Retaining Wall Construction in Albuquerque, NM — Costs $2,838 to $23,651

What does retaining wall construction cost in Albuquerque? Average $8,041, ranging $2,838–$23,651. Labor runs $28.53/hr locally — 5% below the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Albuquerque, NM Market

-5% vs national

Labor Rate

$28.53/hr

Material Index

94

Avg Permit Cost

$1,881

Median Home Price

$343,288

As one of the largest metros in New Mexico, Albuquerque has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. Albuquerque offers slightly below-average renovation costs, giving homeowners a small cost advantage compared to most US markets. The median home in Albuquerque is valued at $343,288, putting this project at about 2.3% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 45% ROI.

Low Estimate

$2,838

National: $3,000

Mid-Range

$8,041

National: $8,500

High End

$23,651

National: $25,000

Per Sq Ft

$38

National: $40

Duration: 3-7 days
DIY: Hard
Permits: Required
ROI: 45%

Retaining Wall Construction Cost Calculator for Albuquerque

Adjusted for Albuquerque's labor rate ($28.53/hr) and material costs (index 94).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Albuquerque

$8,041

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Albuquerque market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (55%)$4,423

At Albuquerque's average rate of $28.53/hr (5% below national avg)

Materials (45%)$3,618

Material cost index 94 (6% below national baseline of 100)

Retaining Wall Construction vs. Home Value in Albuquerque

MetricAlbuquerqueNational Avg
Retaining Wall Construction (Mid-Range)$8,041$8,500
Median Home Price$343,288$350,000
Project as % of Home Value2.3%2.4%
Estimated ROI45%45%
Median Household Income$68,381$75,000

What Affects the Price in Albuquerque

  • 1Local labor rates ($28.53/hr in Albuquerque)
  • 2Material cost index (94 vs national 100)
  • 3Wall height
  • 4Linear footage
  • 5Material (block, stone, timber)
  • 6Drainage system

Popular Upgrades

  • Natural stone facing
  • Integrated drainage
  • Built-in steps

Planning a Retaining Wall Construction in Albuquerque

Building permits are typically required for a retaining wall construction in Albuquerque. The average permit fee in this area is $1,881, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 3-7 days from start to finish.

A retaining wall construction is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Albuquerque, skilled contractors charge an average of $28.53/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Albuquerque household earning $68,381/year, this project at $8,041 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.

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