Scrap car prices can vary significantly depending on where you are in the United States. Factors such as local demand, proximity to scrap yards, transportation costs, and regional economic activity all play a role in determining how much your car is worth when scrapped.
In this guide, we’ll break down the regional scrap car markets in the U.S., explaining how prices differ and what factors contribute to those differences.
Why Do Scrap Car Prices Vary by Region?
Several factors affect the scrap car prices in different regions:
- Local Demand for Scrap Metal: Areas with a higher demand for scrap metal, often driven by local industries, tend to offer higher prices for scrap cars.
- Proximity to Scrap Yards: In more rural areas, the distance from scrap yards may result in lower offers due to higher transportation costs.
- State Regulations: Environmental laws and regulations can influence the way cars are scrapped, potentially affecting the prices.
- Market Competition: Cities with many scrap yards often have more competitive prices, while regions with fewer options may offer less.
- Export Opportunities: Coastal regions with access to ports often see higher prices due to the ability to export scrap metal overseas.
Regional Scrap Car Prices: Breakdown by Area
Here’s what you can expect in terms of scrap car prices across different U.S. regions, based on market data and local trends.
1. West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington)
- Average Price per Net Ton (nt): $170 – $220
- Factors Affecting Prices: The West Coast benefits from proximity to export markets, with ports in California and Washington allowing for the easy shipping of scrap metal overseas. Additionally, strong demand from local industries drives higher prices, especially in urban areas.
- What to Expect: In cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, you’ll generally see higher prices due to competition among scrap yards and the presence of many metal recyclers.
2. Midwest (Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana)
- Average Price per Net Ton (nt): $150 – $200
- Factors Affecting Prices: The Midwest has a robust industrial base, with strong demand for scrap metal from manufacturing plants and steel mills. Prices in this region tend to be stable, though they may fluctuate based on market conditions in the automotive and manufacturing sectors.
- What to Expect: In cities like Detroit, Chicago, and Cleveland, scrap car prices are often competitive due to local demand for scrap metal, particularly steel.
3. Northeast (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania)
- Average Price per Net Ton (nt): $160 – $210
- Factors Affecting Prices: The Northeast region sees strong demand for scrap metal due to its industrial and construction sectors. Coastal areas like New York City and New Jersey often have slightly higher prices because of easy access to ports for exporting scrap metal.
- What to Expect: In urban areas, you’re likely to get higher offers due to competition among scrap yards, while more rural areas may see lower prices due to transportation costs.
4. South (Texas, Florida, Georgia)
- Average Price per Net Ton (nt): $140 – $190
- Factors Affecting Prices: Scrap car prices in the South can vary widely based on location. Urban areas with strong industrial activity, such as Houston and Atlanta, tend to offer higher prices. However, rural areas may see lower offers due to the need to transport scrap metal over long distances.
- What to Expect: In coastal cities like Miami, you may see better prices because of the proximity to ports and the ability to export scrap. Interior states may have more regional price fluctuations.
5. Southeast (North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia)
- Average Price per Net Ton (nt): $140 – $180
- Factors Affecting Prices: The Southeast benefits from strong agricultural and manufacturing sectors, both of which contribute to steady demand for scrap metal. However, prices can be lower in rural areas due to fewer scrap yards and higher transportation costs.
- What to Expect: Urban areas like Charlotte and Raleigh offer competitive prices, but prices drop in more rural parts of the region where scrap yards are less prevalent.
6. Mountain States (Colorado, Utah, Nevada)
- Average Price per Net Ton (nt): $130 – $175
- Factors Affecting Prices: The Mountain States often have fewer scrap yards, which can lower prices, especially in rural areas. However, in cities like Denver and Salt Lake City, demand from construction and manufacturing can boost scrap prices.
- What to Expect: Urban centers generally offer competitive pricing, while more remote areas may see significant reductions due to the cost of transporting scrap cars to the nearest yard.
7. Southwest (Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada)
- Average Price per Net Ton (nt): $135 – $185
- Factors Affecting Prices: The Southwest’s scrap car prices vary by proximity to urban areas. In cities like Phoenix and Las Vegas, competition among scrap yards can drive up prices. However, rural areas with less competition may offer lower rates.
- What to Expect: Cities close to the West Coast may benefit from export opportunities, while prices in interior regions may be more influenced by local demand.
8. Great Plains (Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma)
- Average Price per Net Ton (nt): $120 – $160
- Factors Affecting Prices: In the Great Plains, scrap prices tend to be lower due to fewer scrap yards and longer distances to transport cars. The agricultural focus in this region means that local demand for scrap metal can fluctuate.
- What to Expect: Oklahoma City and Wichita may offer competitive prices, but smaller towns and rural areas will likely see lower offers due to the logistical challenges of transporting scrap metal.
Tips for Getting the Best Regional Scrap Car Price
Here are some strategies to ensure you get the highest price for your scrap car, regardless of your location:
- Get Multiple Quotes: Always compare offers from multiple scrap yards to find the best price in your area. Urban areas often have more competition, which can lead to better offers.
- Consider Transportation Costs: If you’re located far from a scrap yard, some companies may deduct transportation costs from your offer. Choose a scrap yard that offers free towing to maximize your profit.
- Know the Local Market: Scrap metal prices fluctuate based on regional demand. Keep an eye on local prices before scrapping your car, and sell when demand is high.
- Prepare Your Car: If possible, remove valuable parts like the catalytic converter or battery to sell separately. Some yards may give you a better price if these parts are intact.
How to Find the Best Scrap Yard in Your Region
- Search for Nearby Scrap Yards: Use online directories or Google to find scrap yards close to your location.
- Look for Reviews: Choose scrap yards with good reviews for fair pricing, honesty, and transparency.
- Ask About Towing Fees: Make sure to inquire whether the scrap yard offers free towing or if there will be any deductions for transportation.