CalcStack — free, instant, no signup. The interactive calculator loads automatically.

Driveway Cost Comparison

First cost is not the cost. Run the 20-year math.

Gravel is cheapest to install and most expensive to own per year — unless you never maintain anything, in which case asphalt is. This calculator puts all three surfaces on one honest table: installed cost, 20-year maintenance schedule, total cost per square foot per year, and realistic lifespan. Adjust the installed rates to your local quotes and the ranking updates itself.

Why people use this

Homeowners staring at three wildly different contractor bids use this to compare them on equal terms: the 20-year cost-per-square-foot column converts sales pitches into math. It is the five minutes that prevents a five-figure mistake.

How it works

1. Enter your driveway length and width.
2. Read the comparison table: install cost, 20-year maintenance, total, and cost per sq ft per year.
3. Open the cost section and replace the defaults with real quotes from local contractors.
4. Factor your climate: freeze-thaw punishes concrete without air entrainment; extreme heat softens asphalt; slopes shed gravel.

Common questions

Is asphalt or concrete cheaper for a driveway?

Asphalt is cheaper to install (typically $3–7/sq ft vs $6–12 for concrete) but needs sealcoating every 3–5 years and resurfacing around year 15–20. Over 20 years the totals are often close; over 30–40 years, concrete usually wins if it was installed correctly for the climate.

How long does a gravel driveway last?

Indefinitely, with upkeep — plan on regrading and a fresh top layer every couple of years. It is the best answer for long rural driveways where paving costs are prohibitive and the worst answer for steep slopes or heavy snow-plow use.

Browse all 500+ free calculators →