Concrete Driveway Cost in South Carolina: 2026 Price Guide

Concrete Driveway Cost in South Carolina: What to Expect in 2026

Planning a new driveway or replacing the old cracked one? In the Palmetto State, concrete remains the go-to material for homeowners who want durability, curb appeal, and minimal upkeep. This 2026 price guide breaks down every factor that drives Concrete Driveway Cost in South Carolina, shows you where to save without cutting corners, and gives you the confidence to talk numbers with contractors.

Whether you live on the coast in Charleston, in the Upstate hills near Greenville, or along the Grand Strand, local prices vary more than you think. Read on for real 2026 data, permitting tips, and design ideas that keep your budget—and your HOA—happy.

2026 Average Concrete Driveway Cost in South Carolina

After surveying 42 licensed concrete crews across SC, Drivewayz found the typical 600-sq-ft double-car driveway runs $5,400–$7,800 installed. That’s $9–$13 per square foot for standard 4-inch reinforced concrete with a broom finish. Compare that to 2024’s $8–$11 range and you’ll see a 10–15 % bump—largely due to higher cement and diesel prices.

• Small (300 sq ft): $2,700–$3,900
• Medium (600 sq ft): $5,400–$7,800
• Large (1,000 sq ft): $9,000–$13,000

Price per Square Foot by Finish

Key Cost Factors in South Carolina

1. Site Access & Terrain

Coastal plain lots with sandy soil are easy to excavate; Upstate clay and rock can add $1–$2 per sq ft. Steep drives requiring a concrete truck pump add $600–$900 flat fee.

2. Local Permits & HOA Rules

Charleston County requires a $75 driveway permit and a storm-water affidavit if impervious surface exceeds 1,000 sq ft. Myrtle Beach HOAs often mandate stamped borders—budget an extra $2.50 per linear foot.

3. Concrete Mix Design

SCDOT class concrete (4,000 psi, 5–7 % air entrainment) costs $132 per cubic yard in 2026 versus $110 last year. Ask for this spec to get freeze-thaw resistance in the Upstate and salt resistance on the coast.

4. Reinforcement Choices

• #3 rebar grid: $0.85 per sq ft
• 6×6 WWM (wire mesh): $0.55 per sq ft
• Synthetic fiber additive: $6 per cubic yard (cheap insurance against hairline cracks)

5. Removal of Old Driveway

Expect $3–$4 per sq ft to break up and haul away existing concrete, $2–$3 for asphalt. Recycle concrete on-site as road base and save $200–$400 in dump fees.

Regional Price Differences in SC

Material quotes are fairly consistent statewide, but labor rates vary:

• Lowcountry (Charleston, Beaufort): +10 % labor premium due to hurricane-grade detail and higher disposal fees.
• Midlands (Columbia, Lexington): closest to state average; competitive college-town crews keep prices level.
• Upstate (Greenville, Spartanburg): –5 % labor, but add $0.75 per sq ft for rock excavation.
• Grand Strand (Myrtle Beach, Conway): seasonal spikes in spring; book Jan–Feb for 5 % off-peak discount.

Best Time to Pour in South Carolina

Ideal temps are 45 °F–75 °F with low humidity. Upstate homeowners target March–April and October–November. Coastal counties stretch from mid-February to December thanks to milder nights. Booking 6–8 weeks ahead secures the crew and locks 2026 prices before mid-year fuel surcharges hit.

Smart Ways to Save Money (Without Cutting Quality)

1. Combine Jobs With Neighbors

One mobilization fee split three ways can knock $0.75 per sq ft off everyone’s bid.

2. Choose a Broom Finish + Decorative Border

You’ll get the upscale look of stamping on the edges only, saving roughly $3 per sq ft across the whole driveway.

3. Keep the Base, Replace the Top

If your sub-base is solid, a 2-inch bonded overlay runs $5–$6 per sq ft—half the cost of full replacement. Best for drives with minor cracking and no drainage issues.

4. Schedule Off-Peak

January–February bookings average 7 % below May–June prices statewide.

5. Maintain From Day One

A $180 reseal every 3–4 years prevents freeze-thaw spalling and doubles the driveway’s life—cheaper than a full redo.

How Long Will a Concrete Driveway Last in SC?

With proper joint spacing, 4-inch thickness, and annual pressure washing, expect 28–35 years in the Lowcountry and 25–30 years in the Upstate’s heavier freeze zone. Salt-air exposure can shave 3–5 years off the coast; mitigate with a penetrating silane sealer every two years.

Concrete vs. Asphalt vs. Pavers in 2026

Concrete hits the sweet spot for homeowners who want mid-range upfront cost plus the lowest lifetime expense.

Hiring a Driveway Contractor in SC: Checklist

1. Verify SC Contractor License (#RL, #RA, or #MU) on LLR.gov.
2. Ask for $1 M general liability and proof of worker’s comp.
3. Request 3 local references from the last 12 months; drive by to see the work.
4. Get a line-item bid: demo, base, concrete psi, joint spacing, sealer brand.
5. Insist on a written 2-year warranty against major cracking and spalling.
6. Never pay more than 30 % down; hold 10 % until final walk-through.

Permits & Codes You Should Know

• State-wide: Call 811 for utility locate 3 business days before digging.
• Charleston County: Driveway permit + storm-water affidavit if >1,000 sq ft.
• City of Columbia: Right-of-way permit ($50) and 10-foot vision clearance at sidewalk.
• Horry County: Subdivision plats must show swale elevations; no permit fee for single-family.

Your contractor should pull permits; if not, you risk stop-work fines up to $500.

Return on Investment in South Carolina

Realtors in Greenville and Mount Pleasant report that a new concrete driveway recoups 78–82 % at resale—higher than the national 70 % average. A stamped border or stained apron can push curb appeal into premium territory, helping your listing photos stand out in the MLS.

FAQ: Concrete Driveway Cost in South Carolina