How Much Does Mulch Cost? (Per Yard & Per Bag)
Part of Landscaping & Aggregate
Quick answer
Bulk mulch costs about $30–$55 per cubic yard for standard hardwood, or roughly $40–$100 per yard once delivery is included. Bagged mulch runs $3–$6 per 2 ft³ bag. Dyed (black/red), cedar and rubber mulch cost more.
Mulch price depends on the material and whether you buy it bagged or in bulk. Bulk is cheaper per cubic foot but adds a delivery fee; bags cost more per foot but are easy to haul yourself.
Price by mulch type (bulk, per cubic yard)
| Type | Per cubic yard | Per 2 ft³ bag |
|---|---|---|
| Hardwood / standard | $30–$55 | $3–$5 |
| Dyed black or red | $35–$55 | $3.50–$6 |
| Cedar / cypress | $40–$70 | $4–$7 |
| Pine bark | $35–$55 | $4–$6 |
| Rubber mulch | $120–$250 | $7–$10 |
What drives the total
- Delivery: $50–$100 per load, often free above a minimum yardage.
- Bulk beats bags above ~6–8 bags' worth of material.
- Dyed and premium woods (cedar, cypress) carry a color/longevity premium.
- Rubber mulch costs far more upfront but lasts years instead of one season.
Enter your beds and a price per bag in the mulch calculator to get a quick material estimate. If you're hiring it out, the installed cost is higher — see the installation cost guide. Last verified: June 2026.
FAQs
How much is a yard of mulch?
Standard bulk hardwood mulch is about $30–$55 per cubic yard for the material, or $40–$100 delivered depending on distance and load size.
Is bagged or bulk mulch cheaper?
Bulk is cheaper per cubic foot. Bags are only more economical for very small jobs where a delivery fee isn't worth it.
How much does rubber mulch cost?
Rubber mulch runs about $7–$10 per 0.8 ft³ bag, or $120–$180 per cubic yard in bulk ($200–$250 bagged) — roughly $6–$10 per square foot installed. It costs far more than wood mulch up front but lasts 10+ years without replacing, so it can be cheaper over a decade.