True Cost Index
5 cities. Every service.
Outdoor Living & Hardscapes true cost benchmarks. Cost range, verified floor, markup, and bid fairness inputs by city.
How this number is calculated
TheFatBook models outdoor living & hardscapes from Craftsman labor hours, BLS regional wages, burden, PPI-adjusted materials, permit data where available, and contractor overhead benchmarks. Cost index version: 2026.Q2. Updated May 2026.
Data Sources Used On This Page
- Independent FatBook v3 cost index for Outdoor Living & Hardscapes cost index.
- BLS OEWS wage inputs and FRED PPI material inflation references.
- Craftsman labor-hour references and contractor overhead benchmarks.
- Verified permit/source data from PermitCalculator.com and permits_compiled where available.
Cost-index version: 2026.Q2
Updated: May 2026
Sources: BLS, Craftsman, FRED
Reviewed by: Leonard "Chuck" Thompson
Estimate Scope
What the outdoor living & hardscapes benchmark includes.
Included in the benchmark
- Concrete Patio Installation as the headline cost-index scope
- labor-hour assumptions, regional wage inputs, materials, overhead, and permit data where available
- low, average, high, verified-floor, markup, and savings benchmarks from the FatBook cost index
Not included automatically
- hidden damage, change orders, emergency service premiums, or unusual site access conditions
- contractor financing approval, warranties, provider recommendations, or guaranteed final quotes
- permit rulings for a specific address unless the city permit panel lists verified local data
| City | Average | Low | High | Floor | Markup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $4,174 | $3,737 | $4,556 | $2,509 | 39.9% |
| Austin | $4,185 | $3,759 | $4,558 | $2,708 | 35.3% |
| Chicago | $5,205 | $4,710 | $5,639 | $3,564 | 31.5% |
| Denver | $3,978 | $3,592 | $4,315 | $2,495 | 37.3% |
| Phoenix | $4,011 | $3,621 | $4,353 | $2,655 | 33.8% |
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Cost index built by David Olson, Founder of TheFatBook · Methodology reviewed by Leonard "Chuck" Thompson, LC Thompson Construction Co. · 2026.Q1