I would suggest getting a couple of detailed how-to books on wall construction. There is more to it than can be adequately covered here, I think. Drainage issues, safety issues, etc., and building codes are different in every state/town.

Also, maybe ask on the Gardening with Stone forum.

We built steps leading from our house to a stamped concrete patio out of block and covered the block with a stone veneer. I do not recall the cost of the veneer, but it was definitely a less expensive (and easier) option to building the steps entirely out of stone. Here's pics of the unfinished product:

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Nicely done! The key to success being a solid base, perhaps.

KarinL

Keep in mind that mortared block or poured concrete walls will crack if subjected to freeze/thaw. That is the big benefit of the modular block and what contributes to their wide spread use. They flex with feeze/thaw. The hidden cost in using mortared blocks or poured concrete is the footing down to the depth of frost.If your area does not have a deep frost line, then it won't be very expensive.

Good suggestions above. Get a book on wall construction, and as laag says, you must dig below the frost line. We put in a cinder block retaining wall last summer because, where it is at, we only see the top part, and never see the 'back' concrete blocks. Didn't want the extra expense of something that looks pretty when I'd never see it. At first, I was going to do it myself, but it was a bigger job than I wanted to do (couldn't get ANY volunteers!), so we contracted it out. Got several bids and the guy did it in two days - a lot less time than I would have needed! He did it right with rebar, etc, and didn't need to fill in the blocks completely with concrete like my top retaining wall (which is much higher and faced with brick). He finished the top with a concrete cap which makes it look nice and 'finished'.

We just shared about the raised patio with retaining wall we built in our own backyard, if it's helpful!

https://www.thebrainandthebrawn.com/building-a-raised-patio-with-retaining-wall/

We included a LOT of info about the different options we looked at! :) Also wrote a comparison of patios vs decks, but it sounds like you're already sold on a patio which is great! :)

https://www.thebrainandthebrawn.com/raised-patio-vs-deck/

Jess