Buyers typically pay for concrete by the delivered cubic yard, with main cost drivers including material quality, psi specification, aggregate sizing, travel distance, and any add-ons such as forms or pumping. This guide provides practical, real-world price ranges in USD to help budget effectively.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete Material | $90 | $110 | $120 | Standard 3,000–4,000 psi mixes |
| Delivery | $60 | $85 | $100 | Fuel surcharge may apply |
| Taxes/Fees | $0 | $0 | $20 | Permits or tax where applicable |
| Total Delivered Per Yard | $150 | $190 | $260 | Assumes standard mix and normal travel |
Overview Of Costs
Cost range estimates for a typical delivered concrete project span from $150 to $260 per cubic yard, depending on mix strength, admixtures, and distance. The price reflects three core components: material, delivery, and incidental fees. Assumptions: standard wheelbarrow or mixer placement, no pumping, and no special reinforcement.
Cost Breakdown
| Category | Low | Average | High | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $90 | $110 | $120 | 3,000–4,000 psi mixes |
| Labor & Time | $0 | $0 | $0 | Not included; see next section |
| Delivery | $60 | $85 | $100 | Distance affects fee |
| Permits & Taxes | $0 | $0 | $20 | Regional rules vary |
| Equipment / Pumps | $0 | $0 | $40 | Optional for large pours |
| Contingency | $0 | $0 | $20 | Weather or scheduling buffers |
| Total | $150 | $190 | $260 | Delivered per cubic yard |
What Drives Price
Pricing variables include concrete strength (psi), cement content, air entrainment, slump, and geographic delivery distance. Regional factors can shift costs by ±10–20%. For instance, urban centers may face higher delivery fees, while rural suppliers may incur extra travel time. Assumptions: typical residential pours, no pumping, no reinforcement.
Ways To Save
Save with pre-mixed plans when exact dimensions are known; requesting a single supplier for both material and delivery can reduce margin. Consider batching multiple smaller pours into a single delivery to lower per-yard transport costs, or selecting a standard mix instead of specialty formulations.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets and fuel costs. Coastal metros often incur higher delivery fees than inland areas, while some rural regions see lower base material prices but higher travel charges. Expect about ±15% variation across three regions.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor for concrete work is usually bundled into the delivery price in consumer quotes; if you hire crews separately, expect hourly rates around $70-$110 per hour for small crews and pumping equipment, plus potential overtime premiums for after-hours pours.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden fees may include surge pricing during peak season, access fees for gated properties, or additional charges for night pours and long-load fee per mile. Always confirm line-item pricing for forms, footing, and edge trims. Subtotal warnings help prevent budget overruns before signing a contract.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Scenario A — Basic Driveway Pad: 8 yd3, standard 3,000 psi, no pumping. Materials $1,040, Delivery $520, Tax $0, Total $1,560. Assumptions: suburb, 6-mile distance, no additives.
Scenario B — Small Slab with Pump: 12 yd3, 4,000 psi, added pumping. Materials $1,320, Delivery $1,020, Pumping $320, Tax $0, Total $2,660. Assumptions: urban area, 12-mile distance.
Scenario C — Large Drive & Foundations: 25 yd3, 5,000 psi, premium admixtures. Materials $3,000, Delivery $1,500, Pumping $800, Tax $0, Total $5,300. Assumptions: regional contractor, longer travel, mixed-use pour.