How Much Does Mulch Cost?
Bulk mulch averages about $40 per cubic yard in 2026, while bagged mulch runs around $4 for a 2 ft³ bag — much more per yard. Topsoil and compost are priced similarly by the yard. Use the table and calculator below to estimate beds and borders.
Average prices by region
National-average material prices adjusted by region. Updated 2026-06-20. Estimates only — not quotes.
| Material | National | Northeast | South | Midwest | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk mulch / yd³ | $40.00 | $46.00 | $36.80 | $38.80 | $44.80 |
| Bulk topsoil / yd³ | $30.00 | $34.50 | $27.60 | $29.10 | $33.60 |
| Bulk compost / yd³ | $35.00 | $40.25 | $32.20 | $33.95 | $39.20 |
| 2 ft³ mulch bag / bag | $4.00 | $4.60 | $3.68 | $3.88 | $4.48 |
What affects the price
- Material — dyed hardwood, cedar, and rubber mulch vary widely in price.
- Bulk vs. bagged — buy bulk by the yard for anything bigger than a few beds.
- Delivery minimums and spreading labor.
- Seasonal demand (spring is peak).
Estimate your project
Enter your dimensions to get a quantity and cost estimate. For the full tool, open the Mulch Calculator .
Project inputs
How this is calculated
- Area = 10 ft × 10 ft = 100 ft²
- Cubic yards = (100 ft² × 3 in) ÷ 324 = 0.93 yd³
- Add 10% waste → 1.02 yd³
- Bags = 27.5 ft³ ÷ 2 ft³ = 14 bags
Bulk material is sold by the cubic yard; the bag count uses standard 2 ft³ bags.
The math
National-average prices, adjusted by region. Edit any unit price to match a local quote. Estimate only.
How we estimate these prices
National-average material prices from landscape-supplier and home-center listings, adjusted by region. Excludes delivery and installation. Confirm locally before ordering.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard of mulch cost? ⌄
Bulk hardwood mulch averages about $40 per cubic yard for the material in 2026. Dyed, cedar, and rubber mulches cost more. Delivery is usually extra and may carry a minimum order of a few yards.
How much area does a cubic yard of mulch cover? ⌄
One cubic yard covers about 100 square feet at 3 inches deep, or roughly 160 square feet at 2 inches. Beds are typically mulched 2–3 inches deep. Our mulch calculator converts your bed size and depth into yards or bags.
How many bags of mulch equal a yard? ⌄
A cubic yard equals about 13.5 bags of the common 2 ft³ size. Because bagged mulch costs far more per cubic yard, buying bulk pays off once you need more than roughly 10–12 bags.
When is the cheapest time to buy mulch? ⌄
Prices and availability are usually best outside the spring rush. Late summer and fall bring lower demand, and some suppliers discount aged or bulk-delivered mulch. Spring is peak season and peak price.