Single Wide vs Double Wide: Which One Should You Actually Buy?

By Uncle Zally · May 2026 · 5 min read

This is one of the first questions every mobile home buyer asks. And the answer isn’t as straightforward as you’d think.

I’ve helped people buy both, and I’ve seen happy owners on both sides. But I’ve also seen people buy a double wide when a single would have been fine, and vice versa. So lets break it down honestly.

The Basics

A single wide is typically 14 to 18 feet wide and 60 to 80 feet long. Youre looking at somewhere between 600 and 1,300 square feet. A double wide is two sections joined together on site, usually 20 to 36 feet wide and up to 90 feet long. That gives you roughly 1,000 to 2,400 square feet.

The price difference is real. A new single wide might run you $40,000 to $80,000. A new double wide can easily hit $100,000 to $150,000 or more. Used prices drop a lot, but the gap stays proportional.

When a Single Wide Makes Sense

If it’s just you, or you and one other person, a single wide is plenty of space. People who’ve never lived in one assume they’re cramped, but a well laid out 1,100 square foot single wide has more room than a lot of apartments. Plus the lower price means lower monthly payments, lower insurance, and lower property taxes in most areas.

Single wides also fit on smaller lots, which matters if youre in a mobile home park. Some parks only accept single wides because of the lot sizes. And they’re easier to move if you ever need to relocate, though moving any mobile home is expensive and I generally dont recommend it unless you have to.

When a Double Wide Is Worth It

Families. Thats the short answer. If you have kids or plan to, the extra bedrooms and living space make a big difference. A double wide with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms feels like a regular house inside. Some of the newer ones, honestly, you wouldn’t know the difference if nobody told you.

Double wides also tend to hold their value better than single wides, especially if they’re on owned land with a permanent foundation. They appraise higher and are easier to sell later. If you’re thinking of this as a long term home, thats worth considering.

The Stuff Nobody Tells You

Double wides have a seam down the middle where the two halves meet. In older homes, this can be a weak point for leaks and drafts. Modern manufacturers do a much better job with this, but if you’re buying used, check that center seam carefully. Run your hand along it. Look for any signs of water damage on the ceiling near the marriage line.

Single wides are more vulnerable to wind. Their narrow profile means strong storms can rock them more than a double wide sitting on a wider footprint. If you live somewhere with hurricanes or tornadoes, tie down anchors are absolutely critical on a single wide. They matter on double wides too, but single wides need them even more.

One thing I wish more buyers thought about: resale. Single wides depreciate faster and are harder to sell in most markets. If there’s any chance you’ll want to sell in 5 to 10 years, the double wide is a safer bet financially. But if you plan to live there long term and price is the main concern, the single wide does the job just fine.

My Take

Buy what fits your life right now, with a little room to grow. Dont stretch your budget for a double wide if a single wide covers your needs. And dont squeeze into a single wide to save money if you’ve got three kids and a dog. The “right” answer depends entirely on your situation. Anyone who tells you one is always better than the other is selling you something.