For James Hardie vs vinyl siding cost, vinyl averages about $18,000 in New England while Hardie board averages about $21,500. Since 2011, Coastal Windows & Exteriors has completed 7,000+ installations across 730+ towns in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine as a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor and the only woman-owned James Hardie President’s Club winner in New England. Coastal installs both lines, and since fiber cement returns more at resale, the gap narrows over time.
How the Two Compare on Cost and Return:
- Price gap: Vinyl averages about $18,000 and fiber cement about $21,500 across New England. Get a free estimate.
- Return compare: Fiber cement returns about 144.9% at resale. Vinyl returns about 97%, per JLC 2025.
- Both installed: Coastal installs vinyl and James Hardie siding, so the fit follows the home and budget.
- Paint budget: Exterior painting can reach $12,000 over the years, while ColorPlus arrives baked on from the factory.
- Durability edge: Fiber cement is fire resistant, though paint and coatings are not covered by that.
- Local crews: Skilled siding contractors homeowners hire compare both lines during the visit.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James Hardie fiber cement | 144.9% resale return; fire resistant; baked-on color | Higher upfront cost | Long-term value, curb appeal | ~$21,500 NE avg |
| Vinyl siding | Lower upfront cost | 97% resale return | Tighter budgets, quick refresh | ~$18,000 NE avg |
Which Siding Fits Your Home
Top Recommendation: Fiber cement suits homeowners chasing the strongest resale return. Book a free estimate.
Best for budget: Vinyl siding costs less up front, near $18,000 across New England.
Smart for payback: Fiber cement returns about 144.9% at resale, well ahead of vinyl’s 97%.
Ready to compare both in person? Book a free, no-obligation estimate with fiber cement and vinyl samples. Coastal Windows & Exteriors is a James Hardie Elite Preferred contractor. The team has completed 7,000+ installations since 2011. Financing runs up to 20 years, based on credit approval.
Request a free siding estimate from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Browse our complete siding FAQ guide from Coastal Windows & Exteriors.
Explore the Coastal Windows & Exteriors Siding Exterior Remodeling Home Improvement Help Center.
Still have questions about How Much Does Vinyl Siding Cost Compared to Hardie Board? See the areas we serve and talk to your local siding contractor.
Last Updated: October 2026
Sources:
- James Hardie fiber cement siding averages about $21,500 and vinyl siding about $18,000 across New England. Remodeling Magazine (JLC Online) Cost vs. Value 2025, New England, regional remodeling cost and resale value report. (2025)
- Fiber cement siding returns about 144.9% at resale and vinyl siding about 97%. Remodeling Magazine (JLC Online) Cost vs. Value 2025, national remodeling cost versus resale value report. (2025)
- Painting a house exterior costs up to $12,000. NerdWallet Cost to Paint a House, consumer guide on exterior painting costs. (2026)
- ColorPlus Technology is a baked-on, multi-coat factory finish that improves adhesion and fade resistance. James Hardie ColorPlus Technology: The Facts Behind the Finish, manufacturer detail on the finish process. (Accessed September 2026)
