What drives the price
Installed asphalt pricing is mostly labor and logistics, not the asphalt itself. These are the national ranges behind this calculator:
| Project | Per sq ft | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| New driveway (bare ground) | $7–$13 | Includes grading, gravel base, and 2–3″ of compacted asphalt. |
| Remove & replace old driveway | $8–$15 | Adds $1–2/sq ft for tearing out and hauling away the old surface. |
| Resurface / overlay (existing asphalt) | $3–$7 | A 1.5–2″ overlay on structurally sound asphalt. Not an option for badly cracked bases. |
Beyond size and project type, the big swings are access(tight sites that need small equipment cost more), slope and drainage work, base condition (a driveway is only as good as the gravel under it), and local paving-season demand.
How we get these numbers
Base ranges come from current published national cost guides, checked against each other and refreshed at least twice a year (last:August 2026). Metro adjustments use published construction cost indexes — they shift the range up or down by your area's labor costs, from about −10% in lower-cost Southern metros to +35% in the San Francisco Bay Area. Sources:
- Angi — How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost? (2026)
- NerdWallet — Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveway Cost (2026)
- HomeAdvisor — Asphalt Paving Installation Costs
These are planning estimates, not quotes. Real quotes vary with site conditions a calculator can't see — which is why we suggest getting two or three.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 2-car asphalt driveway cost?
A typical 2-car driveway (20 × 20 ft, 400 sq ft) costs about $2,800–$5,200 to pave new at national average rates of $7–13 per square foot installed. Removing and replacing an old driveway runs higher, about $3,200–$6,000, because tear-out adds $1–2 per square foot.
Is asphalt cheaper than concrete?
Usually, yes. Asphalt runs $7–13 per square foot installed while concrete typically runs $8–18. Asphalt is also easier to repair, but needs sealcoating every 3–5 years and has a shorter lifespan than concrete.
Can I resurface my driveway instead of replacing it?
If the base is structurally sound — cracks under 1/4 inch, no drainage problems or crumbling edges — a 1.5–2 inch overlay at $3–7 per square foot can buy you 8–15 more years for roughly half the cost of replacement. Widespread alligator cracking or sunken sections mean the base has failed, and an overlay over a failed base will crack again within a couple of seasons.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
15–30 years. The biggest factors are the quality of the gravel base, climate, and whether you sealcoat every 3–5 years. A well-built, maintained driveway in a moderate climate can reach 30 years.
When is the best time of year to pave?
Late spring through early fall. Hot-mix asphalt needs air temperatures of roughly 50°F and rising to compact properly, so plants in cold climates shut down for winter. Contractors are often cheaper at the very start or end of the season.