Asphalt driveway cost in Ann Arbor, MI
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (600 sq ft)
- $2,950 – $7,300
- Per sq ft
- $4.85 – $12
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −2%
- US $5,250
- Rank of 300 metros
- #152
- 1 = most expensive
An asphalt driveway in Ann Arbor, MI usually costs $2,950 to $7,300 for 600 sq ft. That works out to about $4.85 to $12 per sq ft before permits. That is within a few percent of the national midpoint, so there is little local premium or discount. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 93.7).
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Estimated cost for 600 sq ft in Ann Arbor, MI, standard level
$4,250 to $6,000
About $6.95 to $9.75 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 43% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,400 | $3,150 |
| Labor | $1,750 | $2,700 |
| Permits and fees | $95 | $160 |
| Total | $4,250 | $6,000 |
Cost breakdown for 600 sq ft in Ann Arbor, MI
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,850 | $2,800 | $3,700 | 54% |
| Labor | $1,050 | $2,200 | $3,400 | 43% |
| Permits and fees | $50 | $130 | $200 | 2% |
| Total | $2,950 | $5,150 | $7,300 | 100% |
Where the Ann Arbor price comes from
The wage side of the estimate leans on paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators, who do 40% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $26.07 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Ann Arbor is 1.04 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 43% of the total. BLS does not publish this trade for the metro, so we used the Michigan statewide median.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Ann Arbor is at 93.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $2,950 nationally becomes $2,800 here (midpoint, 600 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 100.9: $50 to $200.
Data note: 40% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Ann Arbor. The wage table below marks each row.
Ann Arbor weather and the asphalt driveway calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Ann Arbor Muni Ap (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For digging, grading and setting material in the ground, the comfortable months in Ann Arbor are April through October: 7 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March, November and December have an average overnight low at or below freezing (32°F).
In January, February, March, November and December the average low is at or below freezing, which means frozen ground and slower digging, compaction and sod or stone placement. NOAA counts about 150 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Ann Arbor gets about 30 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are May, June and July (3.6 inches in June). Inside the workable window, August and October are the driest, at 2.7 and 2.2 inches. The station averages about 11 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 15 | 1.7 | Cold |
| Feb | 35 | 16 | 1.5 | Cold |
| Mar | 45 | 25 | 1.9 | Cold |
| Apr | 59 | 35 | 3.0 | Workable |
| May | 70 | 46 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 79 | 54 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Jul | 84 | 57 | 3.2 | Workable |
| Aug | 81 | 57 | 2.7 | Workable |
| Sep | 74 | 48 | 2.8 | Workable |
| Oct | 62 | 38 | 2.2 | Workable |
| Nov | 48 | 30 | 2.1 | Cold |
| Dec | 36 | 22 | 1.7 | Cold |
What local crews earn in Ann Arbor
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 3 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Ann Arbor the blend is 1.04.
Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators (47-2071) carry 40% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Ann Arbor metro, so we used the Michigan statewide median: $26.07 an hour against $25.64 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $21.84 and $29.99 an hour.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $24.48 an hour, which is 8% above the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.01 and $29.43 an hour. BLS counts 510 of them working in the area, 23.2 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 30% of the weighting: a median of $30.05 an hour, 4% above the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $23.91 and $39.58 an hour. About 170 work in the metro. That is 7.7 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $130 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $140. That is a swing of roughly 2.7% to 2.5% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Ann Arbor has 219,730 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 110th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators (47-2071) | 40% | $21.84 | $26.07 | $29.99 | $25.64 | 1.02 | state |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $22.01 | $24.48 | $29.43 | $22.66 | 1.08 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $23.91 | $30.05 | $39.58 | $28.78 | 1.04 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.04 | |||||
Extras that change the Ann Arbor total
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.99 for Ann Arbor, which is the average of the area's wage index (1.04) and goods price index (0.94). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add a sealcoat | $590 – $1,200 |
Related projects, priced for Ann Arbor
Jobs that often go together with asphalt driveway are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Ann Arbor wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, paver patio comes out highest (+6%) and concrete slab lowest (−1%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,700 – $9,450 | +2% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,500 – $10,200 | level |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,200 – $5,800 | +6% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $610 – $2,150 | +2% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,450 – $5,150 | −1% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,250 – $4,050 | +1% |
Ann Arbor: what basic, standard and premium work costs
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Ann Arbor. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft to long rural (10x100), 1,000 sq ft.
Basic
$2,950 to $4,700
New topcoat over a sound base, flat lot
Standard
$4,250 to $6,000
Full new driveway: base, 2-3 in of hot mix, edging
Premium
$5,550 to $7,300
Full tear-out and rebuild, drainage work, heavy-duty depth
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $1,200 – $1,950 | $1,750 – $2,500 | $2,300 – $3,050 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,000 – $3,150 | $2,900 – $4,050 | $3,750 – $4,950 |
| 2-car (20x30), 600 sq ft | $2,950 – $4,700 | $4,250 – $6,000 | $5,550 – $7,300 |
| long rural (10x100), 1,000 sq ft | $4,900 – $7,750 | $7,050 – $9,900 | $9,200 – $12,000 |
Ann Arbor against nearby metros and the rest of Michigan
Same job, same size (600 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Detroit is the priciest of the group at $5,400. Saginaw is the cheapest at $5,050.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ann Arbor, MIthis page | $2,950 – $7,300 | $5,150 | |
| Detroit, MI45 miles | $3,100 – $7,650 | $5,400 | +5% |
| Toledo, OH50 miles | $3,000 – $7,400 | $5,200 | +1% |
| Lansing, MI50 miles | $2,950 – $7,300 | $5,150 | level |
| Flint, MI55 miles | $3,050 – $7,600 | $5,350 | +4% |
| Saginaw, MI75 miles | $2,950 – $7,200 | $5,050 | −1% |
| Michigan (statewide) | $3,000 – $7,350 | $5,200 | +1% |
| United States | $3,050 – $7,400 | $5,250 | +2% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Ann Arbor ranks #152 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Ann Arbor is 1% below the Michigan figure.
Elsewhere in Michigan
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detroit, MI | 1,904,530 jobs | $3,100 – $7,650 | $5,400 | +5% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | 598,260 jobs | $2,900 – $7,050 | $5,000 | −3% |
| Lansing, MI | 217,180 jobs | $2,950 – $7,300 | $5,150 | level |
| Flint, MI | 135,040 jobs | $3,050 – $7,600 | $5,350 | +4% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | 121,790 jobs | $3,000 – $7,400 | $5,200 | +2% |
| Saginaw, MI | 80,000 jobs | $2,950 – $7,200 | $5,050 | −1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Ann Arbor against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deltona, FL | 219,740 jobs | $2,850 – $6,900 | $4,850 | −5% |
| Lansing, MI | 217,180 jobs | $2,950 – $7,300 | $5,150 | level |
| Springfield, MO | 223,030 jobs | $2,850 – $6,900 | $4,850 | −5% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | 205,260 jobs | $3,700 – $9,350 | $6,550 | +27% |
Why two Ann Arbor quotes can differ
Hot-mix price
Hot-mix asphalt is $100-$200 per ton delivered and moves with oil prices (PaveGauge).
Sealcoating
Sealing is $1-$2 per sq ft and is a maintenance cost, not part of the install.
New versus overlay
Resurfacing an existing driveway runs $3-$7 per sq ft; a full new driveway runs $5-$12+ (HomeGuide). Tearing out and replacing one is higher still.
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $4,250 to $6,000 for Ann Arbor, MI is attached.
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Asphalt driveway in Ann Arbor: your questions
+How much does it cost to pave a driveway in Ann Arbor?
For 600 sq ft, expect $2,950 to $7,300 in the Ann Arbor area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,250 to $6,000. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for asphalt driveway in Ann Arbor?
About $4.85 to $12 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $50 to $200 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $5 to $12.
+Is asphalt driveway cheaper in Ann Arbor or Detroit?
Detroit is 45 miles away. The midpoint for 600 sq ft there is $5,400, which is 5% more than Ann Arbor ($5,150). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Ann Arbor?
About 43% at the midpoint, or $2,200 out of $5,150. Materials are 54% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 41%.
+What would 2-car (20x30), 600 sq ft cost in Ann Arbor?
$2,950 to $7,300. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does asphalt driveway need a permit in Ann Arbor?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $50 to $200 for fees in the Ann Arbor area (our national range of $50 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Ann Arbor expensive for asphalt driveway compared with the rest of Michigan?
Ann Arbor is 1% below the Michigan statewide estimate ($5,200 at the midpoint). We cover 10 metros in Michigan; see the state page to compare them.
+What do paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators earn in Ann Arbor?
BLS has no published metro figure here, so we use the statewide median of $26.07 an hour, compared with $25.64 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $21.84 to $29.99.
+What do basic and premium asphalt driveway work cost in Ann Arbor?
For 600 sq ft, basic work runs $2,950 to $4,700 and premium work $5,550 to $7,300. Basic means: new topcoat over a sound base, flat lot. Premium means: full tear-out and rebuild, drainage work, heavy-duty depth.
+When is the best time to pave a driveway in Ann Arbor?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through October. August and October are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "add a sealcoat" add in Ann Arbor?
$590 to $1,200 for 600 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Asphalt driveway near Ann Arbor
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Paving an Asphalt Driveway Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- PaveGauge: Asphalt Driveway Cost (2026): Price by Size (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020
Note on derived figures: Materials = hot-mix asphalt ($2.30-$3.60/sq ft at 3 in) plus aggregate base ($1-$3/sq ft) from PaveGauge's component table.