In recent years, we’ve seen a new trend of homes arise—the tiny home.
More and more people, especially the younger generation, are drawn to these homes. They offer flexibility, affordability, and a unique challenge of storage space that many in the community enjoy.
But is a tiny home right for you? How do they compare to other housing alternatives like a manufactured home?
Discover the answers to all this and more on our comparison of mobile homes vs tiny homes.
What Are Tiny Homes?
While the term “tiny home” doesn’t have a definitive definition, it’s generally accepted that a tiny home is a living space that is 400 square feet or less. These homes can either be stationary or completely mobile, even being able to act as a portable trailer home due to their small size. In most cases, tiny homes have everything one would need to live comfortably long-term—a bedroom, bathroom, cooking area, and modern utilities.
These homes have become quite the trend over the last few years, as people look for more affordable, sustainable, and portable ways to live. The “tiny home community” has its own lifestyle, where people share tips on forums on how to downsize and even how to make a self-sustaining home by themselves.
What Are Manufactured Homes?
Manufactured homes, also sometimes referred to as mobile homes, are homes built in a factory rather than on-site, saving the buyer money. Unlike tiny homes, manufactured homes can be a range of sizes, from single-wide units to quadruple-wide units, based on the buyer’s needs. They are also fully customizable, so you can have however many rooms you desire.
While people call them mobile homes, manufactured homes are built on a permanent foundation. They can be placed in a manufactured home community, on your own land, or on someone else’s land, such as a parent or relative.
These homes must follow strict standards for building, ensuring your safety and long-term durability.
Tiny Houses vs. Mobile Homes: Understanding the Best Option for You
So, if you’re looking to downsize your home or you just want a more affordable housing option, is a tiny home or a mobile home right for you? We’ll help you understand the key differences between the two, so you can find a home that fits your needs.
1. Size
It is generally accepted that a tiny home is 400 square feet or less. At its max size, you would be looking at a 20 x 20 square foot home. This is about the size of a two-car garage, a large master bedroom, or a large event tent for outdoor use. Some people enjoy the challenge of a smaller living space and find unique ways to increase storage while living with minimal space.
Manufactured homes, on the other hand, can range anywhere from just under 500 square feet to well over 2,000 square feet. This gives buyers the flexibility to either downsize if they want a smaller space or expand their space if they choose a larger model. For reference, the modern site-built home averages at about 2,000 square feet, so manufactured homes can meet or exceed this average.
2. Durability
While tiny homes may have to meet certain building codes depending on where you live, there are no universally accepted standards for them. This means they could lack in certain durability requirements, especially in a place with harsh weather conditions like Florida. If you plan to make your tiny home your main residence, you’ll want to have a builder confirm that it’s built to code so it will be as durable as it can be against the elements.
Mobile homes do have a building standard, however. In Florida, especially, they are built to withstand your region’s wind zones, which means they can stand against winds as strong as 100 to 110 MPH. Because of these regulations, manufactured homes are incredibly durable against the elements and can stay strong for generations with proper maintenance.
3. Mobility
While the names might imply the opposite, tiny homes are a lot more portable than your modern-day mobile home. Tiny homes can be built on wheels instead of a foundation, allowing you to travel wherever you want with your tiny home as a trailer. This mobility is often a draw for people considering tiny homes, as they like the ability to live wherever they want without packing every single time.
Manufactured homes are built on a permanent foundation in most cases. This means that the home can be moved if necessary, but not without the help of a construction or building team. In most cases, manufactured homes are only moved once—from the factory to your land—and they’re not typically moved again.
4. Price
At first glance, tiny homes look like the cheapest option for housing. With an average cost of $30,000 to $70,000, this is often a lower price than almost all site-built homes and some manufactured homes.
However, the story changes when you look at the cost per square foot.
Tiny homes can cost as much as as $150 to $450 per square foot. So while you might spend less in general, you’re paying a higher cost per square foot of room than you would with other options.
Manufactured homes, on the other hand, can cost as little as $50 to $160 per square foot. So while they might range from the $90,000s to $200,000s for overall cost, you’re getting a lot more value than you would from a tiny home.
5. Resale Value
While tiny homes are often thought of as just miniature versions of a house, they do not appreciate the same way. In fact, many tiny homes will depreciate at similar rates to cars, trucks, or RV campers. This is important to keep in mind before making a decision. If the goal of owning a home is wealth building, a tiny home might not be your best option.
Manufactured homes, however, do appreciate in value similarly to site-built homes. With easy repairs and little maintenance, manufactured homes are often sought after, and there’s a much bigger resale market for them than there is for tiny homes. This makes upgrading your home and lifestyle much easier than it might be for a tiny home, allowing you to feel confident in your financial decision.
6. Lifestyle Needs
One of the most important things to consider is what type of lifestyle you want to live. Tiny homes have a unique community of adventurers and travelers, all looking to see how far they can go with the least amount of space. Manufactured homes offer a more stable lifestyle where families can grow, retirees can relax, and young adults can find their first home.
Neither option is good or bad—it’s just up to you to decide how you want to live.
If you like the idea of adventure and taking your home wherever you go, a tiny home might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you just want a more affordable option to other homes on the market and like the idea of full customization, then you may enjoy manufactured homes.
Understanding your ideal lifestyle will help to narrow down your search and find an option that works best for you.
Find the Best Home for You at Prestige Home Centers
No matter what you decide, Prestige Home Centers is here to find the right choice for you and your family. While our current floor plans are above the 400 square feet limit for tiny homes, we offer plenty of smaller options for those wanting to downsize their lifestyle. We also offer larger homes for those who want to enjoy the luxury of a large home for a reduced price.
Our manufactured home experts would be happy to talk you through your options and give you a tour of our model. Get in touch with us today to begin your home journey and find the Prestige Home Center closest to you!