Asphalt vs Concrete Driveway Cost

Asphalt vs Concrete Driveway: Cost and Value Comparison

Choosing between asphalt and concrete for your driveway is a decision that affects your property for decades. While asphalt has a lower upfront cost, concrete offers better long-term value. This guide breaks down the real costs, lifespan, and ROI of each option so you can make an informed decision.

Initial Cost Comparison (Example Only)

Disclaimer: These are example price ranges for reference. Actual costs vary significantly based on location, site conditions, materials, and project specifics.

Asphalt: Approximately $4-$6+ per square foot installed

Concrete: Approximately $8-$12+ per square foot installed

For a 400-square-foot driveway:

Asphalt example: approximately $1,600-$2,400+
Concrete example: approximately $3,200-$4,800+

Initial cost difference: Concrete typically costs approximately 2x more upfront. But the long-term picture is very different.

Lifespan: The Real Difference

Asphalt: 15-20 years average lifespan

Concrete: 30+ years with proper installation

Concrete lasts approximately 2x longer than asphalt. This means you'll replace asphalt twice in the time concrete lasts once.

Maintenance Costs

Asphalt maintenance:

Reseal every 2-3 years: approximately $300-$600+ per application (varies by project size)
Crack filling: approximately $100-$300+ annually
Patching: approximately $200-$500+ as needed
10-year maintenance: approximately $1,500-$3,000+

Concrete maintenance:

Reseal every 2-3 years: approximately $200-$800+ per application (varies significantly by project size, sealer type, and surface area)
Occasional cleaning
10-year maintenance: approximately $400-$1,600+

Maintenance difference: Concrete requires less frequent and typically less expensive maintenance. Sealing costs vary significantly based on your specific project.

10-Year Total Cost Comparison (Example Only)

Disclaimer: These are example scenarios. Actual costs vary based on many factors.

For a 400-square-foot driveway over 10 years:

Asphalt:

Initial: approximately $1,600-$2,400+
Maintenance (10 years): approximately $1,500-$3,000+
Example 10-year total: approximately $3,100-$5,400+

Concrete:

Initial: approximately $3,200-$4,800+
Maintenance (10 years): approximately $400-$1,600+
Example 10-year total: approximately $3,600-$6,400+

20-year comparison: Asphalt will need replacement (approximately $1,600-$2,400+ again), while concrete continues with minimal maintenance. Over 20 years, concrete typically costs less total.

Resale Value Impact

Asphalt: Minimal impact on home value. Often seen as a maintenance item that will need replacement.

Concrete: Adds significant value. Appraisers typically add $15-$25+ per square foot for quality concrete driveways. For 400 sqft, that's approximately $6,000-$10,000+ in added value.

ROI: Concrete typically offers 50-75% ROI at resale. Asphalt offers minimal ROI.

Other Considerations

Appearance

Asphalt: Black surface, uniform appearance. Less "premium" look.

Concrete: Can be colored, stamped, or textured. More design flexibility and premium appearance.

Heat Absorption

Asphalt: Absorbs heat, stays hot in summer

Concrete: Reflects more light, stays cooler (especially lighter colors)

Durability

Asphalt: Softer surface, can be damaged by heavy loads, tire marks common

Concrete: Harder surface, handles heavy loads better, more resistant to damage

Repair

Asphalt: Easy to patch, but patches are usually visible

Concrete: More difficult to repair invisibly, but less likely to need repairs

When Asphalt Makes Sense

Asphalt can be the right choice if:

Budget is extremely tight
You're planning to sell within 5 years
You're in a very cold climate (asphalt handles freeze-thaw slightly better in some conditions)
The property is a rental (lower initial investment)

When Concrete Makes Sense

Concrete is the better choice if:

You plan to stay in the home long-term
Resale value matters
You want minimal maintenance
Appearance is important
You want the best long-term value

The Bottom Line

Asphalt costs less upfront but requires more maintenance and needs replacement sooner. Concrete costs more upfront but lasts longer, requires less maintenance, and adds more resale value.

Over a 20-30 year period, concrete typically costs less total and provides better ROI. The initial cost difference is significant, but the long-term value favors concrete.

For most homeowners planning to stay in their home 10+ years, concrete is the better investment. The higher upfront cost pays off through longevity, lower maintenance, and increased property value.

Ready to choose? Contact Local Concrete Contractor for a consultation. We can help you evaluate both options and choose what's right for your situation and budget.