How much does it cost to install gutters?

Installed gutters run about $4–$20 per linear foot, set mostly by the material. Vinyl is cheapest, seamless aluminum is the popular middle, and steel, zinc, and copper climb from there. A typical home has roughly 180 linear feet of gutter, so most people spend about $1,100–$2,300 for aluminum — more for premium metals or gutter guards.

Cost by gutter material

These are typical installed costs per linear foot, with the total for a ~180-foot home:

MaterialInstalled / linear ft180 ft home
Vinyl$3–$6$540–$1,080
Aluminum (seamless)$6–$13$1,080–$2,340
Galvanized steel$9–$20$1,620–$3,600
Zinc$20–$40$3,600–$7,200
Copper$25–$40+$4,500–$7,200+

Cost by home size

Gutter runs follow the length of your eaves. Using seamless aluminum ($6–$13/ft), here's the range by how much gutter a home needs:

HomeGutter lengthTypical cost
Small / single-story~120 ft$720–$1,560
Average~180 ft$1,080–$2,340
Large / two-story~250 ft$1,500–$3,250

Measure your gutter run first

The gutter calculator turns your eave lengths into gutter sections, downspouts, and hangers — with an editable price — so you can check a quote.

Open the Gutter Calculator
A gutter run — hangers, slope, downspout Hangers every 2–3 ft Slopes ⅛ in per 10 ft toward the downspout → Downspout Splash block
A gutter run: hangers every 2–3 ft, a slight fall (⅛ in per 10 ft) toward the downspout, and a downspout for every 30–40 ft of gutter.

Where the money goes

  • The gutters. The main line item, set by material and whether they're seamless or sectional.
  • Downspouts. Usually one every 30–40 ft, each adding material and labor.
  • Hangers & fittings. Brackets, end caps, corners, and outlets.
  • Old-gutter removal. Tear-off and disposal of the existing gutters, often $1–$2 per foot.
  • Fascia repair. Rotten fascia board behind old gutters has to be fixed first — a common surprise.
  • Gutter guards. Optional leaf protection, about $5–$12 per foot.

What changes the price

  • Material. Vinyl to copper spans more than 10× per foot — the single biggest factor.
  • Seamless vs. sectional. Seamless aluminum costs a bit more and is pro-installed, but leaks and clogs far less.
  • Height & stories. Two-story and steep-roof homes are harder to reach, raising labor.
  • Corners & downspouts. More corners, outlets, and downspouts mean more fittings and time.
  • Guards & repairs. Leaf guards and any fascia work add to the base price.

DIY vs. hiring a pro

Sectional vinyl and aluminum gutters from a home center are a realistic DIY job and can cut the cost by half or more — you're buying material at $1–$5 a foot and supplying the labor. The catches: it's ladder work at roof height, the gutters must slope about ¼ inch per 10 feet toward the downspouts to drain, and seamless aluminum needs a contractor's on-site forming machine, so it can't be DIY'd. If your home is two stories or the fascia needs repair, hiring out is often worth it. See our methodology for how we build these ranges.

Frequently asked questions

How much to install gutters?
About $4–$20 per linear foot installed — roughly $1,100–$2,300 for a typical 180 ft home in seamless aluminum. Vinyl is cheaper; copper costs most.
Cost per foot?
Vinyl $3–$6, seamless aluminum $6–$13, steel $9–$20, zinc $20–$40, copper $25–$40+ per linear foot installed.
Are seamless gutters worth it?
For most homes, yes — fewer joints means fewer leaks and clogs. They cost a little more and must be pro-installed.
What do gutter guards cost?
About $5–$12 per foot on top of the gutters — roughly $900–$2,200 on a 180 ft home — but less frequent cleaning.
Is DIY cheaper?
Yes, with sectional gutters — it can halve the cost. But it's ladder work, slope matters, and seamless aluminum needs a pro's machine.

Related guides

Written by Ralph, founder of Homestimate. Ralph started the site after one too many mid-project trips back to the hardware store, and builds every calculator and guide here — showing the math so you can check it. About Homestimate · How we estimate