How Much Does a Concrete Retaining Wall Cost to Install in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Installing a concrete retaining wall enhances your outdoor space by holding back soil, preventing erosion, and providing level areas for landscaping or play. Expect to pay an average of $5,200, with most homeowners falling between $3,600 and $9,000, or $60 per square foot. 

The most significant factors affecting your project total are the type of concrete you choose, the size of your wall, and the labor requirements. Proper budgeting and hiring an experienced wall contractor help ensure a safe and cost-effective project.

Concrete Retaining Wall Cost Per Linear Foot

Plan on spending $20 to $60 per square foot for a concrete retaining wall, depending on its height, length, complexity, and local labor rates. Local retaining wall contractors charge $10 to $30 per square foot for standard projects. If the wall is higher than six feet, you’ll likely need additional engineering or specialized services.

Concrete Wall Cost by Type

You’ll pay anywhere from $15 to $ 45 per square foot for concrete blocks or panels, depending on the type used and local labor rates.

Large Concrete Blocks

For commercial projects or larger home retaining walls, the contractor may recommend large retaining wall blocks, which cost between $20 and $45 per square foot.

Most large blocks weigh 1,000 to 3,500 pounds each. And come in sizes ranging from two cubic feet to 6-by-2-by-2 feet. Large blocks can be installed quickly with heavy equipment, but their weight makes them impractical for most small residential walls.

Concrete Precast Panels

Concrete precast panels cost $25 to $40 per square foot for residential projects. Instead of blocks, your local concrete wall professional uses heavy machinery to install large panels. They’re great for large projects with limited space for block installations, as they occupy less space.

Modular Interlocking Retaining Wall

Interlocking blocks, also known as modular concrete blocks, cost $15 to $35 per square foot on average, which is about 25% to 50% less than poured concrete. The cost of split-faced blocks —concrete that’s finished to look like stone—is less expensive than stacked stone and even some veneers.

If you’re tackling a smaller residential project yourself, interlocking blocks can save time, equipment rental, and material costs. They even give homeowners more style and color options. Whether you decide to try the DIY route or not, get quotes from local block wall installers to compare prices in your area.

Poured Concrete

A poured concrete wall costs $20 to $45 per square foot on average for installation and materials. It’s not often used in retaining walls due to its inflexibility with shifting dirt and higher price. It creates a monolithic structure perfect for a modern style. You can also stamp it or add a veneer.

The wide price ranges come from multiple factors, including:

• Location: Local regulations, building codes, taxes, and cost of living all factor into regional pricing.

• Reinforcement: Some require extra support depending on their height, size, and what they hold back.

• Accessibility: Easily accessible areas allow machinery to do most of the work. Hard-to-access areas drive up labor prices.

• Size: The size of your wall directly affects the budget needed to build it.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete retaining walls cost an additional $5 to $15 per square foot for decorative finishes. Stamping concrete creates shapes and patterns that can mimic stone, wood, and other materials, which can be dyed or stained during the building process.

Concrete Retaining Wall Cost Factors

The cost to install a retaining wall can vary depending on more than just the method and size. Additional factors to consider when determining the cost of a concrete retaining wall include excavation prices, finishing options, and local labor rates.

Excavation and Backfill

If you need to excavate existing land (or an older, failing retaining wall) as part of the construction process, factor in $100 to $220 per cubic yard in excavation costs. If you need to pay for dirt or other soil to be delivered, you’ll also need to budget for backfill delivery prices.

Drainage

To prevent erosion and flooding after the retaining wall is installed, you may need to have a French drain or similar drainage added. Installing a French drain costs between $10 and $80 per linear foot, depending on the project's complexity.

Finishes

If you intend to install any special finishes, such as sealants for protection or veneers or siding for improved aesthetics, expect higher project costs. Veneers can add $5 to $25 per square foot.

Permits

Building a retaining wall requires a construction permit. Ask your contractor if their quote includes the cost of construction permits before your project begins.

Labor

Most retaining wall contractors charge between $40 and $100 per hour, or $10 to $30 per square foot, for standard projects, depending on the complexity and local labor rates. Walls taller than four feet often require the services of a structural engineer.

DIY vs. Hire a Concrete Retaining Wall Pro

Whether you DIY or hire a concrete contractor depends on your wall’s size, design, and the time you can commit. Since most of your project cost comes from labor, you can save money if you do the project yourself. 

Most walls taller than four feet require the assistance of a structural engineer, as per building code requirements. Local codes often require a structural engineer to be consulted once a wall exceeds this height for safety purposes. Because mistakes with drainage or reinforcement can lead to costly failures, many homeowners ultimately hire a retaining wall professional to ensure the wall is installed correctly the first time.

Budgeting Tips for a Concrete Retaining Wall

Saving money on your concrete retaining wall project requires careful planning and smart decisions. Consider these budget-friendly strategies:

• Choose interlocking concrete blocks over poured concrete when possible, potentially saving 25-50% on material costs.

• Get multiple quotes from local contractors to ensure competitive pricing and potentially negotiate better rates.

• Consider a shorter wall (under 4 feet) to avoid engineering fees and additional permitting costs.

• Plan your project during the contractor's off-season (late fall or winter) when rates may be lower.

• Handle simple site preparation yourself, such as clearing vegetation or small-scale excavation, to reduce labor costs.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.