At National Asphalt Paving, we pave asphalt, not concrete, so keep that in mind as you weigh our view. The numbers come from named sources you can check. Both make good driveways, and your choice comes down to budget, soil, heat, and how much upkeep you want.
Cost
Angi’s Austin driveway page (March 2026) puts asphalt at $4.50 to about $8 per square foot and concrete at about $8 to $13.30 per square foot. Nationally, HomeGuide (June 2025) lists concrete at $6 to $15 per square foot. Angi (April 2026) gives a national concrete range of $8 to $20 per square foot and puts most asphalt driveways at $7 to $15 per square foot.
| Asphalt | Concrete | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price in Austin, per sq ft | $4.50 to about $8 | About $8 to $13.30 | Angi, March 2026 |
| Lifespan | 15 to 30 years | 30 to 40+ years | HomeGuide, December 2025 |
| Before you drive on it | 24 to 48 hours | Seven days | Angi, August 2026 |
| Repair cost | $250 to $800 | $300 to $3,000 | HomeGuide, December 2025 |
Lifespan and upkeep
HomeGuide (December 2025) puts asphalt driveway life at 15 to 30 years and most concrete driveway life at 30 to 40+ years. Angi’s comparison (August 2026) gives concrete 30 to 50 years and asphalt 15 to 30 years, with asphalt resealed every two to three years.
Fixr (2021) says concrete sealers aren’t required, though it recommends them every few years. Angi (August 2026) lists occasional power washing and degreasing for concrete. Angi (August 2026) also says asphalt can take vehicles within 24 to 48 hours, while concrete needs seven days to cure.
Heat and Texas summers
Dark asphalt soaks up the sun. An EPA page (updated December 2025) cites an Arizona pilot study where conventional paving such as asphalt reached up to 152°F at mid-day. Angi (August 2026) says asphalt gets tacky in hot temperatures, while HomeGuide (December 2025) says concrete reflects heat.
Soil matters too. Angi (August 2026) says asphalt will likely stand up better on clay soil that swells and shrinks with moisture, which describes much of Central Texas. Angi’s Austin driveway page (March 2026) notes that summer heat and limestone-based soils shape base preparation and drainage.
Cracks and repairs
Fixr (2021) says asphalt cracks are easier to repair with less visible results and calls resurfacing an inexpensive option. Angi (August 2026) says concrete patches are hard to match in color and texture. HomeGuide (December 2025) puts asphalt repair at $250 to $800 and concrete repair at $300 to $3,000. Fixr (2021) says oil stains are harder to see on dark asphalt than on lighter, more porous concrete.
Which one we recommend
We recommend asphalt for most Central Texas driveways, especially long drives, driveways on clay soil, and projects with tighter budgets. It’s a good fit if you’re willing to sealcoat every few years.
Concrete is the better pick if you want the longest life with the least routine upkeep, a light surface that stays cooler, or a decorative finish, and your budget allows it. Whether you choose new asphalt driveways or concrete, the base and drainage decide how long the driveway lasts.
Sources
- Angi: How Much Does It Cost to Pave a Driveway in Austin, TX? (updated March 18, 2026)
- Angi: Asphalt vs. Concrete Driveways: Which Is Right for You? (updated August 1, 2026)
- Angi: How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost? (updated April 16, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost vs. Concrete? (December 19, 2025)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost? (June 3, 2025)
- Fixr: Asphalt vs Concrete Driveway (2021)
- U.S. EPA: Using Cool Pavements to Reduce Heat Islands (updated December 19, 2025)