Many homeowners choose concrete driveways because they’re long-lasting and easy to maintain. Expect to pay about $6 to $16 per square foot to install a new concrete driveway. Most homeowners will pay a total of $1,885 to $6,475, with the average concrete driveway costing about $3,500.
Square footage, materials, and design intricacy are significant factors in a concrete driveway’s total cost. The cheapest option is a simple one-car, rectangular driveway.
In this cost guide:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Size
- Other Factors that Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost by Location
- FAQ
Average Concrete Driveway Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $3,500 |
| Typical Price Range | $1,885 – $6,475 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $600 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $12,000 |
Homeowners looking for a small, one-car driveway can get a concrete driveway for as little as $600, while those looking for large, ornate driveways with curves and slopes can end up paying as much as $12,000.
Concrete Driveway Cost Estimator by Size
Size is a major factor when pricing concrete driveways. Most concrete driveways cost $6 to $16 per square foot. Simple designs are typically on the lower end of the spectrum, and complex installations are more expensive.
| Driveway Size | Average Overall Cost |
| One-car | $600 – $1,600 |
| Two-car | $1,200 – $3,200 |
| Three-car | $3,460 – $9,220 |
Other Factors that Affect Cost
In addition to the size of the driveway, these other factors also impact the total cost of concrete driveway installation:
Base Layer
Concrete driveways have a gravel base, but homeowners can add a base layer of reinforced rebar or wire mesh for better support and longevity. It will cost an extra $1 to $3 per square foot. A supportive base layer is a must if the driveway is:
- Used for large, heavy vehicles
- Built on a slope
You can also install a heating system below the driveway to heat the concrete in winter and melt snow. This high-end upgrade can cost as much as $10 to $30 per square foot.
Grading and Excavation
If the slope of your driveway is too steep or uneven, you’ll likely need to have the land graded before installation. In addition, an existing driveway, an old drainage system, or rocky soil may need excavation.
Grading ranges from $100 to $3,400 depending on the land’s adjustment needs. Excavation typically costs between $500 and $6,000, depending on what needs removal.
Shape
There are a few different shape options for concrete driveways. Anything other than the traditional rectangle shape will cost extra because it requires additional materials and labor. Whether your new concrete driveway is circular, semi-circular, S-shaped, or L-shaped, the increase in cost will depend on the area it will cover.
Type of Concrete
The overall cost of a concrete driveway also depends on the concrete mix used. Standard gray concrete is the most common and the most cost-effective.
| Type of Concrete | Typical Cost / Sq. Ft. |
| Standard Gray | $4 – $6 |
| Stained Concrete | $6 – $12 |
| Stamped Concrete | $8 – $15 |
Finish and Sealant
The type of finish used on the concrete impacts the total price tag. You do not want the driveway polished and slippery, so most driveways have a basic broom finish. However, if you add some texture to the finish, expect it to cost more. Driveway finish typically costs $6 to $12 per square foot.
Some homeowners also opt to use a sealer. Driveway sealing increases the lifespan of your driveway and adds to your curb appeal. The average cost of driveway sealing is $305.
Thickness
The thicker the driveway is, the more expensive the price tag will be. For example, adding 2 inches of thickness can increase costs by about 25%.
Driveway Heating
Homeowners in cold climates should consider getting a concrete driveway with a heating system. Heated driveways cost extra, with a typical 2-car concrete driveway with radiant heat costing $4,860 – $12,480.
Electric heating systems have a lower upfront cost than hydronic systems, but some hydronic systems have a lower operational cost. The operating cost of hydronic systems depends on the power source- electricity, natural gas, propane, wood, or oil.
Related Services
If you are in the market for a new driveway, you may want to check out these alternatives and related services:
Asphalt Driveway
Although concrete typically lasts longer than asphalt, homeowners in cold climates may want to consider asphalt. Because concrete expands in freezing temperatures, causing it to crack, it doesn’t hold up well in harsh winter climates.
Asphalt driveways cost about $5,000, with the price depending on size, thickness, and the type of asphalt.
| National average cost | $5,000 |
| Typical price range | $3,086 – $7,912 |
| Extreme low end cost | $1,670 |
| Extreme high end cost | $10,900 |
Gravel Driveway
If you need a new driveway but are on a tight budget, gravel is the way to go. Gravel driveways typically cost about $1,500 and can last up to 100 years!
| National average cost | $1,500 |
| Typical price range | $600 – $1,800 |
| Extreme low end cost | $300 |
| Extreme high end cost | $60,000 |
Paver Driveway
Concrete pavers make exquisite driveway patterns that are much more durable than poured concrete. They are also great for your home’s resale value, but they aren’t cheap. The average cost of a paver driveway is $13,000.
| National average cost | $13,000 |
| Typical price range | $5,500 – $26,000 |
Land Clearing
You may have to clear land to make room for your new driveway. Expect to pay $90 to $800 to clear ⅛ of an acre. The cost to clear land depends on the land size and the amount of forestry that needs to be cleared.
| National average cost | $2,580 |
| Typical price range | $1,270 – $3,900 |
| Extreme low end cost | $560 |
| Extreme high end cost | $8,310 |
Driveway Removal
If you are removing an existing concrete driveway, you will pay the additional cost of driveway removal. Of course, the size and thickness will affect the price, but clearing out an old driveway typically runs at $1,500 to $2,500.
Landscaping
You may want to compliment your new driveway with flower beds, ornamental grass, or trees. See the cost of landscaping services in the table below.
| Landscaping Service | Typical Cost |
| Planting trees and bushes | $25 – $3,000 / plant |
| Mulching | $35 – $110 |
| Flower Beds | $650 – $3,000 |
| Landscape Design | $2,200 – $6,182 |
| Brick borders | $6 – $15 / linear foot |
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Installing a concrete driveway is a home improvement project that is best left to the professionals. It requires heavy equipment and skillful precision. In addition, concrete driveways are easy to mess up, and any mistakes can significantly reduce the lifespan of your DIY work.
If you decide to try pouring concrete on your own regardless of the risks, here are the daily rental fees for the heavy equipment you’ll need.
| Equipment | Daily Rental Cost |
| Cement mixer | $50 – $120 |
| Bull float | $16 |
| Cement vibrator | $63 |
| Rebar Cutter | $30 |
| Concrete saw | $63 |
| Total cost of equipment | $222 – $292 per day |
Remember that you’ll also have to purchase the concrete itself.
Labor makes up about 50% of the cost of a concrete driveway. However, professional contractors already have the heavy equipment and get bulk discounts on supplies. Therefore, it is worth it to hire an insured contractor. Novice DIY mistakes can cost a lot more than labor savings.
Cost of Installing a Concrete Driveway by Location
Some regional factors will affect the cost of your driveway:
- Soil type can affect the price of a driveway. Hard soil types like clay will see increased costs for excavation and grading.
- Mountainous areas with steep slopes will also be more expensive to grade.
- Climates with heavy rainfall need extra drainage installed.
- Permits and taxes are locally legislated. If your area requires a permit and extra taxes, you can expect to pay $500 – $2,000 more.
- Cost of living affects labor costs. If your area is expensive, expect a driveway to cost more than average.
FAQ
A well-installed and maintained driveway can last anywhere from 20 to 35 years. The longevity of your driveway will depend on:
• Installation quality
• Local climate
• Concrete quality
Large tree roots growing beneath the ground can cause the cement to break, shortening the driveway’s lifespan
Yes. A concrete driveway usually increases the value of your home by 5-10%. So, if your house was worth $100,000 before the driveway, after getting the driveway it will be worth $105,000 to $110,000. Since the average cost of a concrete driveway is $3,500, most homeowners will make up the cost with the increase in their home’s value.
It might be time to replace the driveway if there are:
• Visible cracks
• Potholes
• Drainage issues
• Aesthetic issues
An asphalt driveway typically lasts 15 – 20 years and concrete driveways last 20 – 35 years. Gravel driveways require regular maintenance but can last up to 100 years when maintained.
Final Thoughts
Concrete driveways are long-lasting and easy to maintain. Best of all, they are an excellent investment for your home. These are just some of the perks that come with concrete driveway ownership. Contact an experienced contractor in your area to get a quote for your specific project today.
Main Photo By: Decorative Concrete King / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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