A new asphalt driveway costs about $5 to $13 per square foot in 2026
A new asphalt driveway costs about $5 to $13 per square foot in 2026, though a few guides say as low as $3. Replacing an old driveway is $8 to $15, and resurfacing is $3 to $7. Sealcoating, which protects it, is about $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot.
What an asphalt driveway costs
| New driveway, per square foot | $7 to $13 |
|---|---|
| New driveway, other guides | $5 to $12 |
| New driveway, lowest guide | $3 to $7 |
| Materials only, per square foot | $2 to $6 |
| Labor only, per square foot | $5 to $7 |
| Replacement, per square foot | $8 to $15 |
| Resurfacing or overlay, per square foot | $3 to $7 |
| 1,500 square feet at $3 to $7 | $4,500 to $10,500 |
| Sealcoating, per square foot | $0.15 to $0.50 |
| Sealcoating, 400 square foot driveway | $400 to $800 |
| Crack filling, per linear foot | $1 to $4 |
Guides differ, mostly on base prep and what is included. Ask each contractor to write down what the price covers. Sources: Angi, how much does an asphalt driveway cost (April 2026); Garden Frontier, asphalt driveway cost (May 2026); Nuera, asphalt driveway cost guide (August 2026); Remodel Cost Calculator, asphalt driveway cost per square foot (September 2026); V&F Paving, driveway sealcoating cost (December 2025); AsphaPro, sealcoating cost, DIY vs professional (March 2026); HomeAdvisor, asphalt driveway cost (2025).
What changes your price
- Size. More area means more asphalt and time.
- Base prep. Garden Frontier says base prep, thickness, old driveway removal, grading, drainage and soil all change the price.
- New, replaced or resurfaced. Replacement costs more because it may include tear out, hauling and base repair.
- Local labor. Rates differ a lot by city.
- Slope. Remodel Cost Calculator says steep grades or old driveway removal push toward the high end.
- Oil prices. Remodel Cost Calculator says the binder is petroleum based, so material cost tracks crude oil.
Repair, resurface or replace
Garden Frontier says a well installed asphalt driveway often lasts 15 to 25 years. Angi says to sealcoat every two to five years, which protects it from sun. Remodel Cost Calculator says asphalt costs about half as much as concrete.
If the surface is worn but the base is solid, resurfacing may cost much less than replacing. Remodel Cost Calculator says a new 1.5 to 2 inch layer can add 8 to 12 years. It also says a web of connected cracks, called alligator cracking, means the base has failed, and patching will not fix it. Its rule of thumb is to replace when repairs would cost more than 30 to 40 percent of a full replacement.
Sealcoating pricing varies. V&F Paving puts it at $0.15 to $0.25 a square foot, or about $600 for a standard driveway. TruTec says minimum charges push small residential jobs to $0.50 to $1.00 a square foot. Sources: Garden Frontier, asphalt driveway cost (May 2026); Angi, how much does an asphalt driveway cost (April 2026); Remodel Cost Calculator, asphalt driveway cost per square foot (September 2026); V&F Paving, driveway sealcoating cost (December 2025); TruTec, sealcoating cost per square foot (March 2026).
Other driveway and concrete costs
If you live where it snows, see our heated driveway page. For concrete work, see our concrete slab and concrete leveling pages.
Tearing out an old driveway makes debris. See our dumpster rental page.
How to judge the price you are quoted
- Ask for a written estimate with the square footage.
- Ask how thick the asphalt is and what the base is.
- Ask if old driveway removal, grading and drainage are included.
- Ask for proof of insurance and a warranty in writing.
- Garden Frontier says to be careful with cash only pressure, same day deals and very low bids.
- Compare with $5 to $13 per square foot for new asphalt.
Ways to pay less
- Ask if resurfacing will work. It is $3 to $7 per square foot, against $8 to $15 for replacement.
- Fill cracks early. Garden Frontier says crack repair and sealcoating can delay expensive replacement.
- Sealcoat yourself. AsphaPro puts do it yourself sealcoating at $0.08 to $0.15 per square foot.
- Get at least 3 written bids for the same scope.
- Fix drainage problems so water does not pool.
How we got these numbers
Contractors set their own prices. The ranges come from 2026 cost guides, plus a 2025 guide from HomeAdvisor and a late 2025 one from V&F Paving, as dated below. Several sources sell paving, so treat them as asking prices. We do not add our own guesses. All numbers were checked on September 28, 2026.
Common questions
How much does an asphalt driveway cost?
About $5 to $13 per square foot in 2026. Angi and Garden Frontier say $7 to $13.
How much does it cost to resurface an asphalt driveway?
About $3 to $7 per square foot, per Garden Frontier and Nuera.
How much does sealcoating cost?
About $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot. A standard driveway is about $400 to $800, per V&F Paving.
How long does an asphalt driveway last?
Garden Frontier and Nuera say 15 to 25 years with care.