Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveway Cost in 2026: Which Material is Better?

Concrete driveways cost more than asphalt driveways, but they tend to last longer, especially in hot weather.

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Updated Sep 3, 2025 · 2 min read

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An asphalt driveway costs a little over $5,000 on average, while a concrete driveway typically costs just under $6,500. Actual costs depend on your driveway size, finish, gradient, depth and location, as well as any additional labor requirements such as excavation.

The right material for your driveway depends on your preferences and location. If you live in a very cold climate, you might prefer asphalt, because concrete can crack in extreme cold. If you live in a very hot climate, you may choose concrete because asphalt can become tacky, sticky or oily in the heat.

Concrete driveways last longer, but they also are more expensive upfront and to repair, so they’re a great choice if you have a higher budget to work with. Asphalt driveways offer more affordable installation and maintenance, though they don’t last as long.

» MORE: How to pay for home improvements

Deciding factors

Driveway material	Asphalt	Concrete
Cost per square foot (including labor)	$7 to $15.	$8 to $20.
Benefits	Cheaper to install, repair and maintain. Dries faster (about 1 to 3 days). Very resistant to cold temperatures.	Very customizable appearance. Longer lifespan (as much as 30 to 40 years). High heat resistance. Minimal maintenance required.
Drawbacks	Shorter lifespan (15 to 30 years). More maintenance required. Can become sticky, oily and tacky in heat. Appearance isn’t very customizable.	More expensive and takes longer to install. More costly to repair. Takes longer to cure (7 to 28 days). Vulnerable to cracking in freezing temperatures.

» MORE: Cost to repave your driveway

Concrete driveway cost

Installing a concrete driveway typically costs around $6,400, but the price can range from $1,600 to $32,000. Expect costs between $8 and $20 per square foot, including labor, according to Angi, a website that matches homeowners with home improvement professionals.

In addition to the size of your driveway, your actual costs will depend on a number of factors, including:

Amount of labor required. Labor costs range from $2 to $10 per square foot, and can account for as much as half of your concrete driveway project expenses.
Type of concrete. All-purpose, shotcrete and high-strength concrete tend to cost less than modern, self-consolidating and limecrete concrete.
Concrete finish. A plain finish is the most affordable option. A high-end, stamped finish is significantly more costly.
Driveway depth. A driveway with a thicker layer of concrete will cost more than one with a thinner layer.
Site prep. If your property requires excavation and permitting, this will increase your total cost.
Additional features and materials. The cost of framing lumber, rebar, driveway aprons and heated systems all add to your total project cost.
Where you live. Urban, remote or difficult-to-access locations may have higher labor costs.

Concrete driveway lifespan

A concrete driveway lasts 27.5 years, on average, before needing repair. With proper maintenance, your concrete driveway can last as long as 30 to 40 years. Repairing a concrete driveway typically costs $3 to $25 per square foot, depending on the type and severity of the damage.

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Asphalt driveway cost

Installing an asphalt driveway typically costs $5,258, but the actual cost can range from $3,128 to $7,391. Expect costs between $7 and $15 per square foot, including labor.

Your actual costs will depend on a number of factors, including:

Amount of labor required. Labor costs for asphalt driveways typically range from $5 to $7 per square foot. Projects that require excavation or grading typically take longer and incur higher costs.
Type of project. A brand-new asphalt driveway typically costs between $7 and $13 per square foot, while a replacement asphalt driveway should cost between $8 and $15 per square foot. Adding an overlay to your existing asphalt or concrete driveway costs $3 to $7 per square foot.
Pitch. A driveway on an incline will cost more than a flat one.
Finish. Plain asphalt is less expensive than dyed or stamped finishes.

Asphalt driveway lifespan

An asphalt driveway typically lasts 15 to 20 years. Repairing minor issues, such as small cracks, costs about $1 to $3 per linear foot. For larger issues such as minor sinking, crumbling or potholes, expect costs between $2 and $5 per square foot.

Alternative driveway materials

Asphalt and concrete are both popular choices for driveways, but other alternatives are available for those who want something more DIY-friendly, lower maintenance or a different aesthetic. Here are a few to consider.

Pavers

Paver driveways typically cost between $6,000 and $18,000 to install. Materials range in price and include:

Stone: $15 to $60 per square foot. Can be marble, bluestone, flagstone, granite or travertine, and typically used to create an elegant look. Most stone isn’t as durable as materials such as brick or concrete.
Permeable: $10 to $70 per square foot. Can be made from bricks, concrete, plastic or grass. These pavers help provide effective driveway drainage and can be a more affordable option, but some permeable materials such as grass require lawn maintenance and aren’t as durable as other choices.
Concrete: $10 to $25 per square foot. These pavers are typically easy to repair and can hold heavier vehicles.
Cobblestone: $18 to $50 per square foot. It’s one of the pricier options, but it’s also the most durable paver material and has a classic charm.
Brick: $10 to $45 per square foot. Brick pavers are available in different colors and have a timeless look.

Gravel

Gravel driveways typically cost between $1,800 and $3,500. The type of gravel you choose, the size of your driveway, any required permits and the amount of labor required impact the final cost.

Gravel is one of the most affordable choices for a driveway and can be a great DIY project for handy homeowners. Without professional labor, you can DIY a gravel driveway for about $700 to $1,000 for materials and $150 for tools.

» MORE: Cost to install a fence

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to hire a professional to install an asphalt or concrete driveway?

Unless you’re an experienced professional contractor, installing your own asphalt or concrete driveway isn’t recommended. This project requires specialized tools like a jackhammer, intense physical labor and specific skills. Doing the job incorrectly could lead to costly repairs or a short lifespan for your driveway.

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Article sources

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