Quick Cost Comparison Tool
Single Wide
Double Wide
Side-by-Side Comparison
Which One Should You Buy?
The right choice depends on your household size, budget, and long-term plans. Single wides are the entry point of manufactured housing — lower purchase price, lower monthly payment, and easier to move if your park closes or you relocate. That flexibility comes with a trade-off: resale values tend to drop faster, and financing options are slightly more limited.
Double wides are closer to site-built homes in feel and financing. Many lenders treat a double wide on a permanent foundation the same as a traditional home for mortgage purposes — including FHA and VA loans. If you have a family, plan to stay put for 10+ years, and can handle the higher upfront cost, a double wide typically makes more financial sense.
A rule of thumb from industry appraisers: if the double wide costs less than 1.5× the single wide on the same lot, the double wide is usually the better value per square foot and the better resale bet.
See How MH Compares to Modular & Site-Built
Full Comparison Chart →Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a mortgage on a single wide mobile home? +
Yes, though options are narrower. FHA Title I chattel loans work for single wides in parks. Getting a traditional mortgage (Title II) requires the home to be on a permanent foundation on land you own. Many single wide buyers use chattel financing instead.
Do single wide and double wide homes pay the same lot rent? +
Usually yes within the same park, though some parks charge a small premium ($20–$60/month) for larger double wide pads that require wider setbacks. Always clarify with the park before signing.
Is a double wide worth more than a single wide? +
Generally yes — double wides hold resale value better and typically appraise higher per unit. However, location and condition matter more than type. A well-maintained single wide in a desirable park often outperforms a neglected double wide in a declining market.
How much does it cost to move a double wide vs single wide? +
Single wide moves typically run $5,000–$10,000 all-in (transport, permits, set-up). Double wides are split into two halves for transport and cost $10,000–$20,000+. Distance and local permit complexity are the biggest variables. See our full moving cost guide.
Can a single wide be converted to a double wide? +
Not practically. They're manufactured as separate units and joined at the ridge. You'd need to buy and set up a new double wide. Some homeowners add a stick-built addition to a single wide, but that changes the structure's HUD classification and may void warranties.