How Much Does a Retaining Wall Cost?
Retaining wall block averages about $3.50 per block in 2026, with cap blocks at about $5 each. Installed cost — including base gravel and labor — typically runs $20–$45 per square foot of face area. The table and calculator below estimate blocks and material cost.
Average prices by region
National-average material prices adjusted by region. Updated 2026-06-20. Estimates only — not quotes.
| Material | National | Northeast | South | Midwest | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retaining wall block / block | $3.50 | $4.02 | $3.22 | $3.40 | $3.92 |
| Wall cap block / block | $5.00 | $5.75 | $4.60 | $4.85 | $5.60 |
What affects the price
- Block type — standard concrete block is cheapest; natural-stone veneer and premium products cost more.
- Wall height — taller walls require more blocks, stronger base, and often engineered drainage.
- Drainage and base — compacted gravel and drainage pipe add material and labor.
- Labor typically exceeds material cost for walls over 2–3 feet tall; permits may be required.
Estimate your project
Enter your dimensions to get a quantity and cost estimate. For the full tool, open the Retaining Wall Calculator .
Project inputs
How this is calculated
- Courses = ceil(24 in ÷ 4 in) = 6
- Blocks per course = ceil((20 ft × 12) ÷ 12 in) = 20
- Total blocks = ceil(6 × 20 + 5% waste) = 126
- Cap blocks = 20
- Base gravel = 20 ft × 1.33 ft × 0.5 ft ÷ 27 = 0.49 yd³ (0.69 tons)
Cap blocks assume a single finished course across the top of the wall.
Base gravel is a 6 in deep leveling pad, twice the block depth wide; tonnage varies by supplier and moisture.
The math
National-average prices, adjusted by region. Edit any unit price to match a local quote. Estimate only.
How we estimate these prices
National-average prices for standard retaining wall block and cap block from home-center and masonry-supplier listings, adjusted by region. Excludes base gravel, drainage, and installation. Confirm locally.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a retaining wall cost per linear foot? ⌄
Block retaining wall material (blocks + base gravel) runs $20–$30 per linear foot for a 2-foot-high wall. Installed, expect $25–$75 per linear foot including labor, depending on height and site conditions.
How many blocks do I need per linear foot of retaining wall? ⌄
It depends on block size. Standard 12-inch blocks stack about 1.5 courses per foot of height. Use our retaining wall calculator: enter length, height, and block size for an exact count.
Do I need a permit for a retaining wall? ⌄
Most municipalities require a permit for walls over 3–4 feet tall. Taller walls may need engineering drawings. Check with your local building department before starting.
What is the cheapest retaining wall material? ⌄
Poured concrete and standard CMU block are cheapest to install per square foot of face area. Concrete retaining wall block (Allan Block or similar) balances cost and aesthetics for most residential projects.