Asphalt driveway cost per square foot
| Project | Per sq ft (2026) |
|---|---|
| New driveway (grading + gravel base + asphalt) | $7–$13 |
| Replace (remove old + new driveway) | $8–$15 |
| Resurface (new 1½–2" layer over sound asphalt) | $2–$5 |
Prices assume about 3" of compacted asphalt; 4" heavy-duty paving adds roughly 15%. The Northeast and West Coast often run 20–40% above the national range.
Cost by driveway size
| Driveway | Size | New | Resurface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-car, short | 30 × 10 ft (300 sq ft) | $2,100–$3,900 | $600–$1,500 |
| Single-car | 50 × 12 ft (600 sq ft) | $4,200–$7,800 | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Two-car | 40 × 20 ft (800 sq ft) | $5,600–$10,400 | $1,600–$4,000 |
| Two-car, long | 60 × 20 ft (1,200 sq ft) | $8,400–$15,600 | $2,400–$6,000 |
| Long rural drive | 150 × 12 ft (1,800 sq ft) | $12,600–$23,400 | $3,600–$9,000 |
What drives the price?
- Base work: excavation and a 4–8" compacted gravel base are a big share of a new driveway — and the reason it lasts.
- Removal: tearing out old asphalt or concrete adds about $1–$3 per sq ft.
- Drainage: culverts under the entrance or regrading for runoff cost extra.
- Size: small jobs carry mobilization costs, so the price per sq ft rises below ~500 sq ft.
- Asphalt prices track oil prices; hot mix is about $100–$180 per ton at the plant.
To size the material only, use the asphalt calculator.
FAQ
Is asphalt cheaper than concrete for a driveway?
Usually, by 30–50% up front. Concrete lasts longer (30–40 years vs. 20–30) and needs no sealing; asphalt handles freeze–thaw and road salt better and is easier to repair.
When should I resurface instead of replace?
Resurface when the base is sound and damage is surface-level: fine cracks, fading, small potholes. Replace if there's widespread alligator cracking, sinking or drainage problems.
How long does a new asphalt driveway last?
20–30 years with seal coating every 2–3 years, starting 6–12 months after paving.