Single Wide vs. Double Wide Mobile Homes: Which Is the Right Fit for Your Family and Budget?

So you've decided to look into manufactured housing. Smart move. Whether you're a first-time buyer trying to stretch your dollars or a growing family looking for more space without the sky-high price tag of a traditional home, manufactured homes in Alabama offer real value. But once you start browsing, you'll quickly run into a question that stops a lot of buyers in their tracks:

Should I go with a single wide or a double wide?

It's not always obvious. The names are pretty self-explanatory, but the differences go deeper than just size. We're talking about cost, financing, lifestyle fit, and long-term satisfaction. At Jaco Mobile Homes in Montgomery, AL, we've helped hundreds of families work through exactly this decision — and we want to give you an honest, clear breakdown so you can choose with confidence.

What Is a Single Wide Mobile Home?

A single wide is exactly what it sounds like — a home built as one single unit. These homes are typically 14 to 18 feet wide and anywhere from 40 to 90 feet long. That gives you somewhere between 600 and 1,300 square feet of living space, depending on the floor plan.

Single wides are built in a factory, transported in one piece, and set up on your lot. Because they're narrower, they can be placed on tighter pieces of land and typically cost less — both to buy and to install.

Who is a single wide best for?

• Singles or couples who don't need a ton of space
• Retirees looking to downsize without sacrificing comfort
• First-time buyers working with a tight budget
• Anyone looking for a starter home in Montgomery or surrounding Alabama communities

If you're searching for affordable mobile homes in Alabama and want to keep your monthly payment as low as possible, a single wide is often the entry point that makes homeownership finally feel reachable.

What Is a Double Wide Mobile Home?

A double wide is two sections built separately in the factory and then joined together on-site. These homes are generally 20 to 36 feet wide and can range from 1,000 to over 2,200 square feet.

That extra width changes everything. You get a more open floor plan, larger bedrooms, a real dining room, and a layout that feels much more like a traditional stick-built home. Many people walking through a double wide for the first time are genuinely surprised by how spacious and well-designed they are.

At Jaco, we carry small double wides, medium double wides, and large double wides — so whether you need a cozy upgrade from a single wide or you're housing a big family, there's a floor plan that fits.

Who is a double wide best for?

• Families with kids who need more bedrooms and bathrooms
• Buyers who want a home that feels more like a traditional house
• Anyone who works from home and needs a dedicated office space
• Couples planning to grow their family in the coming years

If you're searching for double wide homes in Montgomery, Alabama, you'll find that the price-per-square-foot is still significantly lower than a comparable site-built home.

The Cost Difference: Let's Be Real

Here's where many buyers make their first big calculation.

Single wide homes in Alabama typically start in the $60,000–$90,000 range for a new model, though prices vary depending on finishes and floor plan. Double wides generally start around $90,000–$130,000 and go up from there depending on size and features.

That gap might sound big, but here's what you need to factor in:

• Cost per square foot — Double wides often offer more bang for your buck per square foot
• Resale value — Larger homes on land tend to hold value better
• Long-term needs — Buying a single wide and outgrowing it in two years could cost you more in the long run

We always tell buyers: don't just look at the sticker price. Look at what you're getting for that price and whether it'll still work for your life three to five years from now.

Financing: Does It Matter Which You Choose?

Yes — and this is something first-time buyers often don't think about until they're already in the process.

Both single wides and double wides are eligible for financing, but the terms can differ. Some lenders are more comfortable financing double wides, especially when the home is placed on land you own. If you're going with a land-home deal (more on that in our next blog), a double wide often qualifies for more favorable mortgage-style financing compared to a single wide, which may sometimes require a chattel loan (a loan on the home itself, not the land).

That said, financing options for both types have improved significantly. At Jaco, we work with lenders who specialize in manufactured homes for sale in Montgomery, AL, and we can help you understand what you qualify for before you fall in love with a floor plan.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Single Wide vs. Double Wide Mobile Homes

• Width: Single wide homes are typically 14–18 feet wide, while double wide homes range from 20–36 feet wide, offering significantly more living space.
• Square Footage: Single wide homes generally provide 600–1,300 square feet, whereas double wide homes can offer 1,000–2,200+ square feet.
• Starting Price: Single wide homes usually start around $60,000+, making them a more budget-friendly option, while double wide homes start around $90,000+ due to their larger size and features.
• Best For: Single wides are ideal for singles, couples, and retirees seeking a compact and efficient layout. Double wides are better suited for families or homeowners needing additional space.
• Transport: Single wide homes are transported in one piece, while double wide homes are delivered in two sections and joined together on-site.
• Financing: Financing is available for both, but double wide homes often qualify for broader financing options.
• Overall Feel: Single wide homes provide a compact, efficient living experience, while double wide homes offer a more spacious layout with a traditional home feel.

So Which One Should You Choose?

Honestly? It depends on your situation right now — and where you see yourself in a few years.

If you're a single person or a couple, budget is tight, and you just need a safe, comfortable place to call home in the Montgomery area, a single wide is a perfectly solid choice. There's nothing wrong with starting there.

If you have kids, expect your household to grow, or simply want the comfort of more space — and you can make the slightly higher payment work — a double wide is likely going to serve you better long-term.

The best thing you can do is walk through both. See how they feel. Talk to one of our team members at Jaco about what floor plans are available and what financing might look like for each option.

We're not here to upsell you. We're here to help you find the right fit — for your family and your budget.

Come See Us at Jaco Mobile Homes in Montgomery, AL

Whether you're leaning toward a single wide, a small double wide, or a large double wide, we have homes on our lot right now that you can walk through today. We also help with land-home packages if you're looking to put down roots and own both the home and the property it sits on.

Come visit us, ask questions, and let's figure out what makes sense for your situation. That's what we're here for.