How much does excavation and grading cost in Long Beach, CA?

Most Long Beach homeowners spend between $9,150 – $27,500 on excavation and grading, with an average around $18,300. Local labor prices 22% above the national average, so Long Beach quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

Why is excavation and grading more or less expensive in Long Beach than elsewhere?

Long Beach pricing tracks greater LA with a small coastal premium. Salt air shortens the life of untreated metal and paint.

Do I need a permit for excavation and grading in Long Beach, California?

City permits required for exterior alterations; coastal zone triggers extra review. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in Long Beach?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured California contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Los Angeles market.

How much does excavation and grading cost in 2026?

Most homeowners pay between $7,500 and $22,500, with a national average near $15,000. Small, simple jobs land at the low end; large or premium-material jobs run well above the high end.

What is the cost per cubic yard?

Installed pricing usually runs $50.00 to $150.00 per cubic yard, including labor and materials. Expensive metros can run 15–45% higher than that range.

What drives the price up the most?

Scope and access. Larger quantities lower your per-cubic yard price, but difficult access, demolition of existing work, structural repairs found mid-job, premium materials and rush scheduling each add 8–30%.

Permits are typically required when the work changes structure or ties into electrical, plumbing, gas or mechanical systems. Budget $75–$600 in most cities and confirm whether your contractor pulls it — unpermitted work can block a future home sale.

How long does the job take?

Most residential projects of this type finish in one to five working days once materials are on site. Custom orders, inspections and weather are the usual causes of delay.

How many quotes should I get?

Three. Bids on the same scope commonly vary 20–40%, and the middle bid with the strongest warranty and references is usually the best value — the cheapest bid often excludes prep, disposal or permits.

Home/Cost guides/Excavation and Grading/Long Beach, CA

Los Angeles · California

Excavation and Grading cost in Long Beach, CA

Long Beach homeowners typically pay $9,150 – $27,500 for excavation and grading. Local labor and materials price 22% above the national average.

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Long Beach average

$18,300

Typical low

$9,150

Typical high

$27,500

Per cubic yard

$61 – $185

Sample ZIP

90802

What drives Long Beach pricing

Local labor

Long Beach pricing tracks greater LA with a small coastal premium.

Permits & code

City permits required for exterior alterations; coastal zone triggers extra review.

Climate & conditions

Salt air shortens the life of untreated metal and paint.

Instant cost calculator

Adjust the inputs to see live pricing

Material to move (cubic yards)150 cubic yards

Quality / material level

Site access

Removal / prep work

Timing

Estimated project cost

$10,830 – $14,963

Most homeowners pay around $12,896

Compare quality / material level

Cost by material in Long Beach

Installed Long Beach pricing per cubic yard.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Simple grading	$76 – $105	—	—
Standard excavation and haul	$105 – $135	—	—
Rock or difficult soil	$135 – $175	—	—
Excavation with retaining and drainage	$175 – $245	—	—

Where the money goes in Long Beach

A typical $18,300 Long Beach project, broken down by line item.

Labor0.45% · $82
Materials0.38% · $70
Permits & inspections0.05% · $9
Overhead & profit0.12% · $22

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on Long Beach quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Soil haul-off

$24 – $73

Rock breaking

$120 – $365

Erosion control

$610 – $3,650

Compaction testing

$490 – $1,850

Ways to save in Long Beach

Keep excavated soil on site for backfill and berms to avoid haul-off.
Schedule when the ground is dry — wet soil doubles handling time.
Collect three written bids on an identical scope — spreads of 20–40% are normal.
Book in the off-season and stay flexible on the start date to save 5–15%.
Bundle nearby work into one mobilization so you only pay setup and travel once.
Ask what the contractor would change to cut 10% without hurting durability.

Long Beach FAQs

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Excavation and Grading cost near Long Beach

Excavation and Grading cost in Los Angeles, CA

$9,300 – $27,951

Excavation and Grading cost in Pasadena, CA

$9,600 – $28,852

Excavation and Grading cost in Glendale, CA

$9,375 – $28,176

Excavation and Grading cost in Santa Clarita, CA

$8,700 – $26,148

Excavation and Grading cost in Torrance, CA

$9,225 – $27,725

More California cities

San Diego San Jose San Francisco Oakland Sacramento Fresno Anaheim Santa Ana

Other project costs in Long Beach

Fence Installation in Long Beach

$1,830 – $4,880

Roof Replacement in Long Beach

$10,370 – $41,480

Kitchen Remodel in Long Beach

$21,960 – $115,900

HVAC Replacement in Long Beach

$6,710 – $21,960

Deck Building in Long Beach

$5,368 – $14,640

Window Replacement in Long Beach

$549 – $1,830

See every Long Beach cost guide