Concrete patio cost in Detroit, MI
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $1,300 – $4,300
- Per sq ft
- $4.15 – $13
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +6%
- US $2,650
- Rank of 300 metros
- #63
- 1 = most expensive
Detroit homeowners pay roughly $1,300 to $4,300 to pour a concrete patio at 300 sq ft, or $4.15 to $13 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Detroit is 6% higher. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $29.96 an hour in the Detroit area, 9% above the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Detroit, MI, standard level
$2,200 to $3,400
About $6.80 to $10.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 55% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $920 | $1,150 |
| Labor | $1,100 | $1,950 |
| Permits and fees | $160 | $300 |
| Total | $2,200 | $3,400 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Detroit, MI
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $740 | $1,050 | $1,350 | 37% |
| Labor | $510 | $1,550 | $2,550 | 55% |
| Permits and fees | $50 | $230 | $400 | 8% |
| Total | $1,300 | $2,800 | $4,300 | 100% |
What is behind the Detroit number
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 4 trades: cement masons and concrete finishers at 50%, construction laborers at 30%, carpenters at 10%, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators at 10%. Weighted together, Detroit wages are 1.13 times the national level. Labor makes up about 55% of the midpoint estimate (51% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Detroit metro is 98.8 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 300 sq ft comes to $1,050, compared with $1,050 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (100.3) and land at $50 to $400.
Why two Detroit quotes can differ
Finish
Plain concrete is $4-$12 per sq ft and a broom finish $6-$13; designs with several colors and decorative finishes run up to about $28 (HomeGuide).
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.
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 4 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Detroit is 1.13 times the national level.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 50%) the local median is $29.96 an hour, which is 9% above the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $24.35 and $34.19 an hour. BLS counts 2,350 of them working in the area, 12.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 13.3), so the local bench is about average.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 30% of the weighting: a median of $27.61 an hour, 22% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.25 and $30.04 an hour. About 11,610 work in the metro. That is 61.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 10%) the local median is $31.64 an hour, which is 9% above the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $25.05 and $38.49 an hour. BLS counts 7,610 of them working in the area, 40.0 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is about average.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 10%) the local median is $32.76 an hour, which is 14% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $26.36 and $38.85 an hour. BLS counts 3,790 of them working in the area, 19.9 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the cement masons and concrete finishers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($34.19 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $100. At the 25th percentile ($24.35) it shrinks by about $140. The total moves by 3.7% or 4.9%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 1,904,530 jobs in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area. That makes it the 15th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 1.22% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 50% | $24.35 | $29.96 | $34.19 | $27.41 | 1.09 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $22.25 | $27.61 | $30.04 | $22.66 | 1.22 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $25.05 | $31.64 | $38.49 | $29.12 | 1.09 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $26.36 | $32.76 | $38.85 | $28.78 | 1.14 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.13 | |||||
Detroit: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Detroit wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 3 common sizes.
Basic
$1,300 to $2,500
Plain gray slab, broom finish, flat yard
Standard
$2,200 to $3,400
Colored or stained, saw-cut joints, minor grading
Premium
$3,100 to $4,300
Exposed aggregate or heavy decorative finish, drainage work
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 (100 sq ft) | $470 – $960 | $840 – $1,350 | $1,200 – $1,700 |
| 12x16 (192 sq ft) | $850 – $1,650 | $1,450 – $2,300 | $2,050 – $2,900 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $1,700 – $3,250 | $2,900 – $4,400 | $4,050 – $5,600 |
How Detroit compares
Same job, same size (300 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Detroit is the priciest of the group. Saginaw is the cheapest at $2,550.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MIthis page | $1,300 – $4,300 | $2,800 | |
| Flint, MI35 miles | $1,250 – $4,150 | $2,700 | −3% |
| Ann Arbor, MI45 miles | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | −6% |
| Saginaw, MI60 miles | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | −8% |
| Lansing, MI70 miles | $1,250 – $4,100 | $2,700 | −4% |
| Toledo, OH85 miles | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | −5% |
| Michigan (statewide) | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | −6% |
| United States | $1,250 – $4,000 | $2,650 | −6% |
Across 300 US metros, Detroit comes in at #63 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $3,800; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $2,100 (midpoints, 300 sq ft). Statewide, Detroit is 6% above the Michigan figure.
Other Michigan metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MI | 598,260 jobs | $1,200 – $3,950 | $2,600 | −7% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | 219,730 jobs | $1,250 – $4,050 | $2,650 | −6% |
| Lansing, MI | 217,180 jobs | $1,250 – $4,100 | $2,700 | −4% |
| Flint, MI | 135,040 jobs | $1,250 – $4,150 | $2,700 | −3% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | 121,790 jobs | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | −9% |
| Saginaw, MI | 80,000 jobs | $1,200 – $3,900 | $2,550 | −8% |
Cities with a workforce like Detroit's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Detroit against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis, MN | 1,951,650 jobs | $1,400 – $4,700 | $3,050 | +10% |
| Riverside, CA | 1,716,760 jobs | $1,350 – $4,400 | $2,850 | +2% |
| Seattle, WA | 2,086,210 jobs | $1,450 – $4,950 | $3,200 | +14% |
| Denver, CO | 1,609,350 jobs | $1,300 – $4,200 | $2,750 | −2% |
When to schedule concrete patio in Detroit
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Detroit City Ap (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
May through October is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Detroit (6 of 12 months). 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.
Detroit gets about 30 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are May, June and July (3.5 inches in May). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 3.1 and 2.3 inches. The station averages about 13 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 20 | 1.4 | Cold |
| Feb | 35 | 21 | 1.4 | Cold |
| Mar | 45 | 28 | 2.0 | Cold |
| Apr | 58 | 39 | 2.8 | Cold |
| May | 70 | 50 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Jun | 79 | 60 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Jul | 84 | 65 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Aug | 81 | 64 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Sep | 74 | 56 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Oct | 61 | 45 | 2.3 | Workable |
| Nov | 48 | 34 | 2.2 | Cold |
| Dec | 37 | 26 | 1.7 | Cold |
Planning more than one job in Detroit?
Because every project leans on different trades, Detroit's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, concrete driveway runs +9% and asphalt driveway +3%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,600 – $5,450 | +5% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,400 – $8,450 | +6% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,200 – $5,800 | +6% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,850 – $15,800 | +4% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,950 – $10,100 | +9% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,100 – $7,650 | +3% |
Extras that change the Detroit total
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Detroit by the average of the local wage index (1.13) and goods index (0.99), a factor of 1.06. Tick any of them in the estimator above to add them to your total. Treat these as planning figures: an add-on touches different trades than the main job, so the scaling is an approximation.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add an acid or water-based stain | $960 – $3,200 |
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 $2,200 to $3,400 for Detroit, MI is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
Multi-page report for Detroit, MI: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. 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 Detroit: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete patio in Detroit?
For 300 sq ft, expect $1,300 to $4,300 in the Detroit area. A standard-spec job lands at $2,200 to $3,400. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete patio in Detroit?
About $4.15 to $13 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $50 to $400 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $4 to $12.
+Is concrete patio cheaper in Detroit or Flint?
Flint is 35 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $2,700, which is 3% less than Detroit ($2,800). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Detroit?
About 55% at the midpoint, or $1,550 out of $2,800. Materials are 37% and permits 8%. Nationally, labor is 51%.
+What would 12x16 (192 sq ft) cost in Detroit?
$850 to $2,900. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete patio need a permit in Detroit?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $50 to $400 for fees in the Detroit area (our national range of $50 to $400 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Detroit expensive for concrete patio compared with the rest of Michigan?
Detroit is 6% above the Michigan statewide estimate ($2,650 at the midpoint). We cover 10 metros in Michigan; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Detroit?
The BLS median is $29.96 an hour in the Detroit area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $24.35 to $34.19.
+What do basic and premium concrete patio work cost in Detroit?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $1,300 to $2,500 and premium work $3,100 to $4,300. 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 Detroit?
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 Detroit?
$960 to $3,200 for 300 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete patio near Detroit
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.