Driveway · updated 2026
Driveway Cost Calculator — Compare Materials
The cheapest driveway to install is rarely the cheapest to own. This driveway cost calculator prices the four common materials side-by-side — asphalt, concrete, pavers, and gravel — for your exact driveway size, using 2026 installed prices per square foot, with lifespan and maintenance notes so you are comparing total cost, not just day-one cost. Enter your length and width once; the table does the rest.
Show the math
Area = 40 × 20 = 800.0 sq ft
Asphalt = 800.0 × $7–$15 = $5600.0–$12000.0
Concrete = 800.0 × $8–$18 = $6400.0–$14400.0
Pavers = 800.0 × $12–$25 = $9600.0–$20000.0
Gravel = 800.0 × $2–$6 = $1600.0–$4800.0
What the numbers mean
The calculator converts your measurements into a practical purchase quantity using a documented coverage or spacing assumption.
Any whole-unit quantity is rounded up so the result does not leave you short during the project.
Use the cost range as a planning baseline and confirm the final quantity, availability, and delivery charge with your local supplier.
2026 material prices
Installed price ranges: Phase 2 2026 national-average guide, Sep 2026. Local prices vary. 2026 U.S. national averages. Prices vary by region and retailer — confirm locally before buying.
Pro tips
- Compare 15-year total cost, not install price: asphalt’s sealcoating narrows the gap with concrete fast.
- The base matters more than the surface — 4–6 in of compacted gravel base under any material.
- Get per-material quotes from specialists, not one generalist — an asphalt crew and a paver crew price very differently.
- In freeze-thaw climates, air-entrained concrete and flexible asphalt both outperform rigid non-air-entrained slabs.
- Gravel is cheapest upfront but needs yearly grading — factor in your time or a $200–$400 annual service.
- Pavers cost the most but individual units are replaceable — a cracked concrete slab is a much bigger repair.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest driveway material?
Gravel at $2–$6 per square foot installed — an 800 sq ft driveway runs about $1,600–$4,800.
Asphalt vs concrete driveway cost?
Asphalt runs $7–$15/sq ft installed, concrete $8–$18. Asphalt is cheaper upfront; concrete lasts 10+ years longer with less maintenance.
How much does an 800 sq ft driveway cost?
Roughly $5,600–$12,000 asphalt, $6,400–$14,400 concrete, $9,600–$20,000 pavers, or $1,600–$4,800 gravel (2026 installed prices).
How long does each driveway material last?
Asphalt 15–20 years, concrete 25–30, pavers 25–50, gravel indefinitely with regular regrading and top-ups.
Which driveway is best for cold climates?
Air-entrained concrete and asphalt both handle freeze-thaw well; pavers also excel since they flex. Avoid non-air-entrained concrete where de-icing salt is used.
What maintenance does each need?
Asphalt: sealcoat every 3–5 years. Concrete: seal every 2–3 years. Pavers: re-sand joints every 3–5 years. Gravel: regrade yearly.
Related calculators
Planning estimates only. Prices are 2026 U.S. national averages and vary by region — confirm with your local supplier before buying.