Driveway cost per sq ft breakdown
Concrete Driveway Cost per Square Foot Calculator
Answer first: concrete driveway costs $8–$15 per square foot installed in 2026. A 20x20 single-car (400 sq ft): $3,200–$6,000. A 20x40 two-car (800 sq ft): $6,400–$12,000. This calculator breaks down cost per sq ft so you can compare competing bids on the same basis.
Single-car driveway 20x20 (400 sq ft)
$8–$15/sq ft = $3,200–$6,000 installed
Plain broom-finish concrete. 4-in thick on 4-in gravel base. Includes excavation, forms, concrete, reinforcement, finish, joints, and cleanup.
Two-car driveway 20x40 (800 sq ft)
$8–$15/sq ft = $6,400–$12,000 installed
Most common residential driveway. Ready-mix required (10.86 yd³ with waste). 7-day drive-on wait, 28-day full cure. Stamped or exposed aggregate adds $3–$6/sq ft.
Cost breakdown per sq ft
Material: $3–$5/sq ft | Labor: $4–$7/sq ft | Base/forms: $1–$3/sq ft
Regional labor rates vary significantly. Midwest and South tend toward the low end ($8–$10/sq ft). Northeast and West Coast toward the high end ($12–$18/sq ft).
Cost per sq ft by finish type (2026)
Plain broom: $8–$12 | Exposed aggregate: $10–$15 | Stamped: $14–$22/sq ft
Stamped concrete costs 70–100% more than plain. A 20x40 two-car driveway: plain $6,400–$9,600 vs stamped $11,200–$17,600. Verify the curb appeal premium is worth the extra cost.
Interactive workflow
Run the numbers, then save or export the project
How much does a concrete driveway cost per square foot?
A concrete driveway costs $8–$15 per square foot installed in 2026. The national average is about $10–$11/sq ft. Plain broom finish: $8–$12/sq ft. Stamped concrete: $14–$22/sq ft. Exposed aggregate: $10–$15/sq ft. Regional labor rates vary significantly — expect to pay 15–25% more in the Northeast and West Coast.
How do I compare concrete driveway bids per square foot?
Get 3 bids and ask each contractor to quote per square foot of finished driveway. Make sure each bid includes: (1) excavation and grading, (2) 4-in gravel base, (3) concrete thickness and PSI spec, (4) reinforcement type (rebar or mesh), (5) finish type, (6) control joints, (7) cleanup, and (8) any permits. Bids that exclude base prep or cleanup will appear cheaper per sq ft but are not comparable.
Is concrete or asphalt cheaper per square foot?
Asphalt costs $5–$8/sq ft installed vs $8–$15/sq ft for concrete. For a 20x40 driveway, asphalt saves $2,400–$5,600 upfront. However, asphalt needs sealing every 3–5 years ($100–$400) and resurfacing every 15–20 years. Concrete lasts 30–50 years with minimal maintenance. Over 30 years, the total cost of ownership is often similar.
What affects concrete driveway cost per square foot?
Key factors: (1) Region — Northeast and West Coast labor rates are 20–40% higher than Midwest/South. (2) Thickness — 4-in is standard; 5–6-in for heavy vehicles adds $1–$2/sq ft. (3) Finish — stamped adds $3–$8/sq ft. (4) Site conditions — steep slopes, poor drainage, tree roots add $2–$5/sq ft. (5) Access — narrow or long driveways add pump or buggy costs.
How many square feet is a typical concrete driveway?
Single-car driveways: 10–12 ft wide × 20–60 ft long = 200–720 sq ft. Two-car driveways: 20–24 ft wide × 20–40 ft long = 400–960 sq ft. The most common two-car residential driveway is 20×40 ft = 800 sq ft. At $8–$15/sq ft, that is $6,400–$12,000 installed.
Is $12 per square foot a good price for a concrete driveway?
$12/sq ft is in the fair mid-range of the national average ($8–$15/sq ft). A complete bid at this price should include: 4-in excavation and grading, 4-in compacted gravel base, 4-in concrete (3,000 PSI), rebar or mesh, broom finish, control joints, and cleanup. Bids under $8/sq ft often exclude base prep or permits — add those back and the real cost is $10–$12/sq ft anyway. Get 3 itemized bids and compare the same scope.