Typical concrete costs in Illinois (2026)
Estimated cost (professionally poured & finished) for common projects in Illinois, next to the US average. Change any option in the calculator above to price your exact project.
| Project | Illinois range | Illinois typical | US typical |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10×10 ft patio, 4 in | $825 – $1,430 | $1,128 | $1,025 |
| 12×16 ft patio, 4 in | $1,584 – $2,746 | $2,165 | $1,968 |
| 12×40 ft driveway, 4 in | $3,960 – $6,864 | $5,412 | $4,920 |
| 24×24 ft garage slab, 4 in | $4,752 – $8,237 | $6,494 | $5,904 |
What changes the price in Illinois
Illinois's climate: cold, windy winters with deep frost and hot, humid summers. These local factors matter most for concrete projects:
- Order air-entrained concrete for anything outdoors. Illinois freeze–thaw cycles crack and flake plain concrete, so a 4,000 psi air-entrained mix is the standard exterior order here.
- Footings and post holes go below the frost line — about 42 in in the Chicago area and about 36 in across central and southern Illinois. Deeper holes mean more concrete than the national rule of thumb.
- Skip rock salt the first winter. De-icing salt scales young concrete; use sand for traction until the slab is a year old.
- Pouring season is roughly April–October. Cold-weather pours need insulated blankets and heated mix, which contractors charge extra for.
Labor, sales tax and permits in Illinois
- Labor and prices: Illinois's construction cost index is 1.10 — 10% above the US average, the 9th highest of the 50 states and DC. Prices in big metros (Chicago, Aurora, Naperville) usually run above the state average, and rural areas below it.
- Sales tax: 6.25% state rate plus local taxes (10.25% in Chicago). The estimates on this page don't include it.
- Building rules: Illinois follows local codes — most cities and villages adopt the IRC, while Chicago enforces its own Chicago Building Code. Permits and inspections are handled by your city or county, so confirm requirements with your local building department before you start.
Illinois vs. other large states
10×10 ft patio, 4 in thick, poured & finished — typical cost in the 10 most populous states:
| State | Typical cost | vs. US avg |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $912 | -11% |
| Georgia | $933 | -9% |
| Texas | $943 | -8% |
| Florida | $974 | -5% |
| Ohio | $994 | -3% |
| Michigan | $1,025 | — |
| Pennsylvania | $1,056 | +3% |
| Illinois | $1,128 | +10% |
| New York | $1,230 | +20% |
| California | $1,251 | +22% |
See all 50 states on the main concrete calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does concrete cost in Illinois?
10×10 ft patio, 4 in thick, poured & finished costs about $825–$1,430 in Illinois (typical $1,128), compared with $1,025 at the US average. Your exact price depends on size, materials and your contractor — use the calculator above for your own numbers.
When is the best time to pour concrete in Illinois?
Spring through fall, roughly April–October, when temperatures stay above 40°F. Cold-weather pours are possible but need blankets and heated mix.
Is concrete cheaper in Illinois than in other states?
Illinois's construction cost index is 1.10, 10% above the US average and the 9th highest of the 50 states and DC. Among the 10 most populous states, Illinois ranks 8th cheapest for this project.
Does the estimate include sales tax?
No. Sales tax on materials in Illinois is 6.25% state rate plus local taxes (10.25% in Chicago). Contractors usually build it into their quotes, so compare quotes on the same basis.