Why Understanding Mobile Home Utility Connection Costs Matters

The cost to connect utilities for your manufactured home in Texas typically ranges from $300 to $1,500 for basic hookups in established communities, or $9,000 to $34,500+ if you’re developing raw land.

Quick Cost Overview:

Electricity Connection: $30-$400 (established areas) or $2,500-$25,000+ (raw land)
Water & Sewer: $75-$275 (city hookup) or $8,000-$50,000 (well + septic)
Natural Gas: $80-$220 (city connection) or $600-$5,700 (propane tank)
Internet & Cable: $50-$500 (installation + equipment)
Trash Service: $10-$100 (setup fees)

Many Texas families focus on the home’s purchase price, but utility connection costs can add thousands to your upfront expenses. Whether you’re moving into a San Antonio community or placing a home on private land, understanding these costs helps you avoid budget shock. At Manufactured Housing Consultants, we help Texas families steer these expenses.

Initial Setup Costs: The basic cost to connect utilities

In an established community, the cost to connect utilities is mainly administrative fees and refundable security deposits.

Electricity Setup: Expect $30-$100 for connection fees plus a potential deposit of $100-$300, for a total of $30 to $400. Tip: In Texas, you can choose your electricity provider, so shop around!
Water and Sewer Hookup: Activation fees are typically $25-$75, with deposits from $50-$200. The total cost is usually $75 to $275. Tip: Many communities include water/sewer in the lot rent. If not, contact your local authority, like the San Antonio Water System (SAWS).
Natural Gas Activation: Setup fees are $30-$70, with a possible deposit of $50-$150, totaling $80 to $220. Tip: A letter of credit from a previous utility may help waive the deposit.
Internet, Cable, and Phone Installation: Plan for $50-$200 in setup fees and $100-$300 if you purchase your own modem/router. Total setup cost is $50 to $500. Tip: Ask for self-installation kits and bundle services to save money.
Trash and Recycling Services: Setup fees are minimal, from $10-$50. Total setup is $10 to $100. Tip: Check if your community includes this service in your lot rent.

Factoring these costs into your budget is crucial. We offer various financing solutions that can help. Learn more about More info about mobile home financing to see how we can assist you.

Vacant Land: The comprehensive cost to connect utilities

Connecting utilities to vacant land is a much larger investment. If you’re buying raw land in a rural part of Texas, you’re not just activating services; you’re building the infrastructure from the ground up.

The average cost to set up utilities on raw land is around $20,400, with most landowners spending between $9,000 and $34,500. This can include:

Electricity Extension: Costs range from $2,500 to $25,000+. This includes per-foot charges for extending lines ($5-$25/ft), trenching ($400-$1,200 per 100 ft), and potentially a new transformer ($3,000-$7,000).
Well Drilling: If city water isn’t available, a water well costs $3,000 to $15,000. The price depends on depth ($15-$65 per foot) and geology. This includes the pump, pressure tank, and testing.
Septic System Installation: A septic system costs $5,000 to $30,000. This requires a permit ($450-$2,300) and a “perc test” to assess the soil. Unsuitable soil may require a more expensive aerobic system.
Propane Tanks: As an alternative to natural gas, installing a propane tank costs $600 to $5,700.
Internet, Phone, and Cable to Land: Basic installation is $100-$200, but extending high-speed fiber to a remote area can cost $20,000+. Satellite and fixed wireless are common rural alternatives.

Additional Site Preparation Costs

Preparing raw land also involves land surveys ($400-$1,800), land clearing ($1,150-$3,680), grading ($1,000-$10,000), and building permits ($100-$500). While Manufactured Housing Consultants helps you coordinate and budget for these services as part of our site preparation package, it is important to clarify that we do not perform the physical installation of wells, septic systems, or utility line extensions. Our role is to manage the project and connect you with trusted, licensed professionals in the San Antonio area for these specialized tasks. Our Our Services: Site Preparation service is designed to help Texas customers steer these challenges.

Public vs. Private Systems: A Texas Cost Comparison

Landowners must often choose between connecting to municipal services or installing private systems like wells and septic tanks.

Municipal (City) Hookup: Connecting to city water can cost $1,000-$6,000, while city sewer costs $1,500-$11,000. Costs increase with distance from the main line and include tap/impact fees. For service in San Antonio, contact the San Antonio Water System.
Private Systems: Wells and Septic Tanks: For rural properties, private systems are common. A water well costs $3,000-$15,000 upfront, and a septic system costs $5,000-$30,000. While the initial investment is high, you avoid monthly municipal bills. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) is a great resource for well information.

Here’s a quick comparison to help you weigh your options:

Utility System	Average Cost Range (Upfront)	Pros	Cons
City Water	$1,000 – $6,000	Reliable, low maintenance	Potentially high tap/impact fees, distance sensitive
Private Water Well	$3,000 – $15,000	Independent, no monthly water bill	High upfront cost, maintenance, water quality testing needed
City Sewer	$1,500 – $11,000	No septic maintenance, reliable	Potentially high tap/impact fees, distance sensitive
Private Septic System	$5,000 – $30,000	Independent, no monthly sewer bill	High upfront cost, regular maintenance (pumping), soil suitability

The best choice depends on your property’s location, local regulations, and budget. We help our clients evaluate these options to find the most cost-effective solution for their manufactured home in Texas.

The Complete Breakdown of the Cost to Connect Utilities in Texas

You’ve seen the basics and understand the difference between connecting in an established area versus starting from scratch on raw land. Now let’s get into what really shapes your final cost to connect utilities in Texas—and what those monthly bills will look like once you’re settled into your new San Antonio-area manufactured home.

Key Factors That Influence Your Total Bill

Your final bill depends on a handful of key factors:

Your Credit History: Good credit can help you avoid security deposits for electricity ($100-$300), water ($50-$200), and gas ($50-$150), potentially saving you hundreds upfront.
Location: Moving into a San Antonio manufactured housing community with existing infrastructure is far cheaper than developing rural land. Proximity to main utility lines is the single biggest cost factor.
Distance from Main Lines: Utilities charge by the linear foot to extend service. Electrical trenching can be $400-$1,200 per 100 feet, and water lines can cost up to $200 per linear foot. A property 500 feet from the grid can cost thousands more to connect.
Terrain and Soil: Rocky or sloped terrain increases excavation costs. Poor soil may require a more expensive septic system, which is determined by a mandatory percolation (“perc”) test.
Permits: You’ll need permits for most major work. Septic permits can run $450-$2,300, and general building permits cost $100-$500. Check with the San Antonio building permits office for local requirements.
Promotions: Always ask utility providers about promotions for new customers. A simple phone call can often save you $100 or more on setup fees.

Average Monthly Utility Bills in the San Antonio Area

Once connected, you’ll have monthly expenses. The average monthly utility bill in Texas is about $571. Here’s a typical breakdown:

Electricity: Averages $137/month, but can be higher in Texas summers. Energy Star-rated homes help manage this cost.
Natural Gas: Averages $69/month, used for heating, water, and cooking.
Water: Averages $47/month, depending on usage and local rates from providers like SAWS.
Sewer: Averages $65/month. If you have a septic system, you’ll budget for maintenance instead.
Trash & Recycling: Typically $20-$50/month, but often included in community lot rent.
Internet: Averages $77/month. Bundling can lower this cost.

Smart Strategies to Save on Setup and Monthly Costs

We’ve helped hundreds of Texas families manage their utility costs. Here are some practical strategies:

Choose an Energy-Efficient Home: Start with a home built for efficiency. Look for Energy Star ratings, quality insulation, and efficient HVAC systems to lower bills from day one.
Seal Air Leaks: Sealing gaps around windows and doors can save 10-20% on heating and cooling costs.
Install a Smart Thermostat: These devices learn your schedule and can save up to 10% on annual energy costs.
Fix Water Leaks: A dripping faucet wastes thousands of gallons. Install WaterSense-labeled fixtures to reduce usage.
Shop Around and Bundle: In Texas’s deregulated market, compare electricity providers. Bundle internet, cable, and phone services for discounts. Buy your own modem to avoid rental fees.
Plan Strategically on Raw Land: If developing land, use a single trench for multiple utility lines to reduce excavation costs. Position your home closer to existing utility connections.
Negotiate Deposits: Ask if a letter of credit from a previous provider can waive security deposit requirements.
Maintain Your Systems: Regular septic pumping and HVAC check-ups prevent costly repairs and keep systems running efficiently. It’s important to note that Manufactured Housing Consultants does not offer these ongoing maintenance services, but we stress their importance for protecting your investment.
Eliminate Phantom Power: Unplug electronics and use power strips to cut down on the 5-10% of energy use that comes from devices in standby mode.

At Manufactured Housing Consultants, we’re committed to making homeownership affordable. Managing utility costs is a big part of that commitment.

Finalizing Your Connections and Moving Forward

You now understand that the cost to connect utilities for your manufactured home in Texas is a key part of your budget. Whether you face basic hookup fees of $300-$1,500 in a San Antonio community or the $9,000-$34,500+ cost of developing raw land, planning ahead is crucial.

At Manufactured Housing Consultants, we’ve guided hundreds of Texas families through this process. We know that buying a manufactured home is about creating a complete living solution that works for your finances. That’s why we offer comprehensive support, from financing to site preparation. Our role is to be your expert guide, coordinating with various third-party professionals—from electricians to septic installers in the San Antonio area—to ensure everything is done correctly and on budget. Please note that while we manage the process, we do not directly provide services such as electrical wiring, plumbing, or septic system installation.

Budgeting wisely means thinking beyond the purchase price. When you factor in utility connections from the start, you can focus on what really matters—making your new manufactured home feel like yours. Getting your connections right means your lights, water, and internet work from day one, without delays or surprises.

Ready to take the next step? Our Our Services: Utility Connections team specializes in making this complex process simple for San Antonio area families.

Don’t let utility costs be an unknown variable. Contact Manufactured Housing Consultants today. Let’s create a clear plan to get you into your new home, with all utilities connected and your budget intact.