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Vinyl vs Fiber Cement Siding: Cost Comparison

Vinyl is the cheap, easy default. Fiber cement costs about 2× more but adds serious curb appeal and returns 60–80% at resale — the highest of any siding.

Typical range: $6,000 – $28,000 for a typical 1,500 sq ft home

Vinyl Siding

$4–$12 / sq ft

Pros

  • Cheapest full-house option
  • No painting ever
  • Fast install
  • Wide color selection

Cons

  • Fades over 15–20 years
  • Cracks in cold, warps in heat
  • Looks plastic up close
  • Lower resale bump
Estimate vinyl siding cost →

Fiber Cement (Hardie)

$8–$18 / sq ft

Pros

  • 50+ year lifespan
  • Fireproof, termite-proof
  • Best resale ROI of any siding
  • Looks like real wood

Cons

  • 2× upfront cost
  • Repaint every 10–15 years
  • Heavy — needs skilled crew
  • Slower install
Estimate fiber cement (hardie) cost →

Bottom line

Selling within 5 years or want the biggest curb-appeal upgrade? Fiber cement pays back at resale. Rental or tight budget? Insulated vinyl is the smart pick.

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Siding Replacement Cost Calculator

Estimate exterior siding replacement — vinyl, fiber cement, wood, or engineered — by home size.