Asphalt driveway cost in Fargo, ND
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (600 sq ft)
- $3,000 – $7,300
- Per sq ft
- $4.90 – $12
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −2%
- US $5,250
- Rank of 300 metros
- #151
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to pave a driveway in Fargo, plan on $3,000 to $7,300 for 600 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $4.90 to $12 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint lands close to the national one. Building materials run about 4% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 95.7).
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Estimated cost for 600 sq ft in Fargo, ND, standard level
$4,250 to $6,000
About $7 to $9.75 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 42% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,450 | $3,200 |
| Labor | $1,750 | $2,650 |
| Permits and fees | $85 | $140 |
| Total | $4,250 | $6,000 |
Cost breakdown for 600 sq ft in Fargo, ND
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,900 | $2,850 | $3,800 | 55% |
| Labor | $1,050 | $2,200 | $3,300 | 42% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $110 | $180 | 2% |
| Total | $3,000 | $5,150 | $7,300 | 100% |
Where the Fargo price comes from
Labor is 42% of the midpoint bill here, against 41% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators (40%), construction laborers (30%), operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (30%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Fargo the blended ratio comes out at 1.02. BLS does not publish this trade for the area, so we used the national median.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Fargo metro is 95.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 600 sq ft comes to $2,850, compared with $2,950 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (90.9) and land at $45 to $180.
Data note: 40% of the labor weighting for this project uses a national median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Fargo. The wage table below marks each row.
Climate in Fargo: timing your asphalt driveway job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Fargo Hector Intl Ap (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
May through October is the stretch where digging, grading and setting material in the ground runs into the fewest weather problems in Fargo (6 of 12 months). January, February, March, April, November and December have an average overnight low at or below freezing (32°F).
In January, February, March, April, 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 172 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Fargo gets about 24 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 51 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and July (4.3 inches in June). Inside the workable window, August and October are the driest, at 2.6 and 2.2 inches. The station averages about 11 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18 | 0 | 0.7 | Cold |
| Feb | 23 | 4 | 0.7 | Cold |
| Mar | 36 | 18 | 1.3 | Cold |
| Apr | 54 | 32 | 1.5 | Cold |
| May | 69 | 44 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Jun | 78 | 56 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Jul | 82 | 59 | 3.1 | Workable |
| Aug | 81 | 57 | 2.6 | Workable |
| Sep | 72 | 48 | 2.7 | Workable |
| Oct | 56 | 35 | 2.2 | Workable |
| Nov | 38 | 21 | 1.0 | Cold |
| Dec | 24 | 8 | 0.9 | Cold |
Pick a size, pick a tier: asphalt driveway pricing in Fargo
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Fargo wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 4 common sizes.
Basic
$3,000 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 – $3,000 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $2,000 – $3,150 | $2,900 – $4,050 | $3,750 – $4,900 |
| 2-car (20x30), 600 sq ft | $3,000 – $4,700 | $4,250 – $6,000 | $5,550 – $7,300 |
| long rural (10x100), 1,000 sq ft | $4,950 – $7,750 | $7,050 – $9,900 | $9,200 – $12,000 |
Fargo labor market for asphalt driveway
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 3 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Fargo is 1.02 times the national level.
Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators (47-2071) carry 40% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Fargo metro, so we used the national median: $25.64 an hour against $25.64 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $21.93 and $31.12 an hour.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 30% of the weighting: a median of $23.72 an hour, 5% above the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $22.29 and $29.85 an hour. About 1,760 work in the metro. That is 118.4 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 30%) the local median is $29.66 an hour, which is 3% above the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $26.36 and $34.82 an hour. BLS counts 960 of them working in the area, 64.6 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($31.12 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $180. At the 25th percentile ($21.93) it shrinks by about $120. The total moves by 3.5% or 2.4%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 148,660 jobs in the Fargo area. That makes it the 156th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.10% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators (47-2071) | 40% | $21.93 | $25.64 | $31.12 | $25.64 | 1.00 | US |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $22.29 | $23.72 | $29.85 | $22.66 | 1.05 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 30% | $26.36 | $29.66 | $34.82 | $28.78 | 1.03 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.02 | |||||
What nearby projects cost in Fargo
Because every project leans on different trades, Fargo's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, paver patio runs +1% and concrete slab −2%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,600 – $9,200 | level |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,500 – $10,200 | level |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,050 – $5,500 | +1% |
| French drain | 60 linear ft | $600 – $2,100 | −1% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,400 – $5,050 | −2% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,200 – $3,950 | −2% |
Is Fargo cheap or dear? The local comparison
Same job, same size (600 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Minneapolis is the priciest of the group at $6,050.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fargo, NDthis page | $3,000 – $7,300 | $5,150 | |
| St. Cloud, MN150 miles | $3,250 – $8,100 | $5,650 | +10% |
| Bismarck, ND190 miles | $3,000 – $7,300 | $5,150 | level |
| Minneapolis, MN215 miles | $3,450 – $8,650 | $6,050 | +18% |
| Duluth, MN215 miles | $3,250 – $8,100 | $5,650 | +10% |
| Sioux Falls, SD235 miles | $3,000 – $7,350 | $5,150 | +1% |
| North Dakota (statewide) | $3,000 – $7,300 | $5,150 | level |
| United States | $3,050 – $7,400 | $5,250 | +2% |
Across 300 US metros, Fargo comes in at #151 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $7,650; the cheapest is Fort Smith, AR at $4,450 (midpoints, 600 sq ft). Statewide, Fargo is 0% below the North Dakota figure.
Other North Dakota metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bismarck, ND | 71,270 jobs | $3,000 – $7,300 | $5,150 | level |
Cities with a workforce like Fargo's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Fargo against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Killeen, TX | 150,580 jobs | $2,750 – $6,600 | $4,650 | −9% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | 146,260 jobs | $2,800 – $6,700 | $4,750 | −7% |
| Gainesville, FL | 152,670 jobs | $2,800 – $6,750 | $4,800 | −7% |
| Vallejo, CA | 144,130 jobs | $3,650 – $9,250 | $6,450 | +26% |
Extras that change the Fargo total
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Fargo by the average of the local wage index (1.02) and goods index (0.96), a factor of 0.99. Tick any of them in the estimator above to add them to your total. Treat these as planning figures: an add-on touches different trades than the main job, so the scaling is an approximation.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add a sealcoat | $590 – $1,200 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Fargo bid
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.
Base work
Four to eight inches of compacted aggregate under the asphalt is where cheap quotes cut corners. Base typically runs $1-$3 per sq ft.
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 Fargo, ND is attached.
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Multi-page report for Fargo, ND: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Asphalt driveway in Fargo: your questions
+How much does it cost to pave a driveway in Fargo?
For 600 sq ft, expect $3,000 to $7,300 in the Fargo 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 Fargo?
About $4.90 to $12 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $180 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $5 to $12.
+Is asphalt driveway cheaper in Fargo or St. Cloud?
St. Cloud is 150 miles away. The midpoint for 600 sq ft there is $5,650, which is 10% more than Fargo ($5,150). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Fargo?
About 42% at the midpoint, or $2,200 out of $5,150. Materials are 55% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 41%.
+What would 2-car (20x30), 600 sq ft cost in Fargo?
$3,000 to $7,300. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does asphalt driveway need a permit in Fargo?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $45 to $180 for fees in the Fargo area (our national range of $50 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Fargo expensive for asphalt driveway compared with the rest of North Dakota?
Fargo is 0% below the North Dakota statewide estimate ($5,150 at the midpoint). We cover 2 metros in North Dakota; see the state page to compare them.
+What do paving, surfacing and tamping equipment operators earn in Fargo?
BLS has no published metro figure here, so we use the national median of $25.64 an hour, compared with $25.64 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $21.93 to $31.12.
+What do basic and premium asphalt driveway work cost in Fargo?
For 600 sq ft, basic work runs $3,000 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 Fargo?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are May 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 Fargo?
$590 to $1,200 for 600 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Asphalt driveway near Fargo
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.