Concrete driveway cost
Short answer
A concrete driveway costs about $5–$10 per square foot installed. A typical 2-car (800 sq ft) runs roughly $4,000–$8,000, or about $200/year over its ~30-year life.
Cost / sq ft
$5–$10
2-car (800 sq ft)
$4,000–$8,000
Lifespan
~30 yr
Cost / year
$200
What drives concrete driveway cost
Concrete driveways run $5–$10 per square foot installed, so a typical 2-car driveway (800 sq ft) lands around $4,000–$8,000. The number most homeowners miss is lifetime cost: concrete lasts about 30 years, which works out to roughly $200 per year — often a better way to compare materials than the sticker price alone.
Concrete is a pro install: it needs proper sub-base prep, and for concrete the finish work (durable, low upkeep) has to be done right the first time. Crew size and equipment access to your site swing the labor portion of the quote significantly.
Beyond the material, your price moves with driveway size, how much old surface has to be torn out and hauled away, slope and drainage work, and regional labor rates. A steep or poorly-draining lot can add a base, a French drain, or retaining work — get itemized bids so you can see what is material and what is site prep.
What affects your price
| Factor | Effect on cost |
|---|---|
| Driveway size | Priced per square foot, so length × width drives the base cost ($5–$10/sq ft) |
| Base & excavation | Digging, grading, and a compacted gravel base is often the biggest labor line |
| Slope & drainage | Steep or wet lots need extra base, drains, or retaining — added cost |
| Old surface removal | Tear-out and haul-off of an existing driveway is billed separately |
| Lifespan / upkeep | Concrete lasts ~30 yr — durable, low upkeep |
| Region & access | Local labor rates and tight site access change the crew and equipment cost |
Concrete vs other driveway materials
Installed cost and lifetime cost for a 800 sq ft driveway — the cheapest upfront is rarely the cheapest per year.
| Material | Per sq ft | 2-car total | Lifespan | Cost / year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel | $1–$3 | $800–$2,400 | ~10 yr | $160 |
| Asphalt | $3–$7 | $2,400–$5,600 | ~20 yr | $200 |
| Concrete | $5–$10 | $4,000–$8,000 | ~30 yr | $200 |
| Pavers / brick | $10–$25 | $8,000–$20,000 | ~40 yr | $350 |
Concrete driveway planning tips
- Ask for control joints and a broom finish; they prevent random cracking and keep the surface from getting slick.
- Get at least three itemized bids so you can separate material cost from base prep and drainage.
- Confirm setback and permit rules with your city — many require a permit for a new or widened driveway.
- Spend on the base, not the surface: a compacted, well-drained sub-base is what makes any driveway last.
Compare all materials
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Frequently asked questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost?
About $5–$10 per square foot installed — roughly $4,000–$8,000 for a typical 2-car (800 sq ft) driveway.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
About 30 years with normal use and upkeep. That works out to roughly $200 per year for a 2-car driveway — the number worth comparing across materials.
Is a concrete driveway DIY-friendly?
Concrete generally needs a contractor — it requires specialized equipment and timing for a good result.