Driveway Cost Breakdown
Estimated Total Cost
$2,640 - $5,280
480 sqft plain concrete driveway
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Last updated: 2026-02-22
Quick Answer
A new driveway costs $1-$25 per square foot installed depending on the material. Gravel is cheapest at $1-$3/sqft, asphalt runs $3-$7/sqft, plain concrete $5-$10/sqft, and pavers $10-$25/sqft. A standard 2-car driveway (480 sqft) typically runs $2,500 to $7,500 in concrete. Add 10-15% for removal of an existing driveway if you are replacing one.
Inputs you'll need
- Driveway length and width (feet)
- Preferred material (concrete, asphalt, gravel, or pavers)
- Whether you are replacing an existing driveway or installing new
Driveway cost by material
| Material | Cost/Sqft (Installed) | 2-Car Driveway (480 sqft) | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel | $1-$3 | $500-$1,500 | 5-10 years |
| Asphalt | $3-$7 | $1,500 to $3,500 | 15-20 years |
| Plain Concrete | $5-$10 | $2,500 to $5,000 | 25-30 years |
| Stamped Concrete | $8-$16 | $4,000 to $8,000 | 25-30 years |
| Concrete Pavers | $10-$25 | $5,000 to $12,000 | 25-50 years |
Worked examples
Example A (2-car concrete driveway, new construction): 20 ft x 24 ft, plain concrete
- Area = 20 x 24 = 480 sqft
- Materials = 480 x $2.50-$4.50 = $1,200 to $2,160
- Labor = 480 x $2.00-$4.00 = $960-$1,920
- Excavation + base = 480 x $1.00-$2.50 = $480-$1,200
- Total = $2,640 to $5,280
Example B (single-car asphalt replacement): 20 ft x 12 ft, removing old concrete first
- Area = 20 x 12 = 240 sqft
- Old concrete removal = 240 x $1.50-$3.50 = $360-$840
- Asphalt installed = 240 x $3.00-$7.00 = $720-$1,680
- Excavation + base = 240 x $1.00-$2.50 = $240-$600
- Total with removal = $1,320 to $3,120
For gravel driveway material quantities, use the gravel calculator to estimate tons needed. If you are pouring concrete, the concrete calculator will estimate yards and bags.
Pro tips from the field
- Never skip the base. A 4-6 inch compacted gravel base is the foundation of every good driveway. Contractors who skip it save a few hundred dollars now but create callbacks and cracks within 2-3 years.
- Grade for drainage. Your driveway should slope away from the garage at 1/4 inch per foot minimum (2% grade). Water pooling on the surface shortens the life of any material.
- Get 3 bids and compare scope. The cheapest bid often leaves out excavation, base prep, or proper forming. Compare line items, not just bottom-line numbers. A bid that includes everything at a slightly higher price is better than a lowball that hits you with change orders later.
- Consider long-term cost. Gravel costs $500 to $1,500 upfront but needs annual maintenance. Concrete costs $2,500 to $5,000 but lasts 25+ years with minimal upkeep. Run the 20-year numbers before deciding.
- Schedule for mild weather. Concrete and asphalt both need 50F+ temperatures for proper installation. Spring and fall typically offer better contractor availability and pricing than peak summer.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing on price alone. The cheapest driveway material is gravel, but it needs the most maintenance. The cheapest contractor bid often skips critical steps like proper base compaction and forming.
- Ignoring drainage. A flat or poorly graded driveway holds water, which causes frost damage in cold climates and accelerates surface deterioration everywhere.
- Undersizing the base. Driveways need at least 4 inches of compacted gravel base (6-8 inches in cold climates). A thin base leads to settling and cracking.
- Pouring concrete too thin. Residential driveways need a minimum 4-inch slab. Anything less cracks under normal vehicle loads, especially at the edges and road apron.
- Skipping sealing. Concrete and asphalt driveways both benefit from periodic sealing. Unsealed concrete absorbs moisture and spalls. Unsealed asphalt oxidizes and becomes brittle.
Building your driveway estimate is just the first step. Try EstimationPro free to turn your material takeoffs into professional proposals with automated follow-up, so you win more of the bids you already send.
Driveway Cost & Material Guide
2026 driveway installation costs, material comparisons, lifespan data, and maintenance requirements for every driveway type.
How Much Does a New Driveway Cost in 2026?
A new driveway costs $2,500-$15,000+ depending on material, size, and site conditions. Here are installed costs per square foot by material type:
- Gravel: $1-$3/sqft installed ($500-$2,000 for a 2-car driveway)
- Asphalt: $3-$7/sqft installed ($2,000-$5,000 for a 2-car driveway)
- Plain concrete: $5-$10/sqft installed ($3,000-$7,500 for a 2-car driveway)
- Stamped concrete: $8-$16/sqft installed ($5,000-$12,000 for a 2-car driveway)
- Concrete pavers: $10-$25/sqft installed ($6,000-$15,000+ for a 2-car driveway)
These ranges include excavation, base preparation, and installation labor. Removal of an existing driveway adds $1.50-$3.50/sqft.
Key Takeaways
- Gravel: $1-$3/sqft (cheapest, 5-10 year lifespan)
- Concrete: $5-$10/sqft (most popular, 25-30 year lifespan)
- Pavers: $10-$25/sqft (premium, 25-50 year lifespan)
Concrete vs Asphalt Driveway: Cost Comparison
Concrete costs 30-50% more upfront but lasts 10+ years longer than asphalt, making the lifetime cost similar.
| Factor | Concrete | Asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $5-$10/sqft | $3-$7/sqft |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 15-20 years |
| Maintenance | Seal every 3-5 years | Seal every 2-3 years |
| Repair cost | $300-$800 per crack | $100-$300 per patch |
| Climate | Handles freeze-thaw well | Softens in extreme heat |
In cold climates, concrete with proper air entrainment handles freeze-thaw cycles better. In hot climates, asphalt can soften and rut under heavy vehicles.
Key Takeaways
- Concrete lasts 25-30 years vs asphalt 15-20 years
- Asphalt needs resealing every 2-3 years
- Lifetime costs are similar when you factor in longevity
What Affects Driveway Installation Cost?
Five factors drive the final price: material choice, driveway size, site prep difficulty, old driveway removal, and local labor rates.
- Size: A standard 2-car driveway is 20x24 ft (480 sqft). Larger driveways get slightly better per-sqft pricing.
- Site prep: Steep grades, poor drainage, and rocky soil add $1-$3/sqft in excavation costs.
- Existing driveway removal: Concrete removal costs $1.50-$3.50/sqft. Asphalt removal is cheaper at $1-$2/sqft.
- Base work: A proper 4-6 inch compacted gravel base is required for concrete and pavers. Skipping this step causes cracking within 2-3 years.
- Regional labor rates: Costs run 20-40% higher in urban areas vs rural markets.
Key Takeaways
- Standard 2-car driveway: 20x24 ft (480 sqft)
- Old driveway removal adds $1.50-$3.50/sqft
- Proper base work prevents premature cracking
Driveway Material Lifespan & Maintenance Costs
The cheapest driveway upfront is rarely the cheapest over 20 years. Factor in maintenance and replacement when comparing materials.
- Gravel (5-10 years): Needs annual regrading ($100-$300) and fresh top layer every 3-5 years ($500-$1,500)
- Asphalt (15-20 years): Sealcoat every 2-3 years ($0.20-$0.40/sqft), crack fill as needed ($100-$300)
- Concrete (25-30 years): Seal every 3-5 years ($0.15-$0.30/sqft), minimal repairs
- Pavers (25-50 years): Resand joints every 2-3 years, replace individual pavers if damaged ($5-$15 each)
- Stamped concrete (25-30 years): Reseal every 2-3 years ($0.30-$0.60/sqft) to maintain color and pattern
Key Takeaways
- Gravel: lowest upfront, highest annual maintenance
- Pavers: highest upfront, longest lifespan (25-50 years)
- Concrete: best balance of cost and longevity for most homeowners
How to Use This Calculator
Choose your driveway material
Select from plain concrete, asphalt, gravel, concrete pavers, or stamped concrete. Each material has different installed costs and expected lifespans.
Select or enter your driveway size
Pick a common preset (1-car, 2-car, or extended) or enter custom dimensions. A standard 2-car driveway is 20 ft long by 24 ft wide.
Add removal if replacing an existing driveway
Check the removal box to include demolition and haul-away costs for an existing driveway. Removal runs $1.50-$3.50 per square foot for concrete.
Review your total cost breakdown
See materials, labor, excavation, and base prep costs broken out separately. Compare the cost-per-square-foot to evaluate different material options.
Driveway Cost Formulas
Total Area = Length x Width
Material Cost = Area x Material Rate ($/sqft)
Labor Cost = Area x Labor Rate ($/sqft)
Total = Material + Labor + Excavation + Base Prep + Removal (if applicable)Where:
- Length, Width
- = Driveway dimensions in feet
- Material Rate
- = Varies by type: $0.50-$10.00/sqft for materials
- Labor Rate
- = Varies by type: $0.50-$10.00/sqft for installation
- Excavation
- = $0.25-$1.50/sqft for grading and site prep
- Removal
- = $1.50-$3.50/sqft if replacing existing driveway
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to pave a driveway?
Driveway paving costs depend on material: gravel runs $1-$3/sqft, asphalt $3-$7/sqft, concrete $5-$10/sqft, and pavers $10-$25/sqft installed. A standard 2-car driveway (480 sqft) costs $2,500 to $7,500 in concrete or $1,500 to $3,500 in asphalt. These prices include excavation, gravel base, and installation labor.
Is concrete or asphalt cheaper for a driveway?
Asphalt is 30-50% cheaper upfront at $3-$7/sqft vs $5-$10/sqft for concrete. However, asphalt needs resealing every 2-3 years and lasts 15-20 years, while concrete lasts 25-30 years with less maintenance. Over 30 years, total cost of ownership is similar. Concrete is the better long-term investment in most climates.
How much does a 2-car concrete driveway cost?
A standard 2-car concrete driveway (20 x 24 ft, or 480 sqft) costs $2,500 to $5,000 for plain concrete and $4,000 to $8,000 for stamped or decorative concrete. Add $700 to $1,700 if you need to remove an existing driveway first. These estimates include excavation, 4-6 inch compacted gravel base, 4-inch concrete slab, and finishing.
How long does a driveway last?
Driveway lifespan varies by material: gravel lasts 5-10 years before needing a full refresh, asphalt 15-20 years, plain concrete 25-30 years, stamped concrete 25-30 years, and concrete pavers 25-50 years. These estimates assume proper installation with adequate base preparation and routine maintenance like sealing.
Do I need a gravel base under my driveway?
Yes, for concrete, asphalt, and pavers. A compacted gravel base (4-6 inches for driveways, 6-8 inches in cold climates) provides drainage, prevents frost heave, and stops the slab from settling. Skipping the base saves $200-$500 upfront but typically causes cracking within 2-3 years. It is the most common shortcut that leads to early failure.
How much does it cost to remove an old driveway?
Old driveway removal costs $1.50-$3.50 per square foot for concrete (heavier, requires equipment) and $1-$2/sqft for asphalt. A 480 sqft concrete driveway costs $700-$1,700 to demo and haul away. Gravel driveways are the cheapest to remove at $0.50-$1.50/sqft since the material can often be reused as fill.
What is the cheapest driveway material?
Gravel is the cheapest driveway material at $1-$3 per square foot installed. A full 2-car gravel driveway costs $500-$1,500. The trade-off is durability. Gravel driveways need annual regrading ($100-$300), new top layers every 3-5 years, and only last 5-10 years before a full rebuild. For a longer-lasting budget option, asphalt at $3-$7/sqft is a better middle ground.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
A residential concrete driveway should be 4 inches thick minimum for standard passenger vehicles. If you park trucks, RVs, or heavy equipment, pour it 5-6 inches thick and add wire mesh or rebar reinforcement. The edges and areas near the road apron should be thickened to 6 inches since they take the most stress from turning vehicles.
Are pavers worth it for a driveway?
Pavers cost 2-3x more than concrete upfront but last 25-50 years with very low maintenance costs. The biggest advantage is repairability. If a section settles or a paver cracks, you replace individual pieces for $5-$15 each instead of jackhammering a concrete slab. Pavers also handle freeze-thaw cycles better because the joints flex instead of cracking. For a high-end driveway that adds curb appeal and property value, pavers are a strong choice.
When is the best time to install a driveway?
Late spring through early fall is the best window for driveway installation. Concrete needs temperatures above 50F for proper curing (ideally 60-80F). Asphalt requires 50F+ and should not be laid on wet ground. Scheduling in spring or fall often gets you better contractor availability and pricing compared to peak summer season when everyone is booked.
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