Stamped concrete cost in San Francisco, CA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (400 sq ft)
- $4,050 – $10,200
- Per sq ft
- $10 – $24.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +27%
- US $5,600
- Rank of 300 metros
- #3
- 1 = most expensive
Stamped concrete in San Francisco, CA usually costs $4,050 to $10,200 for 400 sq ft. That works out to about $10 to $24.50 per sq ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $1,550 more. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $36.53 an hour in the San Francisco area, 33% above the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 400 sq ft in San Francisco, CA, standard level
$5,900 to $8,350
About $14.50 to $20 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 56% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,550 | $3,300 |
| Labor | $3,200 | $4,750 |
| Permits and fees | $160 | $300 |
| Total | $5,900 | $8,350 |
Cost breakdown for 400 sq ft in San Francisco, CA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,950 | $2,950 | $3,900 | 41% |
| Labor | $2,050 | $3,950 | $5,900 | 56% |
| Permits and fees | $60 | $230 | $400 | 3% |
| Total | $4,050 | $7,150 | $10,200 | 100% |
What is behind the San Francisco number
Labor is 56% of the midpoint bill here, against 48% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is cement masons and concrete finishers (60%), construction laborers (30%), 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 San Francisco the blended ratio comes out at 1.47.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. San Francisco is at 108.5 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $2,700 nationally becomes $2,950 here (midpoint, 400 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 115.6: $60 to $400.
Related projects, priced for San Francisco
Jobs that often go together with stamped concrete are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same San Francisco wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, gravel driveway comes out highest (+45%) and concrete slab lowest (+26%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,550 – $5,250 | +30% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $4,850 – $12,600 | +36% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,800 – $6,950 | +27% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $3,150 – $6,450 | +26% |
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $4,100 – $10,600 | +41% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $3,650 – $14,700 | +45% |
What local crews earn in San Francisco
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 3 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 San Francisco the blend is 1.47.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 60% of the weighting: a median of $36.53 an hour, 33% above the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $29.20 and $48.73 an hour. About 2,420 work in the metro. That is 10.2 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 $34.91 an hour, which is 54% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $28.03 and $40.50 an hour. BLS counts 11,620 of them working in the area, 48.9 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 10% of the weighting: a median of $59.97 an hour, 108% above the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $38.08 and $64.34 an hour. About 4,080 work in the metro. That is 17.2 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 $720 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $430. That is a swing of roughly 6.1% to 10.1% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont has 2,373,920 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 12th 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) | 60% | $29.20 | $36.53 | $48.73 | $27.41 | 1.33 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $28.03 | $34.91 | $40.50 | $22.66 | 1.54 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $38.08 | $59.97 | $64.34 | $28.78 | 2.08 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.47 | |||||
San Francisco: what basic, standard and premium work costs
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to San Francisco. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from 10x20 patio (200 sq ft) to 2-car driveway (600 sq ft).
Basic
$4,050 to $6,500
Basic pattern, one integral color
Standard
$5,900 to $8,350
Two-tone color release and a border
Premium
$7,750 to $10,200
Multi-color, hand-detailed, sealed to a high finish
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x20 patio (200 sq ft) | $2,050 – $3,350 | $3,050 – $4,350 | $4,000 – $5,300 |
| 20x20 patio (400 sq ft) | $4,050 – $6,500 | $5,900 – $8,350 | $7,750 – $10,200 |
| 2-car driveway (600 sq ft) | $6,050 – $9,700 | $8,800 – $12,400 | $11,500 – $15,100 |
Optional extras in San Francisco
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 1.28 for San Francisco, which is the average of the area's wage index (1.47) and goods price index (1.08). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add a vapor barrier | $260 – $510 |
San Francisco weather and the stamped concrete calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, San Francisco Dwtn (in the city). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
Weather is not a serious constraint for pouring concrete in San Francisco: no month in the averages is cold enough (an average overnight low of 40°F or below) or hot enough (an average daytime high of 90°F or more) to rule it out, so the workable window is all year.
San Francisco gets about 23 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are January, February and December (4.8 inches in December). The station averages about 3 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 | 58 | 47 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Feb | 60 | 48 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Mar | 62 | 49 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Apr | 63 | 50 | 1.6 | Workable |
| May | 64 | 51 | 0.7 | Workable |
| Jun | 67 | 53 | 0.2 | Workable |
| Jul | 66 | 54 | 0.0 | Workable |
| Aug | 68 | 56 | 0.1 | Workable |
| Sep | 70 | 56 | 0.1 | Workable |
| Oct | 70 | 54 | 0.9 | Workable |
| Nov | 64 | 51 | 2.6 | Workable |
| Dec | 58 | 47 | 4.8 | Workable |
How San Francisco compares
Of the five closest metros, all are cheaper than San Francisco. Stockton is the lowest at about $6,000 (midpoint, 400 sq ft), 55 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CAthis page | $4,050 – $10,200 | $7,150 | |
| Vallejo, CA40 miles | $3,650 – $8,950 | $6,300 | −12% |
| Napa, CA50 miles | $3,800 – $9,400 | $6,600 | −7% |
| Santa Cruz, CA55 miles | $3,550 – $8,700 | $6,100 | −14% |
| Stockton, CA55 miles | $3,500 – $8,550 | $6,000 | −16% |
| Santa Rosa, CA65 miles | $3,650 – $9,000 | $6,350 | −11% |
| California (statewide) | $3,650 – $8,950 | $6,300 | −12% |
| United States | $3,250 – $7,950 | $5,600 | −21% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, San Francisco ranks #3 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, San Francisco is 13% above the California figure.
Elsewhere in California
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | 6,271,560 jobs | $3,650 – $9,050 | $6,350 | −11% |
| Riverside, CA | 1,716,760 jobs | $3,450 – $8,550 | $6,000 | −16% |
| San Diego, CA | 1,538,060 jobs | $3,700 – $9,100 | $6,400 | −10% |
| San Jose, CA | 1,134,970 jobs | $3,950 – $9,950 | $6,950 | −3% |
| Sacramento, CA | 1,080,590 jobs | $3,600 – $8,850 | $6,200 | −13% |
| Fresno, CA | 476,890 jobs | $3,450 – $8,500 | $6,000 | −16% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is San Francisco against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, AZ | 2,375,760 jobs | $3,200 – $7,900 | $5,550 | −22% |
| Seattle, WA | 2,086,210 jobs | $3,850 – $9,700 | $6,800 | −5% |
| Boston, MA | 2,703,890 jobs | $3,500 – $8,750 | $6,150 | −14% |
| Minneapolis, MN | 1,951,650 jobs | $3,750 – $9,250 | $6,500 | −9% |
Why two San Francisco quotes can differ
Specialist labor
Stamping has to be done before the concrete sets, so crews arrive in larger teams and charge for it.
Sealing and vapor barrier
Sealer is usually quoted separately; vapor barrier material is $0.20-$1.50 per sq ft depending on thickness (HomeGuide).
Not included
These prices don't include site prep that depends on the project: demolition, grading, or a thicker base.
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 $5,900 to $8,350 for San Francisco, CA is attached.
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Multi-page report for San Francisco, CA: 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.
Stamped concrete in San Francisco: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour stamped concrete in San Francisco?
For 400 sq ft, expect $4,050 to $10,200 in the San Francisco area. A standard-spec job lands at $5,900 to $8,350. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for stamped concrete in San Francisco?
About $10 to $24.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $60 to $400 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $8 to $19.
+Is stamped concrete cheaper in San Francisco or Vallejo?
Vallejo is 40 miles away. The midpoint for 400 sq ft there is $6,300, which is 12% less than San Francisco ($7,150). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in San Francisco?
About 56% at the midpoint, or $3,950 out of $7,150. Materials are 41% and permits 3%. Nationally, labor is 48%.
+What would 20x20 patio (400 sq ft) cost in San Francisco?
$4,050 to $10,200. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does stamped concrete need a permit in San Francisco?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $60 to $400 for fees in the San Francisco area (our national range of $50 to $350 scaled by the local price level).
+Is San Francisco expensive for stamped concrete compared with the rest of California?
San Francisco is 13% above the California statewide estimate ($6,300 at the midpoint). We cover 23 metros in California; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in San Francisco?
The BLS median is $36.53 an hour in the San Francisco area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $29.20 to $48.73.
+What do basic and premium stamped concrete work cost in San Francisco?
For 400 sq ft, basic work runs $4,050 to $6,500 and premium work $7,750 to $10,200. Basic means: basic pattern, one integral color. Premium means: multi-color, hand-detailed, sealed to a high finish.
+Is there a bad season to pour stamped concrete in San Francisco?
Not from a temperature point of view. NOAA's 1991-2020 normals show no month with a freezing-level overnight low or a 90°F-plus average high, so timing is mostly about contractor availability and rain.
+What does "add a vapor barrier" add in San Francisco?
$260 to $510 for 400 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Stamped concrete near San Francisco
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 Stamped Concrete Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- SimplyWise: Concrete Estimate Template: Free PDF + Excel (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 200 sq ft stamped-patio line ($900-$1,800), divided by 200 sq ft.