Cement vs. concrete cost depends on whether the purchase is a bag of cement, a concrete mix, or a finished pour. Portland cement commonly costs $15-$25 per 94-pound bag, while ready-mix concrete runs about $125-$180 per cubic yard before delivery and placement; labor, project size, and location can raise the installed price substantially.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland cement | $15 per 94-lb bag | $20 per bag | $25 per bag | Cement binder, not a finished concrete mix |
| Bagged concrete mix | $5 per 60-lb bag | $7 per bag | $10 per bag | Mix includes cement, aggregate, and usually sand |
| Ready-mix concrete | $125 per yd³ | $150 per yd³ | $180 per yd³ | Concrete material, usually before delivery fees |
| Installed concrete slab | $8 per sq ft | $12 per sq ft | $18 per sq ft | Basic residential slab with ordinary access |
Cement and Concrete Prices by Bag, Yard, and Installed Square Foot
Cement is one ingredient in concrete; it binds sand and aggregate when mixed with water. A 94-pound cement bag may make roughly 4-5 cubic feet of concrete when combined with suitable aggregate, but proportions and yield vary. Buying cement alone makes sense only when the other ingredients and mixing are planned.
Bagged concrete mix is easier for small repairs, fence posts, and narrow footings. A 60-pound bag typically yields about 0.45 cubic feet, so 1 cubic yard takes roughly 60-65 bags. For larger pours, ready-mix usually costs less in materials and labor than mixing dozens of bags by hand. Assumptions: U.S. retail and contractor ranges, standard materials, ordinary access; local quotes vary.
What Goes Into a Concrete Pour Quote
A contractor estimate can include concrete, forming, reinforcement, labor, equipment, delivery, and disposal. The following ranges show common cost components for a straightforward residential slab; some contractors combine these charges in a single installed rate.
| Cost component | Low | Average | High | Typical basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete material | $125/yd³ | $150/yd³ | $180/yd³ | Standard ready-mix |
| Labor and placement | $3/sq ft | $5/sq ft | $8/sq ft | Basic finishing and placement |
| Forms and reinforcement | $1/sq ft | $2/sq ft | $4/sq ft | Lumber, stakes, mesh or rebar |
| Equipment and delivery | $75/job | $175/job | $350/job | Pump, truck, or access-related charge |
| Removal and disposal | $2/sq ft | $4/sq ft | $8/sq ft | Existing concrete, if needed |
Costs depend on whether excavation, base rock, grading, and finish work are included. Ask whether the quote covers site preparation and cleanup, not just the concrete and pour.
How Slab Thickness and Pour Size Change the Rate
Concrete volume is calculated as length × width × thickness, converted to cubic yards. A 10-by-12-foot patio at 4 inches thick needs about 1.5 cubic yards before allowing for waste. Increasing thickness to 6 inches raises the volume by 50%, and may also require stronger reinforcement or a deeper base.
Small pours often cost more per cubic yard because the supplier may apply a short-load charge. A 1-yard order can face $50-$200 in added delivery fees, while a 5-yard or larger pour may spread transportation costs across more material. Confirm the minimum order and delivered volume before comparing per-yard quotes.
Ready-Mix Delivery Versus Bagged Concrete for Small Jobs
For a repair needing less than about 0.5 cubic yard, bagged mix can avoid truck minimums. At 60-65 bags per yard and $5-$10 per bag, material alone works out to roughly $300-$650 per cubic yard, before mixing tools and labor. A few bags may still be the economical choice when the job is small and access is limited.
For a patio or driveway requiring several yards, ready-mix commonly wins on labor and consistency. A mixer rental may cost $50-$100 per day, and hand mixing multiple batches takes time. Compare the full delivered cost against bag count, mixing time, and rental charges rather than comparing only package prices.
What Labor and Site Preparation Add to a Slab Estimate
A small crew may spend 6-12 hours preparing and pouring a modest slab, with labor rates commonly equivalent to $50-$100 per worker-hour when crew wages, insurance, and contractor overhead are considered. Difficult grading, tight access, or a pump can add several hours or an equipment charge.
Excavation and a compacted gravel base are often separate from the concrete price. Basic grading may add $1-$3 per square foot, while removing roots, hauling soil, or correcting drainage can cost more. Check the quote for base depth, compaction, reinforcement, and finish type.
When Short Loads, Concrete Removal, and Pumps Raise the Bill
Delivery fees commonly add $75-$200, and a short-load charge may add another $50-$200 when the order falls below the supplier’s minimum. A concrete pump can add roughly $500-$1,200 depending on access, setup, and pumping time. These charges are often significant on small jobs.
Breaking up and hauling old concrete typically adds $2-$8 per square foot, depending on thickness, reinforcement, and disposal distance. Have the contractor identify separate fees for delivery, pumping, demolition, and disposal before work begins.
Concrete Prices Across U.S. Regions and Local Markets
Prices in high-cost metro areas can run 10%-25% above national midrange estimates because of labor, permits, and transportation. Rural areas may have lower labor rates but higher delivery charges when a batch plant is far away. Hot-weather markets can also require scheduling or curing measures that affect the estimate.
Ready-mix pricing is especially local because plants price by delivery radius and order size. Request at least two itemized local quotes using the same thickness, mix strength, finish, and site-prep scope.
How to Control Patio and Driveway Pour Costs
Keep the slab dimensions and thickness tied to actual use; do not reduce structural requirements simply to save material. A simple broom finish is usually less expensive than stamped, colored, or exposed-aggregate concrete, which can add about $2-$12 per square foot depending on finish and materials.
Prepare access, clear the work area, and coordinate the pour so the crew is not delayed. Combining nearby concrete work may help meet a truck minimum, while repairing a small isolated section can avoid replacing a larger slab. Compare bids with matching specifications and confirm that any lower price does not exclude essential base work or reinforcement.