Concrete driveway cost in 2026: per square foot & by size
Installed cost by driveway size
| Driveway | Standard 4-in ($6–$12/sq ft) | Reinforced 5–6-in ($8–$20/sq ft) | DIY math |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short single · 10 × 20 ft (200 sq ft) | $1,200–$2,400 | $1,600–$4,000 | Run yardage › |
| Single car · 12 × 24 ft (288 sq ft) | $1,728–$3,456 | $2,304–$5,760 | Run yardage › |
| Double · 20 × 24 ft (480 sq ft) | $2,880–$5,760 | $3,840–$9,600 | Run yardage › |
| Double long · 24 × 36 ft (864 sq ft) | $5,184–$10,368 | $6,912–$17,280 | Run yardage › |
| Extended / RV · 24 × 50 ft (1,200 sq ft) | $7,200–$14,400 | $9,600–$24,000 | Run yardage › |
Ranges assume workable access and a sound base. Tear-out of an old drive adds $1–$3/sq ft; decorative finishes (stamped, exposed aggregate) push past the top of the reinforced band.
Where the money goes
A 480-sq-ft double driveway at 5 in needs about 8.25 yd³ of ready-mix ordered — roughly $1,200–$1,600 of concrete at August 2026 prices. The other two-thirds of the quote is everything around the pour: demolition, 4+ in of compacted base, forms, rebar or mesh, the finishing crew, joint cuts, and curing. That is why driveway bids spread so widely on the same square footage — and why the cheap bid usually thinned one of those layers. Judge bids with the slab calculator: if the whole quote is close to the materials number, ask what got skipped.
Sources
Updated August 2026Installed ranges: Concrete Network 2026 driveway cost data and Angi/HomeGuide 2026 surveys ($4–$15/sq ft span, most standard 4-in pours $6–$12; reinforced 5–6-in residential spec $8–$20). Ready-mix per-yard pricing: Concrete Network concrete prices — full table on the calculator page. Tear-out and thickness guidance: same 2026 sources.
Common questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost in 2026?
A standard 4-in pour runs $6–$12 per square foot installed; the 5–6-in reinforced spec most contractors quote for driveways runs $8–$20. A typical double driveway (20 × 24 ft) lands between $2,880 and $9,600 depending on thickness, reinforcement, and site work.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
4 in minimum for cars, 5–6 in where trucks will park — over 4 in of compacted base either way. The jump from 4 to 5 in adds ~25% more concrete but roughly doubles load capacity; it is the single best money in the quote.
Is concrete or asphalt cheaper for a driveway?
Asphalt installs cheaper ($7–$13/sq ft new construction) but needs sealing every 3–5 years and resurfacing sooner; concrete costs more up front and outlasts it, especially in hot climates. The full comparison: asphalt vs concrete driveway.
Why do concrete driveway quotes vary so much?
The concrete is the smallest variable. Quotes move on demolition and haul-off of the old slab ($1–$3/sq ft), base repair, forming complexity, rebar vs mesh vs fiber, finish, and access — plus regional labor. Get thickness, PSI, reinforcement, base depth, and joint spacing in writing so bids compare like-for-like.
How long before you can drive on new concrete?
Keep cars off for 7 days (concrete reaches ~70% strength), trucks for 28. Driving early is the classic way to crack a brand-new driveway at the corners.
Can I DIY a concrete driveway?
The math says maybe; the finishing says probably not. A double driveway is 8+ yd³ arriving in one truck — screeding and finishing that pour before it sets is crew work. DIY the demo and base prep if you like, then let pros pour. Know your yardage first with the slab calculator.