Concrete vs Asphalt Driveway: Pros, Cons, and Real Costs

Head-to-Head Comparison

Factor	Concrete	Asphalt
Install Cost	$6-10/sq ft	$3-7/sq ft
Lifespan	25-30 years	15-20 years
Maintenance	Minimal	Sealcoat every 2-3 yrs
Heat Resistance	Excellent	Softens in extreme heat
Cold Weather	Can crack from freeze-thaw	Flexes with ground movement
Appearance	Clean, many options	Basic black only
Stain Resistance	Stains visible, cleanable	Oil damages permanently

The Real Cost Over Time

Upfront cost is misleading. Here's what a 400 sq ft driveway actually costs over 30 years:

Concrete: 30-Year Cost

• Installation: $3,200 (at $8/sq ft)
• Sealing (optional, 3x): $300
• Repairs: $200
• Total: $3,700

Asphalt: 30-Year Cost

• Installation: $2,000 (at $5/sq ft)
• Sealcoating (10x at $80): $800
• Crack filling: $300
• Resurfacing (2x): $2,400
• Possible replacement at year 20: $2,000
• Total: $5,500-7,500

Concrete Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Longevity: Lasts 25-30 years, often longer
• Low maintenance: Occasional cleaning, optional sealing
• Design options: Stamped, colored, stained, exposed aggregate
• Handles heat: Doesn't soften in summer
• Resale value: Adds more to home value than asphalt
• Cleanable: Oil stains can be removed

Cons:

• Higher upfront cost: Nearly double asphalt's install price
• Cracking: Can crack from settling or freeze-thaw
• Repair difficulty: Patches are visible; hard to match color
• Cure time: Can't drive on it for 7 days
• Salt sensitivity: Deicing salts can cause surface damage

Asphalt Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lower upfront cost: 40-50% cheaper than concrete to install
• Flexibility: Handles ground movement better than rigid concrete
• Easy repairs: Cracks are simple to fill and seal
• Quick usability: Can drive on it within 2-3 days
• Snow melt: Black surface absorbs heat, melts snow faster

Cons:

• High maintenance: Requires sealcoating every 2-3 years
• Shorter lifespan: 15-20 years vs concrete's 25-30
• Heat damage: Softens in extreme heat, can deform
• Oil damage: Petroleum products dissolve the binder
• Limited appearance: Black is your only option
• Environmental: Petroleum-based, releases VOCs when hot

Which Wins by Climate?

Hot Climates (Southwest, Southeast)

Winner: Concrete. Asphalt softens when surface temps exceed 120°F. It can deform under parked cars and leave tire impressions. Concrete handles heat without issue.

Cold Climates (Northeast, Midwest)

Winner: Depends. Asphalt's flexibility handles freeze-thaw better, but requires more maintenance. Concrete with air-entrained mix and proper joints performs well too. The choice often comes down to maintenance tolerance.

Moderate Climates

Winner: Concrete. Without extreme weather stressing either material, concrete's lower maintenance and longer life make it the better value.

Can I Resurface Asphalt with Concrete?

Not directly. Asphalt and concrete don't bond well. You'd need to remove the asphalt first, which adds $2-4/sq ft to the project. Some contractors pour concrete over asphalt with a bond-breaker layer, but this isn't ideal and can lead to cracking.

Which Is Better for Heavy Vehicles?

Concrete. It handles weight better without deforming. If you're parking RVs, boats, or heavy trucks, concrete (at least 5 inches thick with reinforcement) is the only real option. Asphalt will show tire impressions and wear faster.

What About Resale Value?

Concrete adds more value. Buyers perceive it as premium, especially stamped or decorative concrete. Asphalt is seen as basic or utilitarian. In neighborhoods with mostly concrete driveways, asphalt can actually hurt resale value.

Key Takeaways

• Concrete: Higher upfront cost, lower lifetime cost, less maintenance
• Asphalt: Cheaper to install, expensive to maintain, shorter lifespan
• Hot climates: Concrete wins (asphalt softens in heat)
• Cold climates: Both work; asphalt flexes better but needs more care
• Over 30 years, concrete typically costs 30-50% less than asphalt
• Concrete adds more to home resale value