Buying a mobile home is not the same as buying a traditional house. However, a factory-built home can be a great option if you're considering downsizing your home or exploring an alternative living situation.
Compared to traditional homes built on-site on a foundation, mobile homes are typically more affordable. However, it could come with more expenses and hidden costs. Here's everything you need to know about the costs associated with buying a mobile home.
How Much Does a Mobile Home Cost?
How much you pay for a mobile home depends on the type of house you're looking to buy. There are three types: single-wide, double-wide, and triple-wide.
Single-wide homes usually measure up to 18 feet wide and 80 to 90 feet long. This type of manufactured home comes with one or two bedrooms and is good for smaller families with smaller lots. New single-wide homes cost an average of $51,000, while used units can be bought for $10,000 to $25,000, per Forbes Advisor.
Double-wide homes should be twice the size of single-wide homes but they actually vary widely in width and length. Some homes measure 36 feet wide and 90 feet long, making it a popular option among families needing a large living space but unwilling to spend for a traditional home. On average, double-wide mobile homes cost $107,000.
Triple-wide homes are the largest, measuring a maximum of 3,000 square feet. Because of its size, triple-wides are less popular as it's built in three sections, each of which is hauled to the site separately. This incurs a higher transport fee than other mobile home options. Triple-wides cost an average of $250,000.
Other Costs of Mobile Homes
A lot of factors impact the total cost of buying a mobile home, including transportation and setup. However, there are other factors that add up to a mobile home's average cost, such as customizations, add-ons, and site preparation.
Customizations cover the home's floor plans, designs, and finishes. Interior upgrades like better countertops and energy upgrades like insulation and solar panels can add $10 to $150 per square foot to the cost.
Add-ons cover heating and cooling systems, garage and deck additions, and a driveway. The additional cost can range between $1,200 to $80,000, per Home Guide.
Site preparation includes clearing, excavating, and leveling the lot. It also includes pouring permanent foundations and bringing utilities to the vacant land. Site preparation can cost between $3,000 to $36,000.