How much does 100 lb of dry ice cost?

Dry ice is essential across many industries - from cold chain logistics to automotive cleaning and manufacturing. One of the most common questions customers ask is: "How much does 100 pounds of dry ice cost?"

As an expert in the dry ice cleaning equipment industry, I've prepared this comprehensive guide to help you understand current dry ice prices in the U.S., what factors affect those costs, and how your business can save money through smarter purchasing and usage strategies.

Average Cost of 100 Pounds of Dry Ice in the U.S.

As of late 2025, the average price of dry ice in the United States ranges between $1.00 and $1.50 per pound for bulk orders.

That means 100 pounds of dry ice typically costs between $100 and $150, depending on location, supplier, and delivery fees.

However, the price per pound can vary widely based on how and where you buy it. Here's a quick breakdown:

If you include delivery or shipping fees, expect to pay an extra $20–$50 for local delivery and up to $100–$200 for long-distance shipping.

What Affects Dry Ice Pricing?

Several key factors influence how much you'll pay for 100 pounds of dry ice:

Order Quantity

Buying in bulk almost always saves money. Many suppliers offer discounts when you order 500 lbs or more. Smaller orders (below 100 lbs) are often charged at a premium.

Form of Dry Ice

Dry ice comes in different shapes - blocks, pellets, or rice-sized particles.

• Blocks: Ideal for storage and shipping; generally cheaper per pound.
• Pellets: Preferred for cleaning and blasting; slightly higher cost due to manufacturing precision.
• Rice pellets: Specialized for dry ice cleaning machines; offer maximum efficiency but at a premium price.

Regional Availability

Dry ice prices can differ from one region to another because of CO₂ supply, local production, and transportation costs.

Here's an overview by region:

If you live near a dry ice production facility, you can often find better deals and lower transportation costs.

Delivery and Logistics

Dry ice sublimates quickly (evaporates into gas), so fast delivery and proper packaging are critical.

Suppliers may charge extra for insulated containers, express delivery, or special handling.

Cost Breakdown Example: Buying 100 lbs of Dry Ice

Let's take a realistic example:

• Base price: 100 lbs × $1.23/lb = $123
• Local delivery fee: $25–$40
• Estimated total cost: $145–$165

For comparison, large commercial buyers paying around $0.90/lb could get 500 lbs for $450, reducing the per-pound cost significantly.

Storage and Shelf Life Considerations

Dry ice sublimates at about 5–10 pounds per day under normal storage conditions.

That means a 100 lb batch may completely disappear in 10–20 days if not stored correctly.

To minimize loss:

• Use insulated containers or dedicated dry ice storage boxes.
• Avoid frequent opening of storage units.
• Plan your deliveries close to your usage schedule.

Proper handling can reduce sublimation losses to 2–5 pounds per day, saving up to 25% in overall material costs.

Comparing Dry Ice with Other Cleaning Methods

For industries using dry ice blasting or surface cleaning, understanding cost vs. alternatives is vital.

Although dry ice seems more expensive per session, its speed, cleanliness, and zero-waste nature often make it more cost-effective long-term - especially for automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing applications.

How to Save Money on Dry Ice Purchases

Here are five proven strategies from industry experience:

1. Buy in bulk - Coordinate with nearby businesses to share minimum order quantities.
2. Negotiate contracts - Regular customers can often secure volume discounts or free delivery.
3. Produce your own dry ice - If your consumption exceeds 100–200 lbs per week, investing in a dry ice maker can pay off quickly.
4. Train your operators - Skilled workers can reduce dry ice waste by up to 30%.
5. Maintain your cleaning equipment - Efficient machines use less dry ice per job.

Where to Buy 100 Pounds of Dry Ice

If you're in the U.S., you can find dry ice through these sources:

• Local gas suppliers: Airgas, Matheson, or regional distributors
• Industrial CO₂ suppliers: Specialized manufacturers offering bulk and contract options
• Online marketplaces: Some now provide same-day delivery with transparent pricing
• Retail or grocery stores: Convenient for small quantities but not cost-effective for large orders

Always compare:

• Unit price per pound
• Delivery and handling fees
• Customer service and reliability (especially for time-sensitive cleaning jobs)

Final Thoughts

To summarize, 100 pounds of dry ice typically costs between $100 and $175, depending on location, supplier, and delivery options. For most commercial users, $120–$150 is a reasonable expectation for delivered dry ice.

While it's an ongoing expense, the efficiency, cleanliness, and safety of dry ice cleaning often outweigh the cost compared to traditional methods.

If your business relies on frequent dry ice use - such as in automotive, food processing, or industrial maintenance - consider discussing with a supplier or investing in your own dry ice production equipment to reduce long-term costs.

The YJ.GB120P Dry Ice Pelletizer - Efficient, Reliable, and Sustainable

Our YJ.GB120P industrial dry ice pelletizer is built for high-demand users in cleaning, cold-chain, and manufacturing industries.

It delivers 260 lbs/h (120 kg/h) of dry ice with a 40–45% LCO₂-to-dry-ice conversion rate, producing dense pellets (1.3–1.45 g/cm³) for strong impact and lower consumption.

Featuring six interchangeable dies (3–19 mm), a robust alloy extrusion system, and intelligent PLC control, it ensures versatility, reliability, and energy efficiency - reducing both operational costs and environmental impact.

For businesses seeking to cut supply costs and ensure consistent quality, producing your own dry ice with the YJ.GB120P is a practical and profitable solution.