How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost?
A concrete driveway costs about $6–$12 per square foot installed. A typical 12×40 driveway runs $2,880–$5,760, with thickness, reinforcement, finish, and site access driving the final price.
Updated November 2026 · U.S. pricing
Concrete is the most durable common driveway surface, but it is also unforgiving of poor base prep. Most failures — cracking, settling, heaving — start under the slab, not in the concrete itself. The price range reflects thickness, reinforcement, finish, and how much site work is needed.
Concrete driveway cost per square foot
| Thickness | Best for | Installed per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 4 inches | Passenger cars, light use, warm climates | $6–$10 |
| 5 inches | Mixed vehicle use, occasional trailers | $7–$12 |
| 6 inches | Heavy vehicles, RVs, cold climates, poor soil | $9–$15 |
Includes standard base prep, forms, concrete, broom finish, and labor. Reinforcement, decorative finishes, and old-driveway removal are extra.
Concrete driveway cost by size
| Size | 4-inch slab | 6-inch slab |
|---|---|---|
| 10 × 30 ft (300 sq ft) | $1,800–$3,000 | $2,700–$4,500 |
| 12 × 40 ft (480 sq ft) | $2,880–$4,800 | $4,320–$7,200 |
| 12 × 60 ft (720 sq ft) | $4,320–$7,200 | $6,480–$10,800 |
| 20 × 50 ft (1,000 sq ft) | $6,000–$10,000 | $9,000–$15,000 |
What is included in an installed price
- Removing grass, topsoil, or the old driveway
- Excavation and grading
- Compacted gravel base, typically 4–8 inches
- Forms, reinforcement, and expansion joints
- Placing, screeding, floating, and finishing the concrete
- Curing and cleanup
Confirm the base depth, the concrete thickness, and whether reinforcement is included. A quote that is $1 per square foot cheaper may be using a thinner slab or skipping rebar — both cost far more to fix later.
Add-ons that change the price
| Option | Added cost per sq ft |
|---|---|
| Wire mesh | +$0.50–$1.50 |
| Rebar | +$1–$2.50 |
| Stamped concrete | +$4–$8 |
| Exposed aggregate | +$3–$6 |
| Colored concrete | +$2–$5 |
| Old driveway removal | +$2–$5 |
| Drainage corrections | $1,000–$5,000 total |
Thickness and reinforcement
Four inches is enough for passenger cars on a solid base in a mild climate. Five inches is a better choice for mixed vehicle use. Six inches is common for heavy trucks, RVs, and cold climates where freeze-thaw stress is severe. Rebar or mesh helps control cracking but does not replace a proper base.
Joints matter as much as thickness. Control joints should be cut at regular intervals — roughly every 8–12 feet, and no more than 2–3 times the slab thickness in feet. Skipping joints almost guarantees random cracking.
Concrete vs. asphalt driveway
| Factor | Concrete | Asphalt |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $6–$12/sq ft | $4–$8/sq ft |
| Lifespan | 30–50 years | 20–30 years |
| Routine maintenance | Minimal; optional sealing | Seal every 2–3 years |
| Repairs | Patch or replace sections | Patch and resurface |
| Time before driving | About 7 days | 24–72 hours |
Concrete costs more upfront but usually needs less routine maintenance. Asphalt is cheaper and faster to install, but requires sealing and will need resurfacing sooner. Over 30 years, total costs can be closer than the initial quotes suggest.
Maintenance and repair
- Seal every 3–5 years if you want to resist stains and de-icing salt.
- Seal hairline cracks before water freezes inside them.
- Avoid rock salt in the first year; use sand or a concrete-safe de-icer.
- Keep downspouts and drainage away from the slab edges.
- Do not park heavy vehicles on a new slab until it has cured.
Permits and drainage
New driveways, widened driveways, and new curb cuts often require a permit. Many cities also limit impervious coverage and require stormwater controls. Check with public works before excavation, and keep the slab out of utility easements. Call 811 before digging.
Concrete driveway FAQ
How much does a 12×40 concrete driveway cost?
About $2,880–$4,800 for a 4-inch slab or $4,320–$7,200 for a 6-inch slab, installed. Reinforcement, decorative finishes, and removal of an old driveway add to those totals.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
Four inches for passenger cars on a good base, 5 inches for mixed use, and 6 inches for heavy vehicles, RVs, cold climates, or poor soil. Local code and soil conditions should guide the final choice.
How long before I can drive on new concrete?
Typically 7 days for vehicles, though it continues to gain strength for weeks. Foot traffic is usually fine after 24–48 hours. Follow the contractor's curing instructions.
Why does concrete crack?
Cracks come from shrinkage, missing or poorly placed joints, an inadequate base, tree roots, and freeze-thaw movement. Proper joints and base prep reduce cracking but cannot eliminate all of it.
Is stamped concrete worth it for a driveway?
It can be, especially where appearance matters, but it adds $4–$8 per square foot and makes repairs harder to match. For a long driveway, a plain or colored broom finish is often the better value.