RV

1. Long-term cost savings
If you travel frequently or for extended periods (3+ months), buying can be far more cost-effective than renting. You also have the potential to resell the RV and recoup a portion of your investment.

2. Full control and customisation
Want to install solar panels, upgrade the mattress, or fit a WiFi booster? Ownership allows you to tailor the vehicle to your lifestyle — whether you’re a grey nomad or a digital nomad.

3. Travel on your own schedule
With no return deadlines or rental limits, you can take spontaneous trips, stay longer in a location, or pause your journey without extra costs.

4. Store your gear inside
You don’t need to pack and unpack every trip. Owning lets you keep the van stocked, personalised, and ready to roll.

5. Build equity over time
Unlike rental fees, which are sunk costs, ownership gives you a resaleable asset — especially valuable in a strong second-hand market.

Cons of Buying an RV

1. High upfront costs
Whether new or used, buying an RV requires a significant initial investment — from tens of thousands to over $200,000 AUD for high-end models.

2. Ongoing expenses
Insurance, registration, servicing, repairs, and storage all add up — even when you’re not travelling.

3. Risk of depreciation
RVs can lose value over time, especially if not maintained properly or if the market is flooded with used vehicles.

4. Time-consuming maintenance
You’re responsible for mechanical checks, upgrades, cleaning, and keeping the vehicle road-ready — which takes time, money, and energy.

5. Commitment to ownership
Selling an RV can take weeks or months. If your travel plans change, liquidating the asset might not be quick or profitable.

Best Situations for Each Option

Still unsure whether to hire or buy your RV? The best choice often depends on who you are, how long you’re travelling, and what kind of experience you’re after. Let’s explore which option suits different types of Australian and international travellers.

Backpackers and Budget Travellers

Best Option: Renting a campervan

Most backpackers visit Australia for 1–3 months. Renting a budget-friendly campervan is ideal for this short-term adventure, allowing for easy one-way routes (like Sydney to Cairns) and freedom without ownership stress. There’s no need for registration, resale, or long-term responsibility.

Families with Kids

Best Option: Buying a motorhome (for long trips) or renting (for short holidays)

For families doing a once-a-year school holiday trip, renting a well-equipped motorhome is practical. But if you’re road-schooling or taking an extended break (3–6 months+), buying a spacious RV makes sense. You’ll save money and gain room for toys, books, and comfort.

Grey Nomads and Retirees

Best Option: Buying a self-contained motorhome

Grey nomads often spend months on the road, sometimes year-round. Buying gives them flexibility, comfort, and long-term savings. Self-contained motorhomes are ideal for remote travel, health needs, and full-time living.

Digital Nomads and Remote Workers

Best Option: Buy or long-term lease

If you’re living and working from the road, consistency and customisation matter. Buying an RV lets you create a proper workspace, manage power needs (solar, WiFi), and build a true mobile lifestyle. Renting becomes expensive and limiting over time.

Tourists Visiting for 2–4 Weeks

Best Option: Renting

International visitors planning a coastal road trip or Outback loop should hire. Rentals offer 24/7 assistance, clean vehicles, and an easy return process — no paperwork, rego, or resale stress. Focus on the trip, not the tools.

In short:

• Short trip or first-time RV user? Rent.

• Committed to long-term travel or lifestyle? Buy.

Expert Tips for Making the Right Choice

Still on the fence between hiring and buying an RV in Australia? Here are some expert-backed tips to help you confidently choose the path that best suits your needs, travel goals, and budget.

1. Start With the Length of Your Trip

A general rule of thumb:

• Under 3 months? Hiring is easier, cheaper, and faster.

• Over 3–6 months? Buying often becomes more economical — especially if you plan to sell later.

Short trips rarely justify the hassle and upfront costs of ownership, while long trips can make rental fees prohibitively expensive.

2. Ask Yourself: Is This a One-Off or a Lifestyle?

If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime Australian road trip, renting keeps things simple. But if you’re considering full-time RV travel, “doing the big lap,” or transitioning to a nomadic lifestyle, owning your RV is usually the better investment.

3. Consider Your Comfort With Responsibility

Ask yourself:

• Are you comfortable managing vehicle maintenance?

• Do you have a place to store the RV when not in use?

• Would you be willing to sell it later?

If not, the low-commitment nature of hiring may be more appealing.

4. Try Before You Buy

Many experienced travellers recommend renting first — even if you plan to buy later. This allows you to test:

• Different vehicle types and layouts

• Your comfort level with off-grid camping

• Your daily routine while living in an RV

Some people find they love it. Others realise RV life isn’t for them. Renting gives you that clarity without the financial risk.

5. Think Beyond Dollars

Yes, cost matters — but convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind are just as valuable. If you’re short on time or energy, the simplicity of hiring may be worth the extra expense. If you’re passionate about the lifestyle, buying offers long-term satisfaction and savings.

Your ideal choice isn’t just about what’s cheaper — it’s about what aligns with your travel style, personality, and future plans.

Conclusion

When it comes to exploring Australia by road, there’s no better way than in your own mobile home — whether it’s rented for a short holiday or bought for the long haul. But choosing between hiring and buying an RV isn’t just about dollars; it’s about your travel timeline, comfort preferences, and lifestyle goals.

If you’re planning a short-term trip, want zero maintenance hassle, and prefer convenience, hiring an RV is the clear winner. It’s easy, flexible, and perfect for visitors or occasional travellers.

But if you’re embracing the vanlife, planning a long-term or multi-month journey, or want the freedom to travel without limitations, buying an RV may save you money and provide a deeper, more personal experience.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — and that’s the beauty of RV travel. Whichever path you choose, the open roads of Australia are ready to deliver breathtaking views, unforgettable moments, and the freedom to go wherever your heart leads.