Mobile Home Moving Cost Calculator
Moving a single-wide mobile home costs $3,000–$8,000 for a local move and $6,000–$15,000 for long distance. Double-wide homes cost $4,000–$12,000 locally and $10,000–$25,000+ for long-distance transport. These costs include transport, permits, and basic setup.
Mobile Home Moving Cost = Transport Fee + Permits + Disconnect/Reconnect Utilities + Foundation Setup + Insurance
Moving a mobile or manufactured home is a specialized operation that requires licensed transporters, oversized-load permits, and professional disconnect/reconnect services. Our mobile home moving cost calculator helps you estimate the total expense based on home size, distance, and site conditions. Costs vary significantly depending on whether you're moving a single-wide or double-wide and whether the new site requires foundation work.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are approximately 22 million Americans living in manufactured housing, and relocating these homes requires careful planning and budgeting.
What This Means
Your estimate includes transportation, basic permits, and standard setup at the destination site. Additional costs for utility connections, skirting, steps, and site preparation may apply. Mobile home transport companies must hold proper state and federal permits. Always verify your transporter is licensed and insured through your state's Department of Transportation.
How Mobile Home Moving Costs Are Calculated
Mobile home transport costs are determined by several key factors:
- Home size and type. Single-wide homes (14–18 feet wide) are transported as a single unit. Double-wide homes (24–32 feet wide) must be split into two halves, transported separately, and reassembled — nearly doubling the transport cost.
- Distance. Transport companies charge a base fee plus a per-mile rate. Local moves (under 100 miles) typically cost $3–$8 per mile for single-wides. Long-distance moves reduce the per-mile rate but add escort vehicle and permit costs.
- Permits. Oversized-load permits are required in every state the home passes through. Each state permit costs $15–$200, and you may need multiple if crossing state lines.
- Disconnect and reconnect utilities. A licensed plumber, electrician, and HVAC technician must disconnect and reconnect all utilities. This typically costs $1,000–$3,000.
- Foundation and setup. At the destination, the home must be placed on a foundation (pier and beam, concrete slab, or basement). Setup costs $1,500–$5,000 depending on the foundation type and local building codes.
Mobile Home Moving Costs by Type (2026)
| Cost Component | Single-Wide | Double-Wide | Triple-Wide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transport (local, under 60 mi) | $2,000–$5,000 | $4,000–$10,000 | $8,000–$15,000 |
| Transport (long distance, 500 mi) | $5,000–$10,000 | $10,000–$20,000 | $18,000–$30,000 |
| Permits (per state) | $15–$200 | $50–$400 | $100–$600 |
| Escort Vehicles | $1–$3/mile | $2–$5/mile (front + rear) | $4–$8/mile |
| Utility Disconnect | $500–$1,500 | $800–$2,000 | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Utility Reconnect | $500–$1,500 | $800–$2,000 | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Foundation Setup | $1,500–$3,500 | $2,500–$5,500 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Skirting | $800–$2,000 | $1,200–$3,000 | $2,000–$5,000 |
For a typical single-wide local move with full setup, budget $5,000–$10,000 total. A double-wide long-distance move with full setup commonly runs $15,000–$30,000.
Worked Example: Moving a Double-Wide 200 Miles
The Williams family needs to move their 1997 double-wide manufactured home (28' × 56') from a mobile home park in Gainesville, FL to a private lot near Tallahassee, FL — a distance of 150 miles.
| Cost Component | Details | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Transport (2 halves) | 150 miles × $8/mile × 2 units | $2,400 |
| Permits | Florida oversized load (2 permits) | $250 |
| Escort Vehicles | 150 miles × $3/mile × 2 escorts | $900 |
| Utility Disconnect | Electric, plumbing, HVAC, gas | $1,200 |
| Utility Reconnect | Full reconnect at new site | $1,400 |
| Foundation Setup | Concrete block piers, leveling | $3,200 |
| Reassembly | Join halves, seal, finish trim | $2,500 |
| Skirting | Vinyl skirting, 168 linear feet | $1,600 |
| Steps and Landing | 2 sets of treated wood steps | $600 |
| Insurance | Transport liability coverage | $350 |
| Total Cost | $14,400 | |
This estimate is typical for a double-wide move of moderate distance. The family also needed a new well ($4,000–$8,000) and septic system ($3,000–$7,000) at the rural site, but these are site-specific costs separate from the move itself.
Tips for Moving a Mobile Home
- Get at least 3 quotes from licensed transporters. Prices vary widely. Verify each company's DOT number and insurance coverage.
- Check if your home is worth moving. Homes older than 20 years or in poor condition may cost more to move than they're worth. Get a mobile home appraisal first.
- Understand local zoning laws. Not all areas permit mobile homes. Check zoning restrictions, building codes, and park rules at your destination before committing.
- Prepare the new site in advance. The foundation, utility hookups, and access road must be ready before the home arrives. Delays cost $200–$500/day for transporter standby fees.
- Remove loose items and attachments. All awnings, porches, skirting, and utility connections must be removed before transport. Budget for removal and reinstallation.
- Schedule inspections. Most states require a setup inspection after placement. Allow time for this in your moving timeline.
- Consider the age of your home. Pre-1976 mobile homes (built before HUD code) may not meet current standards and might not be accepted at some parks or insured by standard carriers.
Sources and Methodology
Our mobile home moving cost calculator draws on these data sources:
- Transport rate quotes from licensed mobile home movers operating across all 50 states.
- Permit fee schedules from state Departments of Transportation.
- Setup and foundation costs based on HUD manufactured housing standards.
- Utility disconnect/reconnect costs based on regional contractor surveys.
- U.S. Census Bureau Manufactured Housing Survey for industry statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to move a mobile home 100 miles?
Moving a single-wide mobile home 100 miles costs approximately $3,000–$7,000 including transport, permits, and basic setup. A double-wide costs $6,000–$14,000 for the same distance because it must be split into halves and transported in two separate trips. These estimates include transport, permits, and basic leveling but not utility disconnect/reconnect or skirting.
Can you move a mobile home yourself?
No, you cannot legally move a mobile home yourself in most states. Mobile home transport requires special oversized-load permits, escort vehicles, specialized axles and hitches, and commercial liability insurance. Only licensed mobile home transporters with the proper DOT authority can legally move manufactured homes on public roads. Attempting a DIY mobile home move can result in fines of $1,000–$10,000 and liability for any road damage or accidents.
Is it worth it to move an old mobile home?
Generally, mobile homes older than 20 years may not be worth the cost to move. A useful rule of thumb: if the moving cost exceeds 50% of the home's current value, it's usually more economical to sell the existing home and buy another at your destination. Homes built before 1976 (pre-HUD code) are especially difficult and expensive to relocate, as many parks and jurisdictions won't accept them.
How long does it take to move a mobile home?
The actual transport takes 1–3 days depending on distance. However, the full process — including permits, utility disconnect, site preparation, transport, setup, utility reconnect, skirting, and inspections — typically takes 4–8 weeks from start to finish. Begin planning at least 2 months before your desired move date.
Do I need insurance to move a mobile home?
Yes, transport insurance is essential. Your transporter should carry $500,000–$1,000,000 in liability coverage and cargo insurance covering the full value of your home during transit. Additionally, check with your homeowner's insurance provider — your existing policy may not cover damage during transport. A separate inland marine policy ($150–$500) can provide additional protection during the move.