How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost?
Last updated: April 2, 2026 by the How Much Does That Cost? editorial team. Estimates are informational - see our methodology.
A concrete driveway costs $6 to $18 per square foot installed, or about $3,600 to $12,000 total for an average 600-square-foot driveway, depending on thickness, finish, and reinforcement. A basic broom-finished slab sits at the low end; stamped or colored decorative concrete costs significantly more.
Driveway size is the biggest single driver of total cost, but finish grade, base preparation, and removal of an existing driveway all move the price meaningfully. Adjust the calculator below for your specific driveway.
Quick Answer
Typical range: $3,600 – $12,000
Low end
$2,400
High end
$18,000+
Actual pricing varies by location, project size, materials, labor rates, and job complexity. Use the calculator below for an estimate tailored to your project.
a Concrete Driveway Cost Calculator
Adjust the inputs below for an estimate tailored to your project.
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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 |
|---|---|
| Concrete material | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Labor (forming, pouring, finishing) | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Base prep (grading, gravel) | $400 – $1,500 |
| Reinforcement (rebar/wire mesh) | $200 – $800 |
| Permits | $50 – $300 |
What Affects the Cost
Driveway size
Total cost scales directly with square footage — a larger driveway needs proportionally more concrete, forming, and labor hours.
Finish and decorative treatment
A basic broom finish is the most affordable option. Exposed aggregate, stamped patterns, and colored/stained concrete all add cost for materials, stamping labor, and sealing.
Slab thickness and reinforcement
Standard driveways use a 4-inch slab, but heavier vehicles like RVs or trucks need a thicker, rebar-reinforced slab that costs more per square foot.
Site preparation
Poor soil, poor drainage, or an uneven grade may require extra excavation, a deeper gravel base, or drainage work before the concrete is poured.
Removal of the old driveway
Breaking up and hauling away an existing asphalt or concrete driveway typically adds $1-$4 per square foot before the new slab can go in.
Climate and curing conditions
Concrete needs proper curing time and temperature; cold-weather pours may require additives or heated blankets, adding cost in northern climates.
Cost by Driveway Size
| Driveway Size | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| 300 sq ft | $1,800 – $5,400 |
| 500 sq ft | $3,000 – $9,000 |
| 600 sq ft | $3,600 – $10,800 |
| 900 sq ft | $5,400 – $16,200 |
| 1,200 sq ft | $7,200 – $21,600 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Doing it yourself
DIY concrete driveways can save on labor, but pouring a large, level slab that won't crack requires proper base compaction, correctly mixed concrete, control joints placed at the right intervals, and a narrow working window before the mix sets — mistakes are permanent and expensive to fix.
Hiring a professional
Concrete contractors bring the crew, forms, and finishing tools needed to pour and finish a large slab correctly in a single day, and most offer a workmanship warranty against cracking or settling.
Bottom line: For anything beyond a small pad, hiring a professional concrete contractor is strongly recommended given how unforgiving concrete work is once poured.
Ways to Save
- Get at least three quotes, since concrete pricing varies widely by region and contractor.
- Choose a standard broom finish instead of stamped or colored concrete if decorative appearance isn't a priority.
- Pour in favorable weather (mild, dry) to avoid additive costs and reduce risk of curing problems.
- Keep the driveway design simple — rectangular shapes cost less to form than curved or multi-level layouts.
- Ask about combining driveway work with a sidewalk or patio pour to spread the concrete truck delivery fee.
- Skip the sealer at installation and apply it yourself in a following season if budget is tight.
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 a concrete driveway cost?
A concrete driveway costs about $6,800 on average, with most homeowners paying between $3,600 and $12,000 depending on size, finish, and site conditions.
How much does a concrete driveway cost per square foot?
Concrete driveways typically cost $6 to $18 per square foot installed. A basic broom finish is on the low end; stamped or colored concrete costs more.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
A well-built concrete driveway typically lasts 25-30 years or more with proper drainage and occasional sealing, outlasting asphalt in most climates.
How long does it take to pour a concrete driveway?
Pouring itself usually takes 1-2 days, but the concrete needs about a week to cure enough for foot traffic and closer to a month for full strength before regular vehicle use.
Is concrete or asphalt cheaper for a driveway?
Asphalt is typically cheaper to install upfront than concrete, but concrete generally lasts longer and requires less frequent resealing, which can even out the lifetime cost.