Driveway Paving Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$864 – $2,016
$3.00 – $7.00 per sq ft (installed)
Material
$288 – $576
Labor
$576 – $1,440
Driveway Area
288 sq ft
Paving Type
Asphalt
Base Prep: Proper base preparation (4–8 inches of compacted gravel) is critical for driveway longevity. A well-prepared base prevents cracking, settling, and drainage problems. Always get this confirmed in your contractor quote.
Asphalt Tip: Sealcoat your asphalt driveway every 2–3 years ($0.15–$0.25/sq ft) to protect against UV damage, water penetration, and oil stains. First sealcoat should be applied 6–12 months after installation.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Driveway Paving Cost Breakdown
| Paving Material | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | $1.00 – $2.00 | $2.00 – $5.00 | $3.00 – $7.00 |
| Standard Concrete | $2.00 – $4.00 | $4.00 – $8.00 | $6.00 – $12.00 |
| Stamped Concrete | $3.00 – $6.00 | $5.00 – $12.00 | $8.00 – $18.00 |
| Brick Pavers | $4.00 – $8.00 | $6.00 – $12.00 | $10.00 – $20.00 |
| Natural Stone Pavers | $6.00 – $12.00 | $8.00 – $15.00 | $14.00 – $27.00 |
* Costs shown for new installation on flat grade (1.0× labor). Existing driveway removal adds 15%, steep grade adds 25%.
Average Project Costs (Standard Concrete, New Installation)
| Driveway | Size | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|
| Single Car | 20 × 12 ft (240 sq ft) | $1,440 – $2,880 |
| Two Car | 24 × 20 ft (480 sq ft) | $2,880 – $5,760 |
| Large / Circular | 30 × 20 ft (600 sq ft) | $3,600 – $7,200 |
| Long Driveway | 60 × 12 ft (720 sq ft) | $4,320 – $8,640 |
How We Calculate
Our driveway paving cost calculator estimates project costs based on driveway dimensions, paving material, and site conditions. Material cost depends on the paving type chosen, while labor cost is adjusted by the site condition multiplier.
How the math works: Area = length × width. Material cost = area × material price per sq ft. Labor cost = area × labor rate × site multiplier. The site multiplier adjusts labor: new installation on flat grade is 1.0×, removing an existing driveway adds 15% (1.15×), and steep grade/hillside adds 25% (1.25×).
Paving Material Comparison
Asphalt ($1–$2/sq ft material, $2–$5/sq ft labor) is the most affordable paved option. Flexible surface that handles freeze-thaw well. Requires sealcoating every 2–3 years. Lifespan: 15–25 years.
Standard Concrete ($2–$4/sq ft material, $4–$8/sq ft labor) is the most popular residential choice. Durable, low-maintenance, and available in many finishes. Can crack in severe freeze-thaw conditions. Lifespan: 25–40 years.
Stamped Concrete ($3–$6/sq ft material, $5–$12/sq ft labor) mimics the look of brick, stone, or slate at a lower cost than real pavers. Requires periodic resealing. Lifespan: 25–35 years.
Brick Pavers ($4–$8/sq ft material, $6–$12/sq ft labor) offer a classic, upscale appearance. Individual pavers can be replaced if damaged. Excellent drainage when installed with permeable joints. Lifespan: 25–50 years.
Natural Stone Pavers ($6–$12/sq ft material, $8–$15/sq ft labor) include flagstone, bluestone, and travertine. The most expensive but most durable and unique option. Each stone is one-of-a-kind. Lifespan: 50+ years.
Site Conditions
New installation (flat grade) is the baseline cost (1.0× labor). Removing an existing driveway adds 15% to labor for demolition, haul-away, and disposal of the old surface. Steep grade adds 25% for additional grading, drainage systems, and potential retaining structures.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover paving material and installation labor including standard base preparation. Not included: permit fees ($50–$200), decorative borders or edging ($3–$8/linear ft), heated driveway systems ($12–$25/sq ft), drainage solutions ($500–$2,000), and decorative sealing ($0.50–$2.00/sq ft). Turnaround aprons and flared entries may add 10–20% to material costs.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, concrete and asphalt contractor associations, and verified installer estimates across multiple US regions. Costs include standard 6–8 inch compacted gravel base preparation.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to pave a driveway? +
Driveway paving costs $3–$27 per square foot installed, depending on material. Asphalt runs $3–$7/sq ft, standard concrete $6–$12/sq ft, stamped concrete $8–$18/sq ft, brick pavers $10–$20/sq ft, and natural stone $14–$27/sq ft. A typical two-car concrete driveway (480 sq ft) costs $2,880–$5,760.
What is the cheapest way to pave a driveway? +
Asphalt is the cheapest paved driveway option at $3–$7/sq ft installed. For a 480 sq ft two-car driveway, asphalt costs $1,440–$3,360 vs. $2,880–$5,760 for concrete. Gravel is even cheaper ($1–$3.50/sq ft) but isn’t a paved surface.
How long does a paved driveway last? +
Asphalt driveways last 15–25 years with regular sealcoating. Concrete driveways last 25–40 years. Brick pavers last 25–50+ years since individual pavers can be replaced. Natural stone driveways can last 50+ years with proper installation and maintenance.
Is concrete or asphalt better for a driveway? +
Concrete costs more upfront ($6–$12 vs. $3–$7/sq ft) but lasts longer (25–40 vs. 15–25 years) and requires less maintenance. Asphalt is cheaper, easier to repair, and better in cold climates (flexes with freeze-thaw). Concrete is better in hot climates and offers more design options.
How thick should a driveway be? +
Asphalt driveways should be 2–3 inches thick over a 6–8 inch compacted gravel base. Concrete driveways need 4–6 inches of concrete over 4–8 inches of gravel base. Paver driveways require 1–2 inch sand setting bed over 6–8 inches of compacted gravel. Heavier vehicles require thicker installations.
Do I need a permit to pave my driveway? +
Most municipalities require a permit for new driveway construction or major replacements ($50–$200). Resurfacing an existing driveway usually doesn’t need a permit. Check local codes for setback requirements, maximum driveway width, and impervious surface limits. HOAs may have additional material and design restrictions.
Can I pave over an existing driveway? +
Asphalt can be overlaid on existing asphalt if the base is stable (saves 30–50% vs. full replacement). Concrete cannot be poured over old concrete reliably — removal is recommended. Pavers can sometimes be installed over stable concrete with proper drainage. Any overlay requires the existing surface to be in fair condition with no major cracks or heaving.
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