Double Wide Trailer Cost: Average Prices & Cost Factors

A double-wide is a manufactured home built in two sections in a factory, trucked to the site, and joined on a foundation or pier system. Many people still call it a trailer or a mobile home, though federal law has used the term manufactured home since 1976. A single-wide is one section, and a triple-wide has three.

The purchase price of the home is only part of what you pay. Delivery, site preparation, utility hookups, and the land or lot rent are separate. This guide shows average prices from federal data as reported by consumer sources, then covers moving and leveling costs. Prices change with the market, so confirm figures with a local dealer or the Census Bureau's Manufactured Housing Survey.

The most commonly cited averages come from the Census Bureau's Manufactured Housing Survey, which tracks the average sales price of new manufactured homes. The figures below come from consumer finance and home sites that cite it, and the data points are from different years.

A double-wide costs more than a single-wide because it has more floor area. The average for all new manufactured homes sits between the single-wide and double-wide figures because it blends the two. The Manufactured Housing Institute reports a lower overall average than the Census figure, which may be because the two use different data sets and dates.

The sticker price covers the house, not the place it sits. Buyers who own land typically pay for site work, a foundation or pier system, utility connections, permits, and delivery. Buyers who place the home in a park pay lot rent every month, which ends up being a long-term cost.

Ask the dealer for an itemized, delivered-and-set price that includes delivery, installation, blocking and anchoring, and the electrical and plumbing hookups. Without that, you cannot compare two quotes.

Relocating an existing home is a major expense. This Old House reports that full-service moves, which include transport and setup, cost far more than a transport-only trip.

A double-wide must be split and moved in two sections, and the work is usually done by licensed haulers with permits. Distance affects the price, as do road restrictions and the condition of the home. Older homes may not survive a move, so get an inspection first.

Homes settle over time, and an unlevel home can cause sticking doors and cracked drywall. Leveling means adjusting the piers or blocks under the frame.

Double-wides cost more to level than single-wides because there are more piers to adjust. Foundation repair adds more if the ground is unstable.

A used double-wide in a park is often priced well below a new one, but financing is harder to get on older homes, and some parks restrict the age of homes they accept. Lenders look at whether the home is on land you own, whether it is on a permanent foundation, and when it was built. A home built after the 1976 federal standard carries a HUD tag, which you should confirm during inspection.

Manufactured homes can be financed with a mortgage or with a personal property loan, called a chattel loan. Which one applies depends on whether the home is permanently attached to land you own. Mortgage terms are usually more favorable than chattel terms, and some lenders require that the home sit on a permanent foundation. Interest rates, down payments, and fees vary by lender, so compare offers from several lenders and a credit union. A licensed mortgage professional can tell you which type fits your situation.

Budget for homeowners insurance written for manufactured homes, property tax on the home and land, and routine upkeep such as roof care, skirting repair, and periodic checks of the piers. Rates vary by state and by the age and location of the home, so request quotes before you sign a purchase agreement. In a park, lot rent and utilities billed by the park add to the monthly cost.

• Floor area and the number of bedrooms and baths.
• Finish level, such as cabinets, flooring, and appliances.
• Region and dealer markups.
• Delivery distance.
• Foundation type.
• Whether you own the land or rent a lot.
• Financing terms, which differ for homes titled as personal property and those titled as real estate.

1. Is the quote for the home alone or delivered and set up?
2. What foundation does the price include, and is it code-compliant where I plan to place it?
3. Who pays for utility hookups, permits, and skirting?
4. What does the warranty cover and who services it?
5. Which lenders do you work with for this type of home?

Rules vary by state and county, so check local zoning and installation requirements with the building department.