If you’re trying to decide between concrete and asphalt for your new driveway, and you’re focused on the upfront cost, asphalt is by far the cheaper way to go. The national average for asphalt is $1-$5 per square foot, as compared with the cost of concrete at $8-$12 per square foot. Figure an additional $6 per square foot for professional paving.

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Bear in mind, however, that your asphalt driveway will require far more frequent maintenance than your concrete driveway. Homeowners should plan to have their asphalt driveway resurfaced every two to five years, at a cost ranging from 14 cents to 25 cents per square foot — though you can save money by doing it yourself, if you feel up to the challenge. Factors affecting how often resealing will need to be done include how much (and how vigorously) you drive on the path, as well as the climate you live in.

Concrete driveways also require maintenance, of course. However, that usually comprises mostly spot cleaning and power washing to remove oil stains and other such blemishes — cheaper and less of a hassle than resealing asphalt. A concrete driveway will also last roughly twice as long as asphalt, at an estimated 50 years, so keep that in mind, too, when weighing your driveway-paving options.

Since we’re all home now more than ever, being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe is important. Having a plan in place gives you the peace of mind knowing that you can simply call our 24/7 repair hotline for covered breakdowns. See what plans are available in your neighborhood.