Current Average Prices (2025)
Concrete prices depend on where you live, what mix you need, and how much you're ordering. Here's the current range across the US:
A cubic yard of standard ready-mix concrete costs $120 – $160 in most US markets in 2025. That's material only — not including delivery fees or labor.
| Region | Price per Cubic Yard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rural / Midwest | $100 – $130 | Lower land, labor, and transport costs |
| Southeast / South | $110 – $140 | Moderate, varies by metro distance |
| Northeast | $130 – $165 | Higher labor costs |
| West Coast | $140 – $175 | Highest in CA metro areas |
| Mountain / Northwest | $120 – $155 | Seasonal pricing common |
These are for standard 3,000-4,000 PSI mix delivered by ready-mix truck. Specialty mixes, weekend delivery, or small loads all add to the cost.
Price by Mix Type
Not all concrete is the same. The mix design affects strength, workability, and price.
| Mix Type | PSI Rating | Price per Yard | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3,000 PSI | $120 – $150 | Patios, walkways, light residential |
| Standard+ | 4,000 PSI | $130 – $160 | Driveways, garage floors |
| High-strength | 5,000+ PSI | $150 – $185 | Footings, foundations, commercial |
| Fiber-reinforced | 3,000 – 4,000 | $140 – $175 | Replaces wire mesh in slabs |
| Colored / stamped | 3,000 – 4,000 | $160 – $200+ | Decorative patios, pool decks |
| Flowable fill | Low PSI | $90 – $120 | Backfill, trench fill, utility work |
For residential driveways and garage slabs, 4,000 PSI is the standard. It handles vehicle weight and freeze-thaw cycles. Only use 3,000 PSI for non-vehicle areas like patios and walkways. Most contractors default to 4,000 PSI anyway.
What Affects the Price?
The per-yard price is just the starting point. Several other factors can push your total cost up significantly:
1. Distance from the batch plant
Most suppliers include delivery within 20-30 miles. Beyond that, expect a $1-$2 per mile surcharge. Some charge a flat fuel surcharge regardless.
2. Short-load fees
A ready-mix truck holds 8-10 cubic yards. If you order less than the full truck (usually under 3-5 yards), you'll pay a short-load fee of $50-$200. This covers the cost of running a truck that isn't full.
3. Weekend or after-hours delivery
Saturday delivery typically adds $50-$100. Sunday and holiday deliveries — if available — can be even more.
4. Wait time / standby charges
The truck driver usually gives you 5-7 minutes per yard to unload. If your crew is slow and the truck sits longer, expect a $1-$2 per minute standby charge. For a 10-yard pour, that's roughly 50-70 minutes of free unloading time.
5. Washout fee
Some suppliers charge $15-$30 for the truck washout at your site. Others include it. Ask before ordering.
Ordering 2 cubic yards? The concrete itself might be $280, but the short-load fee could add $150, making the effective cost $215 per yard instead of $140. For small projects, bagged concrete often makes more financial sense.
Ready-Mix vs. Bagged Concrete
For small projects, you have a choice: order a ready-mix truck or buy bags from the hardware store and mix yourself.
| Factor | Ready-Mix Truck | Bagged Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per yard | $120 – $160 + fees | $175 – $250 (bags only) |
| Best for | 3+ cubic yards | Under 1 cubic yard |
| Labor | Pour and spread | Mix each bag individually |
| Quality | Consistent, plant-mixed | Variable, depends on mixing |
| Working time | 60-90 minutes | Self-paced |
| Minimum order | 1 yard (with short-load fee) | 1 bag |
The crossover point is usually around 1-2 cubic yards. Below that, bags are cheaper when you factor in short-load fees. Above that, ready-mix wins on both cost and convenience.
Need to know how many bags you'll need? Check our bags of concrete per yard guide.
Real Project Cost Examples
10 × 10 ft patio, 4 inches thick
- Volume: 100 sq ft × 4 ÷ 324 = 1.23 cubic yards
- With 10% waste: 1.36 yards
- Ready-mix: $190 + $150 short-load = $340 total
- Bagged (80 lb): 56 bags × $6 = $336 total
- Verdict: Bags make sense for this size
20 × 40 ft driveway, 5 inches thick
- Volume: 800 × 5 ÷ 324 = 12.35 cubic yards
- With 10%: 13.58 yards
- Ready-mix: 14 yd³ × $145 = $2,030
- No short-load fee (over 8 yards)
- Verdict: Ready-mix is the only practical option
Sidewalk, 4 × 50 ft, 4 inches thick
- Volume: 200 × 4 ÷ 324 = 2.47 cubic yards
- With 10%: 2.72 yards
- Ready-mix: 3 yd³ × $140 + $100 short-load = $520
- Bagged (80 lb): 111 bags × $6 = $666
- Verdict: Ready-mix wins, plus saves hours of mixing
Calculate Your Project Cost
Enter your dimensions and get an instant cost estimate — including bags and ready-mix comparison.
Open Concrete Cost Calculator →How to Save on Concrete
- Order enough to avoid a second truck. Two 4-yard loads cost more than one 8-yard load because of double delivery fees.
- Schedule weekday delivery. Avoid Saturday and Sunday surcharges.
- Have everything prepped before the truck arrives. Forms, rebar, crew — all ready. You're paying standby if the truck waits.
- Get quotes from 3+ suppliers. Prices vary by $10-$30 per yard between competing plants in the same area.
- Ask about off-peak discounts. Some plants offer lower prices during winter or slow months.
Estimate Your Cost
Free Concrete Cost Calculator
Enter project dimensions, choose your mix type, and get material cost, bag count, and yardage.
Calculate Concrete Cost →Related Guides
- How Many Bags of Concrete in a Yard? — 40/60/80 lb bag counts
- How to Calculate Concrete Yardage — Formulas for all shapes
- How Much Does a Yard of Concrete Cover? — Coverage table
- How Many Cubic Yards Do I Need? — Master volume guide
- Concrete Cost Per Yard Calculator
- Concrete Yard Calculator