How Is Pea Gravel Priced Compared to Other Decorative Aggregates?

We have all been there. Standing in the yard. Staring at a patch of dirt. Phone in hand. Typing “pea gravel near me” and wondering… why does one pile of rocks cost way more than another?

They are all stones. So what is the deal?

Once we slow down and look at how decorative aggregates are priced, it starts to make sense. No sales pitch. No complicated talk. Just how it really works.

What actually affects the price?

Suppliers usually look at a few simple things.

First… where the stone comes from. Distance matters. A lot. The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association reports that transportation can account for almost half of the final cost of aggregates. Half. That means the farther the stone travels, the more you pay. That is why local material often comes with a better price tag.

Second… processing. Was the stone crushed? Washed? Sorted carefully by size? Polished? Every extra step adds labor, fuel, and time. And that adds cost. Simple material stays cheaper. Fancy finishes push the price up.

And then there is demand. Stones that people use every day tend to stay steady in price. Trendy or rare materials? They usually cost more because supply is tighter.

Why pea gravel is usually easier on the budget

Pea gravel is often one of the more affordable decorative options. In many places, it runs around $30 to $60 per ton, depending on location and delivery.

Why so reasonable?

It is naturally rounded. It does not need sharp cutting or shaping. It gets cleaned, screened, and that is about it. Less processing means lower cost. That is really the heart of it.

It is also used everywhere. Walkways. Patios. Play areas. Dog runs. Because demand stays steady, supply stays steady too. And that balance helps keep pricing predictable.

Nothing fancy. Just reliable.

What about crushed stone?

Crushed stone can sometimes cost a little less, often around $25 to $55 per ton. On paper, that sounds like a win.

But here is where real life steps in.

Crushed stone has sharp edges. That is great for locking together in driveways. Not so great if you plan to walk barefoot. Many homeowners still choose pea gravel because it feels softer and looks more relaxed.

So yes, crushed stone might save a few dollars upfront. But comfort matters. And looks matter too. We all know that feeling when something just feels better underfoot.

River rock… beautiful but expensive

Now let us talk about river rock. Prices usually jump to $70 to $120 per ton, sometimes more.

Why the jump?

River rock is heavier. It often comes from specific riverbeds. It needs more sorting. And heavier loads mean higher transport costs. Delivery alone can push the price up quickly.

Landscaping cost studies from HomeAdvisor show that decorative stones like river rock can cost nearly twice as much as basic aggregates once delivery is included.

It looks amazing. No question. But you definitely pay for that polished look.

Premium stones live in another world

Marble chips. Granite gravel. Colored decorative stones. These can run $150 to $300 per ton or even higher.

Why? Quarrying, extra processing, sometimes importing. More labor. More fuel. More handling.

At that point, you are paying for appearance more than function. And that is fine if the design calls for it. But it is not always necessary for everyday projects.

The long-term cost people forget

Here is something we rarely think about… maintenance.

Pea gravel is easy to top up. If it shifts or settles, you add a little more and smooth it out. Done.

Heavier stones like river rock are harder to move. Labor costs can climb if you ever need adjustments.

The University of Minnesota Extension notes that smaller aggregates are easier to redistribute and maintain. Over time, that can save money and effort. And effort counts, especially when you are the one holding the rake.

So is pea gravel the smarter buy?

For many homes… yes.

It is affordable. Comfortable. Easy to find. Easy to maintain. It may not scream luxury, but it quietly does the job well.

Other stones absolutely have their place. Some designs need bold texture or dramatic color. But if you want solid value without overthinking every dollar, pea gravel usually holds its ground.

Funny how the simplest option often makes the most sense.

Sometimes the stone that costs less ends up giving more. And that is worth thinking about before placing that order.