DRIVEWAYS
How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost?
Estimate asphalt driveway cost per square foot — material, base prep and paving — with the free calculator.
An asphalt driveway is the most common paved surface in American neighborhoods, and its price depends on area, base condition and access. This guide covers the cost per square foot and a calculator to price the job.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Asphalt driveways run $3–$7 per sq ft installed. A two-car driveway (about 600 sq ft) costs $2,000–$4,500. Gravel runs $1.50–$3 per sq ft installed.
Materials and cost per sq ft
Asphalt is the standard durable choice — smooth, repairable and lasts 15-25 years with sealing. Gravel is the budget option but needs periodic top-ups and a stabilizer to prevent ruts. The base is the most important part of any driveway.
- Asphalt: $3–$7 per sq ft installed
- Gravel: $1.50–$3 per sq ft installed
- Base (gravel, 4-8 in): $1–$2 per sq ft
- Sealcoating: $0.25–$0.50 per sq ft
The base decides the price
A compacted gravel base of 4-8 inches prevents cracking and sinking. If the old base is bad, it must be excavated and replaced — that's where costs jump. Cheap quotes skip base work and fail within a few years.
Access and site conditions
Driveway length, slope, tree roots and access for the paving crew all affect labor. A short flat driveway is the cheapest; a long steep one with poor access costs far more.
Try the calculator with your driveway
Enter the driveway area, asphalt price per sq ft and prep + labor per sq ft to see the total.