Concrete patio cost in Iowa City, IA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $1,200 – $3,900
- Per sq ft
- $3.85 – $11.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −3%
- US $2,650
- Rank of 300 metros
- #154
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a concrete patio in the Iowa City area: $1,200 to $3,900 for 300 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 3% lower than the US figure. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 93.7).
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Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Iowa City, IA, standard level
$2,000 to $3,050
About $6.20 to $9.35 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 53% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $870 | $1,100 |
| Labor | $990 | $1,700 |
| Permits and fees | $140 | $270 |
| Total | $2,000 | $3,050 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Iowa City, IA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $700 | $980 | $1,250 | 39% |
| Labor | $450 | $1,350 | $2,250 | 53% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $210 | $370 | 8% |
| Total | $1,200 | $2,550 | $3,900 | 100% |
What is behind the Iowa City number
Labor is 53% of the midpoint bill here, against 51% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is cement masons and concrete finishers (50%), construction laborers (30%), carpenters (10%), operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (10%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Iowa City the blended ratio comes out at 1.00.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Iowa City is at 93.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $1,050 nationally becomes $980 here (midpoint, 300 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 91.5: $45 to $370.
Pick a size, pick a tier: concrete patio pricing in Iowa City
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Iowa City. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from 10x10 (100 sq ft) to 20x20 (400 sq ft).
Basic
$1,200 to $2,250
Plain gray slab, broom finish, flat yard
Standard
$2,000 to $3,050
Colored or stained, saw-cut joints, minor grading
Premium
$2,800 to $3,900
Exposed aggregate or heavy decorative finish, drainage work
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 (100 sq ft) | $430 – $870 | $760 – $1,200 | $1,100 – $1,550 |
| 12x16 (192 sq ft) | $780 – $1,500 | $1,350 – $2,050 | $1,900 – $2,600 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $1,600 – $2,950 | $2,600 – $4,000 | $3,650 – $5,050 |
Why two Iowa City quotes can differ
Site prep
Excavation, forms and a gravel base are the unglamorous part of the bill and vary most with soil and slope.
Size
Small patios carry fixed costs for forms and mobilization, so the per-square-foot price drops as the patio gets bigger.
Permit
Permits run $50-$400 where required. Many cities don't require one for a small at-grade patio.
Is Iowa City cheap or dear? The local comparison
Of the five closest metros, none is cheaper than Iowa City. Cedar Rapids comes closest at about $2,550.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IAthis page | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | |
| Cedar Rapids, IA40 miles | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | +1% |
| Davenport, IA60 miles | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | +5% |
| Dubuque, IA75 miles | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | +1% |
| Waterloo, IA80 miles | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | +4% |
| Des Moines, IA110 miles | $1,200 – $4,000 | $2,600 | +3% |
| Iowa (statewide) | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | +1% |
| United States | $1,250 – $4,000 | $2,650 | +3% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Iowa City ranks #154 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Iowa City is 1% below the Iowa figure.
Elsewhere in Iowa
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | 404,130 jobs | $1,200 – $4,000 | $2,600 | +3% |
| Davenport, IA | 180,450 jobs | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | +5% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 139,260 jobs | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | +1% |
| Waterloo, IA | 84,260 jobs | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | +4% |
| Sioux City, IA | 75,010 jobs | $1,200 – $3,850 | $2,550 | level |
| Dubuque, IA | 58,470 jobs | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | +1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Iowa City against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 93,800 jobs | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | +5% |
| Oshkosh, WI | 93,750 jobs | $1,300 – $4,450 | $2,900 | +13% |
| Barnstable, MA | 94,110 jobs | $1,300 – $4,350 | $2,850 | +12% |
| Bremerton, WA | 93,740 jobs | $1,400 – $4,700 | $3,050 | +20% |
Who does the work: Iowa City trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 4 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Iowa City the blend is 1.00.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 50% of the weighting: a median of $27.95 an hour, in line with the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $24.95 and $29.32 an hour. About 80 work in the metro. That is 8.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 13.3 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $23.05 an hour, which is in line with the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $21.87 and $28.74 an hour. BLS counts 800 of them working in the area, 85.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Carpenters (47-2031), 10% of the weighting: a median of $23.89 an hour, 18% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $21.98 and $29.70 an hour. About 360 work in the metro. That is 38.4 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 10% of the weighting: a median of $29.10 an hour, in line with the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $27.22 and $34.14 an hour. About 210 work in the metro. That is 22.4 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (cement masons and concrete finishers) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $35 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $75. That is a swing of roughly 2.9% to 1.3% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Iowa City has 93,760 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 214th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 50% | $24.95 | $27.95 | $29.32 | $27.41 | 1.02 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $21.87 | $23.05 | $28.74 | $22.66 | 1.02 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $21.98 | $23.89 | $29.70 | $29.12 | 0.82 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $27.22 | $29.10 | $34.14 | $28.78 | 1.01 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.00 | |||||
Planning more than one job in Iowa City?
Jobs that often go together with concrete patio are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Iowa City wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, paver patio comes out highest (level) and wood deck lowest (−10%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,350 – $5,000 | −4% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,150 – $7,750 | −2% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,000 – $5,450 | level |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $6,800 – $13,700 | −10% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,550 – $9,000 | −2% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,000 – $7,350 | −1% |
Add-ons priced for Iowa City
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.97 for Iowa City, which is the average of the area's wage index (1.00) and goods price index (0.94). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add an acid or water-based stain | $870 – $2,900 |
The best months for concrete patio in Iowa City
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Iowa City Muni Ap (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For pouring concrete, the comfortable months in Iowa City are May through October: 6 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March, April, November and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below.
The 40°F line is a deliberately cautious stand-in. The American Concrete Institute's cold-weather guide (ACI 306R-16) defines cold-weather concreting around an average daily air temperature below 40°F, which is colder than our test of an average overnight low at or below 40°F, so we flag a few extra shoulder months. In cold weather crews may need heated enclosures, insulating blankets or accelerated mixes, and those measures can raise a quote.
Iowa City gets about 36 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are May, June and August (5.3 inches in June). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 3.2 and 3.0 inches. The station averages about 19 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 15 | 1.0 | Cold |
| Feb | 36 | 19 | 1.2 | Cold |
| Mar | 50 | 30 | 2.2 | Cold |
| Apr | 63 | 40 | 3.8 | Cold |
| May | 73 | 52 | 4.5 | Workable |
| Jun | 83 | 62 | 5.3 | Workable |
| Jul | 86 | 66 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Aug | 84 | 63 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Sep | 78 | 54 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 64 | 42 | 3.0 | Workable |
| Nov | 49 | 30 | 2.2 | Cold |
| Dec | 36 | 20 | 1.4 | Cold |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $2,000 to $3,050 for Iowa City, IA is attached.
Detailed concrete patio report for Iowa City, IA, $9
The report lays out the concrete patio numbers for Iowa City, IA line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Concrete patio in Iowa City: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete patio in Iowa City?
For 300 sq ft, expect $1,200 to $3,900 in the Iowa City area. A standard-spec job lands at $2,000 to $3,050. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete patio in Iowa City?
About $3.85 to $11.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $370 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $4 to $12.
+Is concrete patio cheaper in Iowa City or Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is 40 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $2,550, which is 1% more than Iowa City ($2,550). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Iowa City?
About 53% at the midpoint, or $1,350 out of $2,550. Materials are 39% and permits 8%. Nationally, labor is 51%.
+What would 12x16 (192 sq ft) cost in Iowa City?
$780 to $2,600. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete patio need a permit in Iowa City?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $370 for fees in the Iowa City area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Iowa City expensive for concrete patio compared with the rest of Iowa?
Iowa City is 1% below the Iowa statewide estimate ($2,550 at the midpoint). We cover 7 metros in Iowa; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Iowa City?
The BLS median is $27.95 an hour in the Iowa City area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $24.95 to $29.32.
+What do basic and premium concrete patio work cost in Iowa City?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $1,200 to $2,250 and premium work $2,800 to $3,900. Basic means: plain gray slab, broom finish, flat yard. Premium means: exposed aggregate or heavy decorative finish, drainage work.
+When is the best time to pour a concrete patio in Iowa City?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through October. September and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add an acid or water-based stain" add in Iowa City?
$870 to $2,900 for 300 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete patio near Iowa City
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- SimplyWise: Concrete Estimate Template: Free PDF + Excel (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Stamped Concrete Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = SimplyWise's sample 200 sq ft broom-finish patio line ($500-$900 in materials) divided by 200 sq ft.