Vinyl Versus Aluminum Siding Cost and Price Guide 2026

Homeowners typically spend different amounts for vinyl and aluminum siding based on material quality, labor rates, and home’s size. The main cost drivers include siding thickness or gauge, panel profile, underlayment, removal of old siding, and local permitting or disposal fees. Cost and price ranges help buyers compare options and budget effectively.

Item	Low	Average	High	Notes
Siding Material	Vinyl .R	Vinyl mid range	Aluminum high end	Includes material grade and finish
Installed Price Range	$5,000	$12,000	$28,000	Single story home; standard exposure
Assumptions	1 story, 1,000 sq ft	1,800 sq ft	2,400 sq ft or more	Typical suburban lot

Typical Cost Range

The typical cost for vinyl siding project ranges from about $4,500 to $12,000 for small to medium homes, while aluminum siding projects commonly run from $6,500 to $17,000. The per square foot pricing often falls between $3.50 and $8.50 for vinyl and $5.50 to $11.00 for aluminum, depending on insulation, profile, and finish. Prices reflect material quality, installation complexity, and regional labor rates.

Cost Breakdown

Components	Vinyl	Aluminum	Notes
Materials	$2.00-$5.50 / sq ft	$3.50-$7.50 / sq ft	Includes panels, flashing, and underlayment
Labor	$2.50-$4.50 / sq ft	$3.50-$6.50 / sq ft	Includes removal of old siding
Equipment	Included in labor	Included in labor	Scaffolding or lifts may add
Permits	Low to moderate	Low to moderate	Depends on local codes
Delivery/Disposal	$200-$800	$250-$900	Waste removal fees apply
Warranty	20-year typical	20-year typical	Varies by manufacturer
Overhead	5-10%	5-10%	Contractor dependent
Contingency	5-10%	5-10%	Minor repairs or hidden damage
Taxes	Actual local rate	Actual local rate	Depends on jurisdiction
Totals	4,500-$12,000	6,500-$17,000	Higher if upgrades

What Drives Price

Labor hours and crew size are major factors. A smaller home may require fewer days, while larger or multi-story homes increase lift time and safety considerations. Gauge and profile choices affect both installation effort and long term performance.

Regional Price Differences

Regional costs vary due to climate, labor markets, and material availability. In the Northeast, expect higher disposal fees and longer lead times, while the Midwest can balance between material costs and labor rates. The South may show lower labor costs but higher fluctuation in material pricing due to supply chains. Regional price differences can swing total by about 10-20 percent.

Labor & Installation Time

Labor for siding projects typically spans 1 to 4 days for standard one to two story homes. Labor rates range from roughly $40 to $75 per hour, with higher-end crews charging more for complex trim, corner work, or intricate facades. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> A rough rule is annualized labor cost per 1,000 sq ft of vinyl around $1,200 to $2,800, and for aluminum around $1,500 to $3,200.

Additional & Hidden Costs

Hidden items include deck or window trim updates, moisture damage under old siding, and insect damage or rot repair. Roofing or fascia repair, new insulation, and disposal of old siding can add to the budget. Seasonal demand may push prices higher during peak home improvement months. Expect occasional extras that can alter total by several hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Pricing By Region

In urban markets, prices tend to be on the higher end due to dense crews and higher permit costs. Suburban markets show moderate pricing, while rural areas may offer lower labor rates but increased travel costs. A typical regional delta ranges from minus 5 percent to plus 15 percent relative to national averages. Compare at least three local bids for an apples to apples estimate.

Real World Pricing Examples

Three scenario cards illustrate typical quotes for a mid sized home using the same contractor and local costs. Assumptions: single story, 1,800 sq ft, standard trim, no major rot