how much a CONCRETE DRIVEWAY COST for 2025

how much does a concrete driveway cost 2

Installing a concrete driveway is a smart investment that boosts curb appeal, increases property value, and provides a durable surface for vehicles.

But how much does it actually cost? This guide breaks down the average cost of a concrete driveway, factors affecting pricing, and tips to save money on your installation.

Average Cost of a Concrete Driveway

The cost of a concrete driveway varies based on size, thickness, finish, and location.

Here’s a general pricing breakdown:

  • Basic Concrete Driveway: $5–$8 per square foot
  • Decorative Concrete Driveway: $9–$18 per square foot
  • Stamped Concrete Driveway: $15–$25 per square foot

For a typical two-car driveway (16 ft x 40 ft or 640 sq. ft.)

Expect to pay:

  • Basic Concrete: $3,560–$5,920
  • Decorative Concrete: $5,920–$12,520
  • Stamped Concrete: $9,400–$15,800
how much does a concrete driveway costPhoto courtesy of Ageless Concrete

Factors That Affect Concrete Driveway Costs

Several key factors influence the total price of a concrete driveway:

1. Size and Thickness

  • Standard driveways are 4 inches thick, but upgrading to 5 or 6 inches increases strength for heavy vehicles.
  • Increasing thickness from 4 inches to 5 inches adds about 20% to the cost but improves durability by nearly 50%.

2. Driveway Design and Finishes

  • Plain Gray Concrete: Most affordable option.
  • Stamped Concrete: Mimics brick, stone, or tile but costs more.
  • Stained or Colored Concrete: Enhances aesthetics but adds 10–30% to the cost.
  • Exposed Aggregate: Premium look with a rougher surface texture.

3. Site Preparation and Labor

  • Land grading or excavation can add $600–$2,000.
  • Old driveway removal costs $1.50–$4 per square foot.
  • Rebar or wire mesh reinforcement adds $0.50–$1 per square foot.

4. Geographic Location

  • Costs vary by region due to material and labor expenses.
  • Urban areas tend to be pricier than rural locations.

5. Sealing and Maintenance

  • Sealing a driveway costs $0.50–$0.95 per square foot.
  • Proper sealing extends lifespan and prevents cracking.

What does a concrete driveway cost near me?

A plain gray broom finish concrete driveway costs between $9 - $12 per square foot to install.

  • Example: If you have a 1 car driveway, 16' x 40' x 4", a plain gray broom finish concrete driveway would cost about $7680.00

A decorative stained or colored stamped concrete driveway costs from $12 - $25 per square foot.

  • Example: One color, one pattern, stamped concrete driveway that's 16' x 40' x 4" would cost about $16,000.00

National average cost of a concrete driveway

concrete driveway cost comparison chart

How to Save Money on a Concrete Driveway

  • Compare Quotes: Get at least three estimates from reputable contractors.
  • Choose Standard Finishes: Decorative finishes can double costs.
  • Schedule Off-Season Work: Contractors may offer discounts in late fall or early winter.
  • DIY Some Work: If possible, handle site prep, grading, or sealing yourself.


Concrete driveway cost calculator

If you know the size of driveway you want or want to get a rough idea of different sizes, use my concrete driveway calculator to estimate a cost.

The estimated costs are based on the square foot prices listed above.

Concrete Driveway Cost Calculator

Concrete Driveway Cost Calculator





Estimated Cost:

concrete driveway cost

What's the average cost breakdown of MOST concrete drivewayS?

To give you a better idea of how much you can expect to pay for a concrete driveway, here is a cost breakdown for a typical 1,000 square foot driveway:

  • Concrete: $3,500 - $7,500
  • Labor: $2,500 - $4,500
  • Excavation and site preparation: $1500 - $3,000
  • Grading and compaction: $900 - $2,500
  • Reinforcement: $750 - $1,300
  • Curing and sealing: $500 - $1,000

Based on the above estimates, you can expect to pay anywhere from $6,500 to $16,500 for a 1,000 square foot concrete driveway.

However, it is important to note that these are just estimates, and the cost can vary depending on the factors listed above.

stamped concrete driveways

Stamped and colored concrete driveways will cost $15 - $20 dollars per square foot in my location.

The most popular stamp concrete patterns we use are Ashlar Slate, Stone Texture, Random Rock, and Barn Board.

The stamped driveway and walkway you see below was 1800 sq. ft. We charged $20 per square foot to install the concrete for a total cost of $36,000.

The Owner hired and excavation contractor separately to install and prep the sub-base of gravel. Total cost for the sub-base - gravel prep was $5500.

Stamped Concrete Driveway 1This stamped concrete driveway cost $20 per sq. ft. to install

costs to maintain a concrete driveway

When you have a new concrete driveway installed, it needs to be taken care of if you want it to last a long time.

Basic maintenance for a concrete driveway includes:

  • Cleaning: A yearly pressure washing (to remove mold, mildew, dirt, road salt residue) If you do it yourself $50, If you hire a pro $1 - $2 dollars per square foot.
  • Sealing: First year seal with a penetrating sealer (helps block moisture absorption) $1.00 - $1.50 per square foot.
  • Re-sealing: Every 1 - 2 years after - re-sealing the concrete (with topical acrylic sealer for added protection $1.00 per square foot
  • Repair: Fixing cracks, chipped areas, or spalling (costs will vary with repair if needed) call a Pro
  • PRO TIP - Never use salt or de-icing materials on a concrete driveway, only use sand.


Concrete driveway vs asphalt driveway

A concrete driveway has some advantages over an asphalt driveway.

  • A concrete driveway is thicker and stronger (5 - 6 inches thick Vs 2 - 3 inches for asphalt)
  • A concrete driveway doesn't get soft in extreme heat so no damage from tire marks or kick stand penetration on hot summer days.
  • A concrete driveway is cooler to walk on in the summer, it reflects the sun and doesn't absorb heat like a black asphalt driveway does.
  • A concrete driveway is easier to re-seal and maintain. Just spray on a thin coating of clear concrete sealer, no thick black tar to roll on.
  • A concrete driveway (if done right) will last 30 years or more VS an asphalt driveway that may last 15 - 20 years.
  • The up-front cost of a concrete driveway will be more than asphalt (maybe double) but if it 's done right it'll last about 2 or 3 times longer.
  • Asphalt only comes in one color BLACK, Concrete can be colored in up to 20 different colors.

cost to remove and replace a concrete driveway

The cost to remove a concrete driveway is an added $2 - $5 per square foot to the above prices.

A 500 square foot driveway demo, removal, and disposal would cost $1000 to $2500. Then, a new 500 square foot broom finished driveway would cost $4500 - $6000.

In all, the cost to remove and replace a 500 sq. ft. concrete driveway would be $5500 to $8500 dollars.

These removal costs will be different depending on your location, but in general, these are the rough prices.

DIY CONCRETE DRIVEWAY COST OR HIRE A PRO

If you're going to try a "do it yourself concrete driveway", then you will save about 40% - 50% of the cost you see in the above examples.

But, keep in mind, installing concrete is a lot of work. There's some skill involved and it's physically demanding, especially in hot weather.

Since I'm in the concrete driveway business, I feel this is better left to the Pro's. Pouring and finishing concrete with a good outcome takes some experience and skills, there's quite a big learning curve to be really good at it.

But, if you're quite handy and you like doing things yourself, you may be able to tackle a small concrete driveway on your own if you do it in small sections.

Learn how to work with concrete from me in The Concrete Underground.

Watching some of my YouTube videos will also help you learn how to work with concrete and should make your decision to do this yourself or hire a pro a lot easier.

How long will a concrete driveway last?

A concrete driveway that's properly installed and maintained will last 25 to 50 years.

What's very important is the sub-base preparation and installation. You need a gravel sub-base installed specifically for your area, one that's been compacted and graded to shed water.

Next is hiring a good concrete contractor that's experienced installing concrete driveways and understands concrete mix designs. Using the right concrete for a driveway and knowing how to install it, will extend the life of your driveway.

Maintenance is very important to the lifespan of your concrete driveway. Cleaning & re-sealing on a regular basis will keep the concrete protected from the elements and extend its life.

What's included in my concrete driveway estimates:

When a customer asks me for a proposal, these are the things I include in my standard concrete driveway installation:

  • A 4000 psi concrete mix design with fiber mesh
  • Regular gray concrete (no color added)
  • A broom finish surface texture
  • Sawed expansion joints to help control cracking
  • A concrete driveway sealer applied
  • A mat of rebar for reinforcement
  • All labor for forming, pouring, and finishing

The Average cost for the above concrete driveway: $10 dollars per square foot

What's not included in my concrete driveway cost:

  • Any Sub-base preparation, gravel, compaction, grading, or drainage
  • Finished landscaping, loam, shrubs, flowers, or grass seeding
  • Existing driveway demo, removal, and disposal
  • City permits or Building permits

These four things vary so much for each driveway it would be difficult to include them in a square foot cement driveway cost.

Depending on where you live the sub-base preparation may or may not add a significant amount to the total price.

Does a concrete driveway increase my homes value?

According to some research I did on other sites, yes, an average concrete driveway will increase your homes value anywhere from 5% to 10% depending on your driveway size and your location.

Check with your local real estate company to get a more accurate estimate if that's something you need to know.

in conclusion:

In conclusion, a concrete driveway is a popular choice for most homeowners due to its durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance.

While the cost of installing a concrete driveway can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the type of concrete used, and the cost of labor, it can provide long-term value and increase the value of your home.

It's important to consider your individual needs and budget when choosing between asphalt paving or pouring concrete, and to work with a reputable contractor to ensure that the job is done properly.

With proper maintenance and care, a concrete driveway can last up to 30 years or more, making it a smart investment for many homeowners.

frequently asked questions:

Here's some answers to a lot of FAQ's asked about concrete, asphalt, and gravel driveways:

Is a concrete driveway cheaper than asphalt?

  • It depends on the size and complexity of the project, but in general, concrete is more expensive than asphalt upfront, but can be more cost-effective in the long run due to its durability and longevity.

Is a new concrete driveway worth it?

  • Whether a new concrete driveway is worth it will depend on your individual needs and budget. While a concrete driveway can be a significant investment, it can also provide long-term benefits such as durability and ease of maintenance.

Does a concrete driveway increase home value?

  • Yes, a concrete driveway can increase the value of your home by improving curb appeal and providing a functional and durable solution for your driveway needs.

What is the cheapest driveway to install?

  • Gravel is typically the cheapest driveway material to install, but it may not be the most durable or long-lasting option.

What is the most cost-effective driveway?

  • Concrete is generally considered to be the most cost-effective driveway material due to its durability and longevity.

Is 4 inches of concrete enough for a driveway?

  • Four inches of concrete is typically enough for a residential driveway, but the thickness may need to be increased for heavier vehicles or higher traffic areas.

Is 2 inches of concrete enough for a driveway?

  • Two inches of concrete is generally not thick enough for a residential driveway and may crack or break down more quickly.

How long does a concrete driveway last?

  • With proper maintenance and care, a concrete driveway can last up to 30 - 40 years or more.

Is it cheaper to pave or concrete?

  • The cost of paving versus concrete can vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of the project, the type of materials used, and the cost of labor. But in most cases it's less expensive to pave with asphalt.

Is it better to pave or concrete a driveway?

  • Whether it is better to pave or concrete a driveway will depend on your individual needs and budget. Concrete is generally considered to be more durable and longer-lasting than asphalt, but may be more expensive upfront.

When should you pour a concrete driveway?

  • The best time to pour a concrete driveway is typically in the spring or fall when temperatures are cooler and there is less risk of extreme heat or cold.

Can I pour a concrete driveway myself?

  • While it is possible to pour a concrete driveway yourself, it is generally recommended that you hire a professional contractor to ensure the job is done properly.

When is it too late in the year to pour concrete?

  • It may be too late in the year to pour concrete if temperatures are consistently below freezing or if there is a risk of snow or ice.

What time is best to lay concrete?

  • The best time to lay concrete is typically in the early morning when temperatures are cool and you're not pouring in the extreme heat of direct sunlight.


Here's what you can expect to pay for other concrete applications.

Current price list - How much does concrete cost per cubic yard.

What is the cost of concrete? Do you really know

How much does it cost to stain concrete?

How much does it cost to stamp concrete?


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