How much does an asphalt driveway cost in 2026?
Asphalt driveways run $7 to $15 per square foot installed in 2026 for new installation. Resurfacing is $3-$7/sf. Sealcoat-only refresh is $0.50-$1.30/sf. Project totals below include the equipment allowance, mobilization, and small-job minimums, which is why small areas cost more per square foot than the bare rates suggest.
| Scope | Per sq ft | 200 sf | 576 sf (double) | 1,200 sf (long) |
|---|
| Sealcoat only | $0.50-$1.30 | $1,600-$2,200 | $1,700-$2,500 | $2,100-$3,600 |
| Resurface / overlay (2 in) | $3-$7 | $2,200-$3,600 | $4,200-$7,300 | $7,600-$13,500 |
| New install (3 in) | $7-$15 | $3,400-$5,900 | $7,700-$13,500 | $14,800-$26,100 |
| Tear-out + replace (3 in) | $9-$18 | $3,800-$6,600 | $9,000-$15,700 | $17,400-$30,600 |
| Heavy-duty (4 in) | $10-$18 | $3,600-$6,300 | $8,500-$14,700 | $16,400-$28,500 |
New install vs resurface vs sealcoat
Match the job to the driveway's condition — paying for a full replacement when an overlay would do is the most common overspend:
- Sealcoat ($0.50–$1.30/sq ft) — maintenance, not repair; protects a sound surface from UV and water.
- Resurface / overlay ($3–$7/sq ft) — a fresh 2-inch layer over a base that's still solid; fixes surface cracking and looks new.
- New install ($7–$15/sq ft) — full base + 3 inches of asphalt where there was none.
- Tear-out + replace ($9–$18/sq ft) — when the base itself has failed (potholes, alligator cracking, sinking).
Why the base matters more than the asphalt
An asphalt driveway fails from the bottom up. The visible asphalt is only as good as the compacted aggregate base ($1.76–$3/sq ft) underneath it — skimp the base and you get potholes and alligator cracking within two or three winters, no matter how good the top looks on day one. Thickness matters too: 3 inches is the residential standard, 4 inches for RVs, trucks, or heavy use. Proper edge support (an asphalt or concrete curb) keeps the edges from crumbling. When a bid is suspiciously cheap, the base depth is almost always where the corner was cut.
Asphalt vs concrete, and the sealing schedule
Asphalt is cheaper to install than concrete, flexes with freeze-thaw instead of cracking, and you can drive on it within a couple of days — but it needs sealcoating to reach its lifespan. The schedule: first seal about a year after install (once it fully cures), then every 3–5 years at $0.50–$1.30/sq ft. That modest, recurring cost is what doubles an asphalt driveway's life; skip it and UV and water break the surface down years early. Concrete lasts longer with less upkeep but costs more up front and is less forgiving in hard-freeze climates.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an asphalt driveway cost in 2026?
New asphalt driveway runs $7-$15 per square foot installed in 2026. A 600 sf double-wide driveway costs $8,000-$14,000 installed. Resurface/overlay $3-$7/sf. Sealcoat-only refresh $0.50-$1.30/sf.
Asphalt vs concrete driveway?
Asphalt costs ~30-50% less upfront and goes in faster, but lasts 20-30 years vs. concrete's 30-50. Asphalt requires sealcoating every 3-5 years; concrete is mostly maintenance-free. Cold climates favor asphalt (flex with freeze-thaw); hot climates favor concrete.
How thick should an asphalt driveway be?
Standard residential is 3 inches of compacted asphalt over 4-6 inches of crushed-stone base. Heavy-duty (RVs, trucks) goes 4 inches asphalt over 6-8 inches base. Resurface/overlay is typically 2 inches over the existing pavement.
How long does asphalt last?
20-30 yr with regular sealcoating every 3-5 yr. Without sealcoat, oxidation cracks within 5-10 yr and the surface begins to ravel.
Do I need a permit?
Most jurisdictions require a driveway permit ($50-$200), especially for new installs. New apron / curb cuts at the right-of-way are city-engineer permits ($200-$500).
Why does the calculator show a price range?
Region, sub-base condition, demo scope, drainage, and binder grade all swing the total 30-60%. A range gives an honest planning estimate.
How much does an asphalt driveway cost?
A new 3-inch install runs $7-$15 per sq ft, tear-out and replace $9-$18, a resurface/overlay $3-$7, and sealcoating $0.50-$1.30. A standard 576 sq ft double driveway is roughly $7,700-$13,500 to install new.
How often should I sealcoat an asphalt driveway?
First seal about a year after install once it cures, then every 3-5 years at $0.50-$1.30 per sq ft. It is the maintenance that roughly doubles an asphalt driveway lifespan by protecting it from UV and water.
Asphalt or concrete driveway?
Asphalt is cheaper to install, flexes with freeze-thaw, and is usable in a day or two, but needs sealcoating every 3-5 years. Concrete lasts longer with less upkeep but costs more up front and can crack in hard-freeze climates.
