Single Wide Mobile Homes
Choosing between a single wide and double wide mobile home comes down to two things: how much space your family needs and what fits your budget. Both are legitimate paths to homeownership — the right answer depends on your situation. Here’s how to think through it.
Single wide mobile homes are typically 12’-18’ wide and 36’-80’ long. Because the entire home—kitchen, bathrooms, living room—is designed to function in this size, the overall price is less than a double wide mobile home.
Because a lot of home can be packed into a single wide unit, the building, delivery, and installation costs can be significantly less. On a per-square-foot basis, single wides typically run 10–25% less than a comparable double wide—a meaningful difference when you’re working with a tight budget.
Braustin’s single wide homes currently range from 408 to 1,400 square feet — enough room for individuals, couples, and smaller families to live comfortably without paying for space they don’t need. Depending on your family’s needs, that amount of space might be exactly right — or you might find yourself wishing for a little more room. That’s worth thinking through before you buy.
While single wide homes are less expensive, some people will still opt for a double wide home because, with the flexible layouts, they often “feel” larger, even if they are close to the same square footage. Since you hope to live in this home for a long time, make sure you are happy with the layout.
It’s important to consider a couple of things before making a snap judgement on how much space your family needs as well. If your family is likely to continue growing both in size and number over the coming years, you’ll want to thoughtfully choose a home that can grow with you. It may feel like too much space now but picture your little ones as teenagers and see if that changes your perspective.
On the other hand, if your children are on the verge of graduating or your mobility is becoming limited, you’ll want to consider how much home you are prepared to maintain.
One more thing to check before deciding: some cities, counties, and subdivisions have deed restrictions or zoning requirements that exclude single wide homes or set minimum square footage thresholds. It’s worth verifying local requirements for your specific land or community before falling in love with a floor plan. Braustin’s team can help you navigate this.
Is a Single Wide Right for You?
A single-wide home is the perfect fit for you or your family if:
- You want the most affordable path to homeownership with lower monthly payments
- Your household is 1–3 people and you don’t need multiple living areas
- You have a smaller lot or a site where a single-section home installs more easily
- You’re downsizing, buying a starter home, or want a lower-maintenance footprint
Double Wide Mobile Homes
Double wide mobile homes range in size from 27’-32’ wide and 40’-80’ long. The home is transported in two sections and then installed together at the home site into one seamless unit.
Double wide homes have a few advantages over single wides. Because these homes are larger, double wides have more flexibility with layout options, space for more bedrooms and bathrooms, and sometimes they meet certain city or county requirements that single wide homes don’t meet. Double wide mobile homes also tend to feel more like a traditional site-built home in terms of layout — open floor plans, larger primary suites, and separate living and dining areas are all more common at this size.
Of course, all that square footage does come at additional expense. Double wide mobile homes are transported using two trucks and drivers, require a larger base pad, more labor for permanent home blocking, as well as an extra process called trim-out where the home is sealed together at the seams.
Our double wide mobile homes start at $73,899 — and every home includes an instant delivery calculator so you can estimate full installation costs based on your specific location.
Still not sure which is right for you? That’s exactly what our Housing Consultants are here for. Browse our current single wide and double wide inventory, or reach out and we’ll walk you through your options. You can reach us at 210-510-0500
Is a Double Wide Right for You?
If you’re considering buying a double-wide home instead, it’s the most suitable for you if:
- You have a growing family and need multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, and separate living spaces
- You want a floor plan that feels closer to a traditional site-built home
- Your lot or land can accommodate a two-section home and a larger base pad
- You’re planning to stay long-term and want the higher resale value a larger home typically carries
- Your city or county has zoning requirements that a single wide doesn’t meet
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I get a single wide or double wide mobile home?
A: It depends on your budget, family size, and how long you plan to stay. Single wides are the right call if you’re working with a tighter budget, have a smaller lot, or are downsizing. Double wides make more sense if you have a growing family, need more bedrooms and bathrooms, or want a layout that feels closer to a site-built home. If you’re unsure, our Housing Consultants can walk you through both options based on your specific situation.
Q: What is the lifespan of a single wide mobile home?
A: A well-maintained single wide manufactured home can last 30–55 years. Homes built after 1976 under HUD code standards are significantly more durable than older models. Regular maintenance, a good foundation, and proper climate protection all extend the life of the home considerably.
Q: What are the advantages of a double wide mobile home?
A: Double wides offer more square footage, more flexible floor plan layouts, and often feel closer to a traditional site-built home. They typically include larger kitchens, more bedroom and bathroom options, open-plan living areas, and higher resale value. They also tend to meet city and county zoning requirements that some single wides don’t qualify for.
Q: What is the most common mobile home size?
A: Single wides typically run 600–1,300 square feet, while double wides span 1,000–2,400+ square feet. The most common configurations are 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom homes in both categories — enough space for the average family without unnecessary square footage to heat, cool, and maintain.
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