How much does it cost to move a mobile home?

Moving a mobile home: cost factors

There are several factors that affect the total cost to move a mobile home. The size and weight of your home, plus your moving distance, are the most obvious cost contributors, but things like inspections and permits can hike up the price.

If your manufactured home is older, needs repairs or has tires that need to be replaced, you’ll have to address these issues before it’s safe enough to transport.

Size and weight considerations

A single-wide mobile home (also called a manufactured home) is the cheapest to move since you only need one truck to haul it. Double- and triple-wides can shoot costs up dramatically since they have to be split up and moved separately. Longer and wider units usually require a pilot car, police escort or a scheduled road closure, depending on local regulations.

These costs can add up. “If you go over 12 wide you automatically have to have a pilot car on a California state highway, and some highways may require two pilot cars. If you get over 14 wide, half the route may require one pilot car and the other half requires two,” said Joyce Cubio, vice president of Ernie’s Mobile Home Transport in Marysville, California.

A professional moving company understands how complex these local laws can be and will map out the most efficient and cost-effective route. Cubio summed it up: “It all just depends, and you have to add it all up.”

Movers will also use weight to determine shipping costs, and the heavier your mobile home, the more expensive it can be to ship. Heavier homes require more fuel and materials, like tires and tow hitches, which will increase your cost.

Distance and route

The farther you have to move your home, the more expensive it will be. And although local moves are less expensive than long-distance ones, you can expect a high price tag regardless, since similar preparation, equipment and permitting are needed no matter how far you’re going.

Another factor that influences your total mileage is the height of your home, since you may have to take a less direct (and longer) route to avoid low overpasses or bridges.

» READ MORE: How to make a moving budget

Permits, regulations and inspection costs

Permit and inspection costs can add thousands of dollars to your mobile home move, and these expenses vary significantly depending on your route and destination. Your moving company should handle most of the permitting process, but it's important to understand these costs upfront so you can budget accordingly and verify that all necessary fees are included in your quote.

Transportation permits

Transportation permits are one of the biggest regulatory expenses you'll face. "Most counties are their own jurisdiction so you have to get a permit if you're traveling on their roads," said Cubio. "So if you're on a state highway then [the California Department of Transportation] handles that, and if you have to jump off and enter another county you'll have to get another permit from them."

Each jurisdiction charges its own permit fees. If you're traveling through multiple counties or states, these costs can quickly add up. Wide-load permits for homes exceeding standard width limits (typically 8.5 feet) cost extra.

Setup permits and inspections

Beyond transportation permits, you'll need setup permits once your home arrives at its destination. Local building departments charge for permits covering foundation work, utility connections and structural modifications.

Factor in mandatory inspections to ensure your mobile home is up to code with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulations, and your total setup permitting expenses can increase quickly. These costs come on top of the price to physically install your mobile home in its new location.

Some mobile home movers only secure transportation permits and leave setup permits and HUD code compliance verification up to the homeowner, so confirm what's included in your moving quote. Working with a full-service moving company that handles all permits and inspections typically costs more upfront but can save you significant time, hassle and unexpected expenses.

Transport-only vs. full-service movers

A transport-only service is responsible for loading your mobile home, then conveying it and delivering it to the new location. A full-service company can take care of the entire process, including disconnecting and reconnecting utilities, re-leveling, performing under-house repairs, reconnecting double-wides or reinstalling exterior features like porches, awnings and skirting.

What each service includes

Understanding exactly what you're paying for helps you avoid surprise costs and ensures nothing falls through the cracks during your move.

Transport-only services typically include:

• Loading the mobile home onto transport equipment
• Hauling the home to the new location
• Unloading and placing the home on the new site
• Securing basic transportation permits (verify which jurisdictions are covered)

Full-service movers typically include:

• Everything in transport-only services
• Disconnecting utilities (water, electric, gas, sewer) at the old location
• Removing and reinstalling skirting, porches, awnings and other exterior features
• Splitting and reconnecting double-wide or triple-wide sections
• Re-leveling and stabilizing the home on its new foundation
• Reconnecting all utilities at the new location
• Securing both transportation and setup permits
• Coordinating required inspections

Always request a detailed breakdown of what's included in your quote before officially hiring a moving company. Some companies advertise "full-service" but exclude certain tasks like permit fees, pilot car costs or specific utility connections.

» LEARN: What to know about moving quotes

Benefits of hiring a full-service mover

With a job this big, you’ll want to work with a well-regarded mover that can assist with several important tasks:

• Planning out the most efficient route while factoring in restrictions on the height, weight and width of your mobile home
• Securing the required transportation permits from the county, state or highway patrol
• Coordinating any pilot cars or police escorts and scheduling these well ahead of time
• Providing insurance and liability coverage for damage that may occur during transit
• Having the right equipment for the job, including tires, hitches, axles and trailers
• Disconnecting and reconnecting utilities during full-service moves
• Providing you with limited liability insurance

Why you can’t move your mobile home by yourself

Even for the most experienced DIYer, moving a manufactured home on your own simply isn't an option. Unlike a recreational vehicle that has its own engine or travel trailer designed to be towed behind a pickup truck, a mobile home must be moved by a licensed mover that has the required transportation permits, proper equipment, and trained drivers who can navigate the roads with such a large load.

Additionally, any truck hauling interstate cargo with a gross weight of over 10,001 pounds must be registered with the USDOT and comply with all federal regulations.

When moving a mobile home isn’t worth it

Since relocating a mobile home can be so expensive, you should examine the costs and benefits to make sure it’s in your best interest. Consider not only the money you’ll spend moving but the stress, time and hassle it will cost you, too.

Selling your current mobile home and buying a new one later could save you days or weeks of work and inconvenience. This is an especially good option if you’ve been considering downsizing.

There are also legal concerns involved in moving a mobile home. Below are a couple of situations that may prohibit you from moving unless you make costly upgrades.

Your home has code-compliance issues

In 1976, the HUD issued stricter safety, construction and transportation standards for manufactured homes, commonly referred to as the HUD code. And although it's not technically illegal to move a mobile home built before 1976, you may have a hard time finding a company to do it.

Robert Spencer, owner of K&E Transport, said that although it does transport these older models, it can’t legally set them down anywhere if they haven’t been updated through the HUD renovation process. “There’s a checklist the owner can use that gives the requirements for what it takes to get a non-HUD unit back up to HUD specifications. It’s a big step, and they really don’t want you to do it because those older homes can be unsafe,” he said.

However, Spencer went on to say that many customers choose to make these changes, given how expensive housing is these days. Keep in mind that it can cost thousands of dollars depending on what upgrades are needed, especially if your home needs structural reinforcement.

You're moving to a stricter HUD zoning area

The HUD code also includes regulations on wind, snow and roof loads, and your mobile home has to meet the standards for the area you’re moving to. For instance, Wind Zones II and III (located primarily on the south and east coasts) are considered high-wind areas, and if your mobile home was only designed to withstand a standard wind load (Zone I), you aren’t legally allowed to move it there.

How to save money on your move

Moving is expensive, no matter what. But here are a few ways to save:

• Compare moving companies by getting at least three quotes.
• Do any prep work you can, like removing exterior stairs, skirtings, window air conditioners or awnings, prior to the move.
• Ensure the tires, axles and hitches are all in working order.
• If you’re handy, you can hire a transport-only mover, but you’ll be responsible for obtaining setup permits, disconnecting and reconnecting utilities, and then scheduling an inspection.
• Pack up and move all your belongings yourself. Anything that’s not secured in the home should be moved separately since contents will shift during transport and any added weight will increase your costs.
• Move during the off-season (roughly October through April) when rates may be lower.

Tips for moving a mobile home

Moving is always a lot of work, but there are plenty of things you can do to ensure a smooth experience:

• Obtain your title certificate and county tax assessor’s certificate ahead of time to prove you own your home and are up to date on your taxes.
• Only work with licensed companies. Ask upfront about their experience moving mobile homes similar to yours and request references.
• Get all quotes, contracts and insurance information in writing.
• Make any needed repairs before your move, like checking and fixing tires, repairing loose siding or securing shutters and shingles.
• Take pictures of your home before you move in case you need to prove that damage occurred during transit.
• Research the rules and regulations at your new location well ahead of time. If you’re moving into a mobile home park, review all the rules and reach out to the county or city to learn what local codes you’ll need to comply with. If you're moving to private land, ensure the ground is properly graded and the site is prepared for delivery, which includes getting zoning clearance, setting up a septic system and connecting to utilities.
• If you’re currently living in a mobile home park, provide enough notice to your landlord so you don’t violate your lease agreement, and ensure your rental agreement is in place at the new park you’re moving to.

Bottom line

Moving a mobile home is a significant investment that can cost $10,000 or more, depending on your home's size, the distance traveled, and local permitting and inspection costs. Before committing to a move, get detailed quotes from at least three licensed movers, verify what's included in each estimate and compare this total cost against selling your current home and purchasing another one at your destination. In some cases, buying a different mobile home may be more cost-effective than relocating your existing one.