Gravel driveway cost in Idaho Falls, ID
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (1,000 sq ft)
- $2,500 – $10,100
- Per sq ft
- $2.50 – $9.90
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −1%
- US $6,350
- Rank of 300 metros
- #138
- 1 = most expensive
Idaho Falls homeowners pay roughly $2,500 to $10,100 to install a gravel driveway at 1,000 sq ft, or $2.50 to $9.90 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Idaho Falls is almost level. Building materials run about 4% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 96.2).
Estimate your gravel driveway cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 1,000 sq ft in Idaho Falls, ID, standard level
$4,750 to $7,800
About $4.70 to $7.70 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 51% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,250 | $3,700 |
| Labor | $2,450 | $3,950 |
| Permits and fees | $55 | $130 |
| Total | $4,750 | $7,800 |
Cost breakdown for 1,000 sq ft in Idaho Falls, ID
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,150 | $3,000 | $4,800 | 47% |
| Labor | $1,350 | $3,200 | $5,100 | 51% |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $95 | $190 | 2% |
| Total | $2,500 | $6,300 | $10,100 | 100% |
Where the Idaho Falls price comes from
Labor is 51% of the midpoint bill here, against 50% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is construction laborers (50%), operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (50%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Idaho Falls the blended ratio comes out at 1.02.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Idaho Falls metro is 96.2 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 1,000 sq ft comes to $3,000, compared with $3,100 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (94.4) and land at $0 to $190.
Gravel driveway: what moves the price in Idaho Falls
Grading and edging
Grading runs $1-$3 per sq ft. Edging to keep the stone in is $5-$18 per linear foot.
Stone is sold by weight
Stone is priced by the ton, so every extra inch of depth or foot of width adds loads of delivery.
Permit
A driveway permit is typically $50-$200 where one is needed for a new curb cut or connection; plenty of rural counties require none.
When to schedule gravel driveway in Idaho Falls
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Idaho Falls Fanning Fld (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
May through September is the stretch where digging, grading and setting material in the ground runs into the fewest weather problems in Idaho Falls (5 of 12 months). January, February, March, April, October, November and December have an average overnight low at or below freezing (32°F).
In January, February, March, April, October, November and December the average low is at or below freezing, which means frozen ground and slower digging, compaction and sod or stone placement. NOAA counts about 182 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Idaho Falls gets about 10 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are April, May and June (1.6 inches in May). Inside the workable window, July and August are the driest, at 0.5 and 0.6 inches. The station averages about 26 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 | 29 | 12 | 0.7 | Cold |
| Feb | 34 | 16 | 0.6 | Cold |
| Mar | 47 | 25 | 0.8 | Cold |
| Apr | 58 | 31 | 1.0 | Cold |
| May | 67 | 38 | 1.6 | Workable |
| Jun | 76 | 45 | 1.1 | Workable |
| Jul | 87 | 49 | 0.5 | Workable |
| Aug | 86 | 48 | 0.6 | Workable |
| Sep | 75 | 41 | 1.0 | Workable |
| Oct | 59 | 31 | 0.9 | Cold |
| Nov | 43 | 22 | 0.7 | Cold |
| Dec | 30 | 13 | 0.8 | Cold |
Related projects, priced for Idaho Falls
Because every project leans on different trades, Idaho Falls's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, asphalt driveway runs +4% and concrete driveway −5%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,150 – $7,750 | +4% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,450 – $8,750 | −5% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $600 – $2,100 | +1% |
| Sod installation | 1,500 sq ft | $1,450 – $3,150 | −4% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,350 – $4,950 | −5% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,000 – $5,400 | −1% |
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 2 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Idaho Falls is 1.02 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 50% of the weighting: a median of $22.05 an hour, in line with the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $18.83 and $26.56 an hour. About 970 work in the metro. That is 118.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 50%) the local median is $30.73 an hour, which is 7% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $24.14 and $44.52 an hour. BLS counts 470 of them working in the area, 57.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the construction laborers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($26.56 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $310. At the 25th percentile ($18.83) it shrinks by about $220. The total moves by 5.0% or 3.6%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 81,840 jobs in the Idaho Falls area. That makes it the 233rd largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.05% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 50% | $18.83 | $22.05 | $26.56 | $22.66 | 0.97 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 50% | $24.14 | $30.73 | $44.52 | $28.78 | 1.07 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.02 | |||||
Cost by quality level and size in Idaho Falls
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Idaho Falls 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 4 common sizes.
Basic
$2,500 to $5,550
Crusher-run spread and compacted on firm ground
Standard
$4,750 to $7,800
Excavated base plus top course, fabric, light grading
Premium
$7,050 to $10,100
Deep multi-layer build, edging, culvert or drainage
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| single car (500 sq ft) | $1,250 – $2,800 | $2,400 – $3,950 | $3,600 – $5,150 |
| two car (1,000 sq ft) | $2,500 – $5,550 | $4,750 – $7,800 | $7,050 – $10,100 |
| 100 ft x 10 ft (1,000 sq ft) | $2,500 – $5,550 | $4,750 – $7,800 | $7,050 – $10,100 |
| long rural (2,000 sq ft) | $4,950 – $11,000 | $9,500 – $15,500 | $14,000 – $20,000 |
Idaho Falls against nearby metros and the rest of Idaho
Of the five closest metros, 3 are cheaper than Idaho Falls. Logan is the lowest at about $6,150 (midpoint, 1,000 sq ft), 125 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idaho Falls, IDthis page | $2,500 – $10,100 | $6,300 | |
| Logan, UT125 miles | $2,400 – $9,850 | $6,150 | −3% |
| Bozeman, MT145 miles | $2,650 – $10,800 | $6,750 | +7% |
| Ogden, UT175 miles | $2,450 – $10,000 | $6,250 | −1% |
| Boise, ID190 miles | $2,450 – $10,100 | $6,250 | level |
| Salt Lake City, UT210 miles | $2,500 – $10,100 | $6,300 | level |
| Idaho (statewide) | $2,450 – $10,100 | $6,250 | level |
| United States | $2,500 – $10,200 | $6,350 | +1% |
Across 300 US metros, Idaho Falls comes in at #138 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $9,500; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $5,200 (midpoints, 1,000 sq ft). Statewide, Idaho Falls is 0% above the Idaho figure.
Other Idaho metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise, ID | 391,790 jobs | $2,450 – $10,100 | $6,250 | level |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 72,280 jobs | $2,550 – $10,400 | $6,500 | +3% |
Cities with a workforce like Idaho Falls's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Idaho Falls against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head, SC | 81,920 jobs | $2,350 – $9,550 | $5,950 | −5% |
| Johnson City, TN | 81,690 jobs | $2,250 – $9,150 | $5,700 | −9% |
| Bowling Green, KY | 82,160 jobs | $2,400 – $9,750 | $6,050 | −4% |
| Odessa, TX | 80,910 jobs | $2,250 – $9,250 | $5,750 | −9% |
Optional extras in Idaho Falls
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Idaho Falls by the average of the local wage index (1.02) and goods index (0.96), a factor of 0.99. 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 edging (approx. 1 ft per 10 sq ft) | $500 – $1,800 |
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 $4,750 to $7,800 for Idaho Falls, ID is attached.
Detailed gravel driveway report for Idaho Falls, ID, $9
The report lays out the gravel driveway numbers for Idaho Falls, ID 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.
Gravel driveway in Idaho Falls: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a gravel driveway in Idaho Falls?
For 1,000 sq ft, expect $2,500 to $10,100 in the Idaho Falls area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,750 to $7,800. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for gravel driveway in Idaho Falls?
About $2.50 to $9.90 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $0 to $190 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $2.50 to $10.
+Is gravel driveway cheaper in Idaho Falls or Logan?
Logan is 125 miles away. The midpoint for 1,000 sq ft there is $6,150, which is 3% less than Idaho Falls ($6,300). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Idaho Falls?
About 51% at the midpoint, or $3,200 out of $6,300. Materials are 47% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 50%.
+What would 100 ft x 10 ft (1,000 sq ft) cost in Idaho Falls?
$2,500 to $10,100. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does gravel driveway need a permit in Idaho Falls?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $0 to $190 for fees in the Idaho Falls area (our national range of $0 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Idaho Falls expensive for gravel driveway compared with the rest of Idaho?
Idaho Falls is 0% above the Idaho statewide estimate ($6,250 at the midpoint). We cover 3 metros in Idaho; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Idaho Falls?
The BLS median is $22.05 an hour in the Idaho Falls area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $18.83 to $26.56.
+What do basic and premium gravel driveway work cost in Idaho Falls?
For 1,000 sq ft, basic work runs $2,500 to $5,550 and premium work $7,050 to $10,100. Basic means: crusher-run spread and compacted on firm ground. Premium means: deep multi-layer build, edging, culvert or drainage.
+When is the best time to install a gravel driveway in Idaho Falls?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May through September. July and August 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 edging" add in Idaho Falls?
$500 to $1,800 for 1,000 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Gravel driveway near Idaho Falls
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 Gravel Driveway Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- CalculateGravel: Gravel Driveway Cost in 2026 (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (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: Installed range spans a basic spread-and-compact job ($2.50/sq ft low, CalculateGravel) to a full build with excavation ($10/sq ft high, HomeGuide). Materials low end is DIY stone ($1.20/sq ft, CalculateGravel); high end is half of HomeGuide's $10 because it says labor is about 50% of the project.