Retaining Wall Construction in Upper Darby, PA — Costs $3,508 to $29,232

What does retaining wall construction cost in Upper Darby? Average $9,939, ranging $3,508–$29,232. Labor runs $40.46/hr locally — 17% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Upper Darby, PA Market

+17% vs national

Labor Rate

$40.46/hr

Material Index

95

Avg Permit Cost

$1,401

Median Home Price

$262,000

In a smaller market like Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, the pool of contractors specializing in retaining wall construction may be more limited. Getting 3+ quotes is especially important to ensure fair pricing. At 17% above the national average, Upper Darby is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. The median home in Upper Darby is valued at $262,000, putting this project at about 3.8% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 45% ROI.

Low Estimate

$3,508

National: $3,000

Mid-Range

$9,939

National: $8,500

High End

$29,232

National: $25,000

Per Sq Ft

$47

National: $40

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

Retaining Wall Construction Cost Calculator for Upper Darby

Adjusted for Upper Darby's labor rate ($40.46/hr) and material costs (index 95).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

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

Estimated Total in Upper Darby

$9,939

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

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (55%)$5,466

At Upper Darby's average rate of $40.46/hr (35% above national avg)

Materials (45%)$4,473

Material cost index 95 (5% below national baseline of 100)

Retaining Wall Construction vs. Home Value in Upper Darby

MetricUpper DarbyNational Avg
Retaining Wall Construction (Mid-Range)$9,939$8,500
Median Home Price$262,000$350,000
Project as % of Home Value3.8%2.4%
Estimated ROI45%45%
Median Household Income$64,900$75,000

What Affects the Price in Upper Darby

  • 1Local labor rates ($40.46/hr in Upper Darby)
  • 2Material cost index (95 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 Upper Darby

Building permits are typically required for a retaining wall construction in Upper Darby. The average permit fee in this area is $1,401, 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 Upper Darby, skilled contractors charge an average of $40.46/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Upper Darby household earning $64,900/year, this project at $9,939 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.

Explore All Project Cost Guides

Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.

View All Project Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators