Moving a mobile home typically costs between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on distance, the home's size and weight, whether it needs to be disconnected and reconnected to utilities, and local permitting requirements.

The largest expense is usually the transport itself — a professional mover charges by the mile and the complexity of the route. A 100-mile move might cost $2,000 to $5,000; a 500-mile move could reach $8,000 to $12,000. But transport is only part of the bill. You also pay for disconnecting utilities at the old site, obtaining permits from both the origin and destination jurisdictions, reconnecting utilities at the new site, and any foundation or leveling work the new lot requires. Some costs are fixed; others depend on what you own and where you're moving.

The final number also depends on whether you're moving the home yourself with hired help or contracting a full-service mobile home mover. A full-service mover handles disconnection, transport, reconnection, and often permitting — they charge more but handle the coordination. A partial move, where you hire a transport company only, leaves you responsible for utilities and permits, which can save money but requires you to manage multiple contractors.

Key Takeaways

  • Transport distance and the home's size are the primary cost drivers; expect to pay roughly $5 to $15 per mile for a standard single-wide or double-wide home.
  • Utility disconnection and reconnection, foundation work, and local permits are separate line items that often total $1,000 to $3,000 combined.
  • Full-service movers charge more upfront but handle permitting and coordination; transport-only companies are cheaper but require you to manage utilities and inspections yourself.
  • Some states and counties charge title transfer fees, lot permits, or inspection fees that vary widely; contact your destination county assessor's office before booking a mover.

Breaking Down the Transport Cost

Professional mobile home movers charge per mile, and the rate depends on the home's size and the route's difficulty. A single-wide home (typically 12 to 14 feet wide) costs less to move than a double-wide (24 to 28 feet wide) because it requires fewer permits and can use more roads. Expect to pay $5 to $15 per mile for a single-wide and $8 to $20 per mile for a double-wide, though rates vary by region and fuel costs.

A 200-mile move of a single-wide might run $1,000 to $3,000 in transport alone. The same distance for a double-wide could be $1,600 to $4,000. These figures assume a relatively straightforward route — no mountain passes, no narrow roads that require special routing, and no major obstacles. If your destination requires the mover to navigate steep grades, tight turns, or roads with low clearances, the mover may charge extra or declare the route impossible.

Some movers charge a base fee plus mileage; others charge a flat rate for the entire job. Always ask whether the quote includes escort vehicles (required in most states), permits, and fuel surcharges. A quote that seems low may not include these, and you'll face surprise bills later.

Utility Disconnection and Reconnection

Before the home can move, all utilities must be safely disconnected: electricity, water, sewer, gas, and sometimes propane tanks. This is not a DIY job in most cases — you need licensed professionals. Disconnection typically costs $300 to $800 depending on what utilities are present and how they're configured. A home with a permanent foundation connection to municipal sewer will cost more to disconnect than one on a septic system.

At the new site, reconnection costs vary dramatically by location. If the new lot already has utility hookups in place and the home can straightforward plug in, reconnection might be $200 to $500. If the lot has no utilities or they're in the wrong location, you may need to run new lines, which can cost $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Water and sewer connections in rural areas, where lines must be extended from the road, are particularly expensive.

Propane tanks and HVAC systems also need inspection and certification before the home can be occupied. Budget $200 to $500 for these inspections, which are often required by the destination county or the new lot's management.

Permits, Titles, and Local Fees

Every state and county charges fees to move a mobile home, and these fees vary widely. You typically need a transport permit from the origin state, a transport permit from the destination state, a lot permit at the new location, and a title transfer at the destination. Some jurisdictions bundle these; others charge separately.

Transport permits usually cost $100 to $500 per state. A title transfer and lot permit might add another $200 to $800, depending on the county. Some counties charge an inspection fee ($50 to $200) to verify the home meets local codes after it arrives. A few states charge a percentage of the home's assessed value as a relocation fee — this is rare but can add hundreds of dollars.

The best way to understand your specific costs is to contact the assessor's office or planning department in both your origin and destination counties. They can tell you exactly which permits you need, what they cost, and how long they take to obtain. Some movers include permit fees in their quote; others pass them through as separate charges.

Foundation, Leveling, and Site Preparation

When a mobile home arrives at its new lot, it must be properly leveled and secured to a foundation. If the lot already has a prepared pad with concrete blocks or a proper foundation, setup might cost $500 to $1,500. If the lot is bare ground, you may need to grade it, pour a concrete pad, install concrete blocks or piers, and anchor the home — this can easily cost $2,000 to $5,000.

The home's age and condition also matter. Older homes may have deteriorated skirting or undercarriage components that need repair before or after the move. Skirting replacement alone can cost $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the home's perimeter and the material you choose.

If the new lot is in a mobile home park, the park may have specific requirements for foundation type, skirting material, or tie-down systems. These requirements can add cost and must be confirmed before you move. Some parks charge a setup fee ($500 to $2,000) on top of the lot rent.

Full-Service Movers Versus Transport-Only Companies

A full-service mobile home mover typically handles disconnection, transport, reconnection, permitting, and often foundation setup. They charge a single price that covers most of the work, though utility reconnection at the destination is sometimes billed separately. Full-service quotes usually range from $5,000 to $15,000 for moves under 500 miles, depending on home size and site conditions.

A transport-only company moves the home and nothing else. You hire separate contractors for disconnection, reconnection, and foundation work. This approach can save money if you're comfortable coordinating multiple vendors, but it also means you're responsible if something goes wrong. Transport-only quotes are typically 30 to 50 percent lower than full-service quotes, but the total cost after hiring other contractors often approaches or exceeds the full-service price.

Full-service movers also carry liability insurance and are licensed by the Department of Transportation in most states. They know local permitting requirements and can often obtain permits on your behalf. If you're moving more than a few hours away or the destination has complex permitting, a full-service mover is usually worth the extra cost.

Hidden Costs and What to Watch For

Several costs are straightforward to overlook. If the home must be towed to a staging area before transport (because the current lot is too tight or has obstacles), that's an extra charge. If the route requires pilot cars or special escort vehicles, those are separate fees. Some movers charge for waiting time if the home isn't ready to move on the scheduled date.

Insurance is another consideration. Your homeowner's policy may not cover the home during transport, so you may need to purchase a temporary rider or a separate transport insurance policy. This typically costs $200 to $500 for a move.

Finally, if you're selling the old lot or if the new lot requires a security deposit or membership fee, those are separate from the move cost itself but part of your total relocation expense. Some mobile home parks charge lot deposits of $500 to $2,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move a mobile home 100 miles?

A 100-mile move of a single-wide typically costs $1,500 to $3,500 for transport alone, plus $1,000 to $2,500 for disconnection, reconnection, permits, and foundation work. A double-wide over the same distance might be $2,500 to $5,000 for transport plus similar ancillary costs. Full-service quotes for this distance usually range $4,000 to $8,000.

Do I need special permits to move a mobile home across state lines?

Yes. Both the origin and destination states require transport permits, and the destination state may require a title transfer and lot permit. Contact your state's Department of Transportation and your destination county's assessor's office to learn what permits you need and what they cost. Most movers can obtain these for you, though some charge a separate permitting fee.

Can I move a mobile home myself to save money?

You cannot legally tow a mobile home yourself in most states — it requires a commercial transport license and special equipment. You can hire a transport company to move only the home and handle disconnection and reconnection yourself, which saves money but requires coordinating multiple contractors and understanding local codes. This approach is risky if you're unfamiliar with utility work or local permitting.

What happens if the new lot doesn't have utilities ready?

If utilities aren't in place, you'll need to have them installed before the home can be occupied. Water and sewer connections in rural areas can cost $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Electrical service may require the utility company to run a new line, which also carries a fee. Budget for these costs before you commit to the move, and confirm with the utility companies how long installation takes.

Are there ways to reduce the cost of moving a mobile home?

Moving during the off-season (winter in many regions) can lower transport costs because movers have more availability. Choosing a destination with simpler permitting and existing utilities reduces ancillary costs. Getting multiple quotes from different movers can reveal significant price differences. If the new lot is within 50 miles, some local movers offer discounted rates. Always confirm what's included in each quote before comparing prices.