Vinyl siding cost in Columbia, SC
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (2,100 sq ft of wall)
- $7,550 – $22,600
- Per sq ft of wall
- $3.60 – $11
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −10%
- US $16,800
- Rank of 300 metros
- #236
- 1 = most expensive
New vinyl siding in Columbia, SC usually costs $7,550 to $22,600 for 2,100 sq ft of wall. That works out to about $3.60 to $11 per sq ft of wall before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $1,750 less. Carpenters earn a median of $23.11 an hour in the Columbia area, 21% below the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 2,100 sq ft of wall in Columbia, SC, standard level
$12,000 to $18,100
About $5.75 to $8.60 per sq ft of wall before permits. Labor is about 46% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $6,450 | $9,700 |
| Labor | $5,550 | $8,350 |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $12,000 | $18,100 |
Cost breakdown for 2,100 sq ft of wall in Columbia, SC
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $4,050 | $8,100 | $12,100 | 54% |
| Labor | $3,500 | $6,950 | $10,400 | 46% |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | 0% |
| Total | $7,550 | $15,100 | $22,600 | 100% |
Where the Columbia price comes from
Labor is 46% of the midpoint bill here, against 50% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is carpenters (60%), construction laborers (30%), sheet metal workers (10%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Columbia the blended ratio comes out at 0.83.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Columbia is at 96.3 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $8,400 nationally becomes $8,100 here (midpoint, 2,100 sq ft of wall). Permits follow the all-items index of 93.7: $0 to $0.
What local crews earn in Columbia
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 3 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Columbia the blend is 0.83.
Carpenters (47-2031), 60% of the weighting: a median of $23.11 an hour, 21% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $20.13 and $28.49 an hour. About 880 work in the metro. That is 22.3 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $20.49 an hour, which is 10% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $17.50 and $23.15 an hour. BLS counts 2,610 of them working in the area, 66.2 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is about average.
Sheet metal workers (47-2211), 10% of the weighting: a median of $24.12 an hour, 19% below the US median of $29.71. The middle half of them earn between $19.49 and $29.52 an hour. About 350 work in the metro. That is 8.9 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 7.7 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $930 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $520. That is a swing of roughly 3.4% to 6.2% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Columbia has 394,200 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 65th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 60% | $20.13 | $23.11 | $28.49 | $29.12 | 0.79 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $17.50 | $20.49 | $23.15 | $22.66 | 0.90 | metro |
| Sheet metal workers (47-2211) | 10% | $19.49 | $24.12 | $29.52 | $29.71 | 0.81 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.83 | |||||
Planning more than one job in Columbia?
Jobs that often go together with vinyl siding are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Columbia wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, attic insulation comes out highest (−2%) and roof replacement lowest (−13%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof replacement | 2,000 sq ft of roof | $5,250 – $11,000 | −13% |
| Gutters | 160 linear ft | $1,150 – $3,850 | −9% |
| Window replacement | 10 windows | $4,150 – $14,100 | −6% |
| Attic insulation | 1,000 sq ft | $990 – $3,900 | −2% |
| Metal roof | 2,000 sq ft of roof | $8,600 – $29,000 | −12% |
Pick a size, pick a tier: vinyl siding pricing in Columbia
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Columbia. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from small house (1,200 sq ft of wall) to large house (3,000 sq ft of wall).
Basic
$7,550 to $13,500
Basic clapboard siding, simple house
Standard
$12,000 to $18,100
Mid-grade panels, standard trim and corners
Premium
$16,600 to $22,600
Premium or board-and-batten, many corners and gables
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small house (1,200 sq ft of wall) | $4,300 – $7,750 | $6,900 – $10,300 | $9,450 – $12,900 |
| average house (2,100 sq ft of wall) | $7,550 – $13,500 | $12,000 – $18,100 | $16,600 – $22,600 |
| large house (3,000 sq ft of wall) | $10,800 – $19,400 | $17,200 – $25,800 | $23,700 – $32,300 |
Columbia against nearby metros and the rest of South Carolina
Of the five closest metros, none is cheaper than Columbia. Greenville comes closest at about $15,300.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SCthis page | $7,550 – $22,600 | $15,100 | |
| Augusta, GA70 miles | $7,850 – $23,600 | $15,700 | +4% |
| Spartanburg, SC70 miles | $7,750 – $23,200 | $15,500 | +3% |
| Florence, SC70 miles | $7,650 – $22,900 | $15,300 | +1% |
| Charlotte, NC75 miles | $7,750 – $23,200 | $15,500 | +3% |
| Greenville, SC90 miles | $7,650 – $22,900 | $15,300 | +1% |
| South Carolina (statewide) | $7,650 – $22,900 | $15,300 | +2% |
| United States | $8,400 – $25,200 | $16,800 | +12% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Columbia ranks #236 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Columbia is 2% below the South Carolina figure.
Elsewhere in South Carolina
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville, SC | 434,900 jobs | $7,650 – $22,900 | $15,300 | +1% |
| Charleston, SC | 394,170 jobs | $7,700 – $23,100 | $15,400 | +2% |
| Spartanburg, SC | 165,150 jobs | $7,750 – $23,200 | $15,500 | +3% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | 146,260 jobs | $7,400 – $22,100 | $14,800 | −2% |
| Florence, SC | 89,060 jobs | $7,650 – $22,900 | $15,300 | +1% |
| Hilton Head, SC | 81,920 jobs | $7,650 – $22,900 | $15,300 | +2% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Columbia against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | 404,130 jobs | $8,250 – $24,800 | $16,500 | +10% |
| Charleston, SC | 394,170 jobs | $7,700 – $23,100 | $15,400 | +2% |
| Bridgeport, CT | 404,180 jobs | $8,850 – $26,500 | $17,700 | +17% |
| Boise, ID | 391,790 jobs | $7,800 – $23,400 | $15,600 | +4% |
Columbia weather and the vinyl siding calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Columbia Owens Dwtn Ap (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For exterior installation, the comfortable months in Columbia are September through May: 9 of 12. Outside them, June, July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
Columbia gets about 44 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are June, July and August (4.8 inches in July). Inside the workable window, April and November are the driest, at 2.7 and 2.8 inches. The station averages about 83 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57 | 37 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Feb | 61 | 40 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Mar | 69 | 46 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Apr | 77 | 53 | 2.7 | Workable |
| May | 84 | 62 | 3.0 | Workable |
| Jun | 90 | 70 | 4.8 | Hot |
| Jul | 93 | 73 | 4.8 | Hot |
| Aug | 91 | 72 | 4.7 | Hot |
| Sep | 86 | 67 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Oct | 77 | 56 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Nov | 67 | 44 | 2.8 | Workable |
| Dec | 60 | 39 | 3.5 | Workable |
Vinyl siding: what moves the price in Columbia
Wall area is not floor area
A 2,000 sq ft house usually has more wall area than floor area once you count gables and two stories. Measure the wall, not the floor.
Style
Clapboard vinyl siding runs $4-$7 per sq ft installed; board-and-batten is $5-$9 (HomeGuide).
Old siding removal
Taking the old siding off costs $0.70-$2.00 per sq ft. Check that disposal is included.
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $12,000 to $18,100 for Columbia, SC is attached.
Detailed vinyl siding report for Columbia, SC, $9
Multi-page report for Columbia, SC: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Vinyl siding in Columbia: your questions
+How much does it cost to install vinyl siding in Columbia?
For 2,100 sq ft of wall, expect $7,550 to $22,600 in the Columbia area. A standard-spec job lands at $12,000 to $18,100. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft of wall and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft of wall for vinyl siding in Columbia?
About $3.60 to $11 per sq ft of wall for materials and labor, plus $0 to $0 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $4 to $12.
+Is vinyl siding cheaper in Columbia or Augusta?
Augusta is 70 miles away. The midpoint for 2,100 sq ft of wall there is $15,700, which is 4% more than Columbia ($15,100). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Columbia?
About 46% at the midpoint, or $6,950 out of $15,100. Materials are 54% and permits 0%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would average house (2,100 sq ft of wall) cost in Columbia?
$7,550 to $22,600. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does vinyl siding need a permit in Columbia?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $0 to $0 for fees in the Columbia area (our national range of $0 to $0 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Columbia expensive for vinyl siding compared with the rest of South Carolina?
Columbia is 2% below the South Carolina statewide estimate ($15,300 at the midpoint). We cover 7 metros in South Carolina; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Columbia?
The BLS median is $23.11 an hour in the Columbia area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $20.13 to $28.49.
+What do basic and premium vinyl siding work cost in Columbia?
For 2,100 sq ft of wall, basic work runs $7,550 to $13,500 and premium work $16,600 to $22,600. Basic means: basic clapboard siding, simple house. Premium means: premium or board-and-batten, many corners and gables.
+When is the best time to install vinyl siding in Columbia?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are September through May. April and November are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
Vinyl siding near Columbia
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Vinyl Siding Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = installed price minus HomeGuide's $2-$6 per sq ft labor figure, which it says is around half the project cost.