by Home Nation updated February 14th, 2025
Mobile home living has been rising in popularity, with many people looking for a more minimalistic lifestyle. These homes also offer an increase in housing opportunities, being more affordable and faster to build than standard houses.
Buying a new mobile home can be an exciting part of your future, but it is crucial to understand the costs and benefits of manufactured housing and decide which type of mobile home is right. You can own a high-quality, beautiful home for a fraction of the cost of regular site-built homes!
Types of Mobile Homes
There are three main types of mobile homes that vary in size. When considering purchasing a manufactured home, determining how big of a living space you want factors heavily into the price you will pay.
Look at your wants and needs to decide which kind of mobile home is right for you. Single wide homes generally have the most trailer-like appearance, while double and triple wide homes look more like site-built properties.
Single Wide
Single wide mobile homes are generally anywhere from 600 to 1,300 square feet. They typically have one or two bedrooms and one or two bathrooms. Single wides are usually a maximum of 18 feet wide and 90 feet wide; about half the size of an average site-built home.
Double Wide
Double wide mobile homes, on average, range from 2,000 to 2,500 square feet. They are usually equipped with two to three bedrooms and two to three bathrooms and can have extra layout features that you can’t get with a single wide home, like a separate dining area. Generally, they are at least 20 feet wide and have a length of about 90 feet.
Multi-Box
Triple wide, or multi wide, homes can offer up to 4,500 square feet of living space. These offer much more customizable layouts and have a minimum of three bedrooms and two bathrooms, but usually have more. These mobile homes are ideal for large families or someone who wants to completely customize the layout of their home.
The Costs of a New Mobile Home
The costs of buying a new mobile home will vary based on your location and how the market looks. The prices will also be different depending on whether you plan on buying or renting the property where your mobile home will sit on.
Mobile Home Lots
Renting a lot can cost anywhere from $100 to $800 or more each month and may also require additional fees like paying an HOA.
Purchasing the land requires a lot more money upfront, but you can save money in the long run if you are planning to stay on that lot permanently.
The cost of buying land, much like purchasing a mobile home, varies widely based on the area you want to live in; these costs can be anywhere from $1,000 to over $100,000 per acre.
Average Costs for a Mobile Home by Type
A recent report stated mobile home prices had increased an average of 34.6% from 2016 to 2021, coming in just slightly lower than the increase in single-family homes. With mobile homes retaining their value, investing in a new mobile home may be a solid investment.
Unfortunately, new mobile home prices have also increased. A new US News report found that the national average new mobile home price is currently around $111,900. While vastly more affordable than a single-family home that averages $400,600, new mobile home prices are climbing:
Average Costs by Type
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Single-Wide Mobile Home: $76,400
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Double-Wide Mobile Home: $139,900
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Triple-Wide Mobile Home: $170,600
New Mobile Home Upgrades, Add-ons, and Customization
When buying a new mobile home, there are many upgrades, add-ons, and customization features builders offer to increase the price of the home. You’ll want to budget effectively to decide which upgrades you need because they can creep up the cost of a mobile home.
Considerations for Customization and Value
Upgraded Kitchens and Living Spaces
Modern kitchens with upgraded cabinetry, countertops, and energy-efficient appliances can significantly boost your home’s resale value. Open layouts for living rooms and family spaces are also popular choices.
Energy-Efficient Features
Adding energy-efficient upgrades such as solar panels, advanced HVAC systems, or upgraded insulation saves money in the long run. These features also make your home more sustainable.
Curb Appeal and Outdoor Options
Aesthetic additions like decks, porches, or landscaped gardens enhance your home’s exterior appeal. These upgrades can make your property stand out if you ever decide to sell.
Key Considerations for Land Placement
When purchasing a mobile home, it’s essential to consider where it will be placed. Your choice between renting land or purchasing it outright impacts both upfront and long-term costs.
Renting Land: Renting is a popular option for those who prefer lower initial costs. However, it may involve additional fees, like maintenance charges or HOA dues, which can add up over time. Rental agreements also come with terms that might limit your options if you wish to relocate.
Purchasing Land: If you’re looking for a permanent solution, owning the land where your mobile home sits offers stability and eliminates recurring rental fees. However, upfront expenses are significantly higher, and you may need to account for costs like utility hookups, landscaping, and septic system installation.
Both choices have pros and cons depending on your financial situation and long-term plans.
If you're unsure about land options, consider consulting a professional to understand how to navigate property ownership and regulations in your area. This step ensures you make an informed decision about the total cost of owning your new mobile home.
The Best Time to Buy a New Mobile Home
New mobile homes are traditionally more affordable at the beginning of the year. Builders often make their home prices more competitive during January through March because few people are looking to buy during the winter.
But there is less inventory during these months, so it may be harder to find a floor plan that meets your family's needs.
New mobile home prices increase during the summer because kids are out of school, and many families try to move during the summer transition. This means the demand for new homes is higher, and the price for new homes also increases.
Looking to buy a new mobile home? Visit Home Nation’s Locations to explore affordable options and take the next step in owning your dream home.
Related: 3 Types of Mobile Home Loans That You Need to Know About
