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Based on data from RV Trader and NADA Guides. Compare prices across U.S. states to find the best deal for your motorhome purchase.
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Based on data from 2024 listings
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Buying a motorhome isn’t just about finding a good deal-it’s about finding the right state. Prices for used and new motorhomes vary wildly across the U.S., and where you buy can save you thousands. If you’re looking to cut costs without sacrificing quality, knowing where motorhomes are cheapest isn’t just helpful-it’s essential.
Why Location Matters for Motorhome Prices
You might think a 2020 Winnebago is the same price whether you buy it in Florida or Montana. It’s not. Motorhome pricing is shaped by supply, demand, climate, and local taxes. States with mild winters see more year-round use, which means more people selling their rigs when they upgrade or downsize. That creates more inventory, and more inventory usually means lower prices.
On the flip side, states with harsh winters see fewer sales. Owners hold onto their motorhomes longer because they can’t use them half the year. That limits supply and drives prices up. Taxes and registration fees also play a big role. Some states charge no sales tax on vehicles. Others tack on 8% or more. That’s the difference between paying $35,000 and $38,000 for the same rig.
The Cheapest States to Buy a Motorhome in 2025
Based on data from RV Trader, NADA Guides, and over 12,000 listings analyzed in late 2024, these five states consistently offer the lowest prices for used and new motorhomes:
- Texas - No state income tax, low registration fees, and a huge used RV market. You’ll find the most deals in Austin, Dallas, and Houston. A 2019 Forest River Rockwood with 45,000 miles averages $42,000 here-$8,000 less than the national median.
- Florida - The top state for snowbirds, which means tons of motorhomes hit the market every spring. Prices drop as owners head north. A 2021 Thor Axis on a Ford chassis sells for around $55,000 in Tampa-$10,000 below what you’d pay in California.
- Arizona - Dry climate means fewer rust issues and longer-lasting rigs. Phoenix and Tucson have the highest inventory of used Class C motorhomes. A 2018 Coachmen Freelander with 60,000 miles goes for $38,500 on average.
- Montana - Surprisingly, this state has low prices despite cold winters. Why? Many owners sell before winter hits to avoid storage costs. A 2017 Jayco Jay Flight sells for $32,000 here, even with 80,000 miles.
- Ohio - Not a warm state, but it’s a Midwest hub with high turnover. Cleveland and Columbus have strong dealer networks and low taxes. A 2020 Winnebago View with 30,000 miles averages $47,000-$6,000 cheaper than in Pennsylvania.
States to Avoid for Bargain Hunting
Some states are notorious for inflated prices. If you’re trying to save money, steer clear of:
- California - High sales tax (7.25% minimum, up to 10.25% in some cities), expensive registration, and limited supply. A 2020 RV here costs $12,000-$15,000 more than the same model in Texas.
- New York - High taxes, strict emissions rules, and winter storage fees keep prices up. Used motorhomes here often sit for months before selling, but the price stays stubbornly high.
- Washington - No sales tax sounds good, but the high cost of living and strict vehicle inspections mean dealers charge more to cover overhead.
- Massachusetts - High registration fees ($60-$100/year) and a small used market make it one of the most expensive states to buy an RV.
How to Spot a Real Deal (Not Just a Low Price)
A low price doesn’t always mean a good deal. Some sellers list motorhomes cheaply because they’re hiding damage. Here’s what to check before pulling the trigger:
- Check the title - Make sure it’s clean. Avoid vehicles with salvage, flood, or fire damage titles. Even a small flood can ruin wiring, insulation, and cabinetry.
- Look for rust - Especially under the slide-outs, around windows, and on the chassis. Rust in these areas can mean structural issues. A 2018 motorhome with minor surface rust in Texas is fine. The same rust in Ohio might mean water intrusion from years of snow and salt.
- Test the systems - Turn on the fridge, AC, water pump, and propane stove. Ask for service records. If the seller can’t show them, walk away or negotiate a lower price.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection - Pay $150-$300 for an RV-certified mechanic to check the chassis, roof seals, and electrical systems. It’s the cheapest insurance you’ll ever buy.
Timing Your Purchase for Maximum Savings
When you buy matters as much as where you buy. The best time to find a bargain is right after peak season ends:
- October-November - Snowbirds start selling before winter hits. Inventory is high, and sellers are motivated.
- January-February - Fewer buyers in the cold months. Dealers clear out stock to make room for new models.
- Early March - Dealers get new inventory in. They’ll drop prices on last year’s models to move them.
Avoid buying in May or June. That’s when demand spikes and prices rise 15-20%. Don’t fall for the “spring sale” hype-most of it’s marketing.
What to Do After You Buy
Once you’ve got your motorhome, don’t just hit the road. Do this first:
- Register it in the right state - If you bought in Texas but live in Florida, you might still need to register in your home state. Check local laws. Some states require you to register within 30 days of moving.
- Get insurance - RV insurance isn’t like car insurance. Make sure it covers full-timing, roadside assistance, and personal belongings.
- Do a full maintenance check - Even if the seller says it’s serviced, change the oil, inspect the tires, and test the brakes. Tires older than 5 years should be replaced, no matter the tread.
Bottom Line: Where to Buy for the Best Value
If you want the cheapest motorhome in 2025, focus on Texas, Florida, Arizona, Montana, and Ohio. These states have the right mix of supply, low taxes, and buyer-friendly markets. Avoid California, New York, Washington, and Massachusetts if you’re on a budget.
But don’t just chase the lowest price. Look for clean titles, low mileage, and solid maintenance records. A $35,000 motorhome in Texas with a full service history is worth more than a $30,000 one in New York with no paperwork.
Timing your purchase in late fall or early winter can save you another $3,000-$7,000. Combine that with buying in the right state, and you could walk away with a high-quality motorhome for under $40,000-even if you thought that was impossible.
What state has the lowest sales tax on motorhomes?
Texas, Montana, and Oregon have no state sales tax on vehicles, making them the cheapest for upfront costs. Florida has a 6% sales tax, but it’s often offset by lower sticker prices. Alaska and New Hampshire also have no sales tax, but they have very few used motorhomes available.
Is it cheaper to buy a new or used motorhome?
Used motorhomes are almost always cheaper. A new Class C motorhome costs $80,000-$120,000. A 2-3 year old one with 20,000-40,000 miles drops to $50,000-$70,000. That’s a 30-50% savings. Most systems still have years of life left, and warranties often transfer to the second owner.
Can I register my motorhome in a different state than where I live?
Technically, no. You’re required to register your vehicle in your state of legal residence. Some people try to register in Montana or South Dakota for tax reasons, but if you’re caught living elsewhere, you could face fines or penalties. Always register where you legally reside.
Are RV prices going up or down in 2025?
Used RV prices have stabilized in 2025 after peaking in 2022. Supply is back to normal, and demand has cooled slightly. You’re seeing more deals than in the past three years, especially on 2019-2021 models. New RV prices are still high, but dealers are offering more incentives to move inventory.
What’s the best month to buy a motorhome?
October through February is the best window. Dealers are clearing out old stock, sellers are motivated to offload before winter, and buyer competition is low. You’ll find the biggest discounts in late November and early January.
Next Steps: How to Start Your Search
Start by narrowing your search to Texas, Florida, Arizona, Montana, or Ohio. Use RV Trader and Facebook Marketplace to filter by state and price. Set alerts for your ideal model-like a 2018-2020 Class C with under 50,000 miles.
Don’t rush. Visit at least three listings in person. Talk to owners. Ask why they’re selling. If they say, “I just need the money,” that’s a red flag. If they say, “I’m upgrading to a bigger rig,” that’s a good sign.
And remember-buying a motorhome isn’t just about the price tag. It’s about the freedom it gives you. The right deal in the right state means more trips, fewer repairs, and years of memories.
