Concrete Per Yard Price — 2025 Guide
Current ready-mix concrete prices by region, mix type, and quantity — plus a cost calculator to estimate your total concrete bill.
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Ready-Mix Concrete Prices by Region (2025)
Concrete prices vary significantly by region due to differences in raw material costs, fuel prices, local labor, and competition among ready-mix plants. The following ranges represent current (2025) market prices for standard 3,000 PSI concrete with standard delivery within 30 miles of the plant.
| Region | Price Range / yd³ | Avg Price | Short Load Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midwest (IL, IN, OH, MI, WI, MN) | $120–$150 | $130 | $50–$100 |
| Southeast (GA, FL, NC, SC, TN, AL) | $130–$165 | $145 | $75–$125 |
| Texas / Plains | $125–$160 | $142 | $75–$125 |
| Northeast (NY, NJ, MA, CT, PA) | $155–$195 | $168 | $100–$200 |
| Southwest (AZ, NV, NM, CO) | $140–$175 | $155 | $75–$150 |
| West Coast (CA, OR, WA) | $165–$210 | $185 | $100–$200 |
Prices as of early 2025. Concrete prices fluctuate with cement, aggregate, and fuel costs. Always call your local plant for current pricing.
Mix Type Price Premiums
| Mix Type | PSI | Premium Over 3000 PSI | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 3,000 | Baseline | Slabs, footings, general use |
| High strength | 4,000 | +5–10% | Driveways, garage floors |
| High strength | 5,000 | +10–15% | Commercial, heavy loads |
| Fiber reinforced | 4,000 | +12–20% | Crack resistance, driveways |
| Air-entrained | 4,000 | +15–25% | Freeze-thaw climates |
| Pervious / permeable | 2,500 | +20–30% | Stormwater management |
Pro tip on short loads: The break-even point between ordering ready-mix and buying bags is roughly 0.8–1.0 cubic yards, depending on your region's short-load fee. Below that threshold, Quikrete or Sakrete bags are almost always cheaper when you factor in the short-load surcharge. Above 1.5 yards, ready-mix almost always wins on total cost.
What Drives Concrete Price Increases?
Concrete prices are driven primarily by Portland cement costs (which track with energy prices), aggregate availability and transport distance, diesel fuel prices (which affect delivery cost), and seasonal demand. Spring through fall is peak concrete season in most of the US — prices are highest and wait times longest. Ordering in January or February often gets you better pricing and faster scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does concrete cost per cubic yard in 2025?Nationally, standard 3,000 PSI ready-mix concrete runs $120–$210 per cubic yard in 2025. Regional averages: Midwest $130, Southeast $145, Northeast $168, West Coast $185. These prices typically include standard delivery but not short-load fees.
- What is a short load fee?A short load fee is charged when you order less than the plant's full-truck minimum (typically 7–9 yards). Fees range from $50–$200 depending on the plant. Always ask about the minimum order and short-load policy before placing your order.
- Is it cheaper to buy concrete by the yard or in bags?For projects under ~0.8 cubic yards (about 36 bags of 80lb Quikrete), bagged concrete is usually cheaper when you factor in ready-mix short load fees. For anything over 1.5 yards, ready-mix wins on cost and dramatically reduces labor.
- Can I negotiate concrete prices?Yes, especially for larger orders or off-peak timing. Getting quotes from multiple plants in your area is the best tactic — concrete plants compete for business and a competitor's lower quote is often enough to get your preferred plant to match. Ordering in winter (off-peak) also typically gets better pricing.