How much does a gravel driveway cost in San Diego?

Material for a 12×24 ft gravel driveway runs about $215 in San Diego. Installed — delivery, spreading, grading, and compaction — expect $553 to $1,475 depending on depth and base work.

What does gravel cost per ton in San Diego?

Crushed stone and road base run about $45–$77 per ton in the San Diego area, plus a delivery fee of $64–$192 per dump-truck load. Larger loads cost less per ton, so one 15-ton delivery beats three small ones.

How many tons of gravel do I need?

Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 — crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. The calculator above does this automatically.

Is geotextile fabric worth it in San Diego?

Over soft or clay-heavy subgrade, yes: stone migrates down into the soil within a few seasons. Fabric costs $0.38–$0.77 per square foot, far less than the first re-graveling.

How often does a gravel driveway need topping up in San Diego?

Plan on a 1–2 inch top-up every 2–4 years plus occasional regrading to fix ruts and restore the crown — a fraction of the cost of rebuilding a neglected base.

Gravel Driveway Calculator › Cost by city › San Diego, CA

Gravel Cost in San Diego, CA

Gravel for a 12×24 ft gravel driveway in San Diego, CA costs about $215 ($183–$247). Local 2026 price is around $58 per ton. Free calculator inside.

Estimated cost — a 12×24 ft gravel driveway

$215

Typical range $183 – $247 · about $58 per ton in San Diego

Local unit price

$58

You need

2.67 cu yd

State factor

CA ×1.28

What goes into gravel cost in San Diego

The line items below are 2026 national averages adjusted by the CA construction-cost factor (×1.28). A written San Diego quote is usually built from these pieces — use them to sanity-check any bid line by line before you sign.

Cost item	Typical San Diego price	Unit
Crushed stone / road base, material	$45 – $77	per ton
Delivery, 10–15 ton dump load	$64 – $192	per load
Spreading & grading labor	$1.28 – $3.84	per sq ft
Geotextile fabric underlayment	$0.38 – $0.77	per sq ft

Permit fees are set by the city rather than the market — confirm current fees with the local building department.

What’s different about building in San Diego

In San Diego, sandy and well-drained near the coast; clay pockets inland makes the base prep straightforward — compact well and choose crushed rock with fines so the surface binds tight and sheds dust slower.

Permits: for larger flatwork, driveways, or anything structural, check requirements with San Diego Development Services Department before work starts.

Estimate your own San Diego project

Prices in San Diego, CA run about +28% versus the national average. Enter your dimensions — the calculator starts from the local $58 per ton rate; change it to your supplier's quote for an exact figure.

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Depth (in)

Local price (per ton)

You need

2.67 cu yd

Estimated material cost $215

Area

288 sq ft

Volume

72.0 cu ft

Weight

3.73 tons

Material shopping list

Order about 2.67 cubic yards of gravel.
Budget about $215 before delivery, taxes, and labor.
Add 5–10% waste for uneven subgrade, cuts, settling, or spillage.

Formula & assumptions

Area = length x width. Volume = area x depth / 12. Cubic yards = cubic feet / 27. Cost = quantity x local unit price.

Default depth: 3 inches
Default price: $58 per ton
Weight factor: 1.4 tons per cubic yard

These assumptions make the estimate easy for search engines and AI answer tools to verify. Replace the default price with your supplier quote for a local estimate.

Gravel cost in San Diego by project size

Material quantities use the local San Diego unit price; the last column adds delivery, base prep, and labor at CA-adjusted rates. Click any size for its full breakdown and calculator.

Project size	You need	Material cost	Installed estimate
10×20 ft · 3 in	1.85 cu yd	$149	$384 – $1,024
12×24 ft · 3 in	2.67 cu yd	$215	$553 – $1,475
16×40 ft · 3 in	5.93 cu yd	$478	$1,229 – $3,277
20×40 ft · 3 in	7.41 cu yd	$597	$1,536 – $4,096
20×50 ft · 3 in	9.26 cu yd	$747	$1,920 – $5,120
24×60 ft · 3 in	13.33 cu yd	$1,075	$2,765 – $7,373

Installed ranges assume straightforward access and a buildable subgrade; steep, tight, or poor-soil sites price above the top of the range.

Gravel questions San Diego homeowners ask

How much does a gravel driveway cost in San Diego?: Material for a 12×24 ft gravel driveway runs about $215 in San Diego. Installed — delivery, spreading, grading, and compaction — expect $553 to $1,475 depending on depth and base work.
What does gravel cost per ton in San Diego?: Crushed stone and road base run about $45–$77 per ton in the San Diego area, plus a delivery fee of $64–$192 per dump-truck load. Larger loads cost less per ton, so one 15-ton delivery beats three small ones.
How many tons of gravel do I need?: Multiply length × width × depth (in feet) to get cubic feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by 1.4 — crushed stone weighs about 1.4 tons per cubic yard. The calculator above does this automatically.
Is geotextile fabric worth it in San Diego?: Over soft or clay-heavy subgrade, yes: stone migrates down into the soil within a few seasons. Fabric costs $0.38–$0.77 per square foot, far less than the first re-graveling.
How often does a gravel driveway need topping up in San Diego?: Plan on a 1–2 inch top-up every 2–4 years plus occasional regrading to fix ruts and restore the crown — a fraction of the cost of rebuilding a neglected base.

Gravel cost in nearby cities

Los Angeles, CA San Jose, CA San Francisco, CA Fresno, CA Sacramento, CA Long Beach, CA Oakland, CA Bakersfield, CA

← Full Gravel Driveway Calculator

Regional estimate = national average adjusted by a CA cost factor. Not a quote. Actual prices vary by site conditions, access, and supplier.