A new driveway typically costs $3–$15 per square foot installed: gravel is cheapest, asphalt mid-range, and concrete or pavers highest. A standard 2-car, 600 sq ft driveway runs roughly $1,800 (gravel) to $9,000 or more (concrete or pavers). The biggest variables are the material you choose, the size and slope of the area, and labor rates where you live.
Cost by material
- Gravel — $1–$3/sq ft ($600–$1,800 for 600 sq ft). The lowest upfront cost and an easy DIY option, but it needs a compacted base, edging to hold it in place, and regrading every few years.
- Asphalt — $4–$8/sq ft ($2,400–$4,800). Quick to install and pour-and-go in warm weather. Plan to seal it every 2–3 years; it typically lasts 15–20 years.
- Concrete — $6–$12/sq ft ($3,600–$7,200). Durable and low-maintenance, lasting 25–30 years. Stamped or colored finishes push the price toward the high end.
- Pavers — $10–$25/sq ft ($6,000–$15,000). The most expensive and the most labor-intensive, but individual pavers can be lifted and reset, and they add the most curb appeal.
Where the money goes
On a typical installed driveway, labor and site prep are 40–60% of the total. Before any surface goes down, the crew excavates 6–12 inches of soil, grades for drainage, and compacts a gravel sub-base — the foundation that determines whether the driveway cracks or settles later. Material costs cover that base plus the surface itself.
What drives the price up
- Removing an old driveway — tear-out and haul-away adds about $1–$3/sq ft.
- Slope and drainage — sloped or poorly draining lots need extra grading, fill, or a culvert.
- Reinforcement — rebar or wire mesh in a concrete pour adds strength (and cost) for heavy vehicles.
- Finishes — stamping, coloring, or borders on concrete and pavers raise the per-foot rate.
- Permits — many municipalities require a permit for a new driveway or a curb cut.
Estimate your materials
Use the gravel calculator to size the compacted base every driveway needs (and the full gravel surface, if you go that route). Knowing the cubic yards and tons up front lets you price the base accurately and compare contractor quotes line by line.
Ways to save
Choose the simplest shape to cut labor, do the excavation and base prep yourself even if you hire out the surface, and get 2–3 written quotes — driveway pricing varies widely between crews. If you’re set on a premium look, pavers or stamped concrete on a smaller apron with a cheaper main run can split the difference.