Is Asphalt Cheaper Than Concrete?

Asphalt and concrete are the two most commonly used materials by commercial construction companies in South Carolina and nationwide. While each material has its own strengths and is suitable for different applications, asphalt is typically cheaper upfront than concrete. Most asphalt mixes have a lower cost per square foot, even when including labor.

However, concrete is more durable, has a longer lifespan, and doesn’t need as much maintenance. In the long term, it can be cheaper overall.

An experienced asphalt construction partner like Howell & Simmons Construction & Paving, Inc. can help you evaluate your project’s specific needs and determine whether asphalt or concrete offers the best long-term value for your commercial or industrial property.

Typical Asphalt Installation Costs

On average, a square foot of asphalt costs between $3 and $7, including materials and labor. The exact price depends on local material costs, the thickness of the asphalt layer, the type of asphalt mix used, and geographic factors such as the project size, location, and accessibility.

A commercial asphalt paving company with local experience typically uses the same crew and equipment for projects of all sizes. The primary cost factors are the type of asphalt mix used and the amount of site preparation required—whether the job covers 1,000 or 10,000 square feet.

Asphalt Mix Types

When it comes to commercial paving, most projects are built using one of three standard asphalt mixes:

Hot-mix asphalt (HMA). The industry standard for most asphalt applications. HMA is a good fit for roads, highways, parking lots, and other heavy-traffic projects. While it is relatively quick to install, HMA requires dry, hot weather to set safely and properly. The average material cost for HMA ranges between $0.75 and $2 per square foot before labor.
Warm-mix asphalt (WMA). Warm-mix asphalt is produced at lower temperatures than hot-mix asphalt (HMA), making it less sensitive to weather conditions. It offers similar material costs and equal—or even greater—durability. However, careful project planning is essential to avoid timeline delays because it takes longer to cool.
Cold-mix asphalt (CMA). CMA is the least expensive asphalt mix, with a material cost of just $0.15 to $0.40 per square foot. However, it is also the least durable and suitable for long-term projects. Skilled commercial asphalt paving companies will recommend CMA only for temporary patching or small-scale repairs.

Site Preparation

Besides the asphalt mix type, the two other main factors influencing the cost of asphalt are site prep and asphalt layer thickness:

Site preparation requirements. The heavier the expected traffic, the more preparation the subgrade (soil base) requires to properly support the asphalt layer. For example, industrial sites typically require more extensive soil stabilization and compaction than lighter-use commercial properties.
Asphalt thickness. Sites that will regularly accommodate heavy vehicles, such as 18-wheelers, require thicker asphalt layers than those designed for standard car and truck traffic. This added thickness increases material requirements and can extend project timelines, leading to higher overall costs.

Average Costs of Concrete Installation

Concrete installation is generally more expensive than asphalt, ranging from $5 to $10 per square foot, including labor. The final cost of concrete installation depends on several variables:

Concrete mix composition. Unlike asphalt, concrete mixes aren’t as standardized by type. Instead, a concrete paving company will mix cement, water, aggregates, and admixtures as needed for each site, depending on the strength requirements. Stronger and more durable mixes need more materials, labor, and curing time, making them more expensive.
Installation thickness. Like asphalt, the heavier the traffic, the thicker the concrete must be to meet load demand. Thicker concrete slabs require more installation time, labor, and materials, increasing project costs.
Reinforcing materials. Many concrete slabs use reinforcing materials, such as steel rebar, glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP), or eco-friendly natural fibers. While they can increase the concrete’s overall durability and lifespan, they can also extend project timelines and increase material costs.

Long-Term Costs and Lifespan of Asphalt vs. Concrete

Below is a table comparing the costs, lifespan, and maintenance properties of each material:

Factor	Asphalt	Concrete
Average Lifespan	25-30 years	30-50+ years
Maintenance Frequency	Every 3-5 years	Every 7-10 years
Maintenance Complexity	Simpler and faster	More labor-intensive, such as resurfacing and joint repair
Typical Maintenance Costs	Sealcoating: $0.08 to $0.30 per square foot Crack filling: $0.50 to $3 per linear foot to repair	Resurfacing: $3 to $5 per square foot for standard maintenance, up to $9 for extensive damage repair Concrete joint filling: $25 to $50 per individual joint to repair

Partner With a Skilled Asphalt and Concrete Specialist

While asphalt often appears to be the more cost-effective choice upfront—thanks to its lower installation and maintenance costs—concrete’s superior durability and longer lifespan can make it the better investment for long-term projects.

Whether you’re planning an industrial concrete project or need commercial asphalt paving in Charleston, SC, Howell & Simmons Construction & Paving, Inc. has the expertise to do the job right.

With over 37 years of experience serving North Charleston, Goose Creek, Hanahan, and surrounding areas, our team is ready to provide tailored solutions and accurate cost estimates for your next project.