Cost Comparisons
Stuck between two choices? Each page puts them side by side. You see what each costs to put in, how long it lasts, the upkeep and what you get. A lower price tag doesn't always mean you spend less.
Asphalt vs. Gravel Driveway: Which Costs Less?
Gravel costs $1 to $3 per square foot and asphalt costs $3 to $7 in 2026. Gravel is cheaper to put in. Asphalt is smoother and easier to plow.
Carpet vs HardwoodCarpet vs. Hardwood Flooring: Which Costs Less?
Carpet costs $2 to $8 per square foot installed and hardwood costs $6 to $18 in 2026. Carpet costs less and feels warmer. Hardwood lasts for generations.
Pressure-treated wood vs CompositeComposite vs. Wood Deck: Which Is Worth It?
A pressure-treated wood deck costs $20 to $45 per square foot and composite costs $35 to $70 in 2026. Wood is cheaper to build. Composite needs no staining.
Concrete vs AsphaltConcrete vs. Asphalt Driveway: Which Costs Less?
Asphalt costs $3 to $7 per square foot and concrete costs $6 to $25 in 2026. Asphalt costs less and handles cold winters. Concrete lasts about twice as long.
Deck (wood/composite) vs Patio (paver/concrete)Deck vs. Patio: Which Costs Less?
A patio costs $3,000 to $10,000 and a deck costs $4,000 to $15,000 in 2026. A patio is the cheaper build on a flat yard. A deck suits a sloped one.
Furnace (forced air) vs Boiler (hydronic)Furnace vs. Boiler: Which Costs Less?
A furnace costs $3,000 to $7,500 and a boiler costs $3,500 to $8,500 in 2026. A furnace costs less if you have ducts. A boiler gives quieter, even heat.
Electric tank vs Gas tankGas vs. Electric Water Heater: Which Costs Less?
An electric water heater costs $900 to $2,200 and a gas one costs $1,200 to $3,100 in 2026. Electric is cheaper to put in. Gas is often cheaper to run.
Gas fireplace vs Wood-burning fireplaceGas vs. Wood Fireplace: Which Costs Less?
A gas fireplace costs $2,500 to $6,000 and a wood-burning one costs $3,500 to $10,000 in 2026. Gas is cheaper and less work. Wood still heats in a power outage.
Gutter guards vs Gutter cleaningGutter Guards vs. Gutter Cleaning: Which Costs Less?
Gutter guards cost $1,000 to $3,500 once. Cleaning costs $100 to $350 a visit, twice a year. See when guards pay for themselves, often in 7 to 10 years.
Heat pump vs Furnace + ACHeat Pump vs. Furnace: Which Costs Less?
A heat pump costs $6,000 to $20,000 and a furnace with air conditioning costs $10,000 to $28,000 in 2026. The heat pump wins on value in most mild climates.
Laminate vs HardwoodLaminate vs. Hardwood Flooring: Which Costs Less?
Laminate costs $3 to $8 per square foot and hardwood costs $6 to $18 in 2026. Laminate is about half the price. Hardwood lasts longer and helps resale.
Asphalt shingles vs Metal roofMetal Roof vs. Asphalt Shingles: Which Is Worth It?
Asphalt shingles cost $7,000 to $18,000 and a metal roof costs $15,000 to $40,000 in 2026. Shingles cost less now. Metal lasts about twice as long.
Ductless mini-split vs Central airMini-Split vs. Central Air: Which Costs Less?
A mini-split costs $3,000 to $10,000 and central air costs $4,000 to $12,000 in 2026. Central air costs less if you have good ducts. If not, pick a mini-split.
Poured concrete vs PaversPaver Patio vs. Concrete Patio: Which Is Worth It?
A poured concrete patio costs $6 to $15 per square foot and pavers cost $10 to $50 in 2026. Concrete costs less. Pavers resist cracking and are easy to fix.
Quartz vs GraniteQuartz vs. Granite Countertops: Which Costs Less?
Quartz costs $2,000 to $4,500 and granite costs $2,000 to $4,000 for a typical kitchen in 2026. Quartz never needs sealing. Granite handles hot pans better.
Quartz vs MarbleQuartz vs. Marble Countertops: Which Costs Less?
Quartz countertops cost $50 to $115 per square foot and marble costs $60 to $150 in 2026. Quartz is easier to care for. Marble stains and needs sealing.
Spray foam vs Blown-inSpray Foam vs. Blown-In Insulation: Which Is Worth It?
Spray foam costs $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot and blown-in costs $1 to $2.50 in 2026. Blown-in is cheaper for open attics. Spray foam also seals air leaks.
Stamped concrete vs PaversStamped Concrete vs. Pavers: Which Costs Less?
Stamped concrete costs $8 to $20 per square foot and pavers cost $10 to $25 in 2026. Stamped concrete is cheaper. Pavers last longer and are easier to repair.
Tank vs TanklessTankless vs. Tank Water Heater: Which Is Worth It?
A tank water heater costs $600 to $3,100 and a tankless one costs $1,400 to $5,600 in 2026. A tank costs less now. Tankless lasts about twice as long.
Tile vs HardwoodTile vs. Hardwood Flooring: Which Costs Less?
Tile costs $7 to $20 per square foot and hardwood costs $6 to $18 in 2026. The prices overlap, so pick by room: tile where it gets wet, wood elsewhere.
Vinyl plank (LVP) vs LaminateVinyl Plank vs. Laminate: Which Costs Less?
Vinyl plank costs $3 to $10 per square foot and laminate costs $3 to $8 in 2026. The price is close. Vinyl plank can go in wet rooms where laminate can't.
Vinyl plank (LVP) vs TileVinyl Plank vs. Tile: Which Costs Less?
Vinyl plank costs $3 to $10 per square foot installed and tile costs $7 to $20 in 2026. Vinyl plank is cheaper and easier to put in. Tile lasts decades longer.
Vinyl vs Fiber cementVinyl vs. Fiber Cement Siding: Which Is Worth It?
Vinyl siding costs $3 to $8 per square foot and fiber cement costs $6 to $13 in 2026. Vinyl costs less to put in. Fiber cement is tougher and won't burn.
Vinyl fence vs Wood fenceVinyl vs. Wood Fence: Which Costs Less?
A wood fence costs $15 to $45 per foot installed and vinyl costs $25 to $60 in 2026. Wood costs less up front. Vinyl never needs staining and lasts longer.
Vinyl windows vs Wood windowsVinyl vs. Wood Windows: Which Costs Less?
Vinyl windows cost $450 to $1,200 each and wood costs $800 to $2,000 in 2026. Vinyl costs less and won't rot. Wood needs more care but can last longer.