South Carolina · NRMCA 2026 · Updated September 2026
Concrete Prices in South Carolina — 2026 Cost Guide + Calculator
Ready-mix concrete in South Carolina costs $115–$148 per cubic yard in 2026 — among the most affordable in the Southeast. Columbia and the Midlands average $118–$132/yd³; Charleston metro runs $125–$140/yd³; and the Charlotte NC spillover counties (York, Lancaster, Chester) come in at $128–$148/yd³. Low labor rates, a long construction season, and strong batch plant supply make SC one of the best-value concrete markets in the country.
Free Tool
South Carolina Concrete Calculator
Select your SC region, enter dimensions, and get cubic yards, material cost, and installed estimate — with South Carolina's below-national-average labor rates pre-loaded.
SC note: 3,000 PSI is the standard statewide spec. No freeze-thaw concern in most of SC — air-entrainment not required for most residential projects. Upstate SC (Spartanburg, Greenville) may see occasional frost; consult your contractor if pouring Nov–Feb.
South Carolina Concrete Costs & Prices — Per Cubic Yard (Effective 4/1/26)
Find Concrete Prices in Your City — South Carolina 2026
Standard 3,000 PSI mix, plant-gate price. Delivery within 10 miles adds $8–$14/yd³ in the Charleston and Charlotte spillover markets, $6–$10/yd³ elsewhere.
| City / Area | PSI | $/yd³ (material) | $/sq ft installed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia / Richland Co. | 3,000 | $118–$132 | $5–$9 | State capital; strong plant supply, competitive |
| Lexington County | 3,000 | $118–$130 | $5–$9 | Columbia suburb; growth corridor |
| Greenville | 3,000 | $120–$134 | $5–$9 | Upstate hub; BMW / manufacturing demand |
| Spartanburg | 3,000 | $120–$133 | $5–$9 | Competitive Upstate market |
| Anderson / Oconee Co. | 3,000 | $118–$130 | $5–$8 | SW Upstate; most affordable region |
| Charleston | 3,000 | $126–$140 | $6–$10 | Lowcountry premium; coastal spec recommended |
| North Charleston / Berkeley Co. | 3,000 | $124–$137 | $6–$10 | Industrial / logistics demand |
| Myrtle Beach / Horry Co. | 3,000 | $122–$136 | $6–$10 | Seasonal coastal market; summer surge |
| York Co. (Fort Mill / Rock Hill) | 3,000 | $128–$148 | $7–$11 | Charlotte NC spillover; highest in SC |
| Florence / Sumter | 3,000 | $115–$128 | $5–$8 | Pee Dee region; affordable inland market |
| Hilton Head / Beaufort Co. | 3,000 | $120–$132 | $6–$10 | Resort/retiree market; limited local contractors |
| Aiken (Augusta SC metro) | 3,000 | $125–$138 | $6–$10 | Augusta GA metro influence on pricing |
Project Reference
South Carolina Concrete Cost by Project — 2026
Installed estimates (material + labor + forming + broom finish). Columbia / Midlands uses $125/yd³ + $4.25/sq ft. Charleston / Charlotte Spillover uses $135/yd³ + $5.50/sq ft.
| Project | Size / Thickness | Yards needed | Material cost | Installed (Columbia/Upstate) | Installed (Charleston/York Co.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small patio | 10×10 / 4" | 1.2 yd³ | $140–$185 | $570–$840 | $720–$1,060 |
| 20×20 concrete slab | 20×20 / 4" | 5.9 yd³ | $690–$900 | $2,400–$3,800 | $3,200–$5,100 |
| Standard driveway | 16×38 / 4" | 7.5 yd³ | $875–$1,140 | $3,100–$4,800 | $4,100–$6,500 |
| 24×24 concrete slab | 24×24 / 4" | 8.5 yd³ | $995–$1,295 | $3,500–$5,400 | $4,700–$7,300 |
| 40×60 concrete slab | 40×60 / 6" | 44.4 yd³ | $5,170–$6,730 | $16,000–$25,000 | $21,000–$33,000 |
| Garage floor (24×24) | 24×24 / 6" | 12.9 yd³ | $1,505–$1,960 | $4,700–$7,300 | $6,300–$9,700 |
| Concrete patio (16×20) | 16×20 / 4" | 3.9 yd³ | $455–$595 | $1,700–$2,600 | $2,300–$3,500 |
South Carolina Construction Cost Overview
Why South Carolina Has Some of the Best Concrete Value in the US
SC Construction Cost Overview — Below-National Labor Rates
South Carolina's concrete prices are below the national average for one primary reason: labor costs. BLS OEWS data for South Carolina cement masons and concrete finishers (SOC 47-2051) shows:
| Metric | South Carolina | National average | SC vs national |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean hourly wage | $21.80/hr | $28.40/hr | 23% below avg |
| Mean annual wage | $45,300 | $59,100 | 23% below avg |
| Median annual wage | $42,800 | $55,600 | 23% below avg |
| Employment (est.) | ~3,200 | — | — |
Source: BLS OEWS 2025 release, South Carolina statewide (SOC 47-2051). The below-national-average labor multiplier means SC homeowners and contractors pay roughly $1.50–$2.50 less per square foot for the labor component of any concrete project compared to the national median. This compounds on larger jobs — a 40×60 ft slab that costs $29,000 in the national average market runs $16,000–$25,000 in South Carolina.
The Charlotte NC Spillover — Why York County Costs More
York County (Fort Mill, Rock Hill, Clover) and Lancaster County sit within the Charlotte, NC metro area's economic orbit. Charlotte is one of the fastest-growing metros in the Southeast, and its construction labor market has pushed wages and demand well above South Carolina norms. Concrete in York County typically runs $128–$148/yd³ — up to $30/yd³ more than comparable projects in Columbia, 70 miles south.
If you're in northern York or Lancaster County, getting one quote from a Greenville or Columbia-based contractor willing to travel (for larger projects) can occasionally surface meaningful savings. For smaller residential work, the Charlotte metro contractor base is your practical pool, and their pricing reflects that market.
SC's Long Construction Season — A Scheduling Advantage
South Carolina's mild climate means concrete can be poured almost year-round — typically February through November without cold-weather concerns in most of the state. This is a meaningful advantage over Midwest and Northeast markets where a 4–5 month season compresses all demand into a short window.
The practical implications: SC contractors are less overbooked than northern peers, wait times are shorter (typically 1–4 weeks vs. 4–10 weeks in busy markets), and there's little of the late-season rush premium seen in states like Michigan or Pennsylvania. The best time to book in SC is still spring (March–April) before summer heat sets in for the Lowcountry and coastal areas — extreme heat (95°F+) in July–August requires additives to slow concrete set time, which adds modest cost.
Do I Need a Permit for Concrete Work in South Carolina?
Permit requirements in South Carolina are set at the local jurisdiction level — county and city — not the state level. Rules vary significantly:
- Driveways: Many SC municipalities require a permit for new driveway aprons where they meet the public road. Always check with your local building department — Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville all have active requirements.
- Patios and slabs: Often no permit required for detached flatwork under a size threshold (varies by jurisdiction, typically 200–400 sq ft). Larger pads connected to structures typically require permits.
- Coastal/floodplain areas: Charleston County, Horry County (Myrtle Beach), and Beaufort County (Hilton Head) have additional coastal zone and FEMA floodplain requirements. Any concrete work on a property with a floodplain elevation certificate requires review before pouring. This is non-negotiable in these markets.
- Contractor licensing: South Carolina requires contractors to be licensed through the SC Contractors Licensing Board (CLB) for projects over $5,000. Verify license at scllr.sc.gov before signing any contract.
Is Concrete Worth the Money in SC? Concrete vs. Pavers
In South Carolina's hot, humid climate, the concrete vs. pavers vs. asphalt decision has some SC-specific considerations:
| Surface | Installed (Columbia/Upstate) | Lifespan in SC climate | SC-specific note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete (standard) | $5–$9/sq ft | 25–35 years | Best value; minimal freeze-thaw concern |
| Concrete (stamped) | $10–$16/sq ft | 20–30 years | Popular in Charleston and Greenville suburbs |
| Asphalt | $3–$5/sq ft | 10–15 years | SC heat softens asphalt; more maintenance than northern markets |
| Pavers (concrete) | $12–$22/sq ft | 20–40 years | Aesthetically popular in Lowcountry; joints can heave in clay soils |
| Gravel / crusher run | $1.50–$4/sq ft | Ongoing | Common in rural SC; degrades in SC's heavy summer rains |
In South Carolina's climate, asphalt requires more frequent sealing and resurfacing than in northern states because heat softens the binder in summer. Concrete holds up better to SC's heat and hurricane-season rains, and at $5–$9/sq ft installed, it's the clear value choice for driveways and patios statewide.
Additional Concrete Services — South Carolina Cost Reference
| Service | Columbia / Upstate | Charleston / Charlotte Spillover | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete floor coating (epoxy) | $3–$6/sq ft | $4–$8/sq ft | SC humidity — vapor barrier critical before coating |
| Stamped concrete patio | $10–$14/sq ft | $13–$18/sq ft | Strong market in Greenville and Charleston suburbs |
| Slab leveling (mudjacking) | $300–$1,400 | $500–$2,000 | SC clay soils shift seasonally; common service |
| Concrete demolition / removal | $1.50–$3.50/sq ft | $2–$5/sq ft | Lowcountry disposal costs higher |
Frequently Asked Questions: Concrete in South Carolina
South Carolina Concrete — FAQ
A cubic yard of ready-mix concrete in South Carolina costs $115–$148 at the batch plant in 2026 (effective 4/1/26). Columbia / Midlands averages $118–$132/yd³ — the most affordable market. Charleston and the Lowcountry runs $125–$140/yd³. Charlotte NC spillover counties (York, Lancaster) average $128–$148/yd³. Add $6–$14/yd³ for delivery within 10 miles depending on region.
A 20×20 ft slab at 4" thickness requires about 5.9 cubic yards (6.5 with 10% overage). At 6" thickness (garage floor), you need 8.9 yards (9.8 with overage). Installed cost: $2,400–$3,800 in Columbia and the Upstate, and $3,200–$5,100 in Charleston or York County. Use the calculator above for an instant estimate with your specific region pre-loaded.
A 24×24 ft slab at 4" thickness needs about 8.5 cubic yards (9.4 with overage). Installed cost: $3,500–$5,400 in Columbia and the Upstate and $4,700–$7,300 in Charleston or York County. At 6" thickness (recommended for a garage floor), material cost increases by approximately 50% and total installed by 20–25%. South Carolina's low labor rates make this one of the most affordable 24×24 markets in the eastern US.
A 40×60 ft slab at 6" depth requires approximately 44.4 cubic yards. Installed in South Carolina: $16,000–$25,000 in Columbia and the Upstate and $21,000–$33,000 in Charleston or York County. Material alone: $5,170–$6,730. At this scale, SC's below-national labor rates deliver real savings — the same slab in the Philadelphia metro runs $22,000–$35,000 in materials and labor.
Unlikely. NRMCA projects 2–4% national increases in 2026. South Carolina benefits from lower baseline costs, but material inputs (cement, aggregate, fuel) are subject to the same national pricing pressures. The Upstate and Charlotte spillover market face additional demand from major manufacturing investment (BMW, Volvo, Michelin expansions). SC remains below national average but prices are trending modestly upward, not down.
Permit requirements in South Carolina are set at the local jurisdiction level. New driveway aprons and large slabs typically require permits in major municipalities (Charleston, Columbia, Greenville). Smaller patios under 200–400 sq ft often don't. In coastal and floodplain areas (Charleston County, Horry County, Beaufort County), additional coastal zone and FEMA regulations apply. Always check with your local building department before starting. SC requires contractor CLB licensing for projects over $5,000 — verify at scllr.sc.gov.
A 10×10 ft slab at 4" thickness requires about 1.2 cubic yards (1.3 with overage) — approximately 55 bags of 80 lb. At $8–$12/bag in South Carolina, that's $440–$660 in bags. A ready-mix delivery of 1.3 yards in SC costs $150–$195 for material (plus short-load surcharge). Ready-mix is more economical for any pour over 1 cubic yard — and in SC's heat, bagging a slab is labor-intensive work. One 80 lb bag yields approximately 0.60 cubic feet.
Concrete is significantly cheaper — and in South Carolina's climate, often the better long-term choice. A standard concrete driveway in SC runs $5–$9/sq ft installed; pavers typically run $12–$22/sq ft. For a standard 640 sq ft driveway, that's $3,200–$5,800 for concrete vs. $7,700–$14,100 for pavers. SC's summer heat and heavy clay soils also cause paver joint shifting over time. Stamped concrete ($10–$16/sq ft in SC) gives much of the aesthetic appeal of pavers at roughly half the price.
More Resources
More South Carolina Concrete Resources
Calculators
Nearby States
South Carolina pricing verified against NRMCA 2026 national data, BLS OEWS cement mason wage series for South Carolina statewide, and American Concrete pricing effective 4/1/26. Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Charlotte spillover data cross-referenced with SC regional batch plant surveys. SC CLB licensing requirements sourced from llr.sc.gov. Updated September 2026. Reviewed quarterly.