How much does an asphalt driveway cost vs. concrete?
How much does an asphalt driveway cost vs. concrete?
$3 – $7 average asphalt driveway cost per square foot installed
$4 – $8 average concrete driveway cost per square foot installed
$1,200 – $4,000 average 2-car asphalt driveway cost
$1,600 – $6,400 average 2-car concrete driveway cost
Cost of concrete vs. asphalt driveway
An asphalt driveway costs $3 to $7 per square foot installed. In comparison, a concrete driveway costs $4 to $8 per square foot on average for materials and labor. Asphalt driveways are faster to install and easier to repair, but concrete driveways are more durable and stay cool in hot temperatures.
| Factor | Asphalt driveway | Concrete driveway |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost per square foot installed* |
$3 – $7 per square foot | $4 – $8 per square foot |
| Average total cost (1-car driveway) |
$600 – $2,000 | $800 – $2,300 |
| Average total cost (2-car driveway) |
$1,200 – $4,000 | $1,600 – $6,400 |
| Appearance | Typically black, with limited customization options | Highly customizable |
| Climate concerns | Better for cold climates | Better for warm climates |
| Environmental impact | 100% recyclable | Mostly recyclable |
| Maintenance & repairs | Easy to repair, needs resealing every 3 to 5 years | More expensive to repair, needs occasional degreasing, sealing optional |
| Resale value | Increases home value and curb appeal | Increases home value and curb appeal |
| Curing time | 1 – 3 days | 7 – 30 days |
| Durability & lifespan | 15 – 30 years | 30 – 40 years |
*Prices are higher for decorative colors, borders, stamped patterns, and finishes.
Cost
A basic asphalt driveway is typically cheaper to install up front, but it requires more maintenance and may end up more costly than concrete over time. A concrete driveway takes longer and costs more to install—especially if you add colors or patterns—but typically requires less upkeep than asphalt.
| Driveway type | Installed cost (per square foot) |
Average total cost (1-car) |
Average total cost (2-car) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt driveway cost | $3 – $7 average, up to $15* | $600 – $2,000 | $1,200 – $4,000 |
| Concrete driveway cost | $4 – $8 average, up to $18* | $800 – $2,300 | $1,600 – $6,400 |
*Higher prices apply for decorative colors, borders, stamped patterns, and finishes.
Material make-up
An asphalt driveway is made of stone aggregate, sand, and a petroleum-based liquid bitumen binder. Professionals heat, mix, and roll out the mixture to create a smooth surface that provides good traction for vehicles once it hardens and cools.
A concrete driveway is made of cement, sand, gravel, and water. Installers pour and spread the mixture, which then cures over several days to create a durable, solid gray slab with a more uniform appearance than asphalt.
Installation
Asphalt wins over concrete for ease of installation. While neither material is DIY-friendly, asphalt installs quicker in most cases and is ready for use almost immediately. Concrete, on the other hand, requires more time and labor to install and takes several days to cure before you can drive on it.
Appearance
Concrete offers more flexibility than asphalt when it comes to the final look of your driveway. Both materials are now customizable with colors and stamping patterns—often to make them look like stone or brick—but asphalt's natural black surface limits its range of color options compared to concrete.
A stamped concrete driveway costs $12 to $18 per square foot installed on average, or $6,900 to $10,400 total for a 2-car driveway with basic to average coloring and design complexity.
A stained or colored asphalt driveway costs $5 to $15 per square foot installed, or $2,400 to $6,000 total for a 2-car driveway.
Durability
Concrete is more durable than asphalt overall, with asphalt lasting 15 to 30 years and most concrete driveways lasting 30 to 40+ years. However, asphalt handles freeze-thaw cycles better, making it the best choice for northern driveways. Concrete reflects heat—ideal for driveways in warmer climates.
To extend the lifespan of an asphalt driveway, install proper drainage, allow new asphalt cure for 1 to 3 days, repair cracks and holes as soon as you discover them, seal the surface every 3 to 5 years, and avoid driving on the edges.
Maintenance & repairs
Asphalt typically requires more maintenance than concrete as it is softer and breaks down faster. However, asphalt is easier to repair. Concrete's lack of flexibility makes it more durable and easier to maintain, but damage is more expensive to fix when it happens.
| Factor | Asphalt driveway | Concrete driveway |
|---|---|---|
| Repair cost | $250 – $800 | $300 – $3,000 |
| Resurfacing cost* | $200 – $2,200 | $850 – $2,900 |
| Driveway sealing cost* | $290 – $800 | $290 – $1,700 |
*Pricing for a 1- to 2-car driveway.
Concrete driveway repair costs $300 to $3,000, depending on the damage, while repairing an asphalt driveway costs $250 to $800.
Concrete driveway resurfacing costs $850 to $2,900, while the cost to resurface an asphalt driveway ranges from $200 to $2,200.
Asphalt driveway pros & cons
Asphalt is an affordable, eco-friendly driveway material that installs and repairs easily. Its ability to expand and contract makes asphalt a prime driveway choice for homes in areas with freeze-thaw cycles. However, asphalt's lifespan is about half that of concrete, and color and design options are quite limited.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Concrete driveway pros & cons
A concrete driveway costs more to install than asphalt in most cases, and concrete takes much longer to cure before use. Still, concrete lasts longer and offers more customization than asphalt. Concrete also feels cool to the touch, even in high heat, making it the safest choice for homes in warm climates.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Driveway material alternatives
Consider these alternatives to asphalt and concrete driveways:
A gravel driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot with installation.
A tar and chip driveway costs $2 to $5 per square foot installed.
The cost of driveway pavers varies depending on the material:
Limestone driveway pavers cost $16 to $32 per square foot installed.
A brick paver driveway costs $10 to $17 per square foot installed.
A granite paver driveway costs $19 to $32 per square foot with installation.
A cobblestone paver driveway costs $20 to $50 per square foot installed.
Permeable driveway pavers cost $8 to $30 per square foot with installation.
FAQs about asphalt & concrete driveway installation
How long does it take to pour a concrete driveway?
Pouring a concrete driveway takes about 1 to 3 days, not counting the necessary curing time after it's poured. The driveway's size, shape, and existing condition affect the total installation time. Excavating or removing an old driveway typically adds 1 to 2 days.
After pouring, concrete needs 1 to 2 days to cure before you can walk on it, and 7 to 10 days before it's dry enough to drive or park on. Professionals recommend waiting 30 days before parking heavier vehicles, like trucks, RVs, or boats.
How long does it take to install an asphalt driveway?
Most asphalt driveways take 1 to 2 days to install. Professionals recommend letting new asphalt cure for 24 to 72 hours after installation for the best and longest lasting results. The major factors affecting an asphalt driveway's installation time are the condition of the existing driveway and the amount of prep work needed.
Getting estimates from concrete & asphalt contractors
When searching for concrete driveway contractors or asphalt driveway companies near you, be sure to:
Get 3 to 5 detailed estimates to compare.
Read driveway contractor reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
For asphalt driveways, look for companies certified by the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) or a similar training program.
Check out their websites or portfolios of past work in your area.
Hire a licensed company that is insured, bonded, and has been in business for 5+ years.
Avoid hiring the company with the lowest bid, as quality may suffer.
Request a written contract and warranty before the work begins.
Ask for a full breakdown of all costs involved.
Make sure the quote includes debris cleanup and removal.
Avoid making large upfront payments. Instead, come up with a payment plan for work completed.
Questions to ask a concrete or asphalt driveway contractor
When contacting asphalt or concrete driveway contractors near you, ask the following questions to help you find the most qualified pro for your driveway installation:
How many asphalt or concrete driveways have you installed?
What material do you recommend for my driveway, and why?
Can I see a portfolio of your past driveway installations in this area?
Do you have a list of previous customers in the area that I can contact for reference?
Are you insured and licensed to install driveways in this state?
Do you do the work yourself, or will you use subcontractors?
Who's my main point of contact during the installation and what's the best way to reach them?
How do you handle unexpected damage that happens on the job?
What permits do I need, and will you obtain them?
Does the estimate include all labor, materials, permit fees, cleanup, and disposal?
What does your warranty policy include?
What method of payment do you accept, and what is your payment schedule?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.