How Much Does It Cost to Move a Mobile Home?

Moving a mobile home is no small task. Beyond packing your belongings, you need to factor in permits, specialized trucks, escort vehicles, and site preparation. In 2025, mobile home moving costs have risen due to inflation, fuel prices, and state-level permit requirements. Whether you’re relocating across town or across states, understanding the cost structure is crucial for budgeting. Lets discuss about how much does it cost to move a mobile home.

Cost Range Overview

• Normal Range (U.S.): $5,000 – $13,000
• Average Cost: Around $8,500
• Low-End Estimate: $3,000 (short-distance, single-wide, minimal permits)
• High-End Estimate: $20,000+ (long-distance, double-wide, complex site prep)
• Why the Variation? Costs depend on distance, size, permits, site preparation, and whether professional movers or DIY methods are used.

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Mobile Home: Costing Breakdown

Normal Range for the U.S.

Most homeowners pay between $5,000–$13,000 for a complete move, including disassembly, transport, permits, and reinstallation.

Average Cost

In 2025, the average is $8,500, factoring in inflation and higher fuel prices compared to 2024.

Low-End & High-End Estimates

• Low-End: $3,000 – A short-distance move for a single-wide with no setup.
• High-End: $20,000+ – Long-distance double-wide with escort vehicles, foundation prep, and new hookups.

How We Get This Data

Estimates are based on industry reports, mover quotes, and updated state DOT (Department of Transportation) permit fees for 2025.

Key Factors That Affect Mobile Home Moving Costs

When calculating the cost of moving a mobile home, it’s not just about mileage. Several key factors directly influence the total price you’ll pay. Let’s break them down in detail:

1. Size and Weight of the Mobile Home

One of the biggest cost drivers is the size and weight of your mobile home.

• Single-wide homes: Typically range from 600–1,200 square feet and are easier and cheaper to move because they can usually be transported in one piece. Moving a single-wide often requires just one truck and fewer permits, lowering the total cost.
• Double-wide homes: These average 1,500–2,500 square feet and must be split into two or more sections before transport. That means extra labor, specialized equipment, and multiple trucks are required. The reassembly process at the new site also adds costs for leveling, sealing, and reconnecting utilities.

Cost Impact: Expect single-wide moves to fall on the lower end of the cost range, while double-wide homes often double or even triple moving expenses.

2. Distance of the Move

The length of your move plays a critical role:

• Local moves (under 50 miles): These are usually the most affordable since fuel and driver labor are minimal. Many movers offer flat-rate pricing for short distances.
• Long-distance moves: Once you cross state lines or move hundreds of miles, the price rises steeply. Longer trips add costs for fuel, overnight lodging for drivers, tolls, and extra logistics such as road clearances or special permits across multiple states.

Cost Impact: A short move might cost $1,000–$3,000, but a cross-country relocation can exceed $15,000, depending on home size.

3. Type of Transport

Not all mobile homes travel the same way:

• Single-wide transport: Typically requires one trailer truck, which is relatively straightforward. This keeps costs lower, especially for local moves.
• Double-wide transport: Requires two trucks, and in many cases, escort vehicles (pilot cars) to ensure safety on highways. Double-wide moves also face higher permit fees since they exceed standard highway width limits.

Cost Impact: Transporting a double-wide can cost 30–50% more than moving a single-wide.

4. Disassembly and Reassembly

Mobile homes aren’t just picked up and dropped off—they often need partial dismantling before transport.

• Disassembly tasks: This may include removing skirting, decks, porches, awnings, sheds, or HVAC systems. Each of these steps adds labor time and cost.
• Reassembly at new site: Once the home arrives, it must be leveled, sections reattached, utilities reconnected, and features like porches or skirting reinstalled. Skilled labor is required, and the costs can vary depending on the complexity of the setup.

Cost Impact: Disassembly and reassembly can add $1,000–$5,000 or more on top of transportation fees.

5. Permits and Escort Vehicles

Mobile homes are considered oversized loads, which means you can’t just drive them down the highway without approval.

• Permits: Each state has its own requirements for wide-load permits. Fees usually range from $100 to $500 per state. If your move crosses multiple states, you’ll need permits for each one.
• Escort vehicles: Double-wide or oversized mobile homes often require one or more escort vehicles (pilot cars) to travel in front of and behind the load. Each escort can add $200–$500 to the cost, depending on distance.

Cost Impact: For long-distance moves, permits and escorts can add thousands of dollars to your total bill.

6. Route and Road Conditions

Not all roads are suitable for transporting mobile homes. Movers must carefully plan the route, considering:

• Highway restrictions: Certain highways restrict oversized loads or require specific travel times.
• Bridge clearances: Low bridges or narrow roads can make transport difficult, sometimes requiring alternate (longer) routes.
• Tolls and road fees: These add to the overall expense.
• Rural access roads: If your destination is in a remote area with unpaved or narrow roads, movers may need special equipment to navigate, which raises costs.

Cost Impact: Complicated routes can add hundreds to thousands of dollars in detours, tolls, and time.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Permitting Requirements by State – Range from $150–$1,000+ depending on state DOT rules.
• Hookup and Utility Disconnection/Connection – $500–$2,500 for plumbing, electricity, and HVAC.
• Foundation Preparation at New Site – $1,000–$5,000 depending on soil and structure.
• Insurance and Liability Coverage – Movers require insurance; coverage can cost $300–$800.
• Seasonal Pricing Variations – Summer moves are more expensive due to demand.
• Tipping Movers (Optional) – $20–$50 per crew member.

Cost of Moving a Mobile Home Yourself

Is It Legal to DIY Move a Mobile Home?

In most states, you cannot legally transport a mobile home yourself unless you have a special permit and a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License).

Truck and Equipment Rental

Heavy-duty trucks and trailers cost $1,500–$3,000/day, plus fuel.

Tools and Safety Gear

Hydraulic jacks, winches, tie-downs, and safety flags add costs.

Time, Risk, and Licensing Requirements

DIY attempts often result in fines, damage, or legal issues. Most experts strongly discourage DIY mobile home moves.

DIY vs Hiring a Professional

Pros and Cons of DIY Move

• Pros: Lower upfront costs, control over schedule.
• Cons: Legal restrictions, safety risks, lack of insurance.

When to Hire a Licensed Mobile Home Mover

• State laws often require movers to be licensed and insured.
• Professionals handle permits, escorts, and reassembly.

State Requirements for Transport Licensing

Each state has its own DOT rules—some require police escorts for wide-load mobile homes.

How to Save Money When Moving a Mobile Home

Moving a mobile home is a significant financial commitment, but with careful planning, you can cut down costs without sacrificing safety or quality. Below are proven strategies to save money during the process:

1. Downsize Furniture and Belongings

The cost of moving a mobile home is influenced not only by the structure itself but also by what’s inside. The more items you transport, the higher the fuel and labor charges. By reducing the load, you can save considerably.

• Declutter before moving: Sell, donate, or recycle items you no longer need. Heavy furniture, outdated appliances, or bulky décor may not be worth the cost of transport.
• Store vs. move: If you’re relocating temporarily, consider using a local storage unit instead of transporting everything at once.
• Weight matters: Less weight reduces fuel consumption and makes it easier for the moving crew to load, transport, and reassemble your home efficiently.

Tip: Host a garage sale or list items online before the move—you can offset moving expenses with the extra cash.

2. Book Off-Season Moving Dates

Just like traditional household moves, mobile home relocation has peak and off-peak seasons. Summer and early spring are the busiest, which drives prices up.

• Best time to move: Late fall and winter (October through February) typically offer lower rates since demand is lower. Movers are more available, and you may even negotiate discounts.
• Mid-month, mid-week advantage: Moving companies tend to charge less during weekdays or mid-month since weekends and month-ends are high-demand slots.
• Avoid holidays: Moving around major holidays often comes with premium surcharges due to limited staffing.

Tip: If your timeline is flexible, ask movers about discounted off-season or “gap” dates when they’re returning from another job.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

The price of moving a mobile home can vary dramatically from one company to another. Shopping around ensures you don’t overpay.

• Request at least three estimates: Compare licensed and insured movers who specialize in mobile home transport.
• Ask for itemized breakdowns: Understanding what’s included—permits, escort vehicles, utility hookups, etc.—prevents hidden fees.
• Check credentials: The cheapest quote isn’t always the best. Make sure the mover is certified and complies with state transport regulations.

Tip: Use quotes as leverage—if one company offers a lower rate for permits or escorts, ask competitors to match it.

4. Prepare the Site in Advance

Preparation can make or break your budget. Movers often charge extra if they have to do tasks that homeowners could have handled beforehand.

• Clear the lot: Remove debris, vehicles, or landscaping obstacles that could slow down the moving crew.
• Foundation readiness: Have the new site leveled and the foundation prepared ahead of time. If movers must wait or perform site prep, it adds hours of labor costs.
• Utility management: Disconnect water, electricity, and sewer lines before moving day. Some companies charge additional fees for this step.

Tip: Hire local contractors for groundwork and utility prep—it’s usually cheaper than having the mobile home mover handle everything.

Conclusion

Moving a mobile home in 2025 is a major undertaking, both logistically and financially. On average, expect to spend $8,500 for a professional move, though costs can range from $3,000 to over $20,000 depending on size, distance, and permits. While DIY may seem tempting, legal and safety issues make professional movers the smarter choice. By planning ahead, comparing quotes, and preparing your new site, you can relocate your mobile home smoothly while keeping costs under control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can you move a double-wide mobile home?

Yes, but it must be split into two sections. Costs range from $10,000–$20,000+.

Q2: Do you need a permit to move a mobile home?

Yes, every state requires permits for oversized loads.

Q3: How far can you move a mobile home?

There’s no legal distance limit, but longer moves increase costs significantly.

Q4: What is the cost difference between local and long-distance moves?

Local: $3,000–$8,000.

Long-distance: $10,000–$20,000+.