Asphalt driveway paving cost: 2026 price guide
HomeGuide puts a new hot-mix asphalt driveway at $5 to $12+ per square foot installed, or $2,000 to $4,800 for a 20 x 20 ft (400 sq ft) driveway. Some contractors charge a $2,000+ minimum, so very small jobs cost more per square foot.
Typical price ranges
HomeGuide puts a new hot-mix asphalt driveway at $5 to $12+ per square foot installed, or $2,000 to $4,800 for a 20 x 20 ft (400 sq ft) driveway. Some contractors charge a $2,000+ minimum, so very small jobs cost more per square foot.
- Standard hot-mix asphalt, installed: $5–$12+ per sq ft
- Recycled (reclaimed) asphalt: $4–$9 per sq ft
- Porous / permeable asphalt: $7–$15 per sq ft
- 400 sq ft driveway (20 x 20 ft): $2,000–$4,800
- 600 sq ft driveway: $3,000–$7,200
- 1,000 sq ft driveway: $5,000–$12,000
- Resurfacing an older driveway: $3–$7 per sq ft
- Sealcoating: $1–$2 per sq ft
- Crack or pothole repair: $100–$400 (major repairs $600–$3,000)
Source: HomeGuide, Asphalt Driveway Cost, updated May 28, 2025, accessed October 30, 2026. National averages, not a quote; your price depends on your project. HomeGuide, Asphalt Driveway Cost
What changes the price
- Square footage, and the contractor's minimum charge on small jobs.
- Asphalt thickness: most driveways use 2 to 3 inches over a 6 to 8 inch compacted gravel base; heavy vehicles need more.
- Removing and hauling an old driveway, or repairing a failed base.
- Soil and drainage: clay soils may need extra excavation and base material.
- Curves, slopes and unusual shapes, which HomeGuide says add 15% to 30%.
- Season: spring through early fall is peak demand.
- Permits and HOA rules for width, setbacks, drainage and the street connection.
How to choose a provider
- Get at least three written quotes that list the same scope, materials and cleanup.
- Check the license (where your state requires one) and ask for proof of liability insurance.
- Ask who pulls the permit and whether the permit fee is in the price.
- Agree on a payment schedule tied to finished work; avoid paying most of the price up front.
- Get the warranty for labor and materials in writing.
Red flags
- Cash-only deals or pressure to sign the same day.
- No written contract, no address and no proof of insurance.
- A price far below every other quote with a vague scope.
- Door-to-door offers right after a storm from crews you cannot verify.
Asphalt driveway paving cost guides
What asphalt paving usually costs, with sourced price ranges and local rules.
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FAQ
How much does an asphalt driveway cost?
HomeGuide reports $5 to $12+ per square foot installed, or about $2,000 to $4,800 for a 400 sq ft driveway and $5,000 to $12,000 for 1,000 sq ft. Some contractors have a $2,000 minimum.
Is resurfacing cheaper than a new driveway?
Often. An overlay over a sound base runs about $3 to $7 per square foot. If the base is cracked or sinking, a full tear-out and new base costs more.
What should an asphalt paving quote include?
Square footage, removal of the old surface, base depth and material, asphalt thickness after compaction, drainage, cleanup, who pulls any permit, and the written warranty.