Concrete is the fundamental construction material foundation for driveways and sidewalks. Concrete price varies from state to state, depending on the order’s kind, location, and size. Concrete is an oversized item for planning and budgeting your construction project, whether a house, a commercial estate, or a simple patio.Â
Type-I and Type-II concrete are priced at $120-$170 per yard, with most standard concrete mixes falling in this price range; more substantial types of concrete mixtures, such as Type-III and Type-IV, cost more due to additional requirements of strength and durability for heavy-duty applications. The cost of any concrete project will also have some extras, which include fees for delivery, labor, renting equipment, or permits. Knowing some of these costs will help you avoid them and help you stay on track and budget with your project.Â
What is Concrete?
Concrete combines cement, water, sand, and aggregates that make gravel or crushed stone. Everything from sidewalk construction to the building of driveways, foundation building, and patio building falls under construction activities. A concrete price per yard may vary between projects depending on several variables, including a mix ratio, how long labor is involved in it, and where it is needed to deliver.
Concrete Cost by State in 2025
Concrete costs can vary significantly depending on the state. Below is an overview of the average price range across different states in the US.
| City | Average Cost |
| Atlanta, GA | $155 – $170 |
| Chicago, IL | $120 – $160 |
| Hartford, CT | $140 – $180 |
| Houston, TX | $120 – $130 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $125 – $150 |
| Miami, FL | $115 – $140 |
| New York City, NY | $150 – $185 |
| Seattle, WA |
$130 – $180 |
Factors That Affect Concrete Cost in 2025
The cost of concrete per yard can vary significantly depending on various factors. Here are some of the key factors that determine the price:
1. Type of Concrete
There are many different types of concrete depending on the application requirements. Some examples include:
- Standard Concrete: The most common type for typical applications such as sidewalks and driveways, the cost of standard concrete should run between $120 and $170 for a cubic yard.
- High-Strength Concrete: This applies to foundation building or to any concrete that may need to be loaded much heavier than average. This type of concrete is way more expensive, most commonly running above about $150 for a cubic yard.
- Decorative Concrete: This type of concrete is mainly applied for patios, driveways, and floors requiring finishing for presentation. They cost more than ordinary concrete due to the extra cost incurred on finishing and design.
2. Location
Price varies from one concrete to another location. For instance, besides the available materials, the cost of concrete is highly influenced by regional demand and labor costs in a particular area.
3. Delivery Charges
Most prices given by concrete suppliers will include delivery, but there can be additional costs for areas beyond the supplier’s normal route. If the delivery area is outside its standard range (usually 15-20 miles), it could cost an additional $10 per mile beyond the standard delivery area.
4. Labor Costs
The labor cost is another important factor, as hiring a professional to pour and finish the concrete can significantly increase the total cost, generally ranging from $5 to $9 per square foot of concrete poured. This value usually depends on the job’s complexity and the skill level needed to do it.
5. Permits and Additional Fees
Certain projects like major construction or foundation projects may need a permit. Depending on the local regulations, these permits could range in cost from $50 to even $1,000. Also, working outside the regular hours could incur a fee, as could ordering less than a whole truckload of concrete.
Concrete Cost Per Yard in 2025
In 2025, the average cost of concrete per yard is $120 to $170, depending on the just-mentioned factors. Below is a table listing out the standard concrete cost for various quantities.
| Cubic Yards | Average Cost Range |
| 1 Yard | $120 – $170 |
| 2 Yards | $240 – $340 |
| 3 Yards | $360 – $510 |
| 4 Yards | $480 – $680 |
| 5 Yards | $600 – $850 |
| 10 Yards | $1,200 – $1,700 |
| 15 Yards | $1,800 – $2,550 |
| 20 Yards | $2,400 – $3,400 |
| 25 Yards |
$3,000 – $4,250 |
How Much Does a Full Truckload of Concrete Cost?
A complete truckload consists of ten cubic yards. Depending on the mixture and the kind of concrete (PSI), the cost of a full truckload and delivery for a distance of 20 miles from the site would be from about $1,169 to $1,444. For orders less than 10 cubic yards, there would be an additional $53 for each cubic yard, and the total rate for a short-load delivery runs about $172 a cubic yard.Â
Cost of Concrete per Square Foot
If your project is priced by square foot (for example, when pouring a driveway or patio), the price typically ranges between $5 and $10 per square foot for bare concrete. Decorative concrete options such as coloring or stamping can raise the cost to $8 to $18 per square foot, depending on the complexity of the design.
Concrete Cost per Ton
Concrete is also sold in bulk by ton for large commercial projects. A cubic yard of concrete typically weighs about 2.03 tons. The price for bulk concrete delivered by the ton is about $50 to $75 per ton, with the final cost depending on the PSI mix and the quantity ordered.
Additional Costs to Consider
1. Short-Load Concrete
If you’re working on a project that doesn’t require a full truckload (usually less than 10 cubic yards), expect the price to increase by about $53 per cubic yard. This applies mainly to residential jobs needing small amounts of concrete for sidewalks, small patios, or landscaping steps.Â
2. Saturday Deliveries
If Saturday is the day that you demand concrete, the cost adds about $8 per cubic yard. This surcharge is assessed on any delivery that happens outside regular business hours.
3. Concrete Pumping
Concrete pumps may be necessary for large or complex projects to deliver the material. Pumping concrete costs about $140 to $190 per hour, depending on the type of pumping equipment required. These larger jobs usually need concrete pumping for at least 4 to 5 hours, which adds a large chunk of money to your project.
Conclusion
In the year 2025, the price of concrete per yard is set to be between $120 and $170 depending on a few conditions, such as the type of concrete, delivery fees, and precisely where your project is located determining this factor. Within states, specific variances exist, as such areas would have locations like New York City and Hartford at considerably high prices driven by demand and regulation. You will have complete knowledge of the factors that determine concrete costs. Hence, you can ensure the concrete project is economically prosperous.Â
Plan, shop around, and consider all costs, such as delivery, labor, and permits, to ensure you receive the best value for your concrete needs.
FAQS
Q1. How Much Concrete Do I Need for My Project?
To determine how much concrete you need, multiply the area’s length, width, and height (in feet), then divide by 27 to convert to cubic yards.
Q2. How Are Concrete Prices Calculated?
Concrete prices are typically calculated per cubic yard, including delivery. Additional charges for short loads, weekend deliveries, or special finishes like stamping may apply.
Q3. What Is the Difference Between Short-Load and Ready-Mix Concrete?
Short-load concrete is for small projects and mixed on-site, while ready-mix concrete is pre-mixed in a plant and delivered in bulk for larger projects.
Q4. Can I Pour Concrete Over Grass?
Yes, you can pour concrete over grass, but removing the vegetation or using a weed barrier is recommended to prevent grass from growing through the slab.
