Cost to Pave a Driveway: Asphalt, Concrete & Gravel
Updated
Paving a driveway costs $1 to $3 per square foot for gravel, $3 to $7 for asphalt, $4 to $15 for concrete, and $10 to $30 for pavers. For an average 600 sq ft driveway, that's roughly $1,200 (gravel) to $4,200 (asphalt) to $9,000 (concrete) installed.
"How much to pave a driveway?" has no single answer — it depends entirely on the material. Gravel is cheapest, pavers are priciest, and asphalt and concrete sit in between with very different lifespans and maintenance needs.
This guide compares all four driveway materials on cost, lifespan, and upkeep, so you can pick the best value for your budget and climate.
Key takeaways
- Gravel: $1–$3/ft² · Asphalt: $3–$7 · Concrete: $4–$15 · Pavers: $10–$30.
- A 600 ft² driveway ranges from ~$1,200 (gravel) to ~$9,000+ (concrete/pavers).
- Asphalt suits cold climates; concrete suits hot ones.
- Gravel is cheapest but needs the most ongoing upkeep.
- Factor in lifespan — the cheapest option isn't always the best value.
Skip the math
Get instant numbers with the Asphalt Calculator.
Driveway cost by material
| Material | Cost per ft² | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel | $1 – $3 | Indefinite* | High (regrade/top up) |
| Asphalt | $3 – $7 | 15–20 yrs | Reseal every 3–5 yrs |
| Concrete | $4 – $15 | 25–40 yrs | Low |
| Pavers | $10 – $30 | 30–50 yrs | Re-level occasionally |
Total cost for a typical driveway
For a standard 600 sq ft (20×30 ft) two-car driveway:
| Material | Typical total |
|---|---|
| Gravel | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Asphalt | $1,800 – $4,200 |
| Concrete | $3,600 – $9,000 |
| Pavers | $6,000 – $18,000 |
Which should you choose?
- Tight budget or rural lot → gravel
- Cold/freeze-thaw climate → asphalt
- Hot climate, long-term value → concrete
- Premium look and curb appeal → pavers
Estimate your driveway
Use the calculator for your chosen material — our asphalt, concrete, and gravel calculators each return quantities and an installed-cost range from your driveway dimensions.