Cost calculator
Asphalt Driveway Cost Calculator
Get an installed price range for a new asphalt driveway, broken down into base prep, paving and extras.
Your project
Metro areas, hard-to-access lots and short-haul distances from the plant all push prices up.
Estimated installed cost
$3,936 – $8,928
- Area
- 480 sq ft
- Cost per square foot
- $8.20 – $18.60
- Asphalt paving
- $3,360 – $7,200
- Aggregate base
- $576 – $1,728
- Demolition & haul-off
- Not required
- Hot mix required
- 8.7 tons
Prices are national planning averages. Asphalt is tied to crude oil and freight costs, so your local quote can land well outside this range. Always confirm with a paving contractor before budgeting.
What drives asphalt driveway cost
Nationally, a new asphalt driveway runs about $7 to $15 per square foot installed, putting a typical 600 sq ft two-car driveway somewhere between $4,200 and $9,000. The spread is wide because four separate variables stack up.
Thickness is the first. Going from 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt adds roughly 50% to the material line. Base depth is the second, and the one homeowners most often let contractors shave — a bid that looks $1,500 cheaper usually has 3 inches of base instead of 6.
Third is demolition. Removing and hauling old asphalt adds $1 to $3.50 per square foot; concrete is worse because of the weight and rebar. Fourth is access and haul distance: hot mix has to arrive above 250°F, so a site more than about 30 minutes from a plant pays a premium.
Where you can and cannot save
Paving in the shoulder seasons of late spring or early autumn, when crews have gaps in their schedule, is the most reliable discount available. Combining your job with a neighbor's on the same day splits mobilization costs.
What you should not cut: base depth, compaction passes, or edge thickness. Those three are invisible on day one and account for the majority of driveways that fail inside five years.
Typical installed cost by driveway size
3 inches of asphalt over 6 inches of base, average market, no demolition.
| Driveway | Area | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| 1 car (10 × 24 ft) | 240 sq ft | $2,000 – $4,300 |
| 2 car (20 × 24 ft) | 480 sq ft | $4,000 – $8,600 |
| 2 car + turnaround | 800 sq ft | $6,700 – $14,400 |
| Long rural (12 × 150 ft) | 1,800 sq ft | $15,000 – $32,000 |
Frequently asked questions
+How much does a 2-car asphalt driveway cost?
A 20 × 24 ft (480 sq ft) driveway at 3 inches over a 6-inch base typically costs $4,000 to $8,600 installed, depending on region, access and site prep.
+Is asphalt cheaper than concrete?
Yes, upfront. Asphalt averages $7-$15 per square foot against $10-$20 for concrete. Concrete lasts longer but costs far more to repair when it does crack.
+How long does an asphalt driveway last?
15 to 25 years with a proper base, timely crack filling and sealcoating every 3-5 years. Cut the base short and 8-10 years is more realistic.
+Does the estimate include the base?
Yes — set your base depth in the calculator and the aggregate line is priced separately so you can compare it against what a contractor's bid includes.