Gravel Prices in California [2026 Update]: Cost Per Ton, Per Yard & Delivered by Type and City
In California as of 2026, gravel costs $34 to $101 per ton delivered or $35 to $75 per cubic yard for material-only. Crusher run and road base are the cheapest at $35 to $60 per ton, pea gravel is $40 to $70 per ton, decomposed granite is $30 to $55 per ton at the quarry but $80 to $120 per ton at Los Angeles yards, and decorative river rock is $50 to $100+ per ton. Delivery is extra and usually adds a flat $75 to $300 fee within 10 to 20 miles.
If you want gravel prices in California, this guide covers gravel prices California 2026 and cost of gravel in California by type, unit, delivery, and city. At gravelcalculator.us we track quotes from 50+ yards monthly using February 2026 sheets. Most 2-car driveways need 11 tons, but order 12 to avoid a $100 small-load fee.
How Much Does Gravel Cost in California in 2026?
How much does gravel cost in California right now? For most homeowners, the quick answer is $34 to $101 per ton delivered, or about $35 to $75 per cubic yard for material-only as of 2026.
According to ProMatcher, pea gravel delivery averages $50.57 per ton across California, with a typical range from $46.76 to $54.38 per ton. Loose gravel paving averages $1.89 per square foot for a 4-inch thick layer. According to CostFlowAI, typical gravel costs in California as of February 2026 range from $34 to $101 per ton, with a regional multiplier of 1.35x higher than the national average.
Current gravel rates California show a gap between quarry direct and retail yard pricing.
Here is the California average in 2026:
| Unit | Price Range in California 2026 | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Per Ton | $34 – $101 | Delivered, depends on type and distance |
| Per Cubic Yard | $35 – $75 | Material-only, quarry pickup |
| Per Square Foot (4″ deep) | $1.62 – $2.15 | Material + basic install |
| Per Truckload (10-ton single-axle) | $400 – $900 | Material-only |
| Per Truckload (18-ton tandem) | $720 – $1,600 | Material-only |
When you look up gravel cost per ton California and gravel cost per yard California, check if delivery is included. Many list gravel prices California per yard delivered separately. Bulk gravel prices California are cheaper per ton as a full truckload.
What Is the Price of Gravel by Type in California?
What is the cheapest type of gravel in California? Crushed concrete and road base are the cheapest, while decorative river rock and Mexican beach pebble are the most expensive.
Landscape gravel cost California varies a lot by type because processing and looks drive price. Here is what to expect for 2026:
| Gravel Type | Cost Per Ton California | Cost Per Cubic Yard | Coverage Per Ton at 4″ Deep | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crusher Run / Road Base / Class 5 | $35 – $60 | $28 – $58 | 80 – 100 sq ft | Driveway base, parking pad – cheapest |
| #57 Crushed Stone / Crushed Rock | $30 – $60 | $35 – $70 | 80 – 100 sq ft | Driveway surface, drainage, French drain |
| Drain Rock #57 Gray / #89 Stone / #8 Gravel | $35 – $65 | $40 – $75 | 80 – 100 sq ft | French drains, septic, drainage |
| Pea Gravel | $40 – $70 | $55 – $100 | 90 – 110 sq ft | Walkways, patios, play areas |
| Decomposed Granite (DG) | $30 – $55 quarry / $80 – $120 LA yard | $50 – $75 quarry | 95 – 115 sq ft | Paths, xeriscaping, turf replacement |
| River Rock / Landscape Rock | $50 – $100+ | $65 – $140 | 70 – 90 sq ft | Dry creek beds, decorative borders |
| White Marble Chips / Bluestone | $90 – $150 | $100 – $180 | 70 – 90 sq ft | Premium decorative, stays cool |
| Crushed Concrete / Recycled Asphalt | $30 – $45 | $30 – $50 | 85 – 100 sq ft | Cheapest driveway option, eco-friendly |
Decomposed granite prices California
Decomposed granite prices California vary by source. Quarry price is $30 to $55 per ton, but Los Angeles yards charge $80 to $120 per ton bulk due to trucking. According to Prime Building Materials in Los Angeles, DG is $80 to $120 per ton bulk and river rock $120 to $180 per ton. That is why gravel prices Los Angeles are higher than Fresno. As of 2026, decomposed granite also qualifies for LADWP turf replacement rebates in many SoCal water districts, which helps offset cost if you are replacing grass with xeriscaping – check your local district.
Pea gravel prices California
Pea gravel prices California average $40 to $70 per ton delivered. Rounded and smooth, it does not compact hard, so it is great for patios but not ideal for driveway base alone.
Crushed rock prices California and road base gravel prices California
Crushed rock prices California and road base gravel prices California are the lowest for structural work. Road base gravel prices California include crusher run, #411, 21A limestone, and Class 5 aggregate. These mixes have fines that lock together when compacted. Road base meeting CalTrans Class 2 specs and Title 24 compliance for permeable surfaces costs slightly more but is required for some city permits.
Landscaping rock cost and crushed stone cost
Landscaping rock cost covers decorative options. Crushed stone cost is usually lower than landscaping rock cost because it is less processed for color. If you search cheap gravel prices in california, you will see crushed stone and road base at the bottom of every list.
If you search gravel prices in california per ton for decorative stone, expect $120 to $250 per ton for lava rock or beach pebble. That is normal for specialty stone.
How Much Does Gravel Cost Per Ton vs Per Yard vs Per Square Foot?
How much does a ton of gravel cost in California compared to a yard? This is the most confusing part for first-time buyers.
Gravel price by the ton is weight. Gravel cost per cubic yard is volume. Gravel cost per square foot is coverage. California suppliers sell both ways.
Quick conversion as of 2026:
- 1 cubic yard of crushed stone = 1.4 to 1.5 tons
- 1 cubic yard of pea gravel = 1.4 tons
- 1 cubic yard of decomposed granite = 1.35 to 1.5 tons
- 1 ton of gravel at 4 inches deep covers 40 to 50 square feet
- 1 ton at 2 inches deep covers 80 to 100 square feet
So, how much does a yard of gravel cost in California? About $35 to $75 per yard material-only at the quarry as of 2026. But if you buy by the ton, the same yard might be $50 to $90 delivered.
When you compare gravel cost per cubic yard and gravel cost per square foot, remember compaction. Road base loses 10 to 15% height after compaction, so order 10% extra.
If you see bulk gravel prices in california listed per yard, ask how many tons per yard that material is. That lets you compare fairly.
How Much Does Gravel Delivery Cost in California? Does Price Include Delivery?
Does gravel price include delivery? In almost all cases, no. California gravel delivery prices are separate from material price.
Gravel delivery cost California depends on truck size, distance, and access. According to O’Leary Development Group 2026 Load Cost Guide, base delivery is typically $75 to $300 per load, with a per-mile charge of $2 to $5 beyond a free delivery radius of 10 to 20 miles, plus a fuel surcharge of about $20 per load as of 2026.
Here is the full breakdown:
| Fee Type | Typical Cost in California | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Base Delivery Fee | $75 – $300 per load | Every delivery |
| Per-Mile Charge | $2 – $5 per mile | Beyond 10-20 mile free radius |
| Fuel Surcharge | $15 – $30 per load | When diesel is high – as of 2026 |
| Small-Load Fee | $30 – $100 | Orders under 3-5 tons |
| Idle-Time / Wait Fee | $60 – $120 per hour | If driver waits or access is tight |
| Weekend / After-Hours | $25 – $75 | Saturday or evening delivery |
Gravel delivery fees can exceed material for small orders, so bulk aggregate pricing saves money. Two 5-ton loads can cost $600, one 10-ton load $450 for same material. California quarry prices look cheap at $35/ton, but with $125 delivery your cost is $47.50/ton for 10 tons. Gravel supplier prices California often have a 5-ton minimum. Chains like SiteOne Landscape Supply often price 10-15% higher than independents near Vulcan Materials and Granite Construction pits. Gravel material and labor cost is extra for spreading at $12/yard or $46/hour. If you search gravel prices California per yard delivered, ensure quote says delivered and includes tax and fees.
How Much Do Gravel Prices Vary by City in California?
If you search gravel prices near me California, prices differ in Los Angeles versus Sacramento. Regional gravel pricing matters because trucking is expensive. According to HomeProjectCalculator, West Coast crushed stone is $25 to $50 per ton as of 2026 and California is the most expensive market due to labor and permitting limits.
Here is the 2026 city comparison:
| Region | Crushed Stone Per Ton | Pea Gravel Per Ton | Example Supplier Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel prices Los Angeles | $35 – $60 | $40 – $70 | #73 Crushed Limestone from $85.43/ton at retail yards, DG $176/ton |
| Gravel prices San Diego | $35 – $55 | $45 – $60 | Pea gravel delivery avg $49.19/ton |
| Gravel prices Bay Area | $40 – $65 | $50 – $80 | Highest labor, limited quarries |
| Gravel prices Sacramento | $30 – $50 | $40 – $65 | Closer to quarries, lower fees |
| Gravel prices Central Valley | $30 – $45 | $35 – $55 | Cheapest – Stanislaus Sand & Gravel 8-yard load of 3/4″ crushed rock about $620 |
| Gravel prices Fresno | $30 – $48 | $38 – $60 | Similar to Central Valley |
| Gravel prices Riverside County | $35 – $58 | $42 – $68 | Between LA and desert pricing |
Gravel prices San Diego are slightly lower than Los Angeles but higher than Central Valley. Gravel prices Sacramento and gravel prices Central Valley are lowest due to nearby quarries. Gravel prices Bay Area are highest due to trucking and air quality rules. Gravel prices Fresno benefit from nearby sources. According to Gravelshop as of 2026, #73 Crushed Limestone starts at $85.43/ton in LA County, specialty over $117.82/yard. According to Stanislaus Sand & Gravel as of 2026, an 8-yard load of 3/4″ crushed rock is about $620, 12-yard about $720. Aggregate prices California vary by county tax, so get 2-3 quotes within 20 miles.
How Much Gravel Do I Need and What Will Your Driveway Cost?
How much gravel do I need for my driveway? Use this simple formula as of 2026.
Steps to Calculate How Much Gravel You Need:
- Measure length and width of your driveway in feet. Multiply to get square feet.
- Decide depth in feet. For driveways use 0.33 to 0.5 feet [4 to 6 inches]. For paths use 0.17 feet [2 inches].
- Multiply square feet x depth = cubic feet.
- Divide cubic feet by 27 = cubic yards needed.
- Multiply cubic yards x 1.4 = tons needed.
- Add 10% extra for compaction and waste.
Example: A 12 x 50 foot driveway is 600 square feet. At 4 inches deep [0.33 ft], that is 198 cubic feet / 27 = 7.3 cubic yards x 1.4 = 10.2 tons + 10% = about 11 tons.
Now, driveway gravel cost California and average cost of gravel driveway California:
- Material for 600 sq ft at 4″ deep: 10-11 tons x $35-$60 = $350-$660 road base, $400-$770 pea gravel
- Delivery: $75-$150 flat
- Gravel installation cost: grading $0.50-$1.00/sq ft, spreading $0.50-$1.50/sq ft, fabric $0.15-$0.30/sq ft
- Total installed: $1.50-$4.00/sq ft most of CA, $3-$7/sq ft coastal as of 2026
Cost to install gravel driveway California 2026 for 800 sq ft [20×40]:
- DIY bulk: $600-$1,200 material + delivery
- Pro installed: $2,600-$6,000 Los Angeles, $1,800-$4,000 Central Valley
Gravel material and labor cost together is what homeowners pay. Use our calculator at gravelcalculator.us for tons, yards, and total with California delivery.
Why Is Gravel So Expensive in California? What Factors Affect Pricing?
Why is gravel so expensive in California compared to Texas or Florida? Gravel is expensive in California as of 2026 because CEQA limits quarries, trucking adds $20-$40/ton, and labor averages $75/hr as of 2026, making the state 35% above national average. Five main factors affecting gravel prices in California:
- Limited Quarries Due to Permitting
California Environmental Quality Act [CEQA] review and air quality permits make new quarries hard to open. Material must be quarried, crushed, screened, and washed, each step needs permits, so fewer quarries near cities means longer trucking. - Distance From Quarry
According to HelloGravel, a quarry 50 miles away can add $20 to $40 per ton versus one 10 miles away as of 2026 seasonal data. That is why California quarry prices look low but delivered price is high. - Fuel, Labor, and Equipment
California skilled labor averages $75 per hour as of 2026 and diesel surcharges change monthly. Dump trucks, skid steer loaders, and plate compactors cost more to operate. - Material Type and Processing
Washed and screened pea gravel costs more than crusher run with fines. Decomposed granite that is screened for color costs more than pit run. - Season and Quantity
Spring through fall is peak building season and prices are 15 to 25% higher as of 2026 seasonal data from HelloGravel. Winter often has 10 to 15% discounts as of 2026. Ordering 10+ tons gets bulk aggregate pricing and avoids small-load fees.
Regional gravel pricing also includes sales tax, which varies by county, and environmental fees. If you want to save, pick up with your own trailer if you have one. That can cut 30 to 50% off small loads in high-cost markets.
Where Can You Find the Cheapest Gravel and What Are Current Price Trends for 2026?
Where is the cheapest gravel prices in California? Recycled materials near you:
- Crushed concrete road base from $30.00/ton in Los Angeles as of 2026
- Recycled asphalt from $39.00/ton as of 2026
- Crusher fines from $53.08/ton as of 2026
- Bank run gravel $20-$40/ton Central Valley as of 2026
If you search cheap gravel prices in california, use landscape supply yards, not big-box stores. Bagged gravel at Home Depot or Lowes is $4-$6 per 0.5 cu ft bag, about $140+/ton. Bulk is half. Gravel price trends California 2026 show 5-8% increase year over year due to fuel and permitting as of 2026. Gravel price increase California is highest in coastal metros as of 2026. Current gravel rates California as of 2026 stay flat in winter and rise in spring. For bulk gravel prices in california, ask for a full transfer truck [24 tons] if site fits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a yard of gravel cost in California?
$35 to $75 per cubic yard material-only as of 2026, or $55 to $100 per yard delivered in most cities.
What is the cheapest type of gravel?
Crusher run, road base, Class 5, or crushed concrete at $30 to $45 per ton bulk as of 2026. Recycled asphalt is also cheap.
How much gravel do I need for my driveway?
12×50 ft driveway at 4″ deep needs about 7.4 cubic yards or 10 to 11 tons plus 10% for compaction as of 2026.
Why is gravel so expensive in California?
CEQA and air quality permits limit quarries, trucking adds $20-$40/ton as of 2026, labor $75/hr as of 2026, so CA is 35% higher than national average.
Does gravel price include delivery?
No, material usually does not include delivery as of 2026. Delivery is $75-$300 flat plus $2-$5/mile beyond 10-20 miles plus fuel surcharge.
Trust Note: Prices change by zip code, access, and fuel as of 2026. Get 2-3 itemized quotes with delivery, tax, and fees listed.
Gravel prices in California change by type, unit, delivery, and city. Use tables above, then get 2-3 local quotes. For fast estimate, try our free calculator at gravelcalculator.us for Los Angeles, San Diego, Bay Area, Sacramento, Central Valley, Fresno, and Riverside County.