Concrete Driveway & Patio Cost Calculator

Concrete flatwork is priced per square foot. Tear-out of the old surface, base prep, reinforcement, and decorative finishes drive the cost. Enter your area to see a planning range.

Typical cost (US average)$5,900 – $8,10012′ × 50′ (600 sq ft), mid-range finishes. Includes labor, permits, disposal, tax, and a 10% contingency.

Your project

Your citySets local labor rates, permit costs, and sales tax

Project size (sq ft)

sq ft

Contingency cushion

Finish level

Scope included in estimateUncheck items you plan to keep or handle yourself

Concrete, Forming & FinishingReady-mix concrete, forms, pouring, finishing, and control joints.

Excavation & Gravel BaseGrading, 4" compacted gravel base, and proper slope for drainage.

Rebar / Wire Mesh ReinforcementSteel reinforcement on chairs so it sits mid-slab, not on the ground.

Old Concrete / Asphalt Tear-OutBreaking up and hauling away the existing driveway or patio.

Often forgotten

What am I forgetting?

City curb cut or apron permit ($100 - $600): Driveways that meet the street often need a city permit and an inspection of the apron.
Pump truck for hard-to-reach pours ($600 - $1,500): Backyard patios the ready-mix truck cannot reach need a concrete pump.

Quote checklist

Your contractor's quote should list

Slab thickness and concrete strength (PSI)
Gravel base depth and compaction
Reinforcement type (rebar vs mesh) and how it is supported
Control joint spacing and sealer included
Permit (if required for a driveway apron / curb cut) and disposal of old material

Concrete cost by project size

Project	Size	Mid-range cost
Small patio	12′ × 12′ (144 sq ft)	$1,700 – $2,400
One-car driveway	12′ × 50′ (600 sq ft)	$5,900 – $8,100
Two-car driveway	24′ × 50′ (1,200 sq ft)	$11,500 – $16,000

National-average prices from our calculator with its default scope. Your quotes will vary with site conditions and exact products.

Concrete cost by finish

Finish level	Per sq ft	600 sq ft total
Plain Broom-Finish Slab4" slab with broom finish, wire mesh, standard gray concrete.	$6.88 – $9.43	$4,100 – $5,700
Reinforced Slab with Rebar4–5" slab on compacted gravel with a #3 rebar grid, control joints, and sealed finish.	$9.89 – $13.58	$5,900 – $8,100
Stamped or Exposed AggregateDecorative stamped pattern, integral color, or exposed aggregate finish with sealer.	$15.49 – $21	$9,300 – $13,000

Concrete quote watchouts

Thickness and base Driveways should be at least 4 inches thick (5–6 for heavy vehicles) on a compacted gravel base.
Reinforcement position Rebar or mesh must sit in the middle of the slab on chairs, not on the ground.
Control joints and sealer Joints every 8–12 feet control cracking. Ask whether sealing is included.

Questions

Concrete Driveway & Patio cost FAQ

How much does a concrete driveway or patio cost in 2026?

Our calculator puts a concrete driveway or patio (12′ × 50′, mid-range finishes) at about $5,900 – $8,100 at national-average prices. Size, finish level, and local labor rates move the total, so enter your own numbers above for an itemized range.

What does a concrete driveway or patio cost per sq ft?

Installed cost runs from about $6.88 per sq ft (Plain Broom-Finish Slab) up to about $21 per sq ft (Stamped or Exposed Aggregate), including labor, permits, disposal, tax, and a 10% contingency.

How much concrete do I need?

Multiply length × width × thickness (in feet) and divide by 27 for cubic yards, then add about 10% for waste. Our free concrete calculator does the math for you.

Concrete vs asphalt driveway: which costs less?

Asphalt usually costs less upfront, but concrete lasts longer (30+ years vs about 20) and needs less maintenance.