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Compare gravel, concrete, and asphalt driveways on upfront cost and total cost over 20 years.
With these inputs:
| Result | Value |
|---|---|
| Cheapest over 20 years | It is close — compare local quotes |
| Gravel total | $3,908 – $6,428 |
| Asphalt total | $8,280 – $12,600 |
| Concrete total | $6,192 – $13,392 |
| Driveway area | 720 sq ft |
| Gravel — install | $1,800 – $4,320 |
| Gravel — 6 top-ups @ $351 | $2,108 |
| Gravel — total | $3,908 – $6,428 |
| Asphalt — install | $5,040 – $9,360 |
| Asphalt — maintenance | $3,240 |
| Asphalt — total | $8,280 – $12,600 |
| Concrete — install | $5,760 – $12,960 |
| Concrete — maintenance | $432 |
| Concrete — total | $6,192 – $13,392 |
Gravel almost always wins on upfront cost and usually still wins over twenty years. Concrete wins on lifespan, snow clearing, and resale appeal — factors this calculator cannot price for your specific property.
Gravel is far cheaper to install but needs topping up. Concrete costs three times as much upfront and lasts decades. This calculator runs both numbers — the install price and the twenty-year total including maintenance — so the comparison is honest rather than just the sticker price.
Yes, substantially. Gravel installs at $2.50–$6.00 per square foot against $8–$18 for concrete. Even after twenty years of periodic top-ups, gravel usually remains the cheaper option.
Most need about 2 inches of fresh top stone every two to four years, depending on traffic, slope, and climate. Regular grading extends that interval considerably.
In rural and semi-rural areas, no — gravel is expected. In suburban neighbourhoods where every other house has concrete or asphalt, appraisers do sometimes mark it down.
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