Stucco vs. Siding: What’s Best for Coastal Homes in North County San Diego?

When it comes to finishing the exterior of your home, choosing between stucco and siding isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about long-term durability, climate performance, and maintenance. In coastal areas like Encinitas, Del Mar, and Solana Beach, the salty air and sun exposure can take a toll on materials over time.

Both options have their strengths, and the right choice often comes down to your home’s style, your maintenance preferences, and how each material performs in our unique coastal environment. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between stucco and siding and explore which option might be the best fit for your North County home.

Stucco: A Classic Coastal Choice

Stucco is a popular exterior finish in Southern California for good reason: it’s durable, low-maintenance, and offers a clean, seamless look. It’s made from cement, sand, water and sometimes lime, and when applied properly, it can last 50+ years.

Pros:

• Great for coastal climates — resists moisture, heat, and UV rays

• Fire-resistant and energy efficient due to its thermal mass

• Minimal upkeep: occasional power wash and crack repair

• Works well with modern, Spanish, and Mediterranean-style homes

Considerations:

• Prone to cracking over time if not applied on a solid substrate or if foundation settles

• Initial cost can be higher than some types of siding

• Not ideal for homes in extremely wet climates (but does well in SoCal’s dry coastal weather)

Siding: More Variety, Different Look

Siding offers a different aesthetic — often used in Cape Cod, Craftsman, or modern farmhouse designs. Materials range from wood and fiber cement to vinyl and composite options.

Pros:

• Wide variety of styles, textures, and colors

• Fiber cement siding is a popular coastal option: moisture-resistant, fire-resistant, and low-maintenance

• Can be more budget-friendly depending on material choice

Considerations:

• Wood siding requires more upkeep and can be vulnerable to coastal moisture

• Vinyl may warp or fade under intense sun

• Needs occasional repainting or re-caulking depending on material

Is Stucco More Expensive Than Siding? 2025

One of the most common questions we get is: “What’s more expensive — stucco or siding?” The answer depends on the type of siding and the complexity of your home’s exterior.

On average in Southern California:

• Stucco installation costs range from $8 to $14 per square foot, depending on the finish and prep work required.

• Fiber cement siding (like Hardie board) typically ranges from $10 to $13 per square foot installed.

• Vinyl siding is usually more affordable, around $6 to $9 per square foot, but it’s less common in coastal areas due to durability concerns.

While stucco and fiber cement siding are fairly comparable in price, stucco tends to have lower long-term maintenance costs — especially in dry coastal climates like North County San Diego.

If you're unsure which material fits your budget and home style best, we can help you weigh the options during a walkthrough.

Which One’s Right for You?

If you’re leaning toward a clean, modern, and low-maintenance exterior, stucco is hard to beat — especially for homes along the coast. If you’re going for a more traditional or textured look, high-quality siding (like fiber cement) can deliver great results with the right prep and care.

At SoHo, we’ve worked with both across a wide range of styles and can help you choose what’s right for your home and location. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in North County San Diego.

FAQ: Stucco vs. Siding for Coastal Homes

• Is stucco more expensive than siding?

  Stucco and fiber cement siding (like Hardie board) are priced similarly, averaging around $8–14 per square foot. Vinyl siding is often cheaper but not ideal for coastal climates. Stucco may have higher upfront costs but typically requires less long-term maintenance.

• Which lasts longer - stucco or siding?

  Both can last decades with proper care. Stucco often lasts 50+ years, especially in dry climates, while fiber cement siding has a similar lifespan. Wood siding generally needs more frequent upkeep.

• Is stucco good for homes near the ocean?

  Yes — stucco is great for coastal climates like North County San Diego. It holds up well against sun and salt air and doesn’t warp or fade easily.

• Does stucco add value to a home?

  It can. Stucco offers a timeless, high-end look and energy efficiency, which may boost curb appeal and resale value, especially in Southern California markets.

• Can you replace siding with stucco?

  Yes, but it depends on your home's structure and condition. The existing siding would typically be removed, and proper prep is essential before applying stucco.

Still unsure what’s right for your home?

Every property is different — and sometimes, the best way to decide is to walk the site and look at the conditions firsthand. Whether you're leaning toward stucco or siding, we can help you evaluate what works best for your style, budget, and location.

Reach out to schedule a walkthrough — we’ll help you make a confident, informed decision for your coastal home.