A plain concrete patio runs between $10 and $13 per square foot nationally, with most homeowners paying around $11.50 per foot for a basic 4-inch slab. For a typical 400-square-foot patio (20x20), that pencils out to $4,000–$5,200 installed. But the final number depends heavily on where you live, how fancy you go, and what’s already in your yard.
What Drives the Price
The cost per square foot isn’t one number—it’s a stack of line items. Here’s what you’re actually paying for:
- Equipment allowance: $6.91–$9.06 per sq ft — the biggest chunk. This covers the concrete truck, pump, mixer, and finishing tools.
- Labor, basic finish: $3.17–$3.35 per sq ft — the crew’s time to pour, level, and finish.
- Concrete material: $0.12 per sq ft — the mix itself is cheap.
- Excavation: $0.09–$0.10 per sq ft if needed — removing dirt or old concrete adds cost.
- Job supplies: about a penny per foot — rebar, wire mesh, expansion joints.
So the equipment is where your money goes. That’s why small patios can feel expensive per foot — the truck shows up either way.
City-by-City: What You’ll Actually Pay
Prices swing hard by metro area. Here are the real ranges from our data:
| City | Price per sq ft |
|---|---|
| New York, NY | $12–$15 |
| San Jose, CA | $12–$14 |
| San Francisco, CA | $12–$14 |
| Seattle, WA | $12–$14 |
| Chicago, IL | $11–$14 |
| Boston, MA | $11–$14 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $11–$14 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $11–$13 |
| San Diego, CA | $11–$13 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $11–$13 |
| Columbus, OH | $10–$13 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $10–$12 |
| Denver, CO | $10–$12 |
| Atlanta, GA | $9.87–$12 |
| Houston, TX | $9.79–$12 |
| Dallas, TX | $9.79–$12 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $9.75–$12 |
| Miami, FL | $9.75–$12 |
| San Antonio, TX | $9.70–$12 |
| Austin, TX | $9.65–$12 |
If you’re in the Northeast or West Coast, expect the higher end. In Texas or the Southeast, you can land closer to $10 per foot.
What Homeowners Report Paying
Real people’s numbers match the data — with a few twists. A Columbus homeowner got quotes for an 800-square-foot stamped and colored patio: $12,000 to $17,000. That’s $15–$21 per foot for the fancy stuff. Another in Buffalo paid just over $5,000 for a 12x23 stamped patio — about $18 per foot. A Pittsburgh homeowner with 416 square feet of stamped concrete, including a fire pit circle, paid around $10,000, or $24 per foot.
The big gotcha: removal. Tearing out an old concrete slab adds $1,500 or more as a separate line item. One Redditor in Nevada got a 1,146-square-foot pour for $11,000 (about $9.60 per foot) — but that was a basic slab with no demo. Another in Texas paid $6,500 for 450 square feet, or $14.44 per foot.
So the range is wide. Basic slabs with no demolition can come in under $10 per foot in low-cost areas. Stamped, colored patios with tear-out can hit $20–$25 per foot.
How to Save Money and Get a Fair Quote
- Get 3–5 bids. The Reddit thread on r/HomeImprovement nails it: multiple quotes from reputable companies give you a real picture of your market. One Buffalo homeowner saw quotes from $5,000 to $12,000 for the same job.
- Skip the extras if you’re on a budget. Stamping and coloring add $3–$8 per foot. A plain broom-finish slab is the cheapest option.
- Do your own demo. If you have an old patio, jackhammering it out yourself can save that $1,500 line item. Concrete is heavy, so rent a dumpster and have a plan.
- Consider a DIY pour. For small patios (under 300 square feet), you can rent a mixer and pour it yourself. One r/pittsburgh user suggested hiring friends for pizza and beer — just know it’s a brutal day of work.
- Watch for small-load fees. Concrete suppliers charge extra for less than a full truck. A small patio might have a $200–$500 surcharge baked into the quote.
FAQ
How much does a 12x12 concrete patio cost?
That’s 144 square feet. At $10–$13 per foot, expect $1,440–$1,872 for a basic slab. With stamping or color, you’re looking at $2,500–$3,500.
How much does a 20x20 concrete patio cost?
400 square feet. Basic: $4,000–$5,200. Stamped or colored: $7,000–$10,000.
How much does a 40x40 concrete patio cost?
1,600 square feet. Basic: $16,000–$20,800. Large patios sometimes get a slight volume discount, but don’t count on it — the equipment and labor scale with the job.
Is $12.50 per square foot a good price?
Yes, for a basic slab with a standard finish. That’s right in the middle of the national range. For stamped or colored, that’s a deal.
How much does it cost to remove an old concrete patio?
Most contractors charge $1,500–$2,500 as a separate line item, depending on the size and access. Some include it in the per-foot price.
Concrete vs. pavers — which is cheaper?
Concrete is usually cheaper upfront. A basic concrete patio runs $10–$13 per foot. Pavers start around $12–$15 per foot installed, but can last longer and are easier to repair.
These are reference ranges, not a quote — get at least three bids from licensed contractors in your area for your specific job.