Concrete driveway cost in Dalton, GA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (600 sq ft)
- $3,100 – $7,550
- Per sq ft
- $5.05 – $12.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −17%
- US $6,450
- Rank of 300 metros
- #285
- 1 = most expensive
A concrete driveway in Dalton, GA usually costs $3,100 to $7,550 for 600 sq ft. That works out to about $5.05 to $12.50 per sq ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $1,100 less. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $22.23 an hour in the Dalton area, 19% below the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 600 sq ft in Dalton, GA, standard level
$4,450 to $6,200
About $7.25 to $10 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 64% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,600 | $2,000 |
| Labor | $2,700 | $4,050 |
| Permits and fees | $85 | $140 |
| Total | $4,450 | $6,200 |
Cost breakdown for 600 sq ft in Dalton, GA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,350 | $1,800 | $2,300 | 34% |
| Labor | $1,700 | $3,400 | $5,100 | 64% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $110 | $180 | 2% |
| Total | $3,100 | $5,300 | $7,550 | 100% |
Where the Dalton price comes from
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 4 trades: cement masons and concrete finishers at 50%, construction laborers at 30%, operating engineers and other construction equipment operators at 10%, carpenters at 10%. Weighted together, Dalton wages are 0.77 times the national level. Labor makes up about 64% of the midpoint estimate (69% at national prices). BLS does not publish this trade for the metro, so we used the Georgia statewide median.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Dalton is at 96.3 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 89.8: $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 Dalton. The wage table below marks each row.
Add-ons priced for Dalton
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.87 for Dalton, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.77) 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 – $3,100 |
What nearby projects cost in Dalton
Jobs that often go together with concrete driveway are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Dalton wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, asphalt driveway comes out highest (−12%) and gravel driveway lowest (−16%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $2,750 – $6,500 | −12% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,100 – $8,550 | −16% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,100 – $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% |
Dalton weather and the concrete driveway calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Chattanooga Lovell Ap (20 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 Dalton are March through June and September through October: 6 of 12. Outside them, January, February, November and December have an average overnight low of 40°F or below, and July and August have an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
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.
Heat matters for concrete as well. With average highs of 90°F or more in July and August, crews often start early, wet the base and plan for faster set times.
Dalton gets about 55 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 4 inches of snow. The wettest months are March, July and December (5.3 inches in March). Inside the workable window, May and October are the driest, at 3.9 and 3.6 inches. The station averages about 58 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 | 51 | 32 | 5.0 | Cold |
| Feb | 56 | 36 | 5.0 | Cold |
| Mar | 64 | 42 | 5.3 | Workable |
| Apr | 74 | 50 | 4.9 | Workable |
| May | 81 | 59 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Jun | 88 | 67 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Jul | 91 | 71 | 5.1 | Hot |
| Aug | 90 | 70 | 3.7 | Hot |
| Sep | 84 | 64 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 74 | 51 | 3.6 | Workable |
| Nov | 62 | 40 | 4.8 | Cold |
| Dec | 53 | 35 | 5.3 | Cold |
Cost by quality level and size in Dalton
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Dalton. 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 $6,200
5-inch with rebar and saw-cut joints, a border or one color
Premium
$5,750 to $7,550
6-inch for heavy vehicles, stamped or colored, grading needed
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $1,250 – $2,000 | $1,800 – $2,550 | $2,400 – $3,150 |
| 2-car (20x24), 480 sq ft | $2,450 – $3,900 | $3,550 – $5,000 | $4,650 – $6,100 |
| 2-car + apron (600 sq ft) | $3,100 – $4,900 | $4,450 – $6,200 | $5,750 – $7,550 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $4,600 – $7,250 | $6,600 – $9,250 | $8,600 – $11,300 |
What local crews earn in Dalton
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 Dalton the blend is 0.77.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) carry 50% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Dalton metro, so we used the Georgia statewide median: $22.23 an hour against $27.41 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $18.28 and $26.98 an hour.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $16.98 an hour, which is 25% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $12.27 and $20.63 an hour. BLS counts 240 of them working in the area, 36.8 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), 10% of the weighting: a median of $19.65 an hour, 32% below the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $18.28 and $23.07 an hour. About 200 work in the metro. That is 30.6 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.7 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
Carpenters (47-2031), 10% of the weighting: a median of $20.55 an hour, 29% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $15.16 and $22.17 an hour. About 40 work in the metro. That is 6.1 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 $380 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $320. That is a swing of roughly 6.0% to 7.2% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Dalton has 65,300 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 276th 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% | $18.28 | $22.23 | $26.98 | $27.41 | 0.81 | state |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $12.27 | $16.98 | $20.63 | $22.66 | 0.75 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $18.28 | $19.65 | $23.07 | $28.78 | 0.68 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $15.16 | $20.55 | $22.17 | $29.12 | 0.71 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.77 | |||||
Dalton against nearby metros and the rest of Georgia
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 $5,300 to $5,750 across Dalton and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dalton, GAthis page | $3,100 – $7,550 | $5,300 | |
| Chattanooga, TN35 miles | $3,250 – $8,050 | $5,650 | +6% |
| Gainesville, GA70 miles | $3,150 – $7,800 | $5,500 | +3% |
| Atlanta, GA80 miles | $3,300 – $8,200 | $5,750 | +8% |
| Knoxville, TN95 miles | $3,300 – $8,200 | $5,750 | +8% |
| Huntsville, AL105 miles | $3,200 – $7,900 | $5,550 | +4% |
| Georgia (statewide) | $3,200 – $7,950 | $5,600 | +5% |
| United States | $3,650 – $9,200 | $6,450 | +21% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Dalton ranks #285 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Dalton is 5% below the Georgia figure.
Elsewhere in Georgia
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GA | 2,889,670 jobs | $3,300 – $8,200 | $5,750 | +8% |
| Augusta, GA | 231,930 jobs | $3,200 – $8,000 | $5,600 | +5% |
| Savannah, GA | 198,360 jobs | $3,150 – $7,750 | $5,450 | +2% |
| Columbus, GA | 116,380 jobs | $3,050 – $7,450 | $5,250 | −2% |
| Gainesville, GA | 103,870 jobs | $3,150 – $7,800 | $5,500 | +3% |
| Athens, GA | 95,800 jobs | $3,150 – $7,700 | $5,400 | +2% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Dalton against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El Centro, CA | 65,430 jobs | $3,800 – $9,600 | $6,700 | +26% |
| Terre Haute, IN | 65,120 jobs | $3,600 – $9,150 | $6,400 | +20% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | 65,460 jobs | $3,300 – $8,200 | $5,750 | +8% |
| Muskegon, MI | 62,340 jobs | $3,500 – $8,900 | $6,200 | +16% |
Specs and site conditions that change a Dalton bid
Permits and the apron
A driveway permit is typically $50-$200 and is often required for new work. The apron where the driveway meets the street can need a separate right-of-way permit.
Thickness
HomeGuide prices a standard 4-inch driveway at $6-$15/sq ft and a 6-inch one, recommended for heavy vehicles, at $8-$20/sq ft.
Old driveway removal
Tearing out the old surface adds about $2-$6 per sq ft, and some cities want the haul-off documented.
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 $6,200 for Dalton, GA is attached.
A detailed PDF report of this estimate, $9
Multi-page report for Dalton, GA: 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 Dalton: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete driveway in Dalton?
For 600 sq ft, expect $3,100 to $7,550 in the Dalton area. A standard-spec job lands at $4,450 to $6,200. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete driveway in Dalton?
About $5.05 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 Dalton or Chattanooga?
Chattanooga is 35 miles away. The midpoint for 600 sq ft there is $5,650, which is 6% more than Dalton ($5,300). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Dalton?
About 64% at the midpoint, or $3,400 out of $5,300. Materials are 34% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 69%.
+What would 2-car + apron (600 sq ft) cost in Dalton?
$3,100 to $7,550. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete driveway need a permit in Dalton?
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 Dalton area (our national range of $50 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Dalton expensive for concrete driveway compared with the rest of Georgia?
Dalton is 5% below the Georgia statewide estimate ($5,600 at the midpoint). We cover 10 metros in Georgia; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Dalton?
BLS has no published metro figure here, so we use the statewide median of $22.23 an hour, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $18.28 to $26.98.
+What do basic and premium concrete driveway work cost in Dalton?
For 600 sq ft, basic work runs $3,100 to $4,900 and premium work $5,750 to $7,550. 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 Dalton?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through June and September through October. May 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 Dalton?
$520 to $1,550 for 600 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete driveway near Dalton
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.