A new driveway costs about $1.25 to $4 per sq ft in gravel, $7 to $15 in asphalt, $8 to $18 in concrete and $10 to $30 in pavers, according to NerdWallet. In NAHB’s 2024 survey, the driveway cost builders $9,635 on average for a new home.
How much does a driveway cost by material?
| Material | Cost per sq ft | 400 sq ft (20×20) | 864 sq ft (24×36) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gravel | $1.25–$4 | $500–$1,600 | $1,080–$3,456 |
| Asphalt | $7–$15 | $2,800–$6,000 | $6,048–$12,960 |
| Concrete | $8–$18 | $3,200–$7,200 | $6,912–$15,552 |
| Pavers | $10–$30 | $4,000–$12,000 | $8,640–$25,920 |
Per-sq-ft rates are from NerdWallet; the totals are our multiplication.
How much does a long rural driveway cost?
A long driveway multiplies the cost quickly. A 12 ft wide, 300 ft driveway is 3,600 sq ft: about $4,500 to $14,400 in gravel or $25,200 to $54,000 in asphalt at the rates above, before grading, culverts and drainage. On rural lots, gravel is the usual choice for long runs.
What adds to driveway cost?
- Excavation and grading, especially on slopes
- A compacted gravel base, which every material needs
- Culverts, drainage and permits for a curb cut onto a public road
- Removing trees or rock
Frequently asked questions
Is concrete or asphalt cheaper for a driveway?
Asphalt is usually a little cheaper to install; concrete usually lasts longer with less maintenance.
Is the driveway included in the cost to build a house?
Builders usually include it. NAHB counts it in the final steps stage with landscaping and decks.
More cost breakdowns
- Full cost breakdown by stage
- Foundation cost
- Framing cost
- Roofing cost
- Electrical wiring cost
- Material cost
- Land cost
- Septic system cost
- Well drilling cost
- Driveway cost
- House plans cost
Sources
- NerdWallet: Cost to repave a driveway (updated July 2025)
- NAHB: Cost of Constructing a Home in 2024 (survey published January 2025)