Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveway: Which Is Better in the Upstate?

Short answer: Asphalt is cheaper to install ($5–$12 per square foot vs. $6–$15 for concrete) and easier to patch, but concrete lasts longer (30–40 years vs. 15–30) and needs less routine upkeep (HomeGuide, 2026). In the Upstate’s hot summers, concrete stays cooler. On Greenville County roads without a curb, the apron in the right-of-way must be asphalt either way.

By Concrete Pros Greenville SC Editorial Team · Last reviewed October 2026 · How we research

In this guide

• Side by side
• Cost now vs. cost over time
• Upkeep
• Heat and the Upstate climate
• Repairs
• The county apron rule
• Choose concrete if…
• Choose asphalt if…

Both make good driveways when they’re built on a solid base. The right choice depends on your budget now, how long you’ll stay, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. For each material in detail, see our concrete driveway and asphalt driveway pages.

Side by side

	Asphalt	Concrete
Installed cost per sq ft	$5–$12	$6–$15
2-car driveway	$2,000–$7,200	$2,400–$8,600
Lifespan	15–30 years	30–40 years
Ready to drive on	1–3 days (longer in heat)	About 7 days; full cure 28–30 days
Routine upkeep	Sealcoat after 1 year, then every 2–3 years	Sealing optional; reseal every 2–3 years if sealed
Typical repair	$250–$800	$300–$3,000
Resurfacing	$200–$2,200	$850–$2,900
Summer heat	Gets very hot; can soften	Reflects heat; cooler underfoot
Freeze-thaw	Handles it better	Can crack with freeze-thaw and deicing salts
Looks	Black; limited color options	Many finishes, colors, patterns

Cost now vs. cost over time

Asphalt usually wins the first bill. Over 20–30 years, the gap narrows: asphalt needs sealcoating every few years and typically needs resurfacing or replacement sooner. Concrete costs more to install and more to repair when it does crack, but it needs less routine work.

For exact numbers by size, see the concrete driveway cost guide and the asphalt cost table on our asphalt driveway page.

Upkeep

• Asphalt: HomeGuide recommends the first seal about a year after paving, then every two to three years; its comparison page gives three to five years, so expect your contractor’s advice to land in that range. Fill cracks as they appear.
• Concrete: seal after the first 28–30 days if you want stain and water protection, then every two to three years. Keep joints sealed and fix drainage problems early.

Heat and the Upstate climate

Long, hot Upstate summers favor concrete for comfort and surface stability: asphalt absorbs heat and softens, while concrete reflects it. Asphalt handles freeze-thaw cycles better, which HomeGuide notes makes it the usual pick for northern driveways.

Repairs

Asphalt patches blend in reasonably well and are cheap. Concrete repairs cost more and rarely disappear; a patched concrete slab usually shows. If you expect tree roots or settling, asphalt’s easier repairs are a real advantage.

The county apron rule

On Greenville County roads without a curb, the driveway section in the road right-of-way must be asphalt, whatever the rest of the driveway is made of. See the Greenville driveway permit guide.

Not sure which fits your property? Request a free quote and a local contractor can price both.

Choose concrete if…

• You plan to stay 10+ years and want the longest life.
• You want low routine maintenance.
• You want a decorative finish, color or pattern.
• Comfort and heat in summer matter (kids, bare feet, pets).

Choose asphalt if…

• Up-front cost is the priority.
• The driveway is long, such as a rural drive, where cost per foot adds up.
• You want to drive on it within days.
• You’re comfortable sealcoating every few years.

Sources

• HomeGuide: asphalt driveway cost vs. concrete (2026) — costs, lifespans, repairs, resurfacing, climate, cure times.
• HomeGuide: asphalt driveway cost (2026) — sealcoating schedule.
• HomeGuide: concrete driveway cost (2026) — cure and sealing.
• Greenville County driveway installation guidelines — apron rule.

Prices are national 2026 ranges unless labelled local. How we research costs.