Pea Gravel Cost by State 2026 — Prices Per Ton, Yard & Project
In This Guide
Regional Price Overview — All 5 Regions
| Region | States | Per cubic yard (bulk) | Per ton | Price tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast | AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, VA, WV | $25–$45 | $20–$35 | Cheapest |
| South Central | TX, OK, KS, MO, NM, AZ | $28–$48 | $22–$38 | Low |
| Midwest | IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI | $30–$50 | $25–$42 | Low–Mid |
| Mountain West | CO, ID, MT, NV, UT, WY | $35–$60 | $28–$48 | Mid |
| Mid-Atlantic | DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA | $38–$62 | $30–$50 | Mid–High |
| New England | CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT | $40–$68 | $32–$55 | High |
| Pacific Coast | CA, OR, WA, AK | $45–$75 | $35–$60 | High |
| Hawaii | HI | $70–$110+ | $55–$85+ | Highest |
Price by State — All 50 States
Prices below represent typical bulk pea gravel at a landscape supply yard before delivery. Urban areas within each state pay 15 to 25 percent more than the rural figures shown. Always get at least 3 local quotes. Supplier pricing varies significantly even within the same city.
| State | Per cubic yard | Per ton | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $24–$40 | $19–$31 | Abundant limestone deposits; very low prices statewide |
| Alaska | $55–$90 | $42–$70 | Remote locations; barge or air freight adds premium |
| Arizona | $30–$52 | $23–$40 | Good aggregate supply; Phoenix and Tucson metro slightly higher |
| Arkansas | $22–$38 | $17–$29 | One of the cheapest states; abundant Ouachita and Ozark aggregate |
| California | $45–$75 | $35–$58 | Expensive; strict quarrying regulations; coastal areas highest |
| Colorado | $35–$58 | $27–$45 | Mountain areas higher; Front Range (Denver, Colorado Springs) mid-range |
| Connecticut | $42–$68 | $33–$53 | New England premium; limited local quarry supply |
| Delaware | $38–$60 | $30–$46 | Small state; relies on PA and MD supply chains |
| Florida | $28–$48 | $22–$37 | Central and north Florida most affordable; South Florida premium |
| Georgia | $26–$44 | $20–$34 | Strong quarry base; Atlanta area slightly higher |
| Hawaii | $70–$110 | $55–$85 | Island shipping premium; highest prices in the US |
| Idaho | $32–$55 | $25–$43 | Good aggregate in river valleys; remote areas higher |
| Illinois | $30–$50 | $23–$38 | Chicago metro higher; central and southern IL more affordable |
| Indiana | $28–$46 | $22–$36 | Strong aggregate supply; one of the more affordable Midwest states |
| Iowa | $30–$48 | $23–$37 | Good river gravel supply; agricultural state with competitive pricing |
| Kansas | $28–$45 | $22–$35 | Central US location; affordable aggregate statewide |
| Kentucky | $25–$42 | $19–$32 | Excellent limestone and river gravel resources; very affordable |
| Louisiana | $28–$46 | $22–$36 | River aggregate plentiful; New Orleans area slightly higher |
| Maine | $42–$68 | $33–$53 | Remote northern areas very expensive; coastal areas mid-high |
| Maryland | $36–$58 | $28–$45 | DC suburbs highest; rural western MD more affordable |
| Massachusetts | $44–$70 | $34–$55 | High demand, limited local supply; Boston metro at top of range |
| Michigan | $30–$50 | $23–$38 | Good Great Lakes aggregate; Upper Peninsula higher due to distance |
| Minnesota | $32–$52 | $25–$40 | Twin Cities metro mid-range; northern MN higher |
| Mississippi | $23–$38 | $18–$29 | Among the cheapest states; excellent river and alluvial aggregate |
| Missouri | $28–$46 | $22–$35 | Kansas City and St Louis mid-range; rural MO very affordable |
| Montana | $35–$60 | $27–$46 | Remote areas significantly higher; Billings and Missoula mid-range |
| Nebraska | $30–$48 | $23–$37 | Good Platte River aggregate; affordable statewide |
| Nevada | $38–$62 | $29–$48 | Las Vegas and Reno higher; rural desert areas most expensive |
| New Hampshire | $40–$65 | $31–$50 | New England pricing; southern NH slightly lower near MA supply |
| New Jersey | $40–$65 | $31–$50 | High density, high demand; competitive pricing in some areas |
| New Mexico | $32–$55 | $25–$42 | Albuquerque mid-range; rural NM higher due to distance |
| New York | $38–$62 | $30–$48 | NYC and Long Island premium; upstate NY more affordable |
| North Carolina | $26–$44 | $20–$34 | Strong quarry base in Piedmont; Charlotte and Research Triangle mid-range |
| North Dakota | $32–$52 | $25–$40 | Good glacial aggregate; remote western ND higher |
| Ohio | $28–$46 | $22–$36 | Excellent limestone and gravel resources; one of best-value Midwest states |
| Oklahoma | $26–$43 | $20–$33 | Good aggregate; Oklahoma City and Tulsa mid-range |
| Oregon | $40–$65 | $31–$50 | Portland metro higher; eastern Oregon and Willamette Valley mid-range |
| Pennsylvania | $35–$56 | $27–$43 | Good quarry base in central PA; Philadelphia and Pittsburgh higher |
| Rhode Island | $42–$68 | $33–$53 | Smallest state; relies on MA and CT supply chains |
| South Carolina | $26–$42 | $20–$32 | Coastal areas slightly higher; upstate SC very affordable |
| South Dakota | $30–$50 | $23–$38 | Sioux Falls area mid-range; western SD higher |
| Tennessee | $23–$40 | $18–$30 | One of cheapest states; exceptional limestone resources statewide |
| Texas | $22–$40 | $18–$31 | Very affordable; abundant aggregate; Houston and DFW slightly higher |
| Utah | $35–$58 | $27–$45 | Salt Lake City mid-range; rural Utah higher |
| Vermont | $42–$68 | $33–$53 | Small state; limited local supply; high New England pricing |
| Virginia | $28–$46 | $22–$36 | NoVA / DC suburbs premium; rural VA very affordable |
| Washington | $42–$68 | $33–$52 | Seattle metro higher; eastern WA more affordable |
| West Virginia | $26–$42 | $20–$32 | Abundant aggregate; rural state with lower supplier overhead |
| Wisconsin | $30–$50 | $23–$38 | Milwaukee metro higher; central and northern WI mid-range |
| Wyoming | $36–$60 | $28–$46 | Cheyenne and Casper mid-range; remote areas highest |
Why Pea Gravel Prices Vary by State
The price difference between the cheapest and most expensive states for identical pea gravel can exceed 60 percent. Four factors explain this variation.
Quarry proximity. Pea gravel is heavy. Approximately 1.35 tons per cubic yard. Transporting it more than 50 miles adds significant cost. States with abundant local aggregate deposits (Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Texas) can supply material at low cost because the transportation distance from quarry to customer is short. States without local aggregate resources (Hawaii, New England coastal states, parts of the Pacific Northwest) must transport material from distant sources, and that transportation cost flows through to the buyer.
Environmental regulation. California's strict environmental regulations on aggregate quarrying limit local supply and increase compliance costs for producers. This structural constraint on supply keeps California prices 20 to 40 percent above the national average regardless of demand. Other states with limited quarrying (Rhode Island, Delaware, Hawaii) face similar supply constraints for different reasons.
Urban vs rural location. Within any state, urban areas pay 15 to 25 percent more than rural areas. Urban landscape suppliers have higher real estate costs, higher labour costs, and typically handle more individual retail customers (higher overhead per ton sold) than rural suppliers who deal in large bulk volumes. A project in downtown Chicago pays more per cubic yard than the same project 100 miles away in rural Illinois, even from the same supplier network.
Local competition. States with many landscape suppliers per capita have more competitive pricing. States dominated by a small number of regional suppliers have less price competition. Getting 3 quotes in any state can reveal 20 to 40 percent price variation between suppliers in the same market. This is why local quote comparison is always worth doing before purchasing.
Delivery Fees by Region
| Region | Typical delivery fee | Standard load size | Per yard delivery cost (10 yd load) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeast | $50–$90 per load | 10–14 yd³ | $5–$9 per yd |
| South Central | $55–$95 per load | 10–14 yd³ | $6–$10 per yd |
| Midwest | $60–$100 per load | 10–14 yd³ | $6–$10 per yd |
| Mountain West | $65–$110 per load | 10–14 yd³ | $7–$11 per yd |
| Mid-Atlantic | $70–$120 per load | 10–14 yd³ | $7–$12 per yd |
| New England | $75–$130 per load | 8–12 yd³ | $8–$14 per yd |
| Pacific Coast | $80–$150 per load | 8–12 yd³ | $8–$16 per yd |
| Hawaii | $100–$200+ per load | Varies | $15–$30+ per yd |
Delivery fees are charged per truck regardless of load size in most markets. This fixed cost structure makes large orders far more economical per cubic yard than small ones. If a project requires 2 cubic yards, a $100 delivery fee adds $50 per yard. The same $100 delivery fee on a 12 cubic yard order adds $8.33 per yard. This is why combining base stone and pea gravel into a single delivery order saves meaningful money on any project over 3 cubic yards.
Bulk vs Bag — Break-Even Analysis
| Quantity needed | Bags cost (at $7/bag) | Bulk cost (at $40/yd + $80 delivery) | Savings with bulk | Best choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 cubic yard (27 bags) | $189 | $100 delivery only | $89 bags cheaper | Bags |
| 1 cubic yard (54 bags) | $378 | $40 + $80 = $120 | $258 bulk cheaper | Bulk |
| 2 cubic yards (108 bags) | $756 | $80 + $80 = $160 | $596 bulk cheaper | Bulk |
| 5 cubic yards (270 bags) | $1,890 | $200 + $80 = $280 | $1,610 bulk cheaper | Bulk |
| 10 cubic yards (540 bags) | $3,780 | $400 + $80 = $480 | $3,300 bulk cheaper | Bulk |
The break-even point is approximately 0.75 to 1 cubic yard depending on your local delivery fee and bulk price. Above that quantity, bulk is almost always significantly cheaper. The only exception: if you can pick up bulk material yourself (eliminating the delivery fee), the break-even drops to around 0.3 to 0.4 cubic yards.
Project Cost by Region — Common Sizes
All figures include pea gravel, crushed stone base, landscape fabric, and steel edging. DIY labour only.
| Project (200 sq ft patio, 3 in depth) | Southeast | Midwest | Mid-Atlantic | Pacific Coast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pea gravel (2.04 yd³) | $51–$92 | $61–$102 | $78–$127 | $92–$153 |
| Crushed stone base (1.36 yd³) | $28–$48 | $32–$54 | $40–$65 | $45–$75 |
| Landscape fabric (200 sq ft) | $20–$40 | $20–$40 | $25–$45 | $25–$50 |
| Steel edging (60 lin ft) | $60–$120 | $60–$120 | $70–$130 | $80–$150 |
| Delivery | $60–$90 | $70–$100 | $80–$120 | $90–$150 |
| Total DIY | $219–$390 | $243–$416 | $293–$487 | $332–$578 |
Seasonal Buying Windows
Pea gravel pricing follows landscaping project seasonality. Understanding the pattern saves real money on large orders.
| Season | Northern states | Southern states | Price vs annual average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Highest demand — peak season | Busy season | +10 to +25% |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | High demand continues | Moderate (heat reduces projects) | +5 to +15% |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Demand drops sharply | Second busy season | −5 to −15% |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Lowest demand | Mild projects continue | −10 to −20% |
For northern states, ordering in October or November captures the autumn price reduction before winter storage costs kick in for suppliers. For southern states, the September to November window is the best buying period. Demand dips between summer and the autumn rush. Ordering in winter (December to February) in any state produces the most negotiating leverage for large bulk orders, since suppliers want to move inventory before the spring season.
How to Get the Best Price in Your State
Get 3 quotes minimum. In every market we track, the price range between the cheapest and most expensive supplier for identical material spans 20 to 40 percent. The 10 minutes spent making 3 phone calls routinely saves $50 to $200 on a typical residential project.
Ask about pickup pricing. Many suppliers charge $5 to $15 per cubic yard less for customer pickup versus delivered orders. If you have access to a trailer, pickup is often the single largest cost saving available. Particularly for orders of 3 to 8 cubic yards where the delivery fee represents a significant portion of total cost.
Check local quarries directly. Landscape supply yards purchase from quarries and mark up 15 to 30 percent. Some quarries sell directly to residential customers. Particularly for bulk orders above 5 tons. Search for "aggregate quarry" or "gravel pit" in your area alongside landscape suppliers when comparing quotes.
Order enough to fill a truck. Partial loads cost as much to deliver as full loads. If your project needs 8 cubic yards, adding the base stone (typically 5 to 6 cubic yards) fills a standard tandem truck. You pay one delivery fee instead of two. The small additional base stone cost is usually less than a second delivery charge.
Buy off-season. Ask suppliers directly whether they offer off-season pricing. Many will negotiate 10 to 15 percent off the listed price for orders placed in November through February, particularly for large orders. End-of-season stock clearing in October and November can yield 15 to 20 percent discounts.
Real Cost Examples — Specific Projects by Region
Generic price ranges do not help you plan a budget. Here are real project cost examples by region for the same 200 sq ft patio project at 3-inch depth, including all materials and delivery.
Southeast example (Tennessee, Alabama). Pea gravel 2.04 yd³ at $28/yd³ = $57. Crushed stone base 1.36 yd³ at $25/yd³ = $34. Landscape fabric 200 sq ft at $0.15/sq ft = $30. Steel edging 60 lin ft at $1.25/lin ft = $75. Delivery $65. Total DIY materials: $261. This is the national low end. Tennessee's exceptional limestone aggregate supply keeps prices at the floor.
Midwest example (Ohio, Indiana). Same project: gravel $82, base $47, fabric $30, edging $75, delivery $80. Total: $314. Ohio has good aggregate resources and competitive supplier markets. Pricing is predictable and consistent across the state.
Pacific Coast example (California). Same project: gravel $143, base $98, fabric $40, edging $100, delivery $120. Total: $501. California buyers pay almost double Tennessee prices for identical material. The difference is quarrying regulation, labour costs, and supply chain length for coastal areas.
4 Mistakes That Make Pea Gravel More Expensive Than It Should Be
Mistake 1. Buying in spring. April to June is peak landscaping season. Supplier demand is highest, pricing is 10 to 25 percent above the annual average, and delivery slots fill up fast. Buying the same material in October costs significantly less. If your project is not urgent, placing the order in autumn and letting it sit covered saves real money on large orders.
Mistake 2. Getting only one quote. In every market we tracked, the price range between the cheapest and most expensive supplier for identical material spans 20 to 40 percent. Two phone calls and a text message to local suppliers takes 15 minutes and routinely saves $80 to $200 on a typical project. There is no reason not to do this.
Mistake 3. Ordering bagged for anything over 1 cubic yard. At 54 bags per cubic yard and $7 per bag, one cubic yard of bagged pea gravel costs $378. The same cubic yard in bulk costs $28 to $55 plus delivery. On a 2-cubic-yard project the bag vs bulk difference funds the landscape fabric, the steel edging, and the base stone.
Mistake 4. Paying for two deliveries. Every delivery costs $60 to $150 regardless of load size. Ordering pea gravel in one trip and base stone in a second trip doubles the delivery cost. Order all materials for the project simultaneously in a single load.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does pea gravel cost per cubic yard in 2026?
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Why does pea gravel cost more in some states?
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When is the best time to buy pea gravel?
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Calculate Your Project Cost
Cost Calculator
Enter your local price per ton or cubic yard to get total project cost for any pea gravel project size.
CalculatorPea Gravel Calculator
Calculate exact cubic yards, tons, and bags needed before getting supplier quotes in your state.
CalculatorBags Calculator
Bag count and bulk vs bag cost comparison. Enter your local bag price for accurate comparison.
Full Cost Guide 2026
Complete cost breakdown. Hidden costs, bulk vs bag, delivery fees, and installation cost vs DIY.
GuideHow Much Pea Gravel?
Pre-calculated quantities for every project type before you call for a price quote.
GuidePea Gravel Patio Guide
Full DIY patio installation guide. All materials needed to get accurate quotes.
Budget Planning Examples by Region
Here are fully worked project budgets for the same 200 sq ft patio at 3-inch depth, in four different regions, so you can see exactly how regional pricing affects the total.
Tennessee (cheapest state). Pea gravel 2.04 yd³ at $26/yd³ = $53. Crushed stone base 1.36 yd³ at $22/yd³ = $30. Landscape fabric 200 sq ft at $0.15/sq ft = $30. Steel edging 60 lin ft at $1.25/lin ft = $75. Delivery $65. Total: $253. Tennessee has exceptional limestone and river aggregate resources that keep prices at the national floor.
Ohio (affordable Midwest). Gravel $73, base $45, fabric $30, edging $90, delivery $75. Total: $313. Ohio benefits from good aggregate resources and a competitive supplier market. Prices are consistent and predictable across the state.
New York (mid-high). Gravel $122, base $84, fabric $40, edging $100, delivery $110. Total: $456. New York City and Long Island pay 20 to 35 percent more than upstate New York. Urban supplier overhead and longer supply chains from quarry sources drive the premium.
California (most expensive). Gravel $153, base $102, fabric $48, edging $120, delivery $130. Total: $553. California buyers pay more than double Tennessee prices for identical material. Strict quarrying regulations limit local supply, and labour costs at suppliers are significantly higher than the national average.
Sources & Methodology
- USGS — Natural Aggregates Statistics — aggregate production by state, quarry density data
Price data: Regional price ranges compiled from 2026 landscape supplier surveys, contractor cost reporting, and published pricing guides. State-level figures represent typical bulk material costs before delivery. Actual prices vary by supplier, quantity, and local market conditions. Urban areas within each state pay 15–25% more than rural figures shown. Always obtain at least 3 local quotes before purchasing. Prices are updated annually. Confirm current pricing with your local supplier. Full methodology
Last reviewed: June 2026
