How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost?
Last updated: April 9, 2026 by the How Much Does That Cost? editorial team. Estimates are informational - see our methodology.
An asphalt driveway costs $4.50 to $14 per square foot installed, or about $2,700 to $8,500 total for an average 600-square-foot driveway, depending on thickness and base preparation. Asphalt is typically 20-30% cheaper than concrete to install, making it a popular budget-friendly choice.
Driveway size drives most of the cost, with base condition, slab thickness, and whether an old driveway needs to be removed adding to the total. The calculator below adjusts for your specific project.
Quick Answer
Typical range: $2,700 – $8,500
Low end
$1,800
High end
$12,000+
Actual pricing varies by location, project size, materials, labor rates, and job complexity. Use the calculator below for an estimate tailored to your project.
an Asphalt Driveway Cost Calculator
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Estimated Project Cost
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Typical estimate: —
This is an estimate, not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your specific project details and local contractor pricing.
Cost Breakdown
How a typical project budget breaks down by category.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Asphalt material | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| Labor (grading, paving, compacting) | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Base prep (gravel, grading) | $400 – $1,300 |
| Edging and finishing | $100 – $700 |
What Affects the Cost
Driveway size
Cost scales directly with square footage — the more area to pave, the more asphalt tonnage and paving-crew time is needed.
Asphalt thickness and grade
Standard residential asphalt runs 2-3 inches thick; driveways expecting trucks, RVs, or heavy regular use need a thicker, sturdier layer that costs more.
Base condition
A solid compacted gravel base is essential for asphalt to hold up. Poor soil or an inadequate existing base may require extra excavation and gravel, adding to cost.
Removal of an old driveway
Breaking up and hauling away existing asphalt or concrete before repaving typically adds $1-$3.50 per square foot.
Climate and season
Asphalt needs to be installed in warm, dry weather (typically above 50°F), so demand and pricing often rise in peak spring and summer paving season.
Sealcoating and maintenance plan
While not required at installation, seal coating every 2-3 years extends asphalt lifespan and is sometimes bundled into the installation price by paving companies.
Cost by Driveway Size
| Driveway Size | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 300 sq ft | $1,350 – $4,200 |
| 500 sq ft | $2,250 – $7,000 |
| 600 sq ft | $2,700 – $8,400 |
| 900 sq ft | $4,050 – $12,600 |
| 1,200 sq ft | $5,400 – $16,800 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Doing it yourself
DIY asphalt paving is rare for full driveways — hot-mix asphalt must be compacted quickly with heavy rollers before it cools, which requires specialized equipment most homeowners don't own or can't rent easily.
Hiring a professional
Paving contractors bring paving machines and rollers to lay and compact asphalt correctly within its short working window, typically finishing an average driveway in 1-2 days plus curing time.
Bottom line: Asphalt driveway installation is best left to professional paving crews; DIY is realistically limited to patching small cracks or potholes on an existing driveway.
Ways to Save
- Get quotes from at least three paving contractors, since asphalt pricing swings widely by region and season.
- Schedule paving in early spring or fall shoulder season when paving companies have more availability.
- Ask about using recycled asphalt (RAP) if you want a lower-cost, more eco-friendly option.
- Bundle your project with a neighbor's driveway paving to potentially split the mobilization/setup fee.
- Maintain the driveway with seal coating every 2-3 years to avoid costly full repaving sooner than necessary.
- Keep the driveway shape simple and rectangular to minimize cutting and edge work.
How We Estimated This Cost
We model each calculator from public price ranges, labor data, material pricing, industry surveys, and the regional adjustment method explained in our methodology. Estimates are reviewed for consumer usefulness, then shown as ranges because local quotes, site conditions, materials, and timing can change the final price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an asphalt driveway cost?
An asphalt driveway costs about $4,800 on average, with most homeowners paying between $2,700 and $8,500 depending on size, thickness, and base condition.
How much does asphalt paving cost per square foot?
Asphalt driveways typically cost $4.50 to $14 per square foot installed, depending on asphalt thickness, base preparation, and regional labor rates.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
A well-maintained asphalt driveway typically lasts 15-20 years, compared to 25-30 years for concrete, though regular seal coating can extend its lifespan.
Is asphalt or concrete cheaper for a driveway?
Asphalt is generally 20-30% cheaper to install than concrete, though concrete usually lasts longer and needs less frequent maintenance, which can offset the higher upfront cost over time.
How soon can I drive on a new asphalt driveway?
New asphalt typically needs 2-3 days before it can handle light foot and vehicle traffic and about a week before it fully cures; avoid parking in the same spot repeatedly during the first year to prevent indentations.