Fiber cement siding costs $20,678, and vinyl averages $17,590.
Fiber cement siding costs $20,678, and vinyl averages $17,590.
This is a $3,500 gap between two of the strongest resale investments you can make. Both deliver triple-digit returns, with fiber cement hitting 144% ROI and vinyl close behind at 97%.
What Homeowners Need to Know:
- Initial Price Gap: Fiber cement runs about $20,678 versus vinyl’s $17,590 at the national average. That’s roughly 19% more upfront, but both rank among the highest-ROI curb appeal upgrades you’ll find.
- Resale Returns That Stand Out: At 144% ROI, fiber cement edges past vinyl’s 97%, though honestly, either one is a win when it’s time to sell your home.
- Real Numbers for a Typical Home: On a 1,500 sq ft house, expect fiber cement to land around $14,333 and vinyl closer to $12,000, based on those national averages.
- Say Goodbye to Repainting: Both options eliminate the dreaded repaint cycle that can run up to $12,000 every 5-7 years. Fiber cement also brings superior fire resistance and long-term durability to the table.
- Energy Savings Worth Noting: Go with insulated versions of either material, and you’ll see air tightness improve by 11% on average. That translates to 2-7% less spent on heating and cooling each year!
- Color Choices That Sell: About 65% of homeowners pick neutral tones, and both fiber cement and vinyl offer plenty of options in that sweet spot for strong resale appeal.
What to Expect with Fiber Cement vs. Vinyl Siding Costs
| Feature | Vinyl Siding | Fiber Cement Siding |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $17,590 | $20,678 |
| ROI | 97% | 144% |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Low |
| Lifespan | 30-50 years | 30-50 years |
| Fire Resistance | Standard | Superior |
| Best For | Budget-conscious homeowners | Long-term investment |
Selecting the Right Material:
- Best Overall: Fiber cement for coastal homes justifies the $3,500 premium with 144% ROI and superior durability against harsh weather.
- Budget-Friendly Option: Vinyl siding delivers 97% ROI at $3,500 less upfront, ideal for rental properties or homeowners prioritizing immediate savings.
- Maximum Longevity: Fiber cement withstands extreme temperature swings, salt air, and moisture better than vinyl for long-term performance.
Ready to compare materials for your specific home and maximize your curb appeal investment? Get a detailed estimate showing both options. Coastal Windows & Exteriors has completed 7,000+ installations across MA, NH, and ME as a woman-owned GAF Master Elite contractor.
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Last Updated: July 2026
Sources:
- The average cost of vinyl siding replacement in New England is $17,590. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 – New England, JLC Online’s regional cost data for vinyl siding installation in the New England market. (2026)
- The average cost of fiber cement siding replacement in New England is $20,678. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 – New England, JLC Online’s regional cost data for fiber cement siding installation in the New England market. (2026)
- Vinyl siding replacement delivers a 97% return on investment for homeowners. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025, JLC Online’s national cost vs. value analysis for vinyl siding projects. (2026)
- Fiber cement siding replacement delivers a 144% return on investment for homeowners. JLC Online Cost vs. Value 2025 – New England, JLC Online’s regional cost vs. value analysis for fiber cement siding projects in the New England market. (2026)
- Installing insulated siding can improve a home’s air tightness by an average of 11%. Polymeric Exteriors/ISHI ISHI Guide Update January 2014, Polymeric Exteriors/ISHI’s industry guide on the energy performance and air tightness benefits of insulated siding. (Accessed May 2026)
- Roughly 65% of homeowners prefer neutral siding colors such as white, off-white, gray, and light shades of blue and brown. Fixr Home Siding Statistics, Fixr’s survey data on homeowner siding color preferences and design trends. (2025)