Concrete Costs in 2026: What to Expect

The Current State of Concrete Pricing

As we enter 2026, the cost of concrete has stabilized somewhat after the fluctuations of the early 2020s. On average, you can expect to pay between $150 and $200 per cubic yard for standard ready-mix concrete.

Factors Affecting Cost

• Location: Delivery distances can add significant fuel surcharges.
• Mix Strength: High-PSI mixes for heavy-duty driveways cost more than standard footers.
• Short Load Fees: Ordering less than a full truck (usually 10 yards) often triggers extra fees.
• Additives: Fiber reinforcement or accelerators for cold weather will increase the price per yard.

Hand-Mixing vs. Ready-Mix

For small projects under 1 cubic yard, buying 80lb bags from a home improvement store is usually more cost-effective. However, for anything larger, the labor and time saved by a ready-mix truck are well worth the delivery fee.