On this page
- What asphalt work costs
- Which price are you looking at?
- What makes one job cost more than another?
- Why do the published guides disagree?
- How the options compare
- Where should you start?
- What a quote should include
- Permits, drainage and the sealing schedule
- Cost by project size
- How to lower the cost without cutting corners
- How the price changes by region
- What to check before you hire
- Every guide on LocalServiceHQ
- Questions
What asphalt work costs
| Job | Low | Typical | High | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New asphalt drivewayper sq ft | $5 | $8 | $12 | Includes base prep in the typical range |
| Overlayper sq ft | lower | Only when the base is sound | ||
| Sealcoatingper sq ft | lowest | Maintenance, not a repair | ||
| Concrete comparisonper sq ft | $6 | $9 | $15 | See the concrete guides |
Ranges are installed estimates, not quotes. Full table: the price index.
Which price are you looking at?
| Basis | What it includes | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| Installed, per sq ft | Base prep, asphalt, compaction and edging | The number to compare |
| Overlay | A new surface over an existing base | Only when the base is sound |
| Sealcoating | A maintenance coat | Not a repair for cracks or potholes |
What makes one job cost more than another?
Why do the published guides disagree?
Asphalt guides disagree because some price a new driveway with base prep and others price an overlay or a sealcoat. Those are three different jobs. Check thickness, base work and drainage before comparing prices.
How the options compare
| Option | Installed cost | Typical service life | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt | $5 to $12 per sq ft | 15 to 25 years | Lowest upfront cost, reseal every few years |
| Concrete | $6 to $15 per sq ft | 30 to 50 years | Long life, higher upfront cost |
| Gravel | Lowest | 10 to 20 years with topping | Rural or low-traffic, more maintenance |
| Pavers | Higher per sq ft | 25 to 50 years | Repairable, higher material cost |
Where should you start?
Measure the area and check the base condition Driveway cost estimator
Compare thickness, base prep and drainage Quote checker
Asphalt vs concrete over 20 years Comparison guides
See installed ranges and repair options Asphalt cost guide
What a quote should include
| Area and thickness | Square feet and inches of compacted asphalt |
| Base prep | Excavation, gravel and compaction |
| Drainage | Slope, swales and where water goes |
| Edging | Type and whether it is included |
| Sealer | Whether a first sealcoat is included |
| Warranty | Workmanship and what voids it |
Permits, drainage and the sealing schedule
Some jurisdictions require a permit or an approach permit where a driveway meets the street. Drainage rules can also limit how water leaves the site. Ask both questions before work starts. A new asphalt driveway usually needs a first sealcoat after a curing period, and then resealing every few years; skipping it shortens the life of the surface.
Cost by project size
| Driveway area (sq ft) | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | $1,000 | $1,600 | $2,400 |
| 400 | $2,000 | $3,200 | $4,800 |
| 600 | $3,000 | $4,800 | $7,200 |
| 800 | $4,000 | $6,400 | $9,600 |
Multiplies our installed range; gates, removal, permits and unusual access are extra.
A worked example
A 400 sq ft driveway at the typical rate is about $3,200. That assumes excavation and base prep, 2 to 3 inches of compacted asphalt and standard edging. Overlays and sealcoats are cheaper because they skip the base work, but they only make sense when the base is sound.
How to lower the cost without cutting corners
- Fix drainage first; water is what destroys asphalt edges.
- Choose a standard thickness rather than adding an extra inch without a reason.
- Combine the driveway with a neighbour or another job if the contractor offers a combined price.
- Delay the first sealcoat until the asphalt has cured.
- Compare quotes with the same base prep, thickness and edging.
How the price changes by region
Asphalt is temperature sensitive. Hot climates can soften a driveway that carries heavy loads, while cold climates push freeze-thaw damage at the edges and cracks. Local aggregate and plant distance also change the price, which is why two states can differ for the same square footage.
What to check before you hire
| Licence | Check the licence or registration your state requires. |
| Base | Ask how the base will be prepared and compacted. |
| Thickness | Ask for the compacted thickness in inches. |
| Drainage | Ask where water will go and whether edging is included. |
| Warranty | Ask for the workmanship warranty and the sealing schedule. |
Every guide on LocalServiceHQ
Questions
How much does an asphalt driveway cost?
$5 to $12 per square foot installed at our October 2026 index, typical about $8. A 400 sq ft driveway is roughly $2,000 to $4,800.
Is asphalt cheaper than concrete?
Yes up front, typically. Concrete costs more but usually lasts longer with less maintenance. See the concrete and comparison guides for the 20-year view.
How often should I seal an asphalt driveway?
Common guidance is every two to four years, after the new surface has cured. Sealing too soon or too often can cause problems.
Can I overlay an old driveway?
Only if the base is sound. An overlay on a failing base cracks quickly. Ask how the base will be assessed.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
Published ranges are about 15 to 25 years with proper base, drainage and sealing.
Can I pave over an existing driveway?
An overlay is possible when the base is sound. If the base is failing, the overlay cracks quickly. Ask how the contractor assesses the base.
When can I drive on new asphalt?
Usually after it has cooled and compacted, often the same day for light traffic. Ask the contractor for the exact timing and keep heavy vehicles off longer.
Installed prices from the price index (checked October 2026). Thickness, sealing intervals and service-life ranges follow published contractor and manufacturer guidance. Local permit rules vary.
Estimates, not quotes. General information, not legal advice.