Concrete Driveway Cost: 2026 Price Guide

A concrete driveway typically costs $6 to $15 per square foot installed. Sealing that same surface runs $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot when hired out, or $0.05 to $0.12 per square foot if you do it yourself. Before you spend money on sealer, confirm the base is sound; sealing over a failed base only hides the problem temporarily.

What Drives Concrete Driveway Cost

Concrete pricing depends on slab thickness, finish type, site preparation, and local labor rates. A standard residential driveway uses a 4-inch slab over a compacted gravel base. Upgrading to 5 or 6 inches adds material cost but improves load capacity for RVs or heavy trucks.

Plain gray concrete sits at the lower end of the range. Stamped patterns, exposed aggregate, or integral color can push the price toward $10 to $15 per square foot or more. Removal of an existing driveway adds $1 to $3 per square foot if the old material must be hauled away.

Here is a sample estimate for a two-car driveway measuring 20 feet by 24 feet, or 480 square feet:

• 4-inch plain concrete at $8 per square foot: 480 × $8 = $3,840
• Gravel base and grading: $600 to $1,200
• Removal of old asphalt or concrete: 480 × $2 = $960

Total installed cost before decorative options: roughly $5,400 to $6,000.

Installation vs. Replacement vs. Overlay

If the existing concrete is structurally sound but surface-worn, resurfacing or an overlay may cost less than full replacement. An asphalt overlay runs $3 to $7 per square foot, though it is less common on concrete than on asphalt driveways. Full replacement costs $8 to $15 per square foot and includes removing the old slab, regrading the base, and pouring new concrete.

Replacement is the right call when the base has failed. Signs include widespread settling, large cracks that keep returning after filling, and drainage that runs toward the foundation instead of away from it. Patching those areas without fixing the base is a short-term fix at best.

Sealing Costs and Frequency

Concrete sealers protect against water intrusion, freeze-thaw damage, oil stains, and UV fading. Professional sealing costs $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot. For a 480-square-foot driveway, that is:

• Low end: 480 × $0.15 = $72
• High end: 480 × $0.30 = $144

DIY sealing materials cost $0.05 to $0.12 per square foot, or $24 to $58 for the same 480-square-foot area. You still need to factor in your time, equipment rental, and proper surface prep.

Most concrete driveways benefit from sealing every two to five years, depending on climate and traffic. In regions with harsh winters, sealing before the first freeze helps prevent spalling and surface scaling.

Repair Costs to Expect

Even well-built concrete develops cracks over time. Professional crack filling runs $2 to $5 per linear foot. A 20-foot crack therefore costs $40 to $100 to fill. Pothole repair on concrete or adjacent asphalt runs $100 to $400 each, depending on size and depth.

Small hairline cracks can be sealed with DIY products, but wider cracks or those that shift with the seasons often indicate base movement. Filling them without addressing the underlying soil or drainage issue usually leads to recurrence within a year or two.

Diagnose Base Failure Before Sealing

Sealer is a protective coating, not a structural repair. Applying it over a driveway with a failed base wastes money because the sealer will crack and peel as the slab continues to move.

Check for these warning signs before scheduling sealing:

• Slabs that tilt or slope toward the house
• Cracks wider than a quarter-inch
• Water pooling on the surface after rain
• Sections that have settled below the surrounding grade
• Repeated cracking in the same spots after previous repairs

If any of these are present, address drainage, compact the base, or replace damaged sections first. Once the base is stable, sealing becomes a worthwhile maintenance step.

Concrete vs. Asphalt Cost Context

Concrete costs more upfront than asphalt but typically lasts longer with less frequent resurfacing. Asphalt sealing runs $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot professionally, similar to concrete, while asphalt overlays cost $3 to $7 per square foot. Full asphalt replacement runs $8 to $15 per square foot, overlapping with concrete replacement pricing.

For homeowners deciding between materials, concrete offers a longer service life and less routine sealing, while asphalt costs less to install initially and is easier to patch. The right choice depends on budget, climate, and how long you plan to stay in the home.

Getting an Accurate Estimate

Online calculators provide a starting point, but site conditions change the final price. Sloped lots, poor soil, limited truck access, and decorative finishes all add cost. Ask contractors whether their quote includes base preparation, expansion joints, curing compound, and sealing after the concrete has cured.

Request a written breakdown that separates material, labor, and disposal costs. Compare at least three estimates, and verify that each contractor accounts for base condition rather than just surface area.

Maintenance Protects Your Investment

A concrete driveway is a long-term asset. Routine cleaning, prompt crack filling, and regular sealing extend its life and delay the $8 to $15 per square foot replacement cost. Sweep debris monthly, wash off oil stains quickly, and reseal on the schedule recommended for your climate and sealer type.

If you are unsure whether your driveway needs sealing, repair, or replacement, start with an inspection. A sound base makes sealing worthwhile. A failing base makes replacement the only honest option.

For more on sealing options, see our guide to how much driveway sealing costs, our overview of driveway sealing installation, and our breakdown of driveway sealing repair. You can also explore driveway sealing maintenance, best driveway sealing, driveway sealing vs asphalt sealcoating, DIY driveway sealing, and driveway sealing cost per square foot.