Every cost figure on this site is a planning estimate, not a quote. Here is exactly how we produce it, the prices we use, and where each one comes from.
Prices are national averages adjusted by an approximate regional multiplier. They are for budgeting and comparison only — always confirm against a local supplier before ordering. Prices change frequently; check the “last updated” date below.
For each material we hold a single national-average price, taken from the public sources listed below. To estimate a local cost, we multiply that average by an approximate regional multiplier where the US national average equals 1.00. A region with a multiplier of 1.31 is roughly 31% above the national average.
local price ≈ national average × regional multiplier
The regional multiplier is our own approximation for ballpark adjustment — it is not a licensed cost index (such as RSMeans). Treat it as a rough nudge, not a precise local rate.
We keep a hard line between the two. Material quantities are exact — they come from standard formulas and published constants (ACI, ASTM, IRC, TCNA). Material prices are estimates that move with the market, which is why every price below shows its source and the date we checked it.
| Material | Unit | Price (US avg) | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-mix concrete (delivered) | cubic yard | $160 | Concrete Network / HomeGuide 2026 | 2026-06-24 |
| Concrete mix — 80 lb bag | bag | $6.47 | Home Depot — Quikrete #110180 | 2026-06-24 |
| Concrete mix — 60 lb bag | bag | $5.22 | Home Depot — Quikrete #110160 | 2026-06-24 |
| Concrete mix — 40 lb bag | bag | $5.25 | Home Depot / Lowe's (approx.) | 2026-06-24 |
Ready-mix delivered prices vary widely by load size, distance, and PSI ($120–$185/yd³ is the common national band); short-load fees apply under a full truck. Bag prices are typical retail shelf prices and exclude tax.
These multipliers give a rough local nudge against the national average. If your area isn't listed, the calculator uses the national average (1.00).
| Region | ZIP | Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco Bay Area, CA | 94103 | 1.31 |
| New York, NY | 10001 | 1.42 |
| Chicago, IL | 60601 | 1.12 |
| Houston, TX | 77001 | 0.94 |
| Austin, TX | 73301 | 0.96 |
| Atlanta, GA | 30301 | 0.92 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 85001 | 0.98 |
| Seattle, WA | 98101 | 1.18 |
| Miami, FL | 33101 | 1.03 |
| Denver, CO | 80201 | 1.05 |
Last updated: 2026-06-24. Status: REFERENCE — national averages, sourced above. Only the concrete calculators currently show a cost estimate; other calculators output quantities only.