Concrete Driveway Cost
Enter your driveway dimensions for an instant planning range. National 2026 installed range: $8–$18 per square foot — your region, access, and finish decide where you land in it.
What moves the price
The spread is wide because the job varies wildly: thickness (4" standard, 5–6" for trucks adds 15–25%); removal of an old driveway ($1–3/sq ft on top); reinforcement (wire mesh cheap, rebar grid adds $1–2); finish (broom finish is the base price — exposed aggregate, coloring, or stamping can add $3–8); access (pump trucks for tight sites run $800+); and region — the same driveway prices 50% apart between rural markets and coastal metros. Get three local bids; the range above tells you which bids are outliers.
Common questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost in 2026?
Most installed driveways land between \$8 and \$18 per square foot — a typical 480 sq ft two-car driveway runs roughly \$3,800–\$8,600 installed, before extras like demolition or decorative finishes.
Is concrete cheaper than asphalt?
Asphalt installs cheaper (\$5–10/sq ft) but needs sealing every few years and lasts 15–20 years; concrete costs more upfront, needs little maintenance, and lasts 30–40. Over the driveway's life the totals converge — climate and patience pick the winner.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
4 inches for cars, 5–6 where trucks or RVs park, always over 4–6" of compacted gravel base. Thickness is the wrong place to economize — redoing a failed driveway costs triple.
Can I pour a driveway myself to save money?
Materials alone run \$3–5/sq ft, so the saving is real — but a driveway pour is unforgiving: a big continuous placement against a setting clock. Realistic DIY line: sidewalks and pads yes, driveways only with experienced help on the crew.