How Much Does A Double Wide Trailer Cost

Manufactured homes are seeing a bit of a resurgence in popularity. For one, young Americans are ditching the McMansion for more minimalistic living. In its annual industry overview, the Manufacturing Housing Institute reported that 22 million Americans lived in manufactured homes in 2022 (the latest data available). In the most recent data (March 2023) from the Census Bureau’s Manufactured Housing Survey (MHS), the average sales price nationwide for a new manufactured home was $128,300. As of January 2023 (also the latest data available), 7,000 units were shipped to date. And in many communities, particularly those in the South and Midwest, a new manufactured home represents an important housing opportunity, being both more affordable and quicker to build than a standard, site-built home. Per market and consumer data provider Statista, as of December 2021 (the latest government data available), Texas was the U.S. state with the highest number of manufactured homes, 137,460. Florida and Louisiana followed, with 50,761 and 46,381 homes, respectively. And the top three U.S. States buying the most manufactured homes vs. site-built homes are Mississippi, West Virginia and Kentucky.

Is there a difference between a manufactured and a mobile home?

You’ve probably heard both terms thrown around. Is a mobile home the same as a manufactured home? If you’re confused, you’re not alone. Most of us still use these two terms interchangeably when we refer to a housing unit on wheels. The difference is in when they were built. It means that if the structure is built after 1976 and meets all federal rules for quality, durability, safety, and affordability, it is technically called a “manufactured home.” If it was built before 1976, it is technically called a “mobile home.” Today, many people still use the term “mobile home” when referring to a manufactured home.

What is included in the cost of a mobile home?

The cost breakdown for a manufactured home includes: The type of home (single-wide, double-wide or triple-wide/multi-wide), Customizations and add-ons, Cost of the land, Cost of rent in a community.

Three types of manufactured homes

Manufactured homes come in three sizes: Single-wide, Double-wide, Triple-wide/multi-wide.

Add-ons and customizations

Just like with the traditionally built new homes, manufactured homes can be customized, from cabinet finishes to plumbing fixtures to flooring. They can come with fully equipped kitchens, vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets, and luxurious bathrooms. Just like site-built homes, they can be spiffed up outside too. Exterior sidings can include wood or stucco, and roofs can be enhanced by gabled ends and shingles. Cosmetic customizations will cost less than adding exterior features like a porch or a garage. Adding square footage is also possible, like an extra room, but it might get expensive.

Cost of the land

The price of the manufactured home will also include the cost of the land it will be on, so if you plan to place the home on land you are buying or already own, factor in the price of the land, including property taxes. The total should also include preparing the site to host the home, like grade work to ensure proper drainage. The cost of grade work depends on several factors, including local requirements, whether the land is on a hill or a slope or flat land, the condition of the soil, and whether there are trees on the property.

Cost of rent in a community

If you don’t own land and don’t want to buy it, you can rent space in a mobile home park or manufactured home community. The costs vary greatly depending on the location in the country, which services and amenities are offered, and more. The landlord will collect rent in exchange for allowing you to stay on their land. Some communities offer amenities like pools and services like lawn care or trash pickup. Some might include utilities like water in the rent.

What else is factored into the price?

The cost for a new manufactured home can also vary widely depending on where and when you are looking to purchase. Manufactured homes in the West, for example, are more expensive than in the South and Midwest. Likewise, you’re likely going to spend less for a new manufactured home if you buy in late winter (January to March) than if you buy at another time of year.

The nationwide average cost for a new manufactured home

Data courtesy of U.S. Census Bureau data. Single wide: $81,400, Double wide: $160,400, Triple wide/multi wide: Up to $250,000.

Benefits of buying a new manufactured home

It isn’t just their lower price tag that makes manufactured homes an intriguing investment for buyers. A new manufactured home has many other important qualities that may make someone want to consider a purchase: The taxes are lower, They’re safer than ever before, They’re quick to build, They’re customizable.

Financing your manufactured home

You won’t be able to get a traditional mortgage for a new manufactured home since, again, manufactured homes are not considered real estate. This leaves you with more limited options for financing, though you also have an advantage in that the loan you’ll need to take out is likely considerably less than it would be for a site-built home.

Considerations before you buy a mobile or manufactured home

Purchasing a mobile or manufactured home differs from buying a site-built home. The type of ownership is different too. A manufactured home is considered private property as opposed to the real estate classification of the traditionally built home. You will have a title, but not the deed.

Single-Wide Vs. Double-Wide

What’s The Difference Between Single-Wide And Double-Wide?

Before deciding whether a single-wide or double-wide manufactured home is right for you, it’s important to know the difference between these two floor plans. The primary difference has to do with how the home is built. A single-wide home is built in one long section. A double-wide, however, must be built in two separate sections and joined together on site to make a larger home. Double-wide manufactured homes are typically twice the size of single-wide homes. A double-wide also differs from the single-wide on account of its higher square footage, bigger land or lot size, longer setup process, increased costs and heightened difficulty in its ability to move.

What’s A Single-Wide Manufactured Home?

Did you know that manufactured homes used to be more commonly referred to as mobile homes? That is until 1976, when Congress passed the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act, which authorized the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to create construction standards for manufactured homes. So, what may have been considered a single-wide trailer home in the past no longer accurately lives up to the building standards that constitute a single-wide manufactured home today. The modern single-wide home offers homeowners a dwelling that is cozy in size, narrow and long in its floor plan, easy to relocate, and relatively inexpensive.

What’s A Double-Wide Manufactured Home?

As the manufactured home grew in popularity among homeowners, so did its size. In 1967, two single-wides were combined to create the first double-wide home. Today, a double-wide manufactured home can be distinguished by its much larger floor plan, wider and shorter size, greater (but still relatively affordable) cost, and other defining features.

Single-Wide Vs. Double-Wide Key Characteristics

As you choose the right type of manufactured home for you, it may be helpful to compare the key characteristics and differences. Below, we’ve provided a detailed chart to help you make an informed decision. Keep in mind, though, that the figures shown below are general ranges.

Single-Wide Home

Square Footage: 500 – 1,300 sq. feet
Dimension: 12-18 feet wide, 40-80 feet long
Floor Plan: Fewer room layout options, Narrow and long shape
Average Cost (2021): $73,000

Double-Wide Home

Square Footage: 1,000 – 2,300 sq. feet
Dimension: 20-36 feet wide, 32-90 feet long
Floor Plan: More spacious floor plan, Wider and shorter shape
Average Cost (2021): $132,000

Single-Wide Vs. Double-Wide Pros And Cons

Buying a home on a budget is no small feat. For this reason, some cost-conscious home buyers have opted for a manufactured home — one built in a factory or warehouse and then transported to the home site – rather than a traditional site-built home. However, once you’ve settled on a manufactured home, there’s still the question of which type is right for you. While manufactured homes come in various styles and layouts, the choice usually boils down to the two major types, single-wide or double-wide.

Size

As we’ve already discussed, the size of a single-wide versus a double-wide home will vary greatly. You can usually expect for a single-wide to range between 500 and 1,300 square feet, with a width of 12-18 feet and a length of 40-80 feet. Double-wide homes are typically twice the size of single-wide homes, with square footage ranging from 1,000 – 2,300 or even greater. They will also have larger widths (usually 20-36 feet) and lengths (32-90 feet). Lot sizes for each type of manufactured home will also vary. A double-wide has a larger footprint, so it generally requires more space than a single-wide.

Floor Plans And Upgrades

Since single-wide homes are smaller in size, this inevitably affects the floor plan. Because of their long, narrow shape, traditional single-wide homes usually have fewer room layout options. Individuals who choose to live alone or couples without children may find such a floor plan ideal. On the contrary, a double-wide has a much more spacious and flexible design; some may even find that it resembles a site-built home in its look and feel. This is the ideal option for larger families. While manufactured homes can be harder to personalize than the traditional home, there are still many opportunities for renovations and additions — especially on a double-wide home. If possible, you might consider adding an extra bedroom or bathroom, or even a front porch to the outside of your home.

Mobility

Both single-wide and double-wide homes are mobile, meaning they can be picked up and transported from one place to another. However, since a double-wide comes in two halves and a single-wide only has one piece, moving will be easier with a single. A double will need to be separated and moved in two stages, making a sudden move much more difficult.

Cost

How do the single-wide and double-wide compare when it comes to cost? Generally speaking, a single-wide home will cost less than a double-wide since it’s smaller in size. For a single-wide home, you can expect to pay anywhere from $45,000 – $73,000 or more. And a double-wide can end up costing anywhere from $82,000 – $132,000 or more. You should also be prepared to pay setup costs averaging $1,500 – 5,000 for both types of manufactured home. However, it’s important to note that cost will vary greatly depending on location and the options and features you select for your single-wide or double-wide home. If you’re looking to customize your home with porches, decks, and interior upgrades, this could lead to a significant boost in price.

Resale Value

Another important factor to consider when choosing between a single-wide or double-wide home is resale value. Resale value is the amount you can expect to receive for your home if you sell it in the future. While you may pay less for a new single-wide home, it also has 30%-50% less of resale value than a double-wide home — making it much harder to resell. This is because a double-wide looks more like a traditional home and has a spacious, more customizable floor plan that prospective buyers will likely find appealing.

Frequently asked questions about a new mobile home cost

What are the pros of buying a mobile home?
What are the cons of buying a mobile home?
Why should I consider a manufactured home?
How can I customize my mobile home?
Will a manufactured home appreciate in value?
What are the major current HUD safety standards?