Moving a mobile home is a complex logistical undertaking that involves much more than simply attaching a truck and driving to a new location.
In 2026, the mobile home moving cost for a single-wide unit typically ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 for short distances, while double-wide units can cost $10,000 to $20,000 or more due to the additional teardown, transport, and setup requirements.
Transport costs alone often run $1 to $5 per mile depending on the size of the unit, road permits required, and the number of escorts needed.
Setup at the new site—including blocking, leveling, tie-downs, utility connections, and skirting—adds significantly to the total.
Relocating to a new state also means understanding the cost of living in Florida or cost of living in Texas, two of the most popular manufactured home markets in the country.
HUD standards govern manufactured housing construction and safety, and movers must comply with state transportation regulations.
This guide covers average costs, key cost components, and important consumer protections to consider.
Average Cost to Move a Mobile Home
The table below outlines typical cost ranges for mobile home moves in 2026. Costs increase with distance, unit size, and site preparation complexity.
| Home Type / Distance | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-wide, local move (<50 miles) | $3,000 | $5,000–$8,000 | $10,000 |
| Double-wide, local move (<50 miles) | $8,000 | $10,000–$15,000 | $20,000 |
| Long-distance (100+ miles), single-wide | $5,000 | $7,000–$12,000 | $15,000 |
| Long-distance (100+ miles), double-wide | $12,000 | $15,000–$20,000 | $25,000+ |
| Transport rate (per mile) | $1/mile | $2–$4/mile | $5/mile |
These figures do not include the cost of a new lot, site preparation, or utility hookups at the destination, which can add several thousand dollars to the total project cost.
Cost Breakdown by Component
Mobile home relocation involves multiple phases, each with its own cost structure.
Disconnect and Teardown
Before transport, the home must be disconnected from utilities, the skirting removed, and—for double-wides—the two sections separated. This phase typically costs $1,000 to $3,000 and requires coordination with local utility providers for safe disconnection of gas, electric, water, and sewer lines.
Transport
The transport itself is priced per mile and varies by unit size. Most moves require one or more pilot cars for oversized loads, adding $100 to $200 per pilot car per day. Permits for oversize loads must be obtained in each state traversed and typically cost $50 to $150 per state permit.
BLS data on transportation and logistics occupations reflects the skilled labor involved in these moves.[3]
Setup and Installation at New Site
Setup at the destination site typically includes foundation blocking, leveling, marriage wall reconnection (double-wides), tie-downs per HUD standards, and utility reconnections.
Setup costs commonly run $2,000 to $6,000.
HUD's Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards (HUD Code) mandate specific anchoring and support requirements that licensed installers must follow.[1]
Permits and Inspections
Most jurisdictions require permits for placement of a manufactured home, and inspections are typically required after setup. Permit costs vary widely by state and county but commonly run $200 to $1,000. Some states require that only licensed manufactured home installers perform setup.
Skirting and Exterior Finishing
Reinstalling or replacing skirting at the new location typically costs $500 to $2,500 depending on material choice (vinyl, metal, or masonry) and the perimeter length of the home.
Factors That Affect the Cost to Move a Mobile Home
Beyond the base transport rate, several factors can significantly increase the total cost of a mobile home move.
Age and Condition of the Home
Older mobile homes—particularly those built before the 1976 HUD Code took effect—may not meet current safety and construction standards and may be refused by destination mobile home parks. Significant structural deterioration can make a home impossible or impractical to move.
Road and Route Conditions
Moves that require travel through mountainous terrain, over bridges with weight restrictions, or through densely urban areas with low overpasses or tight turns may require special routing, additional permits, or nighttime travel restrictions that increase costs.
Site Preparation at Destination
If the new site requires grading, a new foundation pad, or septic system installation, those costs are in addition to the move itself. Site preparation can run $2,000 to $10,000 or more depending on land conditions.
Double-Wide Separation and Remarriage
Moving a double-wide requires separating the two halves, transporting them on two trucks, and rejoining them at the destination—a process that requires precise alignment and additional finish work. This significantly increases both labor and transport costs compared to a single-wide move.
How to Save Money When Moving a Mobile Home
Moving a mobile home is an expensive process with limited opportunities for significant cost reduction, but the following approaches may help.
Get Multiple Quotes from Licensed Movers
Prices vary considerably between mobile home transport companies.
Request itemized quotes from at least three licensed companies that specify transport rates, permit costs, setup fees, and any surcharges for oversized loads or escort vehicles.
For comparison, the cost to relocate a house — a stick-built structure — typically runs $15,000–$200,000 or more, making manufactured home transport a far more economical alternative when the unit is in transportable condition.
Move Shorter Distances When Possible
Per-mile transport costs add up quickly. If you have flexibility in destination, choosing a site closer to the current location can meaningfully reduce transport costs.
Handle Your Own Skirting and Landscaping
After the professional setup is complete, handling skirting installation and exterior cleanup yourself can reduce total project costs by $500 to $2,000.
What to Watch Out For
Mobile home moving involves several consumer protection concerns worth addressing before signing any contracts.
Unlicensed or Uninsured Movers
Moving a manufactured home is a specialized and regulated activity.
Use only movers licensed in your state for manufactured home transport.
The FTC advises consumers to verify contractor credentials and insurance before any major move.[2] An uninsured mover who damages your home during transport may leave you with no recourse.
Destination Park Restrictions
Many mobile home parks have age restrictions on homes they will accept—commonly refusing homes older than 10 to 15 years. Verify park acceptance criteria before arranging the move to avoid being unable to place the home at the destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any mobile home be moved?
Not all mobile homes are practical to move. Homes with significant structural deterioration, rot, or those built before the 1976 HUD Code may not survive transport or may not be accepted by destination parks. A pre-move inspection by a licensed inspector is advisable before committing to a move.
A home inspection cost of $300–$500 is a small upfront investment compared to the cost of a failed or damaged transport.
How far in advance should I arrange a mobile home move?
Most reputable mobile home transport companies book 4 to 8 weeks in advance, and permit processing in some jurisdictions can take 2 to 4 weeks. Planning 2 to 3 months ahead is advisable, particularly for long-distance moves involving multiple state permits.
Who is responsible for obtaining moving permits?
Typically the transport company is responsible for obtaining oversize load permits along the route, though the cost is usually passed through to the homeowner. You may also need a separate placement permit from the destination municipality, which is typically your responsibility to obtain.
Does homeowner's insurance cover mobile home moves?
Standard manufactured home insurance policies generally do not cover damage during transit. You should ask your transport company about their cargo insurance coverage and consider whether a separate transit policy is advisable. Verify coverage amounts in writing before the move.
Homeowners moving to a new area should also factor in that the cost of professional movers for household contents is typically separate from the mobile home transport cost itself.
What is the difference between a mobile home and a manufactured home?
The term 'mobile home' typically refers to factory-built housing constructed before June 15, 1976, when HUD Code standards took effect.
Homes built after that date under HUD standards are technically called 'manufactured homes.' Both can be moved, though pre-1976 homes face more restrictions and may not comply with current standards.
Owners considering the overall how much house you can afford question may find that manufactured home ownership — including moving costs — still represents significant value compared to traditional homeownership in many markets.
Sources & References
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 'Manufactured Housing and Standards.' HUD.gov. — https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/rmra/mhs/mhshome
- Federal Trade Commission. 'Hiring a Home Improvement Contractor.' Consumer Information, FTC.gov. — https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/hiring-home-improvement-contractor
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 'Occupational Employment and Wages: Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.' BLS.gov. — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm
Last updated: April 27, 2026