Concrete Driveway Cost in Georgia: 2026 Price Guide

Concrete Driveway Cost in Georgia: What to Expect in 2026

A new concrete driveway is one of the smartest upgrades a Georgia homeowner can make. It boosts curb appeal, handles our humid subtropical climate, and lasts decades when installed correctly. But how much should you budget for 2026? Statewide data from Drivewayz USA’s contractor network shows most homeowners pay between $6.85 and $10.40 per square foot for a standard 4-inch-thick, broom-finish driveway. That puts an average 600 ft² two-car driveway at $4,100–$6,240 before optional upgrades.

This guide breaks down every cost variable—materials, labor, site prep, permits, and design choices—so you can plan confidently and avoid surprise line items.

Concrete Driveway Cost in Georgia: 2026 Price Breakdown

1. Core Material & Labor Costs

• Ready-mix concrete: $135–$152 per cubic yard (delivered within 20 mi of plant)
• Short-load fees: Add $60–$80 per yard for orders under 5 yd³
• Placement & finish crew: $2.75–$3.40 per ft² for broom or light swirl finish
• Reinforcement: #3 rebar 18-in grid or 6×6-10/10 wire mesh adds $0.55–$0.70 per ft²

2. Site Preparation Variables

Georgia’s red clay can be great for compaction—or a nightmare if it’s soggy. Expect:

• Standard strip & prep (4–6 in gravel base): $1.10–$1.45 per ft²
• Heavy clay remediation (geo-fabric + thicker stone): $1.75–$2.20 per ft²
• Tree removal (12–24 in oak/pine): $350–$650 each, including stump grind
• Old asphalt or concrete tear-out: $2.25–$3.50 per ft², plus $140 per load disposal

3. Permit & Inspection Fees (2026 Rates)

Most Georgia counties now accept online applications, but prices keep creeping up:

• Metro Atlanta (Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb): $130–$185 flat fee for up to 1,000 ft²
• Augusta-Richmond: $115 + $0.08 per ft² over 600 ft²
• Savannah-Chatham: $150 includes storm-water review
• Rural counties: $50–$95; always call ahead—some still require paper plans

Pro tip: Ask your contractor if the quote includes permit fees; 1 in 4 Georgia homeowners get caught off-guard by this line item.

Georgia Regional Price Snapshot

Concrete is heavy, so mileage from the batch plant swings the total more than most people think. Below are turnkey prices for a 4-in broom-finish driveway (600 ft², rebar, 4-in gravel base, permit included).

Metro Atlanta

• Low: $4,200
• Average: $5,100
• High: $6,400 (tight-access lots, crane-mixer required)

North Georgia Mountains (Gainesville to Blue Ridge)

• Low: $4,500
• Average: $5,550
• High: $7,200 (steep grades, off-road pump fees)

Coastal & Southeast (Savannah, Brunswick, Statesboro)

• Low: $4,100
• Average: $4,950
• High: $6,100 (sandy soil, extra base stabilization)

Southwest Georgia (Albany, Valdosta, Thomasville)

• Low: $3,900
• Average: $4,650
• High: $5,700

Design Upgrades That Add Value (and Cost)

Color & Stamping

• Integral color (buff, gray, red): +$0.95 per ft²
• Stamped texture (ashlar slate, brick): +$4.50–$6.25 per ft²
• Antique release & high-gloss sealer: +$1.10 per ft²

Exposed Aggregate

Perfect for slip resistance around pool decks. Adds $2.75–$3.40 per ft².

Borders & Bands

A 12-in decorative border in contrasting color runs $7–$9 per linear foot.

Heated Driveway Systems

Hydronic tubing can keep your Atlanta driveway ice-free on the rare snow day. Budget $12–$16 per ft² for turnkey installation, plus electrical hookup.

Georgia Climate & Long-Term Durability

Our 40-plus freeze-thaw cycles each winter (yes, even in Macon) make air-entrained concrete non-negotiable. Reputable contractors add 6 ± 1.5 % air content at the plant for $4 per cubic yard—cheap insurance against scaling.

Sealer schedule: Apply penetrating silane-siloxane sealer 28 days after pour, then every 3–4 years. DIY cost: $0.35 per ft²; pro cost: $0.95 per ft². Skimp here and you’ll pay for spall repairs at $8–$12 per ft² later.

Smart Ways to Save Without Cutting Corners

1. Group pours with neighbors. Many Georgia plants offer multi-job discounts when two driveways share the same delivery day—save $10 per cubic yard.
2. Choose late fall or winter slots. Contractors are slower December–February and may knock 8–10 % off labor.
3. Keep the width to 10 ft. A 20 × 30 ft driveway costs roughly $400 less than 24 × 30 ft, yet still fits full-size trucks.
4. Handle tear-out yourself—but only if you own a skid-steer and know how to dispose of 10+ tons legally. Otherwise, the “savings” disappear after dump fees.

Hiring the Right Concrete Contractor in Georgia

Concrete is permanent; the crew you choose matters more than the price. Use this checklist:

• Georgia Utility Contractor License (required for >$2,500 jobs) or Residential Basic License
• Proof of $1 M general liability and workers’ comp
• ACI-certified flatwork finishers on staff
• Local reference list with addresses; drive by past jobs and look for random cracking or discoloration
• Written 5-year warranty covering structural cracking > ¼ in

Get three itemized bids—lump-sum quotes hide variables like fiber mesh or sealer coats. A transparent bid mirrors the line items in this article.

Return on Investment in 2026

Remodeling Magazine’s South-Atlantic report puts concrete driveway replacement at 78 % cost recouped—higher than kitchen remodels. In fast-growing counties like Forsyth and Paulding, a pristine driveway can tip a buyer’s decision, especially when competing homes sport cracked asphalt.

Frequently Asked Questions