How much does a concrete driveway cost?
A concrete driveway often costs $6 - $15 per square foot, or about $2,400 - $8,600+ for many standard two-car driveways. Decorative finishes, removal, thicker slabs, drainage, and base work can raise the total.
A driveway quote should cover more than the concrete. Demo, haul-away, excavation, gravel base, compaction, reinforcement, thickness, control joints, drainage, permits, and cure timing all matter.
Concrete driveway cost by scope
Basic new concrete driveway
$6 - $12/sq ftHow to tellPlain gray finish, good access, simple shape, standard thickness
The fixPrep base, set forms, pour concrete, finish, cut joints
Remove and replace old driveway
$8 - $18+/sq ftHow to tellExisting concrete or asphalt must be broken up and hauled away
The fixDemo, dispose, correct base, pour new slab
Decorative or upgraded finish
$10 - $25+/sq ftHow to tellStamped, stained, colored, exposed aggregate, borders, or sealer
The fixAdd finish labor, materials, and curing/sealing steps
Poor base, drainage, slope, or access
$1,000 - $10,000+ add-onHow to tellSoft soil, water pooling, steep driveway, tight access, tree roots
The fixExcavate, compact, add base, drainage, reinforcement, or thicker slab
Permit, apron, sidewalk, or garage transition work
Varies by municipalityHow to tellCity apron, curb cut, sidewalk crossing, garage lip, or drainage tie-in
The fixCoordinate permit and detail work at public/private transitions
Before replacing a driveway
- Ask for the planned thickness, base depth, reinforcement, control-joint spacing, and concrete strength.
- Confirm whether demolition, haul-away, permits, apron work, drainage, and sealing are included.
- Check where water currently drains during rain.
- Ask when you can walk, park, and place heavy vehicles on the new concrete.
Unlock the hiring checklist
Use this before you call a concrete, so you know what to ask and what to avoid.
Call a pro when…
- The driveway is cracked, sunken, heaving, or creating trip hazards
- Water drains toward the garage, foundation, sidewalk, or neighbor property
- A garage, addition, patio, or landscaping project changes access
- You need municipal apron, curb, or sidewalk coordination
- The soil, slope, or drainage conditions are uncertain
Repair or replace?
Repair can work for small cracks, cosmetic spalling, or isolated trip hazards. Replacement is usually better when cracks are widespread, slabs are sunken, drainage is wrong, the base is failing, or patching would only buy a short delay.
Need a cleaner scope before you call around?
Use the concrete driveways checklist to compare the same work, questions, cleanup, and warranty before choosing a local company.
Related questions
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
Many residential driveways are 4 inches thick, but heavier vehicles, poor soil, or edge loads may require more thickness, better base prep, or reinforcement.
How long before parking on a new concrete driveway?
Contractors often allow foot traffic sooner, but vehicle timing depends on mix, weather, and curing. Ask your contractor for the exact wait period.
Is concrete cheaper than asphalt?
Concrete often costs more upfront than asphalt but may last longer with less routine sealing. Climate, drainage, base prep, and maintenance change the comparison.