How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost? (2026 Guide)
A concrete driveway costs **$3,000-$10,000** for a typical two-car driveway in 2026, or roughly **$4-10 per square foot** installed. Your actual cost depends on size, whether you're removing an old driveway, and whether you want basic gray concrete or a decorative finish.
How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost? (2026 Guide)
A concrete driveway costs $3,000-$10,000 for a typical two-car driveway in 2026, or roughly $4-10 per square foot installed. Your actual cost depends on size, whether you're removing an old driveway, and whether you want basic gray concrete or a decorative finish.
Concrete driveways last 25-30 years with minimal maintenance—significantly longer than asphalt—making them a solid investment despite higher upfront costs. Use our driveway cost calculator to estimate costs for your specific dimensions.
Cost by Driveway Size
Here's what to expect based on common driveway sizes:
| Driveway Type | Size | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Single car | 10×20 ft (200 sqft) | $1,500-3,000 |
| Two car | 20×20 ft (400 sqft) | $3,000-6,000 |
| Two car (longer) | 12×40 ft (480 sqft) | $3,500-7,000 |
| Large | 20×40 ft (800 sqft) | $6,000-12,000 |
| Extra large | 24×50 ft (1,200 sqft) | $8,000-18,000 |
These ranges assume basic broom-finished concrete with standard 5-inch thickness. Decorative finishes increase costs significantly.
Price Per Square Foot Breakdown
Understanding per-square-foot pricing helps you compare quotes and estimate non-standard sizes:
| Component | Cost per Sqft |
|---|---|
| Basic concrete (installed) | $4-8 |
| Colored concrete | $6-10 |
| Stamped concrete | $8-15 |
| Exposed aggregate | $8-14 |
What "installed" includes:
- Excavation and site prep
- 4-6 inch gravel base
- Forms and form removal
- 5-6 inch concrete with wire mesh
- Broom or basic finish
- Control joint cutting
- Cleanup
What Affects Driveway Cost
Several factors push your project toward the higher or lower end of the price range:
Size (Biggest Factor)
Every 100 square feet adds roughly $400-800 to your total cost. Measure carefully—driveways are often bigger than they appear.
Existing Driveway Removal
Replacing an old concrete or asphalt driveway? Add $1-3 per square foot for demolition and removal:
| Removal Type | Cost per Sqft |
|---|---|
| Asphalt removal | $1.00-2.00 |
| Concrete removal (4") | $1.50-2.50 |
| Concrete removal (6"+) | $2.00-3.50 |
For a 400-sqft driveway, removal adds $400-1,400 to your project cost.
Thickness Requirements
Standard driveways use 5-inch concrete, but you may need more:
- 5 inches: Passenger vehicles (most homes)
- 6 inches: Trucks, SUVs, frequent heavy loads
- 6-8 inches: RVs, boats, commercial vehicles
Thicker concrete adds roughly $0.50 per square foot per additional inch.
For detailed thickness guidance, see our driveway thickness guide.
Site Conditions
Sloped driveways, poor drainage, and difficult access all increase costs:
- Significant grading: +$1-3 per sqft
- Poor soil requiring extra base: +$0.50-1.50 per sqft
- Limited truck access: +$1-2 per sqft
Geographic Location
Regional pricing varies significantly:
| Region | Typical Cost per Sqft |
|---|---|
| Southeast | $4-7 |
| Midwest | $4-8 |
| Northeast | $6-10 |
| West Coast | $6-12 |
Urban areas tend to cost more than rural regions due to higher labor rates.
Plain vs Decorative Driveway Pricing
The finish you choose dramatically affects your budget:
Basic Broom Finish ($4-8/sqft)
- Gray concrete with textured surface for traction
- Classic, functional look
- Lowest maintenance
- Best value for most homeowners
Colored Concrete ($6-10/sqft)
- Integral color mixed throughout
- Earth tones (tan, brown, gray) most popular
- Won't fade or wear off
- Adds $2-4 per sqft over basic
Stamped Concrete ($8-15/sqft)
- Patterns mimic brick, stone, slate, or tile
- Combined with color for realistic look
- Higher maintenance (resealing every 2-3 years)
- Adds $4-8 per sqft over basic
Exposed Aggregate ($8-14/sqft)
- Decorative stones visible in surface
- Natural, textured appearance
- Good traction
- Adds $4-6 per sqft over basic
Real Cost Examples
Here's what actual driveway projects might cost:
Example 1: Basic replacement
- Size: 20×24 ft (480 sqft)
- Old driveway removal: 480 × $2 = $960
- New concrete installed: 480 × $6 = $2,880
- Total: $3,840
Example 2: New construction, basic
- Size: 16×40 ft (640 sqft)
- New concrete installed: 640 × $5.50 = $3,520
- Total: $3,520
Example 3: Stamped concrete upgrade
- Size: 20×30 ft (600 sqft)
- Stamped concrete installed: 600 × $12 = $7,200
- Total: $7,200
For your specific dimensions, use our concrete driveway calculator or cost calculator.
DIY vs Professional
Can you pour your own driveway? Technically yes, but it's not recommended for most homeowners.
| Approach | Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY | $1,200-2,500 | Saves 50-60% | Hard labor, high risk |
| Professional | $3,000-7,000 | Guaranteed results | Higher cost |
Driveways are larger, thicker, and more critical than patios. The timeline pressure of working with concrete, combined with the need for proper reinforcement and finishing, makes this a project where professional help is worth the cost.
For a detailed DIY vs pro breakdown, see our comparison guide.
How to Get Accurate Quotes
When requesting contractor quotes:
Provide exact measurements. Length, width, and any curves or extensions. Better yet, have the contractor measure.
Specify what you want. Basic finish? Colored? Stamped? Each requires a different quote.
Ask about removal. If replacing an existing driveway, make sure removal is included in the quote.
Get itemized quotes. Break down material, labor, and any additional fees so you can compare.
Get 3+ quotes. Driveway pricing varies significantly between contractors.
Check reviews and references. The lowest quote isn't always the best value. Poor concrete work is expensive to fix.
Concrete vs Asphalt: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Concrete | Asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Initial cost | $4-10/sqft | $3-7/sqft |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 15-20 years |
| Maintenance | Low (seal every 5 years optional) | Higher (seal every 2-3 years) |
| Appearance | Clean, various finishes | Black, limited options |
| Repairs | More difficult | Easy patch repairs |
| Climate | Better in hot climates | Better for freeze-thaw |
Concrete costs more upfront but typically has lower lifetime cost due to longevity and reduced maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 20×20 concrete driveway?
A 20×20 driveway (400 square feet) costs $2,400-4,000 for basic broom-finished concrete installed professionally. Add $400-1,000 if you need to remove an existing driveway first. Decorative finishes like stamped concrete can push the total to $4,000-6,000.
Is concrete or asphalt cheaper for a driveway?
Asphalt is cheaper initially ($3-7/sqft vs $4-10/sqft for concrete), but concrete lasts longer and requires less maintenance. Over 25-30 years, concrete typically costs less overall. Choose asphalt if upfront budget is tight; choose concrete if you want longevity and aesthetics.
How much to remove and replace a concrete driveway?
Removing an old concrete driveway costs $1-3 per square foot depending on thickness. For a 400-sqft driveway, that's $400-1,200 for removal plus $2,400-4,000 for new concrete—total of $2,800-5,200.
Does a concrete driveway add home value?
Yes. A new concrete driveway can increase home value by 5-10% of the project cost, and more importantly, improves curb appeal and helps your home sell faster. A cracked, damaged driveway hurts resale; a clean concrete driveway is a selling point.
Key Takeaways
- Typical two-car driveway: $3,000-6,000 for basic finish
- Price per square foot: $4-8 basic, $8-15 decorative
- Old driveway removal adds $1-3 per sqft
- Get 3+ quotes from licensed contractors
- Concrete lasts 25-30 years—longer than asphalt
For material cost details, see concrete cost per yard. Planning a DIY approach? Start with our guide on how to calculate concrete to get your quantities right. Visit our concrete guides hub for more planning resources.