Caravan vs Motels
Should you buy a caravan or stay in motels? A lifetime cost comparison for Australian travellers.
The assumptions
20 years of travel. 6 trips per year averaging 5 nights each. Caravan purchase price $40,000. Depreciation over 20 years. Motel average $150/night. Caravan park fees $45/night. Fuel differential and maintenance included.
What the spreadsheet says
Over 20 years the caravan saves roughly $60,000 compared to motel-based travel — but only if you actually use it regularly.
What the spreadsheet cannot say
This model cannot capture the social value of owning a caravan, the flexibility of choosing accommodation on the road, or the personal enjoyment factor. It also assumes consistent travel frequency.
The question
If you love travelling around Australia, is it cheaper to buy a caravan or to drive a sedan and stay in motels?
What might change the answer
- Travel frequency — fewer than 4 trips a year and the motel option starts winning
- Caravan purchase price — a $80,000 caravan changes the equation significantly
- How long you keep the caravan — resale value after 10 years versus 20
- Whether you factor in the time cost of towing and setup