Concrete driveway cost in Charlottesville, VA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (600 sq ft)
- $3,450 – $8,650
- Per sq ft
- $5.65 – $14
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −6%
- US $6,450
- Rank of 300 metros
- #172
- 1 = most expensive
A concrete driveway in Charlottesville, VA usually costs $3,450 to $8,650 for 600 sq ft. That works out to about $5.65 to $14 per sq ft before permits. Compared with the national midpoint that is $380 less. Cement masons and concrete finishers earn a median of $24.63 an hour in the Charlottesville area, 10% below the US median of $27.41.
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Estimated cost for 600 sq ft in Charlottesville, VA, standard level
$5,000 to $7,100
About $8.20 to $11.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 68% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,650 | $2,050 |
| Labor | $3,300 | $4,900 |
| Permits and fees | $95 | $150 |
| Total | $5,000 | $7,100 |
Cost breakdown for 600 sq ft in Charlottesville, VA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,350 | $1,850 | $2,300 | 30% |
| Labor | $2,050 | $4,100 | $6,150 | 68% |
| Permits and fees | $50 | $120 | $200 | 2% |
| Total | $3,450 | $6,050 | $8,650 | 100% |
What is behind the Charlottesville number
The wage side of the estimate leans on cement masons and concrete finishers, who do 50% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $24.63 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for Charlottesville is 0.93 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 68% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Charlottesville is at 96.8 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $1,900 nationally becomes $1,850 here (midpoint, 600 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 99.1: $50 to $200.
What local crews earn in Charlottesville
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 Charlottesville the blend is 0.93.
Cement masons and concrete finishers (47-2051), 50% of the weighting: a median of $24.63 an hour, 10% below the US median of $27.41. The middle half of them earn between $23.94 and $28.97 an hour. About 90 work in the metro. That is 7.8 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 13.3 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 30%) the local median is $21.67 an hour, which is 4% below the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $18.49 and $22.62 an hour. BLS counts 570 of them working in the area, 49.7 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 $28.75 an hour, in line with the US median of $28.78. The middle half of them earn between $24.22 and $30.44 an hour. About 310 work in the metro. That is 27.0 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 $26.97 an hour, 7% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.28 and $29.53 an hour. About 630 work in the metro. That is 54.9 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, which suggests plenty of 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 $350 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $55. That is a swing of roughly 0.9% to 5.8% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Charlottesville has 114,780 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 190th 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% | $23.94 | $24.63 | $28.97 | $27.41 | 0.90 | metro |
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 30% | $18.49 | $21.67 | $22.62 | $22.66 | 0.96 | metro |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (47-2073) | 10% | $24.22 | $28.75 | $30.44 | $28.78 | 1.00 | metro |
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 10% | $22.28 | $26.97 | $29.53 | $29.12 | 0.93 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.93 | |||||
Is Charlottesville 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 $5,150 to $6,600 across Charlottesville and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlottesville, VAthis page | $3,450 – $8,650 | $6,050 | |
| Harrisonburg, VA40 miles | $3,300 – $8,200 | $5,750 | −5% |
| Lynchburg, VA55 miles | $3,000 – $7,300 | $5,150 | −15% |
| Richmond, VA75 miles | $3,250 – $8,100 | $5,700 | −6% |
| Washington, DC85 miles | $3,750 – $9,450 | $6,600 | +9% |
| Roanoke, VA85 miles | $3,250 – $8,100 | $5,650 | −6% |
| Virginia (statewide) | $3,450 – $8,650 | $6,050 | level |
| United States | $3,650 – $9,200 | $6,450 | +6% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Charlottesville ranks #172 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Charlottesville is 0% above the Virginia figure.
Elsewhere in Virginia
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach, VA | 763,060 jobs | $3,300 – $8,150 | $5,700 | −6% |
| Richmond, VA | 660,350 jobs | $3,250 – $8,100 | $5,700 | −6% |
| Roanoke, VA | 153,980 jobs | $3,250 – $8,100 | $5,650 | −6% |
| Lynchburg, VA | 97,190 jobs | $3,000 – $7,300 | $5,150 | −15% |
| Blacksburg, VA | 74,070 jobs | $3,200 – $7,950 | $5,600 | −8% |
| Winchester, VA | 67,740 jobs | $3,300 – $8,150 | $5,700 | −6% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Charlottesville against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler, TX | 115,220 jobs | $3,100 – $7,650 | $5,400 | −11% |
| Laredo, TX | 109,370 jobs | $3,050 – $7,550 | $5,300 | −12% |
| Topeka, KS | 115,750 jobs | $3,450 – $8,650 | $6,050 | level |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | 108,460 jobs | $3,100 – $7,650 | $5,400 | −11% |
Cost by quality level and size in Charlottesville
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Charlottesville. 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
$3,450 to $5,550
Plain gray, 4-inch broom finish, flat site
Standard
$5,000 to $7,100
5-inch with rebar and saw-cut joints, a border or one color
Premium
$6,550 to $8,650
6-inch for heavy vehicles, stamped or colored, grading needed
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-car (12x20), 240 sq ft | $1,400 – $2,300 | $2,050 – $2,950 | $2,700 – $3,600 |
| 2-car (20x24), 480 sq ft | $2,750 – $4,450 | $4,050 – $5,700 | $5,300 – $6,950 |
| 2-car + apron (600 sq ft) | $3,450 – $5,550 | $5,000 – $7,100 | $6,550 – $8,650 |
| 3-car (900 sq ft) | $5,150 – $8,250 | $7,450 – $10,600 | $9,800 – $12,900 |
Why two Charlottesville quotes can differ
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).
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.
Charlottesville 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, Charlottesville 2 Sse (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 Charlottesville are April through October: 7 of 12. Outside them, January, February, March, 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.
Charlottesville gets about 48 inches of precipitation in a normal year. The wettest months are May, July and September (4.9 inches in September). Inside the workable window, June and October are the driest, at 3.7 and 4.0 inches. The station averages about 10 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 | 44 | 28 | 3.4 | Cold |
| Feb | 48 | 31 | 3.0 | Cold |
| Mar | 55 | 37 | 4.3 | Cold |
| Apr | 66 | 47 | 4.2 | Workable |
| May | 72 | 55 | 4.6 | Workable |
| Jun | 80 | 64 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Jul | 84 | 68 | 4.8 | Workable |
| Aug | 82 | 66 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Sep | 76 | 61 | 4.9 | Workable |
| Oct | 66 | 50 | 4.0 | Workable |
| Nov | 56 | 40 | 3.4 | Cold |
| Dec | 47 | 32 | 3.8 | Cold |
What nearby projects cost in Charlottesville
Jobs that often go together with concrete driveway are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Charlottesville wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, gravel driveway comes out highest (−3%) and paver patio lowest (−6%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt driveway | 600 sq ft | $2,950 – $7,100 | −4% |
| Gravel driveway | 1,000 sq ft | $2,450 – $9,950 | −3% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,350 – $4,950 | −5% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,100 – $7,550 | −5% |
| Paver patio | 300 sq ft | $2,850 – $5,150 | −6% |
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,200 – $3,800 | −5% |
Optional extras in Charlottesville
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 0.95 for Charlottesville, which is the average of the area's wage index (0.93) and goods price index (0.97). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Add rebar reinforcement | $570 – $1,700 |
| Remove the old driveway | $1,150 – $3,400 |
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 $5,000 to $7,100 for Charlottesville, VA is attached.
Take this estimate with you: PDF report, $9
Multi-page report for Charlottesville, VA: 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 Charlottesville: your questions
+How much does it cost to pour a concrete driveway in Charlottesville?
For 600 sq ft, expect $3,450 to $8,650 in the Charlottesville area. A standard-spec job lands at $5,000 to $7,100. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for concrete driveway in Charlottesville?
About $5.65 to $14 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $50 to $200 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $6 to $15.
+Is concrete driveway cheaper in Charlottesville or Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg is 40 miles away. The midpoint for 600 sq ft there is $5,750, which is 5% less than Charlottesville ($6,050). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Charlottesville?
About 68% at the midpoint, or $4,100 out of $6,050. Materials are 30% and permits 2%. Nationally, labor is 69%.
+What would 2-car + apron (600 sq ft) cost in Charlottesville?
$3,450 to $8,650. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does concrete driveway need a permit in Charlottesville?
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 Charlottesville area (our national range of $50 to $200 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Charlottesville expensive for concrete driveway compared with the rest of Virginia?
Charlottesville is 0% above the Virginia statewide estimate ($6,050 at the midpoint). We cover 8 metros in Virginia; see the state page to compare them.
+What do cement masons and concrete finishers earn in Charlottesville?
The BLS median is $24.63 an hour in the Charlottesville area, compared with $27.41 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $23.94 to $28.97.
+What do basic and premium concrete driveway work cost in Charlottesville?
For 600 sq ft, basic work runs $3,450 to $5,550 and premium work $6,550 to $8,650. 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 Charlottesville?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are April through October. June 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 Charlottesville?
$570 to $1,700 for 600 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Concrete driveway near Charlottesville
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.