Concrete driveway cost guide 2026: what you'll actually pay

A concrete driveway is one of the biggest hardscaping investments most homeowners make. Before you start getting quotes, it helps to understand what drives the cost so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises.

The short answer: a standard concrete driveway costs $8 to $18 per square foot, with a national average of $12 per square foot. A typical two-car driveway runs $4,800 to $7,200 for a basic broom-finish surface. Stamped, colored, or exposed aggregate finishes push costs higher, ranging from $12 to $28 per square foot.

The sections below break down exactly what you will pay based on driveway size, finish type, and your specific project conditions.

Detailed cost breakdown by finish type

Not all concrete driveways cost the same. The finish you choose has the single biggest impact on price after square footage.

Standard (broom finish) concrete

Standard concrete uses a broom texture that provides good traction and a clean appearance. This is the most popular and affordable option for residential driveways.

Stamped concrete

Stamped concrete is pressed with patterns that mimic stone, brick, slate, or cobblestone while the concrete is still wet. It costs more due to the additional labor, specialty tools, and materials involved.

Stamped driveways require resealing every two to three years to maintain the pattern and color. Learn more in our stamped concrete vs pavers comparison.

Colored concrete

Integral color is mixed directly into the concrete for a consistent hue throughout the slab. It adds $2 to $5 per square foot to the base price, bringing the total to roughly $10 to $23 per square foot.

Color hardener, an alternative method applied to the surface during finishing, falls in a similar price range but provides a more concentrated color on the top layer.

Exposed aggregate

Exposed aggregate driveways reveal the natural stone within the concrete mix by washing away the top layer of cement paste. The textured surface looks attractive and provides excellent traction.

Expect to pay $10 to $22 per square foot for exposed aggregate. The exact cost depends on the type and size of aggregate used.

Cost by driveway size

Driveway size is the primary cost driver. Here is what you can expect based on common configurations.

Larger driveways typically have a lower cost per square foot because mobilization, delivery, and setup costs are spread across more area. A 900-square-foot driveway does not cost three times as much as a 300-square-foot one.

Factors that affect your concrete driveway cost

Two driveways of the same size can vary in price by thousands of dollars. Here is what creates the difference.

Size and shape

Rectangular driveways are the most affordable to form and pour. Curved edges, turnarounds, and irregular shapes require more forming work and generate more material waste. Expect to pay 10% to 20% more for non-standard shapes.

Concrete thickness

Residential driveways should be at least 4 inches thick. If you park heavy vehicles like trucks, trailers, or RVs, increasing to 5 or 6 inches adds roughly $1 to $2 per square foot for the additional concrete and reinforcement.

Finish and decorative treatments

As detailed above, moving from a standard broom finish to stamped, colored, or exposed aggregate increases costs significantly. Combining techniques, such as stamped concrete with integral color, pushes costs to the higher end of the range.

Removal of existing driveway

If your project involves replacing an old driveway, demolition and haul-away adds $2 to $6 per square foot. The cost depends on the thickness of the existing slab, whether it contains rebar, and your local dump fees. For a 500-square-foot driveway, removal adds $1,000 to $3,000 to the total.

Site preparation and grading

Proper site prep is non-negotiable for a driveway that lasts. If your lot requires significant grading, drainage work, or tree root removal, those costs add up. A compacted gravel subbase of 4 to 6 inches is standard and is typically included in the contractor’s quote.

Poor soil conditions, such as expansive clay, soft fill, or high water tables, may require additional subbase depth or soil stabilization. These conditions are more common in certain regions and can add $500 to $2,000 to the project.

Geographic location

Labor rates vary across the country. Urban markets on the coasts tend to have the highest concrete costs, while midwestern and southern markets run lower. Your local cost of living, demand for concrete work, and the number of available contractors all influence pricing.

Permits and inspections

Many municipalities require permits for new driveway construction. Permit fees range from $50 to $500 depending on your location. Your contractor should know whether a permit is required and handle the application process.

How to save money on a concrete driveway

You do not need to sacrifice quality to keep costs manageable. These strategies can reduce your total project cost.

Choose a standard finish. Broom-finish concrete is durable, attractive, and costs 30% to 50% less than decorative options. If you want some visual interest, a simple border stamp or colored edge can add appeal without the cost of a fully stamped surface.

Schedule in the off-season. Concrete contractors are busiest from late spring through early fall. Scheduling your project in early spring or late fall may get you more competitive pricing, though weather can be a factor.

Get at least three quotes. Comparing quotes from multiple licensed contractors is the single most effective way to ensure fair pricing. Our guide to hiring a concrete contractor covers what to look for in a quote.

Keep the design simple. Straight lines, rectangular shapes, and standard widths minimize forming labor and waste. Every curve and custom feature adds cost.

Bundle projects. If you need both a driveway and a patio or sidewalk, having the same contractor do both at the same time reduces mobilization costs and may qualify for a volume discount.

Explore financing options. If budget is a concern, our home improvement financing guide covers loan and payment options that let you invest in quality without overextending your budget.

Driveway ROI and home value

A new concrete driveway is one of the highest-impact curb appeal improvements you can make. It is the first thing visitors and potential buyers see when they pull up to your home.

Resale value impact

A new driveway can increase home value by $5,000 to $10,000. Real estate professionals generally estimate a return of 50% to 80% on a concrete driveway investment. Decorative finishes in upscale neighborhoods tend to return more because they match buyer expectations for the price point.

A cracked, stained, or crumbling driveway, on the other hand, signals deferred maintenance and can reduce perceived home value. Replacing a deteriorating driveway before listing a home is one of the most common real estate agent recommendations.

Long-term cost of ownership

Concrete driveways last 30 to 50 years with minimal maintenance. Compare that to asphalt (15 to 20 years) or gravel (requires annual regrading). When you factor in the lifespan, a concrete driveway at $12 per square foot averages just $0.24 to $0.40 per square foot per year.

Maintenance costs are low: a bucket of sealer every two to three years and occasional crack repair. Total lifetime maintenance runs roughly $500 to $1,500 over the life of the driveway.

What to expect during installation

Understanding the process helps you plan around your contractor’s schedule and set realistic expectations.

Step 1: Site preparation (1-2 days). The contractor removes the old surface (if applicable), grades the area for proper drainage, and compacts a gravel subbase.

Step 2: Forming (half day to 1 day). Wood or metal forms are set along the edges to define the shape and ensure the correct thickness.

Step 3: Pouring and finishing (1 day). Concrete is delivered by truck, poured into the forms, spread evenly, and finished with the chosen texture or pattern. Control joints are cut to manage cracking.

Step 4: Curing (7-28 days). The concrete needs at least 24 to 48 hours before foot traffic and 7 days before vehicle traffic. Full cure takes 28 days. Your contractor will advise you on specific curing precautions based on weather conditions.

The entire project, from demolition through the day you can park on it, typically takes 7 to 10 days.

Regional cost variations

Driveway costs vary across the country based on local labor rates, material availability, and climate-driven requirements. Here is how pricing compares in our covered markets.

Climate-driven requirements like air entrainment, hot-weather admixtures, and enhanced subbase preparation account for most regional price differences. The actual concrete cost is relatively consistent nationwide.

Expert tips from contractors

We asked experienced concrete contractors what homeowners should know before starting a driveway project. Here is what they told us.

Do not skip the subbase. Every contractor we spoke with said that subbase preparation is the most important factor in driveway longevity. A compacted gravel subbase of 4 to 6 inches prevents the settling and cracking that destroy driveways from below. Contractors who skip this step to save money are creating a problem that will show up within two to five years.

Thicker is cheaper in the long run. Going from 4 inches to 5 inches of concrete adds roughly $1 to $2 per square foot but significantly increases load capacity and crack resistance. If you park trucks, trailers, or RVs, the extra inch pays for itself by extending the driveway’s lifespan.

Control joints are not optional. Concrete will crack. Control joints tell it where to crack in straight, predictable lines rather than random patterns across the surface. A contractor who does not include control joints in the plan is cutting a critical corner.

Sealing early matters. The first coat of sealer, applied after the 28-day cure period, sets the foundation for long-term durability. Unsealed concrete absorbs moisture, stains, and deicing chemicals from the first winter. Investing $100 to $200 in sealer protects a $5,000 to $10,000 investment.

Get your driveway project started

Ready to find out what a new concrete driveway will cost for your home? Get free, no-obligation quotes from concrete contractors in your area. Compare pricing, ask questions, and choose the right contractor for your project.

For more on concrete projects, visit our concrete services hub or read our guide on stamped concrete vs pavers. If you are also considering a patio, see our patio installation guide. For help evaluating contractors, read our guide to hiring a concrete contractor.