How Much Does Concrete Cost Per Yard? (2026 Prices)
Ready-mix concrete costs **$125-175 per cubic yard** delivered in 2026, but that base price rarely tells the whole story. Between minimum order requirements, short-load fees, and Saturday delivery surcharges, your actual cost can vary significantly from the quoted per-yard rate.
How Much Does Concrete Cost Per Yard? (2026 Prices)
Ready-mix concrete costs $125-175 per cubic yard delivered in 2026, but that base price rarely tells the whole story. Between minimum order requirements, short-load fees, and Saturday delivery surcharges, your actual cost can vary significantly from the quoted per-yard rate.
Understanding the full pricing picture helps you budget accurately and decide whether ready-mix delivery or bagged concrete makes more sense for your project. Use our concrete cost calculator to estimate your total project cost with all fees included.
Ready-Mix Concrete Pricing Breakdown
The $125-175 per yard range covers standard ready-mix concrete (3,000-4,000 PSI) delivered to your site. Here's what affects where you fall in that range:
| Factor | Impact on Price |
|---|---|
| Distance from plant | +$5-15 per mile beyond 20 miles |
| Order quantity | Higher volumes = lower per-yard cost |
| Concrete strength | High-strength (5,000+ PSI) adds $10-20/yard |
| Special mixes | Fiber-reinforced, colored, or air-entrained add $15-40/yard |
| Local market | Urban areas typically cost more |
Most ready-mix companies quote a base price assuming you're ordering the minimum quantity and live within their standard delivery radius. Anything outside those assumptions adds fees.
Hidden Fees That Increase Your Total Cost
The per-yard price is just the starting point. Here are the additional charges that catch many homeowners off guard:
Minimum Order Requirements
Most concrete suppliers require a minimum order of 1 cubic yard. If your project needs less, you'll still pay for the full yard—or face a short-load fee.
Short-Load Fees
Order less than the minimum (often 3-4 yards for some suppliers), and you'll pay an extra $50-100 on top of your concrete cost. This fee covers the supplier's fixed costs for truck dispatch and driver time, regardless of how much concrete you're buying.
Saturday and Overtime Delivery
Need concrete on a Saturday? Expect to pay $50-100 extra for weekend delivery. Some suppliers charge overtime rates for early morning or late afternoon deliveries as well.
Pump Truck Fees
If the concrete truck can't back up close to your pour site—common with backyard patios or projects with limited access—you'll need a pump truck. This adds $150-300 to your total cost, sometimes more for longer pump distances.
Fuel Surcharges
Many suppliers add fuel surcharges that fluctuate with diesel prices, typically $20-50 per delivery.
Real-World Cost Examples
Here's what actual projects might cost when you factor in all fees:
Small patio (1.5 cubic yards):
- Concrete: 1.5 yards × $150 = $225
- Short-load fee: $75
- Total: $300 ($200/yard effective cost)
Standard driveway (6 cubic yards):
- Concrete: 6 yards × $150 = $900
- No short-load fee (above minimum)
- Total: $900 ($150/yard)
Backyard project requiring pump (4 cubic yards):
- Concrete: 4 yards × $150 = $600
- Pump truck: $200
- Total: $800 ($200/yard effective cost)
Bagged Concrete: A Cost Comparison
For smaller projects, bagged concrete from Home Depot or Lowe's might actually cost less—even though the per-yard price is higher.
| Bag Size | Price Each | Yield | Bags per Yard | Cost per Yard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 lb | $4.50-5.50 | 0.30 cu ft | 90 bags | ~$450 |
| 60 lb | $5.00-6.00 | 0.45 cu ft | 60 bags | ~$330 |
| 80 lb | $6.00-7.00 | 0.60 cu ft | 45 bags | ~$290 |
At roughly $290 per cubic yard for 80-lb bags, bagged concrete costs nearly double the ready-mix per-yard price. However, there's no minimum order, no delivery fee, and no short-load charge.
The break-even point: For projects under 1 cubic yard, bagged concrete often costs less overall. For anything over 1.5-2 yards, ready-mix typically wins on price—and saves enormous time and labor.
For a detailed comparison, see our guide on ready-mix vs bagged concrete.
Regional Price Variations
Concrete prices vary significantly by location. Here's a general regional breakdown for 2026:
| Region | Typical Price per Yard |
|---|---|
| Southeast | $120-150 |
| Midwest | $125-160 |
| Northeast | $140-180 |
| West Coast | $150-200 |
| Rural areas | Often +$10-20 for delivery distance |
These are averages—your local market may differ. Always get quotes from 2-3 suppliers in your area.
How to Get Accurate Quotes
When calling for concrete quotes, have this information ready:
- Project dimensions (or use our concrete calculator to determine cubic yards needed)
- Delivery address (they'll calculate distance from their plant)
- Delivery date and time (weekend or early/late adds cost)
- Site access (can a truck back up to your pour location?)
- Concrete strength needed (standard 3,000 PSI works for most residential projects)
Ask specifically about:
- Minimum order quantity
- Short-load fees if you're ordering less than 3-4 yards
- Included delivery radius
- Any fuel surcharges
- Overtime or weekend rates
Tips to Reduce Your Concrete Cost
Combine with neighbors. If your neighbor also needs concrete, ordering together can help you both meet minimums and potentially get volume discounts.
Schedule midweek. Tuesday through Thursday deliveries avoid weekend surcharges.
Order the right amount. Use our calculator to get precise quantities. Ordering too much wastes money; ordering too little means a second delivery with all new fees.
Consider partial loads. Some suppliers will "short" a load at a lower fee than a completely separate small delivery. Ask about options.
Get multiple quotes. Prices vary significantly between suppliers, especially for delivery fees and minimums.
For complete project cost estimates including labor, see our guide on concrete cost per square foot or learn about hiring a contractor vs DIY. If you're planning a DIY pour, our guide on how to mix concrete walks you through the process step by step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum concrete delivery?
Most ready-mix suppliers have a minimum order of 1 cubic yard, though some require 3-4 yards before waiving short-load fees. If you need less than the minimum, you'll either pay for the full minimum amount or pay a short-load fee ($50-100) on top of your actual concrete cost. For very small projects, bagged concrete often makes more financial sense.
Is it cheaper to buy bags or ready-mix?
Ready-mix is cheaper per cubic yard ($125-175 vs ~$290 for bags), but delivery fees and minimums change the math. For projects under 1 cubic yard, bags often cost less total. For projects over 1.5-2 yards, ready-mix is almost always more economical—plus you avoid mixing dozens of bags by hand.
Why do concrete prices vary so much?
Prices vary based on distance from the concrete plant, local material costs, regional labor rates, and competition between suppliers. Urban areas with more suppliers often have competitive pricing, while rural areas may charge more due to delivery distances. The type of concrete (strength, additives) also affects price significantly.
Do you tip the concrete truck driver?
Tipping isn't expected or standard in the industry, but it's appreciated for exceptional service—especially if the driver goes above and beyond to help with your pour. If you do tip, $20-40 is appropriate. What matters more is being prepared when they arrive: have your forms ready, your site accessible, and help available to move the concrete quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Ready-mix concrete costs $125-175 per cubic yard in 2026, but fees can add 20-50% to your total
- Always ask about short-load fees, minimum orders, and delivery charges when getting quotes
- For projects under 1 cubic yard, bagged concrete is often cheaper despite the higher per-yard cost
- Get quotes from 2-3 suppliers—prices vary significantly by company and region
- Use a concrete cost calculator to estimate your total project cost accurately
For more concrete project guidance, visit our concrete guides hub or read our complete concrete guide.