Concrete driveway cost in Altoona, PA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (600 sq ft)
- $3,500 – $8,750
- Per sq ft
- $5.80 – $14.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −4%
- US $6,450
- Rank of 300 metros
- #166
- 1 = most expensive
Altoona homeowners pay roughly $3,500 to $8,750 to pour a concrete driveway at 600 sq ft, or $5.80 to $14.50 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Altoona is 4% lower. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $25.48 an hour in the Altoona area, 7% below the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 600 sq ft in Altoona, PA, standard level
$5,100 to $7,200
About $8.35 to $12 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 67% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,700 | $2,100 |
| Labor | $3,300 | $4,950 |
| Permits and fees | $85 | $140 |
| Total | $5,100 | $7,200 |
Cost breakdown for 600 sq ft in Altoona, PA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,400 | $1,900 | $2,400 | 31% |
| Labor | $2,100 | $4,150 | $6,200 | 67% |
| Permits and fees | $45 | $110 | $180 | 2% |
| Total | $3,500 | $6,150 | $8,750 | 100% |
Where the Altoona 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, Altoona wages are 0.94 times the national level. Labor makes up about 67% of the midpoint estimate (69% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Altoona metro is 100.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 600 sq ft comes to $1,900, compared with $1,900 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (89.5) and land at $45 to $180.
Add-ons priced for Altoona
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Altoona by the average of the local wage index (0.94) and goods index (1.01), a factor of 0.97. 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 rebar reinforcement | $580 – $1,750 |
| Remove the old driveway | $1,150 – $3,500 |
Concrete driveway: what moves the price in Altoona
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).
When to schedule concrete driveway in Altoona
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Altoona 3 W (5 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
May through October is the stretch where pouring concrete runs into the fewest weather problems in Altoona (6 of 12 months). January, February, March, April, November 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.
Altoona gets about 45 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 38 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and September (4.4 inches in May). Inside the workable window, August and October are the driest, at 3.9 and 3.8 inches. The station averages about 6 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 | 34 | 19 | 2.9 | Cold |
| Feb | 37 | 20 | 2.6 | Cold |
| Mar | 46 | 28 | 3.5 | Cold |
| Apr | 60 | 39 | 3.8 | Cold |
| May | 70 | 49 | 4.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 77 | 57 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Jul | 81 | 61 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Aug | 80 | 60 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Sep | 73 | 53 | 4.3 | Workable |
| Oct | 61 | 42 | 3.8 | Workable |
| Nov | 49 | 33 | 3.6 | Cold |
| Dec | 38 | 24 | 3.4 | Cold |
Local wages behind the labor line
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 4 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Altoona is 0.94 times the national level.
For cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051, weighted 50%) the local median is $25.48 an hour, which is 7% below the national $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $20.12 and $26.68 an hour. BLS counts 50 of them working in the area, 8.5 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 13.3), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 30% of the weighting: a median of $22.03 an hour, in line with the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $18.45 and $24.02 an hour. About 350 work in the metro. That is 59.7 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073, weighted 10%) the local median is $24.42 an hour, which is 15% below the national $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $23.52 and $27.36 an hour. BLS counts 230 of them working in the area, 39.2 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.7), so the local bench is deeper than average.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 10%) the local median is $27.58 an hour, which is 5% below the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.09 and $36.73 an hour. BLS counts 360 of them working in the area, 61.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the cement masons and concrete finishers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($26.68 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $95. At the 25th percentile ($20.12) it shrinks by about $430. The total moves by 1.6% or 7.0%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 58,650 jobs in the Altoona area. That makes it the 291st largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.04% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051) | 50% | $20.12 | $25.48 | $26.68 | $27.41 | 0.93 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $18.45 | $22.03 | $24.02 | $22.66 | 0.97 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $23.52 | $24.42 | $27.36 | $28.78 | 0.85 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $22.09 | $27.58 | $36.73 | $29.12 | 0.95 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.94 | |||||
Altoona: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Altoona 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
$3,500 to $5,600
Plain gray, 4-inch broom finish, flat site
Standard
$5,100 to $7,200
5-inch with rebar and saw-cut joints, a border or one color
Premium
$6,650 to $8,750
6-inch for heavy vehicles, stamped or colored, grading needed
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $1,450 – $2,300 | $2,100 – $2,950 | $2,750 – $3,600 |
| 2-car (20x24), 480 sq ft | $2,800 – $4,500 | $4,100 – $5,800 | $5,350 – $7,050 |
| 2-car + apron (600 sq ft) | $3,500 – $5,600 | $5,100 – $7,200 | $6,650 – $8,750 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $5,250 – $8,400 | $7,600 – $10,700 | $9,950 – $13,100 |
Planning more than one job in Altoona?
Because every project leans on different trades, Altoona's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, paver patio runs +7% and gravel driveway −4%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,000 – $7,300 | −1% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,400 – $9,750 | −4% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,400 – $5,050 | −3% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,150 – $7,650 | −3% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $3,200 – $5,800 | +7% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,200 – $3,800 | −4% |
How Altoona compares
Same job, same size (600 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Pittsburgh is the priciest of the group at $6,800. Hagerstown is the cheapest at $5,750.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PAthis page | $3,500 – $8,750 | $6,150 | |
| State College, PA35 miles | $3,800 – $9,650 | $6,750 | +10% |
| Chambersburg, PA50 miles | $3,500 – $8,700 | $6,100 | −1% |
| Harrisburg, PA65 miles | $3,750 – $9,500 | $6,600 | +8% |
| Hagerstown, MD65 miles | $3,300 – $8,250 | $5,750 | −6% |
| Pittsburgh, PA80 miles | $3,850 – $9,750 | $6,800 | +11% |
| Pennsylvania (statewide) | $3,750 – $9,550 | $6,650 | +8% |
| United States | $3,650 – $9,200 | $6,450 | +5% |
Across 300 US metros, Altoona comes in at #166 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $10,000; the cheapest is McAllen, TX at $4,950 (midpoints, 600 sq ft). Statewide, Altoona is 8% below the Pennsylvania figure.
Other Pennsylvania metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | 2,897,830 jobs | $3,850 – $9,800 | $6,800 | +11% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 1,114,490 jobs | $3,850 – $9,750 | $6,800 | +11% |
| Allentown, PA | 377,180 jobs | $3,800 – $9,650 | $6,750 | +10% |
| Harrisburg, PA | 335,010 jobs | $3,750 – $9,500 | $6,600 | +8% |
| Scranton, PA | 255,620 jobs | $3,700 – $9,300 | $6,500 | +6% |
| Lancaster, PA | 252,230 jobs | $3,700 – $9,400 | $6,550 | +7% |
Cities with a workforce like Altoona's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Altoona against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston, NY | 59,140 jobs | $3,700 – $9,400 | $6,550 | +7% |
| Dubuque, IA | 58,470 jobs | $3,600 – $9,200 | $6,400 | +4% |
| Niles, MI | 59,970 jobs | $3,500 – $8,850 | $6,200 | +1% |
| Albany, GA | 58,390 jobs | $2,900 – $7,100 | $5,000 | −19% |
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 $5,100 to $7,200 for Altoona, PA is attached.
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Multi-page report for Altoona, PA: 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 Altoona: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete driveway in Altoona?
For 600 sq ft, expect $3,500 to $8,750 in the Altoona area. A standard-spec job lands at $5,100 to $7,200. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete driveway in Altoona?
About $5.80 to $14.50 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 Altoona or State College?
State College is 35 miles away. The midpoint for 600 sq ft there is $6,750, which is 10% more than Altoona ($6,150). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Altoona?
About 67% at the midpoint, or $4,150 out of $6,150. Materials are 31% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 69%.
+What would 2-car + apron (600 sq ft) cost in Altoona?
$3,500 to $8,750. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete driveway need a permit in Altoona?
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 Altoona area (our national range of $50 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Altoona expensive for concrete driveway compared with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Altoona is 8% below the Pennsylvania statewide estimate ($6,650 at the midpoint). We cover 12 metros in Pennsylvania; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Altoona?
The BLS median is $25.48 an hour in the Altoona area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $20.12 to $26.68.
+What do basic and premium concrete driveway work cost in Altoona?
For 600 sq ft, basic work runs $3,500 to $5,600 and premium work $6,650 to $8,750. 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 Altoona?
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 rebar reinforcement" add in Altoona?
$580 to $1,750 for 600 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete driveway near Altoona
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.