3. Your Driveway Cost Comparison
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Estimates based on national averages adjusted for your state. Actual costs depend on site preparation, drainage, slope, local material availability, and contractor pricing. This is a planning tool, not a binding quote. Get at least 3 quotes from local contractors.
Planning Your Driveway Project?
Use this estimate to compare bids from local contractors. A good rule of thumb: get at least 3 quotes and ask about warranties.
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How This Calculator Works
This calculator estimates the total installed cost of five common driveway materials based on your driveway dimensions and state.
Material costs use national average price ranges from contractor pricing surveys. Each material has a low and high end — the calculator uses the midpoint, adjusted by your state's regional labor cost multiplier.
Regional multipliers reflect that labor and material delivery costs vary across the country. States are grouped into four tiers: Low cost (rural South/Midwest, 0.85×), Average (most states, 1.0×), High (Northeast/West Coast, 1.15×), and Very High (NYC metro, SF Bay Area, Hawaii, Alaska, 1.30×).
Cost per year divides the total installation cost by expected lifespan. This is the fairest way to compare materials — gravel is cheap upfront but needs replacing every 10 years, while pavers can last 50 years. The "BEST VALUE" tag highlights the material with the lowest annual cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to pave a driveway?
A paved driveway costs between $3 and $25 per square foot depending on the material. For a standard 2-car driveway (400 sq ft), expect to pay $1,200–$2,800 for asphalt, $2,400–$4,800 for concrete, or $4,800–$10,000 for pavers. Regional labor costs can push these prices 15–30% higher in major metro areas.
What is the cheapest driveway material?
Gravel is the cheapest driveway material at $1–$3 per square foot. It's also the easiest to install yourself. However, gravel requires regular maintenance (regrading, adding material) and only lasts about 10 years before needing significant replenishment. When you factor in long-term cost per year, asphalt or concrete may be more economical.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
A properly installed concrete driveway lasts 25–30 years with minimal maintenance. In cold climates with freeze-thaw cycles, applying a sealer every 2–3 years can extend its lifespan. Cracks can be repaired, but significant settling or heaving may require full replacement.
Is asphalt or concrete cheaper for a driveway?
Asphalt is cheaper upfront at $3–$7 per square foot installed, compared to $6–$12 for concrete. However, asphalt needs resealing every 3–5 years and lasts about 20 years, while concrete lasts 30 years with less maintenance. On a cost-per-year basis, the two are often very close, with the winner depending on local material and labor prices.
How much does it cost to replace an existing driveway?
Replacing an existing driveway adds $2–$4 per square foot for demolition and removal of the old surface. For a 400 sq ft driveway, that's an extra $800–$1,600 on top of the new material cost. Asphalt removal is typically cheaper than concrete removal because it's softer and lighter. Toggle "Yes" on the replacement option above to include removal costs in your estimate.
What size driveway do I need?
A single-car driveway is typically 12 feet wide by 20 feet long (240 sq ft). A double-car driveway is usually 20 feet wide by 20 feet long (400 sq ft). If you need a longer approach from the street, a 12×40 layout (480 sq ft) is common. Always check local building codes for minimum width requirements, and consider adding extra width if you need room to walk alongside parked cars.