Short answer: A standard 4-inch broom-finish concrete driveway costs $6–$10 per square foot installed nationally in 2026, about $2,400–$6,000 for a 20×20 ft two-car driveway (HomeGuide). Greenville-area contractors publish higher planning figures: Sampson Concrete lists $8–$12 per square foot for a standard broom finish. Tear-out, grading and thicker slabs push the price up.
In this guide
- Concrete driveway cost by size
- Cost by finish
- Add-ons that show up on quotes
- What drives the price in the Upstate
- What a written driveway quote should list
- How to save without cutting corners
If you’re comparing quotes for a driveway in Greenville or the Upstate, this guide explains what the numbers mean, why your quote may differ, and which line items to expect. For specs, finishes and getting a quote, see our concrete driveway page.
Concrete driveway cost by size
National 2026 installed prices for a standard driveway:
| Driveway size | Area | Installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10×20 ft (1-car) | 200 sq ft | $1,200–$3,000 |
| 12×24 ft (1-car) | 288 sq ft | $1,700–$4,300 |
| 20×20 ft (2-car) | 400 sq ft | $2,400–$6,000 |
| 24×24 ft (2-car) | 576 sq ft | $3,500–$8,600 |
| 24×36 ft (3-car) | 864 sq ft | $5,200–$13,000 |
| 30×30 ft | 900 sq ft | $5,400–$13,500 |
Cost by finish
| Finish | National cost per sq ft (HomeGuide) | Greenville contractor’s published range (Sampson Concrete) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard broom finish | $6–$10 | $8–$12 |
| Reinforced | — | $10–$14 |
| Colored / single-color stain | $10–$15 | $10–$15 |
| Exposed aggregate | — | $12–$16 |
| Stamped | $15–$20 (mid-range) | $14–$20 |
| High-end decorative | $20–$25+ | — |
Sampson’s figures are one company’s published planning estimates, not independent survey data; they note final pricing comes after a site visit. Another Upstate contractor, Virtue Concrete, publishes real project ranges, including $4,000–$6,500 for a 300 sq ft driveway extension and $16,000–$19,000 to replace a 1,650 sq ft driveway.
Add-ons that show up on quotes
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Removing the old driveway | $2–$6 per sq ft |
| Grading | $3–$8 per sq ft (often included) |
| Rebar | +$1–$3 per sq ft |
| 6-inch slab for heavy vehicles | $8–$20 per sq ft total |
| Sealing after cure | $1–$3 per sq ft |
| Permit | $50–$200 (national range) |
On a Greenville County road without a curb, the apron in the right-of-way has to be asphalt, not concrete, so expect a separate asphalt line for it. See our driveway permit guide.
What drives the price in the Upstate
- Tear-out and haul-off. Replacing an old driveway costs more than pouring a new one on open ground.
- Clay and drainage. Red clay often needs extra digging and stone base to stop settling. A wet or poorly draining site costs more to prepare.
- Access. If the truck can’t reach the forms, concrete has to be pumped or wheeled, which adds cost.
- Labor rates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median wage for cement masons and concrete finishers in the Greenville-Anderson-Greer metro below the national median. That doesn’t make Upstate driveways cheap, but labor-heavy jobs here often price nearer the middle of national ranges than the top.
- Size. Small jobs cost more per square foot because crews and trucks have minimums.
Want a real number for your driveway? Request a free quote and a licensed local contractor will measure it.
What a written driveway quote should list
A good quote breaks the job into lines you can compare:
- Demolition and haul-off of the old driveway (if any)
- Excavation, grading and compacted stone base, with depth
- Forms, reinforcement type and spacing
- Concrete: thickness, strength (psi) and finish
- Control joint layout and isolation joints at the garage and walks
- Curing method, and when you can drive on it
- Apron (asphalt or concrete, depending on your road) and permit
- Cleanup, sealing (if included), payment schedule and warranty
Our quote comparison checklist turns this into a printable list.
How to save without cutting corners
- Keep the shape simple. Curves, multiple colors and patterns add cost.
- Schedule in spring or fall. HomeGuide notes these seasons balance good pouring weather and contractor pricing. See the best time to pour concrete.
- Don’t skimp on thickness or base. These are the cheapest time to buy longevity; a cracked driveway costs far more to fix.
- Compare like with like. Two quotes are only comparable if thickness, base, reinforcement and joints match.
Repair or replace? If your driveway has a few cracks but the slabs are level, repair or resurfacing may be enough. If sections have sunk, heaved or broken up, the base has likely failed. Our repair or replace guide walks through the decision.
Get a free quote from a local contractor
Tell us about the job once. A licensed contractor who works in your part of the Upstate will call you about a free, no-obligation quote, usually within 24 hours.
Request a free quote or call (864) 432-1750.
Sources
- HomeGuide: concrete driveway cost (2026) — national costs by size and finish, add-ons, permits, seasons.
- Sampson Concrete: concrete driveway cost in Greenville, SC (Jan 2026) — one local contractor’s published planning ranges.
- Virtue Concrete SC: 2026 price portfolio — one local contractor’s published project ranges.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — local finisher wages.
- Greenville County driveway installation guidelines — apron rule.
Prices are national 2026 ranges unless labelled local. How we research costs.