Concrete driveway cost in Auburn, AL
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (600 sq ft)
- $3,100 – $7,650
- Per sq ft
- $5.10 – $12.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −16%
- US $6,450
- Rank of 300 metros
- #280
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a concrete driveway in the Auburn area: $3,100 to $7,650 for 600 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 16% lower than the US figure. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $21.50 an hour in the Auburn area, 22% below the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 600 sq ft in Auburn, AL, standard level
$4,450 to $6,250
About $7.30 to $10 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 64% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,650 | $2,000 |
| Labor | $2,750 | $4,100 |
| Permits and fees | $85 | $140 |
| Total | $4,450 | $6,250 |
Cost breakdown for 600 sq ft in Auburn, AL
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,350 | $1,800 | $2,300 | 34% |
| Labor | $1,750 | $3,450 | $5,150 | 64% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $110 | $180 | 2% |
| Total | $3,100 | $5,350 | $7,650 | 100% |
What is behind the Auburn number
Labor is 64% of the midpoint bill here, against 69% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is cement masons and concrete finishers (50%), construction laborers (30%), operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (10%), carpenters (10%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Auburn the blended ratio comes out at 0.78. BLS does not publish this trade for the metro, so we used the Alabama statewide median.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Auburn is at 96.4 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $1,900 nationally becomes $1,800 here (midpoint, 600 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 87.9: $45 to $180.
Data note: 50% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Auburn. The wage table below marks each row.
Why two Auburn quotes can differ
Old driveway removal
Tearing out the old surface adds about $2-$6 per sq ft, and some cities want the haul-off documented.
Grading and drainage
Professional grading runs $3-$8 per sq ft or $700-$2,500 for a typical job. A sloped lot or poor soil raises it.
Finish
Decorative driveways run $10-$25 per sq ft installed: colors and borders at $10-$15, stamped patterns at $15-$20, and high-end finishes at $20-$25+ (HomeGuide).
Who does the work: Auburn trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 4 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 Auburn the blend is 0.78.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) carry 50% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Auburn metro, so we used the Alabama statewide median: $21.50 an hour against $27.41 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $17.96 and $26.36 an hour.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $17.36 an hour, which is 23% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $13.70 and $21.30 an hour. BLS counts 670 of them working in the area, 92.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073), 10% of the weighting: a median of $22.60 an hour, 21% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $18.46 and $24.74 an hour. About 360 work in the metro. That is 49.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, which suggests plenty of local crews to bid.
Carpenters (47-2031), 10% of the weighting: a median of $22.89 an hour, 21% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $20.02 and $26.50 an hour. About 200 work in the metro. That is 27.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (cement masons and concrete finishers) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $390 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $280. That is a swing of roughly 5.3% to 7.3% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Auburn-Opelika has 72,710 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 252nd by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 50% | $17.96 | $21.50 | $26.36 | $27.41 | 0.78 | state |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $13.70 | $17.36 | $21.30 | $22.66 | 0.77 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $18.46 | $22.60 | $24.74 | $28.78 | 0.79 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $20.02 | $22.89 | $26.50 | $29.12 | 0.79 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.78 | |||||
Is Auburn cheap or dear? The local comparison
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 600 sq ft range from $5,000 to $5,550 across Auburn and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auburn, ALthis page | $3,100 – $7,650 | $5,350 | |
| Columbus, GA40 miles | $3,050 – $7,450 | $5,250 | −2% |
| Montgomery, AL50 miles | $3,100 – $7,600 | $5,350 | level |
| Dothan, AL85 miles | $3,000 – $7,350 | $5,200 | −4% |
| Birmingham, AL100 miles | $3,200 – $7,950 | $5,550 | +4% |
| Albany, GA100 miles | $2,900 – $7,100 | $5,000 | −7% |
| Alabama (statewide) | $3,100 – $7,700 | $5,400 | +1% |
| United States | $3,650 – $9,200 | $6,450 | +20% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Auburn ranks #280 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Auburn is 1% below the Alabama figure.
Elsewhere in Alabama
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham, AL | 520,290 jobs | $3,200 – $7,950 | $5,550 | +4% |
| Huntsville, AL | 266,650 jobs | $3,200 – $7,900 | $5,550 | +3% |
| Mobile, AL | 172,550 jobs | $3,150 – $7,700 | $5,400 | +1% |
| Montgomery, AL | 165,550 jobs | $3,100 – $7,600 | $5,350 | level |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 108,460 jobs | $3,100 – $7,650 | $5,400 | level |
| Daphne, AL | 87,120 jobs | $3,150 – $7,750 | $5,450 | +1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Auburn against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 73,240 jobs | $3,750 – $9,650 | $6,700 | +25% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | 72,300 jobs | $3,400 – $8,600 | $6,000 | +12% |
| Kahului, HI | 73,750 jobs | $5,500 – $14,600 | $10,000 | +87% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | 72,280 jobs | $3,650 – $9,300 | $6,500 | +21% |
The best months for concrete driveway in Auburn
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Auburn No.2 (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For pouring concrete, the comfortable months in Auburn are March through November: 9 of 12. Outside them, January, February and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below.
The 40°F line is a deliberately cautious stand-in. The American Concrete Institute's cold-weather guide (ACI 306R-16) defines cold-weather concreting around an average daily air temperature below 40°F, which is colder than our test of an average overnight low at or below 40°F, so we flag a few extra shoulder months. In cold weather crews may need heated enclosures, insulating blankets or accelerated mixes, and those measures can raise a quote.
Auburn gets about 56 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are March, June and December (5.7 inches in March). Inside the workable window, September and October are the driest, at 3.5 and 3.4 inches. The station averages about 49 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 | 56 | 35 | 5.3 | Cold |
| Feb | 61 | 39 | 5.1 | Cold |
| Mar | 68 | 45 | 5.7 | Workable |
| Apr | 75 | 51 | 4.8 | Workable |
| May | 81 | 60 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Jun | 87 | 68 | 5.7 | Workable |
| Jul | 89 | 71 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Aug | 88 | 71 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Sep | 84 | 66 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Oct | 75 | 54 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Nov | 65 | 43 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Dec | 58 | 38 | 5.6 | Cold |
What nearby projects cost in Auburn
Jobs that often go together with concrete driveway are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Auburn wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, concrete slab comes out highest (−12%) and concrete patio lowest (−14%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $2,700 – $6,400 | −13% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,150 – $8,850 | −13% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,150 – $4,600 | −12% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $2,850 – $6,900 | −13% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,600 – $4,700 | −14% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,100 – $3,400 | −14% |
Extras that change the Auburn total
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.87 for Auburn, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.78) and goods price index (0.96). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add rebar reinforcement | $520 – $1,550 |
| Remove the old driveway | $1,050 – $3,150 |
Pick a size, pick a tier: concrete driveway pricing in Auburn
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Auburn. 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 3-car (900 sq ft).
Basic
$3,100 to $4,900
Plain gray, 4-inch broom finish, flat site
Standard
$4,450 to $6,250
5-inch with rebar and saw-cut joints, a border or one color
Premium
$5,800 to $7,650
6-inch for heavy vehicles, stamped or colored, grading needed
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $1,250 – $2,000 | $1,850 – $2,600 | $2,400 – $3,150 |
| 2-car (20x24), 480 sq ft | $2,500 – $3,950 | $3,600 – $5,050 | $4,700 – $6,150 |
| 2-car + apron (600 sq ft) | $3,100 – $4,900 | $4,450 – $6,250 | $5,800 – $7,650 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $4,650 – $7,300 | $6,650 – $9,350 | $8,650 – $11,400 |
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 $4,450 to $6,250 for Auburn, AL is attached.
Detailed concrete driveway report for Auburn, AL, $9
Multi-page report for Auburn, AL: 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.
Concrete driveway in Auburn: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete driveway in Auburn?
For 600 sq ft, expect $3,100 to $7,650 in the Auburn area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,450 to $6,250. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete driveway in Auburn?
About $5.10 to $12.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $45 to $180 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $6 to $15.
+Is concrete driveway cheaper in Auburn or Columbus?
Columbus is 40 miles away. The midpoint for 600 sq ft there is $5,250, which is 2% less than Auburn ($5,350). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Auburn?
About 64% at the midpoint, or $3,450 out of $5,350. Materials are 34% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 69%.
+What would 2-car + apron (600 sq ft) cost in Auburn?
$3,100 to $7,650. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete driveway need a permit in Auburn?
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 Auburn area (our national range of $50 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Auburn expensive for concrete driveway compared with the rest of Alabama?
Auburn is 1% below the Alabama statewide estimate ($5,400 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in Alabama; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Auburn?
BLS has no published metro figure here, so we use the statewide median of $21.50 an hour, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $17.96 to $26.36.
+What do basic and premium concrete driveway work cost in Auburn?
For 600 sq ft, basic work runs $3,100 to $4,900 and premium work $5,800 to $7,650. Basic means: plain gray, 4-inch broom finish, flat site. Premium means: 6-inch for heavy vehicles, stamped or colored, grading needed.
+When is the best time to pour a concrete driveway in Auburn?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through November. September 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 rebar reinforcement" add in Auburn?
$520 to $1,550 for 600 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete driveway near Auburn
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 a Concrete Driveway Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- SimplyWise: Concrete Estimate Template: Free PDF + Excel (2026) (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 = SimplyWise's sample 600 sq ft, 4-inch driveway line ($1,400-$2,400 in materials) divided by 600 sq ft.