Concrete Cost in Texas — 2026 Price Guide (Dallas, Houston, Austin)

Texas is one of the largest concrete markets in the US, with competitive pricing and year-round pour conditions. Here are the current concrete costs for Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, with project estimates for common residential work.

Texas ready-mix concrete prices (2026)

Mix strength	Price per cubic yard	Common use
2,500 PSI	$115–$135	Light foot traffic, walkways
3,000 PSI	$125–$150	Standard driveways, patios
4,000 PSI	$140–$165	Garages, heavy loads
5,000 PSI	$160–$190	Commercial, structural

Prices vary by city and supplier. Short-load fee: $50–$150 for orders under 7 yards.

Prices by Texas city

City	3,000 PSI (per cu yd)	Notes
Dallas-Fort Worth	$130–$155	High clay soil — use 4,000 PSI
Houston	$125–$150	Active market, competitive pricing
Austin	$135–$160	High demand, slightly above state avg
San Antonio	$120–$145	Limestone aggregate widely available
El Paso	$115–$140	Lower cost of living market
Lubbock/Amarillo	$115–$138	Rural, lower labor rates

Project cost estimates in Texas

Project	Size	Materials only	Installed (avg)
Walkway	3×20 ft	$150–$200	$400–$900
Patio	12×16 ft	$280–$370	$1,100–$3,000
Driveway (1-car)	10×20 ft	$465–$580	$1,200–$3,000
Driveway (2-car)	12×50 ft	$1,160–$1,450	$2,800–$6,000
Garage floor	20×20 ft	$1,550–$1,940	$3,500–$8,000

Texas-specific considerations

Expansive clay soil (DFW and Austin)

Texas clay soils expand and contract dramatically with moisture. This is the #1 cause of concrete cracking in DFW. Mitigation:

Use 4,000 PSI concrete minimum
Install rebar or fiber reinforcement
Ensure proper drainage away from slab
Consider post-tension cable systems for large slabs

Summer heat and curing

Texas summer temperatures accelerate concrete setting. Contractors should:

Pour in early morning when possible
Use retarding admixtures in hot weather
Begin wet curing immediately after finishing
Cover with burlap and plastic sheeting

Caliche base

Much of Texas has caliche (calcium carbonate hardpan) near the surface — an excellent natural base for concrete. In areas with caliche, subbase gravel needs may be reduced, lowering overall project cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does concrete cost per yard in Texas?

Ready-mix concrete in Texas costs $120–$155 per cubic yard for standard 3,000–4,000 PSI mixes. Dallas and Houston markets are typically $125–$150/yd; rural areas range from $115–$140/yd. Short-load fees apply for orders under 7 yards.

How much does a concrete driveway cost in Texas?

A standard 2-car concrete driveway (600 sq ft) in Texas costs $2,800–$6,000 installed, or $4.50–$10 per sq ft. Texas weather allows year-round pours, which keeps labor rates competitive compared to northern states.

Is concrete cheaper in Texas than other states?

Texas concrete prices are near the national average. Material costs ($120–$155/yd) are similar to other states, but labor tends to be slightly lower than coastal markets like California and New York. Local limestone aggregate keeps raw material costs stable.

How much does a concrete patio cost in Texas?

A 12×16 ft concrete patio (192 sq ft) in Texas costs $1,100–$3,000 installed. Basic broom finish runs $5–$9/sq ft; stamped or colored concrete costs $10–$18/sq ft. Texas summer heat requires careful curing — ask contractors about wet curing or curing compounds.

What PSI concrete should I use in Texas?

3,000 PSI is standard for residential driveways and patios in most of Texas. Areas with expansive clay soils (DFW, Austin) benefit from 4,000 PSI concrete with fiber reinforcement or rebar, as the soil moves significantly with moisture changes.