How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost?

Typical Range:

$1,597 - $3,370

Find out how much your project will cost.

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 7,722 HomeAdvisor members. Embed this data

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  • Homeowners use HomeAdvisor to find pros for home projects.
  • When their projects are done, they fill out a short cost survey.
  • We compile the data and report costs back to you.

Updated May 17, 2022

Reviewed by Dan DiClerico, Smart Home Strategist and Home Expert.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

When it comes to a convenient driving surface with minimal upkeep, many homeowners choose asphalt, a tar-like substance made from petroleum. On average, paving an asphalt driveway costs $2,473 but may range between $1,597 and $3,370. Where your project falls in this range depends on a few factors, like your location, the project size, the asphalt type, and any variables that complicate the installation process. 

For your asphalt driveway project, budget $7 to $13 per square foot, which includes $5 to $7 per square foot for labor and $2 to $6 per square foot for materials.

"Provided it's installed properly, including a stable base, and is well-maintained over time, an asphalt driveway should last 20 years or longer," says Dan DiClerico, HomeAdvisor Smart Home Strategist and Home Expert.

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National Average $2,473
Typical Range $1,597 - $3,370
Low End - High End $750 - $5,500

Cost data is based on actual project costs as reported by 7,722 HomeAdvisor members.

Asphalt Driveway Cost Factors

There are several factors in calculating the cost of an asphalt driveway. We explore the most common cost factors below:

  • Square footage 

  • Installation

  • Asphalt type

  • State

Square Footage 

There's no real surprise here, but the bigger the driveway, the higher the cost. Asphalt paving runs $7 to $13 per square foot, including materials and installation. If you're paving a typical driveway measuring about 600 square feet, you can expect to pay $4,200 to $7,800.

Materials Cost Installation (Labor and Machinery) Cost Total Cost per Square Foot
$2 – $6 $5 – $7 $7 – $13

Installation

The cost of asphalt paving includes installation, at about $5 to $7 per square foot, including labor and equipment like a milling machine or grader to prepare the surface, an asphalt paver, and a compactor. Labor and machinery can account for as much as 40% to 70% of the total project cost because the hours required to complete the job will vary according to the project size and scope. 

For example, if your driveway is on a hill or has curves, labor costs may be higher. The same is true if you need additional services like the cost of tree removal. Usually, flat land makes for an easier and less expensive process.

Asphalt Type

The type of asphalt you select for the project will determine your material cost. Hot mix is the most common type, but you can save money by seeking out recycled asphalt. There are additional options if you need better drainage or want a more customized look. Keep in mind that asphalt is a petroleum product, so prices will rise and fall with the oil market. 

Asphalt Material Type Average Cost
Hot mix $100 – $200 per ton
Recycled $10 – $20 per ton
Porous $8 – $15 per square foot
Stamped or colored $12 – 17 per square foot
Cold mix $10 – $50 per bag
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Hot Mix Asphalt

Hot mix asphalt is the standard type for all-weather surfacing and repairs. Hot mix costs $100 to $200 per ton, and 1 ton can cover about 40 to 80 square feet. An average driveway will need 7.5 to 15 tons. Ultimately, the total amount required depends on the thickness of the layers, with 1 ton of material covering an 80-square-foot area with 2-inch thickness.

Recycled Asphalt

Recycled or reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) costs $10 to $20 per ton compared to $100 to $200 per ton for new asphalt. This can save you between $675 to $2,700 on materials for the average driveway. Not only is recycled asphalt less expensive, but it’s also more environmentally friendly. If you’re replacing existing asphalt, ask your asphalt installer near you if they can mill the old material on-site. This can also cut down on transporting supplies.

Porous Asphalt

Porous asphalt costs $8 to $15 per square foot. Since this type minimizes runoff, you may not need to pay as much for leveling and grading prior to installation. Porous asphalt requires an additional layer of crushed stone that allows for better drainage, resulting in a surface that soaks up water instead of running it to the gutter.

Stamped or Colored Asphalt

Installing stamped asphalt is a multi-step process where the asphalt is poured, colored, stamped, then left to set. Colored asphalt comes in an assortment of hues like white, gray, green, and bright earth tones, created by adding a pigment to the hot mix. Colored or stamped asphalt costs $12 to $17 per square foot for the entire surface. If you only need the topcoat, you'll pay $5 to $10 per square foot.

Cold Mix Asphalt

Cold mix asphalt costs $10 to $50 per bag, but you can only use it for temporary repairs. Cold mix isn’t designed for the whole surface because it only lasts for one or two seasons.

State

Costs compared by state to pave an asphalt driveway, with Minnesota averaging $4,950
Photo: epic_fail / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty images

The price for asphalt paving varies around the country because of local fuel costs and the cost of living. You can find some of the highest paving prices in California, while Florida and New Jersey have lower prices on average. 

U.S. State Average Price Range
California $5,050 – $13,500
Connecticut $4,700 – $10,200
Florida $2,050 – $5,400
Minnesota $3,350 – $6,550
New Jersey $2,900 – $6,550
Texas $4,200 – $10,250

While we’re talking about geography, it’s also worth noting that asphalt paving is generally better suited to areas with lower temperatures. This is because asphalt holds up better than concrete in regions where freezing temperatures occur. It’s less commonly used in parts of the South because the hotter it gets, the more malleable asphalt becomes.

Additional Labor Considerations

We recommended setting aside an extra 20% on top of the estimated total cost to cover unforeseen issues or amenities for your asphalt driveway.

Repairing, Removing, or Replacing an Existing Asphalt Driveway 

An old driveway can reduce your home's curb appeal. It can also become a safety issue. If your driveway is cracking, buckling, crumbling, sinking, or fading, it's time to repair or replace it. Resurfacing an asphalt driveway costs about $3 to $7 per square foot if installing an overlay, paving over concrete, or resurfacing. 

If you need to remove and replace an existing driveway, expect your costs to rise to around $8 to $15 per square foot. Whether it's best to replace or repair will depend on the driveway's condition. A total replacement is preferable if the existing driveway is older than 15 years or in poor shape.

Excavation and Grading 

If you need to excavate land before building the driveway, land excavation costs $1,500 to $5,600. The final cost will depend on how many cubic feet you'll need to excavate. Leveling the area, or grading, to make your driveway smooth and well-drained costs between $5 and $10 per square foot. Steep driveways may cost more to prepare. 

Gate Installation

Installing a gate can protect your investment by discouraging other cars and trucks from using your driveway as a place to turn around. An automatic driveway gate costs $850 to $3,600. Automatic versions will cost more than manual ones, which have an average cost of $2,500.

Sealing and Maintenance

Sealing your asphalt driveway costs an average of $1.44 per square foot, so for a typical 400-square-foot driveway, expect to pay about $499. Sealing provides a layer of protection to minimize cracking or shifting. It should be done at least six months after the topcoat and then every two to five years, depending on the climate and level of use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you DIY paving an asphalt driveway?

Asphalt paving is physically demanding and requires specialized skills. You may be able to rent a roller to compact the soil and rocks or a jackhammer to remove the old driveway, but it’s difficult work for the average DIY-er. Furthermore, proper grading and surface preparation are the keys to driveway longevity, another reason to hire a local driveway paving pro who knows what they’re doing.

Is asphalt cheaper than concrete?

Asphalt driveways average $7 to $13 per square foot, while concrete driveways can cost $3 to $18 per square foot. You’ll probably pay more for concrete, but it also lasts longer. The average concrete driveway can last 50 years or more.

How long does an asphalt driveway last?

An asphalt driveway can last 20 years or more, and if you live in a mild climate, it may remain in good condition longer. It's best to perform maintenance every three to five years to keep your driveway looking its best. 

What are the differences between an asphalt and concrete driveway?

There are pros and cons between asphalt versus concrete driveways. While concrete is a popular driveway material, asphalt is less expensive, faster to install, and requires less curing time. Also, you can resurface asphalt driveways when they need repairs. You can't do the same with concrete driveways, which will require a partial or total replacement when they reach the end of their life span.

What are the most popular driveway materials?

The most popular driveway materials are concrete, gravel, asphalt, and brick. Concrete remains popular because of its durability and relative lack of maintenance needs. Many homeowners choose gravel because of its affordability and excellent drainage properties. Asphalt stands out for its affordability (relative to concrete) and its ability to withstand harsh winters, while brick pavers provide better slip resistance than the other options and offer a subjectively more attractive aesthetic.