Vinyl is usually cheaper. Angi puts vinyl at $3–$12 per sq ft installed, against $4–$16 for steel and $3–$18 for aluminum[1][2]. HomeGuide lists vinyl at $4–$12, aluminum at $6–$10 and steel at $7–$16[3]. Angi says steel and aluminum typically last about 50 years[1]. Metal is noncombustible[1]. Vinyl replacement recoups 96.5% of its cost in the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report[4].
Estimate your project in the siding cost calculator (metal preset) →
Last updated October 29, 2026. Third-party prices are shown as each source publishes them. Sources price different scopes, so ranges are shown side by side and never averaged together.
Side-by-side comparison
| Vinyl | Steel | Aluminum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Installed / sq ft (Angi) | $3 – $12[2] | $4 – $16; most $4 – $8[1] | $3 – $18[1] |
| Installed / sq ft (HomeGuide) | $4 – $12[3] | $7 – $16[3] | $6 – $10[3] |
| Typical lifespan | 30 – 40 years (HomeGuide)[3]; 60 (InterNACHI)[5] | ~50 years (Angi)[1]; 40 – 70 (HomeGuide)[3] | ~50 years (Angi)[1]; 25 – 40+ (InterNACHI)[5] |
| Fire | Ignites from flame at about 730°F (VSI)[6] | Noncombustible; can melt at extreme temperatures (Angi)[1] | |
| Resale (2025 Cost vs. Value) | 96.5% recouped[4] | Not rated in the report | |
| Labor share | No comparable published figure | 30% – 60% of total (Angi)[1] | |
Installed cost per square foot
Angi's metal siding guide gives a national average of $11,341 per project, with most homeowners paying $3,958–$19,439 across 194 verified projects[1]. Its per-square-foot ranges are $4–$16 for steel and $3–$18 for aluminum. Most steel lands at $4–$8: about $5 for log-style steel, $5–$8 for corrugated and up to $16 for seamless concealed-fastener panels[1]. Angi puts vinyl at $3–$12 per sq ft[2], and This Old House's Homewyse-based average for vinyl is $6.13[7].
HomeGuide's ranges are $4–$12 for vinyl, $6–$10 for aluminum and $7–$16 for steel[3]. It notes that exposed-fastener steel panels run $7–$12 and concealed-fastener panels $10–$16, and that 24-gauge steel costs 30%–40% more than 26-gauge[3]. HomeGuide also says metal siding can last up to four times longer than vinyl[8].
What drives a metal quote up
- Gauge: 24- and 26-gauge are the most common for homes. Angi does not recommend going thinner than 26-gauge[1].
- Panel profile: concealed-fastener panels are harder to install and about twice the price of exposed-fastener panels[1].
- Finish: PVDF paint costs 15%–35% more than SMP. Angi lists finishes from $1.50–$2 per sq ft (26-gauge galvanized) to $3.75–$4.25 (specialty PVDF colors)[1].
- Trim and fasteners: trim runs $1–$2.50 per linear foot for exposed-fastener panels and $2–$5 for concealed-fastener panels. Fasteners are $0.10–$0.15 each[1].
- Removal: about $1 per sq ft when the old siding has to come off[1].
Worked example: 2,000 sq ft of wall
This is simple arithmetic on each source's published range, applied to 2,000 sq ft of exterior wall area. It is not a quote.
| Scenario | Rate (source) | 2,000 sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl | $3 – $12 (Angi)[2] | $6,000 – $24,000 |
| Vinyl at average | $6.13 (This Old House / Homewyse)[7] | $12,260 |
| Steel, typical | $4 – $8 (Angi)[1] | $8,000 – $16,000 |
| Steel, full range | $4 – $16 (Angi)[1] | $8,000 – $32,000 |
| Aluminum | $6 – $10 (HomeGuide)[3] | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Add tear-off (metal) | ~$1 (Angi)[1] | + about $2,000 |
The steel full-range figure matches Angi's own $8,000–$32,000 table for 2,000 sq ft[1]. This Old House puts vinyl on a 2,000 sq ft home at $12,252 and recommends a 10%–20% contingency for surprises such as rotted sheathing[7].
Lifespan and maintenance
Angi says steel and aluminum typically last around 50 years, and that severe weather can speed up deterioration[1]. HomeGuide gives 40–70 years for steel, 25–40 for aluminum and 30–40 for vinyl[3]. InterNACHI, assuming regular maintenance, lists vinyl siding at 60 years and aluminum at 25–40+ years[5]. For dents, Angi's advice is that the most cost-effective repair is usually replacing the damaged panel or two, and that extensive damage calls for replacement[1].
Fire and heat
Angi describes metal siding as noncombustible: it may eventually melt at extreme temperatures but won't catch fire itself[1]. The Vinyl Siding Institute says PVC siding won't ignite from another flame until about 730°F and won't self-ignite until about 850°F, compared with 500°F for framing lumber[6]. Neither material makes a house fireproof. Angi also notes that steel reflects the sun's radiant heat rather than making a house hotter[1].
Resale value
The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report rates vinyl siding replacement at 96.5% of cost recouped. It does not rate metal siding[4]. Angi gives metal siding an average ROI of 86%[1], but that figure is from a different methodology and isn't directly comparable to the Cost vs. Value number.
Which should you choose?
- Lowest upfront cost and highest rated resale return: vinyl, at $3–$12 per sq ft installed[2] and 96.5% recouped[4].
- Fire-prone area or longest service life: steel. Specify 24- or 26-gauge and a PVDF finish[1].
- Budget metal: aluminum, at $6–$10 per sq ft installed per HomeGuide[3].
Price your walls in the calculator with the metal preset or the vinyl preset. See vinyl siding cost, cost to side a house and how long siding lasts.
Sources
- Angi, "How Much Does Metal Siding Cost to Install? [2026 Data]", Dan Simms (updated Oct 16, 2026). Accessed Oct 29, 2026.
- Angi, "How Much Does It Cost to Replace or Install Siding? [2026 Data]", Rachel Hoffman (updated Oct 9, 2026). Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- HomeGuide, "Siding Cost", HomeGuide (n.d.). Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- Zonda / Journal of Light Construction, "2025 Cost vs. Value Report", Zonda (Sep 18, 2025). Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- InterNACHI, "Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes", InterNACHI (n.d.). Accessed Oct 29, 2026.
- Vinyl Siding Institute, "Siding with Safety", VSI (Aug 2014). Accessed Oct 29, 2026.
- This Old House, "Siding Replacement Cost (2026 Pricing) (Homewyse data)", Alexis Carthan (updated Jun 12, 2026). Accessed Oct 27, 2026.
- HomeGuide, "How Much Does Metal Siding Cost?", HomeGuide (n.d.). Accessed Oct 29, 2026.
How to get and compare siding estimates →
More cost guides
Prices on this page are third-party figures as published by each source, with the date we accessed them. Sources measure different scopes (some include tear-off, trim and soffit), so ranges are shown side by side, not averaged. The calculator uses SidingCostEstimate editorial estimate rates. See our methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Is vinyl siding cheaper than metal?
Usually. Angi puts vinyl at $3–$12 per sq ft installed, against $4–$16 for steel and $3–$18 for aluminum. HomeGuide's ranges are $4–$12 for vinyl, $6–$10 for aluminum and $7–$16 for steel.
How much does metal vs. vinyl siding cost for 2,000 sq ft?
Applying Angi's ranges gives $6,000–$24,000 for vinyl and $8,000–$32,000 for steel, with typical steel at $8,000–$16,000. HomeGuide's aluminum range gives $12,000–$20,000.
Which lasts longer, metal or vinyl siding?
Angi says steel and aluminum typically last about 50 years. HomeGuide gives 40–70 years for steel and 30–40 for vinyl. InterNACHI lists vinyl at 60 years with regular maintenance.
Is metal siding fireproof?
No siding is fireproof. Angi describes metal siding as noncombustible: it can melt at extreme temperatures but won't catch fire itself. The Vinyl Siding Institute says vinyl ignites from a flame at about 730°F.
Which has better resale value?
The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report rates vinyl siding replacement at 96.5% of cost recouped and doesn't rate metal. Angi cites an 86% ROI for metal, which uses a different methodology.