California cost guide
Retaining Wall cost in California
Quick answer
Retaining Wall in California costs an estimated $37 - $69 per sq ft of wall face. That is 5% above the national average, because landscaping workers in California earn $22.80 an hour versus $20.33 nationally (BLS May 2025).
- Estimate (per sq ft of wall face)
- $37 - $69
- Typical
- -
- vs US average
- +5%
- Rank (1 = priciest)
- #4 of 51
Estimates compiled .
Cost calculator
Estimated cost in California: $11,100 - $20,600 (300 square feet at per sq ft of wall face)
Planning estimate only. Confirm with written quotes.
What affects retaining wall prices in California
- Wall height and length; taller walls may need engineering and permits.
- Material: block, natural stone, timber or poured concrete.
- Drainage behind the wall and soil conditions.
- Access for equipment and material delivery.
- Local labor costs: California landscaping wages are 5% above the national average, and labor is about 45% of this job's price.
How California compares
| State | Estimate (per sq ft of wall face) |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $38 - $71 |
| Massachusetts | $38 - $71 |
| Washington | $38 - $70 |
| California | $37 - $69 |
| Vermont | $37 - $68 |
| Alaska | $37 - $68 |
| Colorado | $37 - $68 |
| United States | $35 - $65 |
Retaining Wall companies in California
Other landscaping costs in California
- Lawn Mowing$49 - $78
- Lawn Fertilization$69 - $105
- Yard Cleanup$140 - $440
- Shrub & Hedge Trimming$44 - $83
- Gardener$39 - $72
- Tree Removal$440 - $1,300
- Sod Installation$1.05 - $2.11
- Artificial Turf Installation$10 - $26
- Sprinkler System Installation$635 - $2,100
- Landscape Design$775 - $3,350
- Landscaping Installation$3,200 - $17,000
- Paver Patio$11 - $18
- French Drain$11 - $37
- Landscape Lighting$84 - $315
- Xeriscaping$5.27 - $21
- Snow Removal$33 - $76
- Commercial Lawn Care$875 - $1,750
Retaining Wall cost in California: common questions
How much does retaining wall cost in California?
About $37 - $69 per sq ft of wall face. The US range is $35 - $65 (HomeGuide).
Is retaining wall more expensive in California than average?
California ranks #4 of 51 for landscaping wages, so retaining wall runs 5% above the national average.
What affects retaining wall prices in California?
Wall height and length; taller walls may need engineering and permits. Material: block, natural stone, timber or poured concrete. Drainage behind the wall and soil conditions. Access for equipment and material delivery.
How do I find retaining wall companies in California?
Local Landscaping lists 8 businesses offering this service in California, including in Anaheim, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose and 1 more. Ask each for drainage, footing depth, permits and whether an engineer is required.
Planning estimate: US range from HomeGuide (2026) adjusted for California by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2025 landscaping wage. Businesses listed here have not set or confirmed these prices.