YardCost

Driveway Cost Calculator

Estimate the cost to install a new driveway in 2026. Compare gravel, asphalt, concrete, stamped concrete, pavers, brick, and cobblestone. Includes base preparation, add-ons, and regional pricing. Toggle between DIY and professional installation.

12'
8'30'
24'
10'100'
Driveway Area: 288 sq ft (12' × 24')

Estimated Installed Cost

$2,592

Range: $2,203 – $2,981

Based on Midwest pricing

$9/sqft · 288 sq ft (12' × 24')

Cost Breakdown

Driveway Material & Labor$2,592 (100%)

DIY Alternative

Save $1,555 (60%) by installing the driveway yourself

DIY estimate: $1,037

Note: DIY is only recommended for gravel driveways

Material Comparison

OptionEst. Costvs. Cheapest
Gravel
$864Lowest
Asphalt
$2,016+$1,152 (+133%)
Plain ConcreteSelectedPopular
$2,592+$1,728 (+200%)
Stamped Concrete
$4,896+$4,032 (+467%)
Concrete Pavers
$5,184+$4,320 (+500%)
Brick Pavers
$6,336+$5,472 (+633%)
Permeable Pavers
$7,200+$6,336 (+733%)
Cobblestone
$9,216+$8,352 (+967%)

How We Calculate Driveway Costs

Our driveway calculator uses 2026 contractor pricing data for professional installation and current material prices for DIY projects. The base cost is calculated per square foot based on your selected driveway material and shape.

Complex shapes like curved (+10%), flared entrances (+15%), and circular turnarounds (+25%) add to the base cost due to extra cutting, material waste, and labor. Base preparation costs are calculated separately for paver driveways (already included in concrete, asphalt, and gravel pricing).

DIY estimates include materials only (roughly 40% of professional cost). Note: only gravel driveways are truly DIY-friendly — concrete, asphalt, and paver installations require specialized equipment. Professional estimates include all labor, materials, base preparation, and cleanup. Regional multipliers adjust for local labor rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a new driveway cost in 2026?
The average cost to install a new driveway ranges from $2,200 to $7,000 for a standard 288 sq ft (12×24) driveway. Gravel is cheapest at $3/sqft installed, asphalt runs $7/sqft, concrete costs $9/sqft, and premium pavers reach $18-$32/sqft. Your total depends on material, size, base preparation, drainage needs, and region.
What is the cheapest driveway material?
Gravel is the cheapest driveway material at about $3 per square foot installed. For a 288 sq ft driveway, that's roughly $860. Asphalt is the next most affordable at $7/sqft ($2,000 for the same size). Gravel requires regrading every few years but has the lowest upfront cost by a wide margin.
Concrete or asphalt: which driveway is better?
Concrete lasts longer (30-40 years vs 15-20 for asphalt) and requires less maintenance, but costs 25-30% more upfront. Asphalt is cheaper and easier to repair but needs resealing every 3-5 years. Cold climates favor asphalt (flexes with freeze-thaw), warm climates favor concrete (doesn't soften in heat). Both handle similar vehicle loads.
How much does a paver driveway cost per square foot?
Concrete pavers cost $15-$20 per square foot installed, brick pavers run $18-$25/sqft, and permeable pavers cost $22-$28/sqft. Cobblestone is the highest-end option at $28-$35/sqft. This includes pavers, compacted gravel base, sand setting bed, edge restraints, and professional labor.
Do I need a permit to replace my driveway?
Yes, most cities require a permit for new or replacement driveways, especially when the curb or street apron is affected. Permit costs typically range from $150-$500. If you're only resurfacing the existing driveway (asphalt overlay, concrete resurfacer), permits are usually not required. Always check with your local building department.
How long does it take to install a driveway?
A professional crew can install a standard 288 sq ft asphalt driveway in 1-2 days, including excavation and paving. Concrete driveways take 1-2 days to pour plus 5-7 days to cure before vehicle use. Paver driveways take 2-4 days depending on complexity. Gravel driveways can be completed in a single day.
Can I install a driveway myself to save money?
Gravel driveways are DIY-friendly and can save 50-60% on labor costs — you'll need a plate compactor (~$80/day rental) and a way to haul gravel. Concrete, asphalt, and paver driveways require specialized equipment and skills; DIY attempts often result in cracked surfaces, poor drainage, or uneven finishes. For anything but gravel, professional installation is strongly recommended.

Driveway Costs by City

Local material and labor rates vary widely across the US. Pick your city for an estimate adjusted to your area's pricing.

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