Are you planning to buy a home and wondering which one is best for you: a single-wide or double-wide?
Let me tell you, you’re not alone. Many people find it hard to decide between the two.
Buying a home on a budget is not a small bet, as it not only affects your future home but also your way of life.
Some budget-conscious home buyers choose a manufactured home. These homes are built in a factory and then transported to their final location for occupancy, rather than being constructed entirely on-site like traditional houses.
In this post, we will explore the world of single-wide and double-wide mobile homes. Understand what they actually are, their differences, and their pros and cons. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, these options help you make the right decision for your unique needs.
What’s A Single-Wide Manufactured Home?
Did you know manufactured homes are referred to as mobile homes? These homes are factory-built and specifically designed to be transported from one location to another.
In the past, people might have thought of single-wide homes as trailer homes, but things have changed. Nowadays, single-wide manufactured homes are built to higher standards.
Although they are smaller in size, a long and narrow floor plan makes them easy to move, affordable, and suitable for singles, couples, or small families.
Once transported and installed, they can also be customized and designed to resemble traditional homes, both inside and out.
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What’s A Double-Wide Manufactured Home?
Looking back in time, the very first double-wide home was created in 1967, when two single-wide homes were joined together.
A double-wide manufactured home is a larger type of factory-built home, constructed in two separate sections, or “wides,” and then transported to the home site where it gets assembled.
These are spacious, comfortable, and twice the width of a single-wide home; as a result, they offer more living space and often come with various amenities, making them a popular choice for those looking for a larger and more affordable housing option.
These manufactured homes are gaining a lot of popularity among homeowners since it’s a great way to enjoy the benefits of manufactured homes while having more room to live comfortably.
Today, we can easily distinguish double-wide homes by being bigger with a wider, shorter layout. They’re a bit more expensive but still quite affordable, and they come with unique features.
What’s the Difference Between Single-Wide and Double-Wide?
The main difference between single-wide and double-wide mobile homes is how wide they are. Single-wide homes are narrower, like 14 to 18 feet wide, while double-wide homes are wider, usually around 20 feet or more. So, double-wide homes are roomier inside, while single-wide homes are more budget-friendly and easier to move.
Let’s explore the variations between these two options, so you can make the right choice for your mobile home.
1. Size:
Single-wide homes are smaller and narrower as compared to double-wide homes. Double-wide homes are essentially created by joining two single-wide units together.
| Length | Width | |
| Single-Wide | 56 to 76 feet | 14 to 18 feet |
| Double-Wide | 56 to 76 feet | 20 to 32 feet |
2. Space:
If we compare from a space perspective, then obviously double-wide homes offer more living space making it a better choice for larger families, whereas single-wide homes are suitable for individuals, couples, or small families due to their limited space.
3. Cost:
Single-wide homes are generally a more affordable option, whereas double-wide homes are relatively more expensive due to their larger size and added amenities.
According to “U.S. Census Bureau data”, the nationwide average cost for a new manufactured home is as follows:
| Single-wide | $81,400 |
| Double-wide | $160,400 |
| Triple-wide/multi-wide | Up to $250,000 |
4. Mobility:
When we talk about mobility, both single-wide and double-wide can move from one place to another. However, the difference between the two is in the effort; a double-wide home requires more effort to transport and relocate as it comes in two halves, whereas a single-wide home is easier to transport as it only has one piece.
5. Amenities:
Double-wide homes are more comfortable and offer more built-in amenities as compared to single-wide.
6. Investment:
Single-wide homes are cost-effective but their resale value is 30%-50% less than that of a double-wide home, making it much harder to resell.
Double-wides are a larger investment, look more like a traditional home, and have a spacious, more customizable floor plan that prospective buyers will likely find appealing.
TL/DR;
| Single-Wide | Double-Wide | |
| Length | 56 to 76 feet | 56 to 76 feet |
| Width | 14 to 18 feet | 20 to 32 feet |
| Living Space | Limited | More than single-wide |
| Cost | Affordable | Expensive |
| Mobility | Requires less efforts | Requires more efforts |
| Amenities | Less | More |
| Investment | Less | More |
| Resale | Harder to resell | Easier to resell |
| Taxes | Lower taxes | Higher taxes |
What’s included in the cost of a mobile home?
Let’s break down the costs of a manufactured home:
- Base price according to type of home (single-wide, double-wide, or triple-wide/multi-wide)
- Customizations cost
- Costs of additional features or amenities
- Cost of the land
- Rent in a community
- Taxes and fees
- Installation cost
Single-Wide vs. Double-Wide Pros And Cons
Briefly understand the pros and cons of single-wide and double-wide with the below table:
| Pros | Cons | |
| Single-Wide |
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| Double-Wide |
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These pointers help you make an informed choice between single-wide and double-wide manufactured homes based on your preferences and requirements.
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