Home Services
Driveways: Concrete vs. Asphalt Cost
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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The short answer
A concrete driveway costs about $6,400 on average, or $8 to $20 per square foot. An asphalt driveway costs about $5,348 on average, or $7 to $15 per square foot.
Asphalt usually costs less up front but needs sealing and upkeep every few years. Concrete usually costs more up front but often needs less upkeep.
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What a driveway costs
Price range
| Concrete | Asphalt | |
|---|---|---|
| Average | $6,400 | $5,348 |
| Typical range | $2,700 to $14,500 | $3,150 to $7,548 |
| Per square foot | $8 to $20 | $7 to $15 |
Concrete jobs can range from about $1,600 for a small pad to $32,000 for a large or decorative driveway.
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the contractor. Source: Angi, 2026.
What moves the number
- Size. Price is mostly by the square foot.
- Tear-out. Removing an old driveway adds labor and hauling.
- Site prep. Grading, excavation, and a solid gravel base are key to a driveway that lasts.
- Thickness and reinforcement. Thicker concrete or rebar costs more but handles heavier vehicles.
- Finish. Stamped, colored, or exposed-aggregate concrete costs more than a plain broom finish.
- Permits. Many towns require one, especially if you're changing the curb cut.
Concrete or asphalt?
Asphalt
- Costs less to install
- Is ready to use sooner
- Needs sealing about 6 months after installation, then maintenance every 3 to 5 years
- Can soften in extreme heat
Concrete
- Costs more to install
- Often lasts longer with less upkeep
- Can crack in freeze-thaw climates if the base or joints are poor
- Offers more decorative finishes
The right choice depends on your budget, your climate, and how long you'll stay in the home.
What a good driveway contract includes
- Dimensions and square footage.
- Tear-out and hauling of the old driveway.
- Base: how much gravel, how deep, and how it will be compacted.
- Thickness, and for concrete, any rebar or wire mesh.
- Drainage and slope, so water runs away from your garage and house.
- Permits, and who pulls them.
- Cure time, and when you can drive on it.
- Warranty.
What to ask
- "How thick will the driveway be, and what's under it?"
- "Who pulls the permit?"
- "How will water drain?"
- "When can I drive on it?"
- "What maintenance will it need, and when?"
The catch: the cheapest bid often skimps on the base. A thin or poorly compacted base can crack and sink within a few years, no matter how good the surface looks on day one.
Keep reading
Paying for a big project? Compare a home equity loan. Water pooling near the house? See gutters and basement waterproofing.
More exterior projects: Roof replacement · Windows · Siding · Doors · Gutters · Gutter guards · Garage doors · Decks · Fencing · Driveways · Tree service · Chimney repair · Pool installation · All home projects
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