Local Concrete Prices: How Much in Your Area? 2025 Guide

"How much does concrete cost near me?" is the first question every DIYer asks when planning a project. The frustrating answer is: it depends—on where you live, when you order, how much you need, and which supplier you call. Concrete prices vary by 40-60% across the US, and even within the same city, you'll find $20-40 per yard differences between suppliers.

Quick Answer: In 2025, ready-mix concrete costs $115-170 per cubic yard depending on your region, with delivery fees adding $60-150. Midwest is cheapest ($115-130/yard), West Coast most expensive ($145-170/yard). Urban areas cost 20-30% more than rural. To get accurate local pricing, call 3-5 suppliers for quotes—prices vary significantly even within 10 miles. This guide breaks down regional pricing, local factors, and how to find the best deals in your area.

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2025 Concrete Prices by Region

Regional pricing differences are substantial. Here's what you'll pay across the United States for standard 3,500 PSI ready-mix concrete in 2025.

National Price Overview

Price spread: West Coast concrete costs 25-40% more than Midwest. For a typical 2.5-yard driveway order, that's a $75-225 difference based solely on location.

Midwest States (Lowest Prices)

States: Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota

Why it's cheaper: Abundant limestone and aggregate sources, multiple cement plants, lower labor costs, less regulation, high competition among suppliers

South States (Below Average Prices)

States: Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma

Why it's moderate: Good aggregate availability, growing markets with high demand, moderate labor costs, year-round construction season

Northeast States (Above Average Prices)

States: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Maryland, Delaware

Why it's expensive: High labor costs (union rates), limited aggregate sources, strict regulations, high fuel costs, dense population driving demand

West Coast States (Highest Prices)

States: California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Alaska, Hawaii

Why it's most expensive: Highest labor costs, strict environmental regulations, limited cement plants, high fuel costs, strong demand, geographic challenges

Mountain West States (Average Prices)

States: Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico

Why it's moderate: Good aggregate availability, moderate labor costs, growing markets, but transportation challenges in remote areas

Local Factors That Affect Concrete Prices

Even within the same region, concrete prices vary significantly. Here's what drives local pricing.

1. Distance from Cement Plants

Cement is the most expensive component of concrete and must be transported from manufacturing plants. Transportation adds $10-30 per yard for every 50 miles from the plant.

Example: Rural Montana locations 100+ miles from cement plants pay $160-180/yard for concrete that costs $125-140/yard in Boise, ID (near plants).

2. Urban vs Rural Pricing

Urban areas consistently cost 20-30% more than rural areas within the same region.

3. Aggregate Availability

Sand and gravel make up 60-75% of concrete volume. Scarce aggregate sources increase costs.

• Abundant sources: Areas near rivers, quarries, or gravel pits have lowest prices
• Limited sources: Coastal areas, deserts, or heavily developed regions pay 15-25% more
• Imported aggregate: Some areas must import from 50+ miles away, adding $10-20/yard

Example: South Florida imports aggregate from central Florida, adding $15-25/yard compared to areas near quarries.

4. Local Labor Rates

Labor accounts for 30-40% of delivered concrete costs (plant operations, drivers, maintenance).

5. Market Competition

More suppliers = lower prices. Areas with 5+ ready-mix companies have prices 10-20% lower than areas with only 1-2 suppliers.

• High competition (5+ suppliers): Best prices, negotiate easily
• Moderate competition (3-4 suppliers): Average prices, some negotiation
• Low competition (1-2 suppliers): Highest prices, limited negotiation

Check your area: Search "ready mix concrete near [your city]" to see how many suppliers operate locally.

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How to Get Accurate Local Pricing

Online estimates are helpful, but nothing beats calling local suppliers. Here's how to get accurate quotes.

Step 1: Calculate Your Concrete Needs

Before calling suppliers, know exactly how much concrete you need. Use our concrete slab calculator to determine cubic yards. Suppliers need this to quote accurately.

What to calculate:

• Cubic yards needed (length × width × thickness ÷ 27)
• Add 10% for waste and overage
• Round up to nearest 0.5 yards

Step 2: Find Local Ready-Mix Suppliers

How to find suppliers:

• Google: "ready mix concrete [your city]"
• Google Maps: Search "concrete supplier near me"
• Ask at local lumber yards—they often have recommendations
• Check Yelp/HomeAdvisor for reviews
• Look for national chains (Cemex, LafargeHolcim) and local companies

Goal: Get contact info for 3-5 suppliers within 20 miles.

Step 3: Call for Quotes (What to Ask)

Call each supplier and ask these specific questions:

Pro tip: Mention you're calling multiple suppliers. This encourages competitive pricing.

Step 4: Compare Total Costs

Create a simple spreadsheet comparing all quotes:

Winner: XYZ Ready-Mix at $335 total—despite higher per-yard price, no short-load fee makes it cheapest overall.

Money-Saving Strategies

1. Order During Off-Peak Times

Best times to order:

• Winter (Dec-Feb): Save 10-20% in mild climates (temps above 40°F)
• Weekdays (Tue-Thu): Save 5-10% vs weekend premium pricing
• Morning deliveries: First truck of the day, no delays
• Fall (Sep-Nov): Moderate pricing, good weather

Avoid: Spring-summer weekends (peak pricing, 2-3 week lead times)

2. Combine Orders with Neighbors

If neighbors are also planning concrete work, coordinate deliveries to split a full truck (7-10 yards). This eliminates short-load fees and reduces per-person delivery costs.

Example savings: Two neighbors each need 2.5 yards. Separate orders: $390 each ($780 total). Combined 5-yard order: $325 each ($650 total). Save $130.

3. Negotiate Based on Competitors

Once you have 3+ quotes, call your preferred supplier: "I have quotes from [competitors] at [price]. Can you match or beat that?" Many suppliers will negotiate 5-10%.

4. Ask About Contractor Pricing

If you're a repeat customer or ordering multiple loads, ask about contractor rates. Some suppliers extend these rates (5-15% discount) to serious DIYers.

5. Avoid Weekend and Rush Delivery

Weekend delivery adds $50-100. Rush delivery (less than 48 hours notice) adds $50-150. Plan ahead and order for weekday delivery to save.

Hidden Fees to Watch For

Beyond the per-yard price, watch for these additional charges:

Total hidden fees: Can add $100-400 to your order. Ask about ALL fees upfront when getting quotes.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Concrete prices vary 10-25% throughout the year based on demand and weather.

Best time to pour: Late fall (October-November) or late winter/early spring (February-March) for balance of good weather and moderate pricing.

Final Takeaway

Concrete prices in 2025 range from $115-170 per cubic yard depending on your region, with Midwest lowest and West Coast highest. Add $60-150 for delivery and watch for hidden fees (short-load, fuel, waiting time) that can add $100-400 to your order.

To get accurate local pricing: calculate your concrete needs using our concrete calculator, find 3-5 local suppliers, call for detailed quotes including ALL fees, and compare total costs. Mention competitive quotes to negotiate 5-10% discounts.

Save money by ordering during off-peak times (winter weekdays save 15-30%), combining orders with neighbors to split delivery fees, avoiding weekend/rush charges ($50-150), and being completely ready when the truck arrives to avoid waiting fees ($2-5/minute). Regional variations are significant—a project costing $800 in Ohio might cost $1,200 in San Francisco for identical materials. Get local quotes for accurate budgeting.