Asphalt Driveway Cost

Asphalt is the budget-friendly way to get a smooth, paved driveway. It costs less than concrete, handles freeze-thaw cycles well because it flexes slightly, and can be patched or overlaid instead of torn out. In exchange, it needs sealcoating every few years and typically lasts 15–30 years, about 20 on average.

Below you'll find average costs by size and asphalt type, a line-item breakdown for a typical two-car driveway, and what drives quotes up or down. Already have an asphalt driveway that's cracking? Our asphalt driveway repair cost guide covers patching, crack filling and sealcoating.

Want a number for your project? Try our free asphalt driveway cost calculator — enter your size and options for an instant range.

Average cost

Installed prices for residential hot-mix asphalt driveways, national averages as of October 2026:

Asphalt driveway cost by size

Totals at the typical $7–$13 per sq. ft. installed rate; the 200 and 800 sq. ft. rows are Angi's published ranges.

Asphalt driveway cost per square foot by type of job

Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras

Line-item estimate for installing a new 600 sq. ft. two-car asphalt driveway on a compacted gravel base, with no old driveway to remove. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.

Asphalt prices track oil prices, so material costs can move noticeably from one season to the next.

What affects the price

• Area. Area drives most of the cost: at $7–$13 per sq. ft., a 400 sq. ft. driveway runs about $2,800–$5,200 and an 800 sq. ft. driveway about $5,600–$10,400. Very small jobs can hit a contractor's minimum charge.
• Thickness. Two inches of compacted asphalt is the minimum, but 4–6 inches is recommended for durability and heavier vehicles. Doubling the thickness from 2 to 4 inches roughly doubles the asphalt tonnage, adding about $700–$1,200 in material on a 640 sq. ft. driveway.
• Base preparation. A crushed-stone base adds about $0.50–$1 per sq. ft. Skimping on the base is the most common reason asphalt cracks and sinks early.
• Sealing. Plan on sealcoating about six months after installation and then every 2–5 years. Professional sealcoating averages about $574 per job, according to Angi.
• Removal of the old driveway. Removing an old driveway adds about $1–$2 per sq. ft. in labor, which is why replacement runs $8–$15 per sq. ft. versus $7–$13 for a new driveway. Some contractors waive disposal fees because old asphalt is recycled.
• Slope. Steep, curved or unusually shaped driveways typically add 15–30% to the total. A major slope alteration averages about $2,500 and can range from $1,000 to $6,000.

Ways to save

• Ask about recycled or reclaimed asphalt; Angi estimates it can save up to $1,350 on an average driveway.
• If your current driveway's base is solid and less than about 20 years old, get a quote for an overlay ($3–$7 per sq. ft.) before agreeing to a full tear-out.
• Get at least three written quotes that list the same compacted thickness, base depth and tonnage, so you're comparing equal jobs.
• Choose plain black asphalt instead of stamped or colored finishes, which run $10–$17 per sq. ft.
• Seal the driveway on schedule and fill cracks promptly; cheap maintenance delays a costly replacement by years.
• Use our asphalt driveway cost calculator to check whether quotes are in a normal range for your area and size.

Related questions people ask

How much does an asphalt driveway cost?

Most new asphalt driveways cost $3,100–$7,600. Angi reports an average of about $5,349 and LawnStarter about $4,996, with small, simple driveways starting under $2,000 and large projects reaching about $10,900.

What is the cost of an asphalt driveway for a two-car home?

A typical two-car driveway of 400–600 sq. ft. costs about $2,800–$7,800 at $7–$13 per sq. ft. Removing an old driveway, adding a thicker base or regrading a slope pushes the cost for an asphalt driveway toward the top of that range.

What is the asphalt driveway cost per square foot?

Most homeowners pay $7–$13 per sq. ft. for a new driveway, including labor. Replacement runs $8–$15, and an overlay $3–$7 per sq. ft. LawnStarter reports lower averages of about $4–$6 per sq. ft., which reflects lower-cost markets and simpler jobs.

What is the average cost of an asphalt driveway?

The national average is about $5,000–$5,350, according to LawnStarter ($4,996), Inch Calculator ($5,000) and Angi ($5,349). That average typically reflects a driveway of roughly 500–640 sq. ft.

How to get an accurate quote

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured paving contractors. Give each the same information:

• The driveway's length, width and approximate slope, plus whether it's new construction, an overlay or a replacement.
• The compacted asphalt thickness you want and the depth of the gravel base.
• Any drainage problems, tree roots or soft spots you've noticed.
• Ask what's included: tear-out and disposal, grading, edging, permits, first sealcoat timing and the workmanship warranty.

FAQ

How long does an asphalt driveway last?

An asphalt driveway typically lasts 15–30 years, about 20 on average. Climate, snowplowing, heavy vehicles and how often you sealcoat make the biggest difference.

Is asphalt cheaper than concrete for a driveway?

Usually yes. Asphalt runs about $7–$13 per sq. ft. installed, while a standard broom-finished concrete driveway runs about $8–$15. Concrete lasts longer and needs less upkeep.

How soon can I drive on a new asphalt driveway?

Fresh asphalt needs a few days to harden before it can carry a car, and longer in hot weather. Ask your paving contractor for the exact wait time, and avoid sharp turns and parking in the same spot for the first few weeks.

Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all yard & pests cost guides.