Asphalt vs Concrete Driveway Cost
Enter your driveway size to compare typical installed prices for asphalt and concrete side by side. Change the per-square-foot prices to match local quotes.
Cost comparison
For 576 sq ft, asphalt runs about $3,407 less than concrete at the midpoint of each range.
$3,407difference
- Asphalt$2,258–$3,600
- Concrete$3,456–$9,216
- Asphalt needed11.0 tons at 3 in
- Concrete needed7.5 yd³ at 4 in
- Area576 sq ft
Default prices: new asphalt (LawnStarter, Oct 2026) and plain concrete (LawnStarter, Dec 2025).
Estimate only, not a quote or professional advice. Disclaimer
Cost by driveway size
| Size | Asphalt | Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 20 ft | $784–$1,250 | $1,200–$3,200 |
| 12 × 24 ft | $1,129–$1,800 | $1,728–$4,608 |
| 12 × 50 ft | $2,352–$3,750 | $3,600–$9,600 |
| 16 × 40 ft | $2,509–$4,000 | $3,840–$10,240 |
| 20 × 20 ft | $1,568–$2,500 | $2,400–$6,400 |
| 24 × 24 ft | $2,258–$3,600 | $3,456–$9,216 |
| 20 × 40 ft | $3,136–$5,000 | $4,800–$12,800 |
| 24 × 36 ft | $3,387–$5,400 | $5,184–$13,824 |
Asphalt vs concrete at a glance
| Feature | Asphalt | Concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Upkeep | Seal every few years, fill cracks | Occasional cleaning and joint sealing |
| Repairs | Easy to patch and resurface | Cracks are harder to hide |
| Cold climates | Flexes with freeze–thaw | Can scale with road salt |
| Hot climates | Can soften and scuff | Stays cooler and firm |
| Ready to drive | Usually within days | Usually about a week or more |
The bigger the driveway, the bigger the dollar gap. For a detailed asphalt price with base gravel and resurfacing, use the asphalt driveway cost calculator; for upkeep, the sealer calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Is asphalt cheaper than concrete for a driveway?
Usually, up front. Cost guides put a new asphalt driveway at about $3.92–$6.25 per square foot and a plain concrete driveway at about $6–$16 (LawnStarter), or $8–$20 (Angi). Decorative concrete finishes cost more.
Which lasts longer, asphalt or concrete?
Concrete generally lasts longer with less routine upkeep, while asphalt needs periodic sealing and crack filling but is cheaper and quicker to repair or resurface. How long either lasts depends heavily on the base, drainage, climate and traffic.
Which is better in cold climates?
Asphalt is flexible and tolerates freeze–thaw movement, and its dark surface sheds snow faster in sun. Road salt can damage concrete surfaces. In hot climates, asphalt can soften and scuff under turning tires.
How much asphalt or concrete does a 24 × 24 driveway need?
About 11.0 tons at 3 in of asphalt (with 5% waste), or about 7.5 yd³ at 4 in of concrete (with 5% waste).
Related calculators
Sources
- LawnStarter: How much does an asphalt driveway cost? (Oct 19, 2026)
- LawnStarter: How much does a concrete driveway cost? (Dec 27, 2025)
- Angi: How much does a concrete driveway cost? (2026 data (no day shown))