Asphalt Driveway Cost in Georgia: Local Pricing

What Georgia Homeowners Really Pay for a New Asphalt Driveway

Planning a driveway project in the Peach State? You’re not alone—Georgia’s clay-heavy soil and year-round humidity make asphalt one of the most popular paving choices. Before you start collecting quotes, it helps to know the going Asphalt Driveway Cost in Georgia so you can budget confidently and avoid surprise fees.

In this guide we break down current local prices, the factors that swing quotes by thousands, and smart ways to stretch your dollar without cutting corners on quality.

2024 Average Asphalt Driveway Cost in Georgia (By Region)

Prices fluctuate across the state because of material haul distances, local labor rates, and county permit fees. Below are real averages we track from hundreds of Drivewayz USA jobs completed in the last 12 months.

Metro Atlanta & Suburbs

• 12×24 ft (single-car): $2,400–$3,200
• 20×24 ft (two-car): $3,800–$5,000
• 24×30 ft (three-car or RV pad): $5,500–$7,200
• Price per square foot: $2.85–$4.10 installed

North Georgia Mountains (Gainesville, Blue Ridge, Dalton)

Rockier soil and longer hauls add 8–12 % to base price.

• Two-car driveway: $4,200–$5,600

Central & South Georgia (Macon, Warner Robins, Valdosta)

Sandier soils reduce excavation time; lower labor rates offset higher material trucking.

• Two-car driveway: $3,400–$4,500

Coastal Georgia (Savannah, Brunswick, St. Simons)

High water table and salt air require thicker base and tack coat, adding 10 %.

• Two-car driveway: $4,500–$5,800

7 Cost Drivers That Make Quotes Vary

Understanding these variables lets you compare apples-to-apples when contractors show up with wildly different numbers.

1. Base Layer Thickness

Georgia’s red clay expands and contracts. A 6-inch packed aggregate base is standard; dropping to 4 inches saves about $0.50 per sq ft but risks potholes within two winters.

2. Asphalt Layer Depth

Residential driveways need 2.5–3 inches of hot-mix after compaction. Commercial-grade 4-inch adds roughly $0.75 per sq ft—overkill for most homes but smart if you park a heavy RV or boat.

3. Site Access & Grade

Steep slopes, tight side yards, or sprinkler lines that must be hand-dug can add $300–$900 to the total. Mention any retaining walls, septic fields, or low-hanging limbs when you request a quote.

4. Old Driveway Removal

Removing and disposing of existing asphalt runs $1–$2 per sq ft. Concrete removal is heavier and costs $2–$3 per sq ft. Re-using the stone base underneath can save $200–$400 if it’s still sound.

5. Georgia Fuel & Material Index

Asphalt cement is tied to oil prices. When Gulf Coast refineries raise rates, Georgia plants follow within 30 days. Booking your job in late winter—before spring demand spikes—can lock last year’s lower index.

6. Permits & HOA Fees

Most metro counties require a $75–$150 right-of-way permit if any part of the driveway touches a public street. Historic districts or HOAs may ask for stamped engineering plans—add $250–$500.

7. Optional Upgrades

• Sealcoat package (year 1): $0.25 per sq ft
• Border ribbon (decorative 6-inch stamped edge): $2.50 per linear ft
• Drainage channel: $45 per linear ft
• Geo-textile fabric (for swampy soil): $0.35 per sq ft

DIY vs. Hiring a Georgia Paving Contractor

Hot-mix asphalt cools fast; in 50 °F weather you have about 45 minutes to spread and compact. Georgia DOT spec mix is only sold by the 20-ton truckload—roughly 180 sq ft at 3-inch depth. Unless you own a skid-steer, 1-ton roller, and have four experienced helpers, DIY rarely saves money.

Professional crews also warranty against defects for 12–24 months. Factor in the cost of re-doing a failed DIY job and hiring a pro is the safer bet.

5 Proven Ways to Lower Your Asphalt Driveway Cost in Georgia

1. Group buy with neighbors. Contractors cut $0.20–$0.30 per sq ft when they can stage two jobs on the same street.
2. Schedule off-season. January–February slots are 5–10 % cheaper before the spring rush.
3. Keep the width tight. Dropping a 12-ft width to 10-ft on a side-entry saves roughly 17 % in material.
4. Reuse suitable base. If the old stone is solid, ask for “mill and overlay” instead of full removal.
5. Bundle maintenance. Sign up for a three-year sealcoat package at install; most companies discount 15 %.

How to Compare Georgia Asphalt Quotes (Free Checklist)

Ask every contractor for the same line items so you can spot low-ball bids that leave out essentials.

• Total square footage measurement
• Aggregate base depth & type (GA #57 stone is standard)
• Asphalt thickness after compaction
• Mix type (virgin vs. recycled)
• Compaction equipment (vibratory roller weight)
• Edge milling or feathering details
• Weather clause (rain delay policy)
• Warranty length & what it covers (cracking, raveling, drainage)
• Payment schedule (never pay more than 50 % up front)

Legitimate Georgia pavers happily provide a GA DOT mix design ticket and certificate of insurance. If they can’t, move on.

Does a New Asphalt Driveway Increase Home Value in Georgia?

Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report shows a 68 % return on upscale asphalt driveway replacement in the South Atlantic region. In fast-moving Atlanta suburbs like Marietta and Alpharetta, Realtors® tell us curb appeal boosts can recoup 75–80 % when the home hits the market within five years.

More importantly, a smooth, crack-free drive eliminates buyer negotiation leverage during inspection—saving you $3,000–$5,000 in last-minute credits.

Georgia Climate Maintenance Timeline

Heat, humidity, and the occasional ice storm take a toll. Stick to this schedule to double the life of your asphalt:

• 0–90 days: Keep sharp objects and heavy trucks off the surface.
• Year 1: First sealcoat (included in most Drivewayz USA packages).
• Years 2–3: Fill hairline cracks with hot rubberized sealant ($75 DIY kit).
• Years 4–5: Second sealcoat; inspect drainage after summer thunderstorms.
• Year 7+: Schedule infrared patching for any potholes before they spread.

Georgia Asphalt Driveway Cost FAQ