Quick answer
A new asphalt driveway costs about $3 to $7 per square foot installed in 2026, with most jobs near $5. Resurfacing runs $1.50 to $3.50, parking lots $2.50 to $6, and full replacement $4 to $9. Tearing out old pavement or adding a new gravel base each adds about $1 to $2 per square foot.
Asphalt cost per square foot by job type
These are 2026 national averages for work done by a paving contractor, including material, labor and equipment. Prices were last reviewed in September 2026.
| Job | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| New driveway | $3.00 | $5.00 | $7.00 |
| Resurfacing / overlay | $1.50 | $2.50 | $3.50 |
| Driveway replacement | $4.00 | $6.00 | $9.00 |
| Parking lot | $2.50 | $4.00 | $6.00 |
| Patching & repair | $2.00 | $3.50 | $5.00 |
| Add: remove old pavement | $1.00 | $1.50 | $2.00 |
| Add: new gravel base | $1.00 | $1.50 | $2.50 |
How the estimate works
For a 12 × 50 ft driveway (600 sq ft) at a typical $5.00 per square foot, paving comes to $3,000. If an old driveway has to come out first (600 × $1.50 = $900) and the base needs rebuilding (600 × $1.50 = $900), the total is about $4,800, or $8.00 per square foot all in.
Contractors in some areas quote by the square yard instead. Multiply a per-square-foot price by 9 to compare: $5 per square foot is $45 per square yard.
What changes the price per square foot
- Thickness. Going from 2 to 3 inches uses 50% more asphalt. Use the asphalt calculator to see how many tons your thickness needs.
- Base condition. Soft or poorly drained ground needs digging out and new stone before paving.
- Job size and access. Small or hard-to-reach jobs cost more per square foot.
- Oil prices and distance to the plant. Asphalt binder is made from crude oil, and hot mix has to be trucked while it is hot. See current asphalt prices per ton.
- Extras. Edging, drainage, permits, curbs and sealcoating are usually priced separately.
Ways to save on asphalt paving
Get at least three written quotes that state the base depth and compacted asphalt thickness, so you are comparing the same job. If the base is sound, resurfacing can cost half as much as a full replacement. Booking early in the season, or joining a neighbor's job while the crew is on your street, can also bring the price down. After paving, sealcoating every few years extends the driveway's life.
Frequently asked questions
How much does asphalt cost per square foot in 2026?
A new asphalt driveway typically costs $3 to $7 per square foot installed, with most jobs around $5. Resurfacing an existing driveway costs about $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot, and commercial parking lots about $2.50 to $6.
How much does a 600 sq ft asphalt driveway cost?
At a typical $5 per square foot, a 600 sq ft driveway (about 12 × 50 ft) costs around $3,000 installed. Removing an old driveway and adding a new gravel base can bring it to about $4,800.
Why is the installed price so much higher than the material price?
Asphalt material is only part of the job. The installed price also covers excavation and grading, the compacted gravel base, trucking, the paving machine and roller, the crew and the contractor's overhead. Material alone is often under $1.50 per square foot for a 2-inch driveway.
Is asphalt cheaper per square foot for bigger jobs?
Usually, yes. Mobilizing a crew and equipment costs about the same for a small driveway as for a large one, so small jobs carry a higher price per square foot. Many contractors also have a minimum charge.
How much does it cost to remove an old asphalt driveway?
Tear-out and disposal usually adds about $1 to $2 per square foot, depending on thickness, access and local dump fees.