Concrete Driveway costs $8.35 to $18.78 per sq ft in Des Moines in 2026. For a 400 sq ft project, expect $3,338 – $7,511 installed, typically near $5,425. That is about 7% above the Iowa state average.
Des Moines concrete driveway cost calculator
Planning estimate only. State pricing applies a construction wage index to the labor share; materials are held at national prices. Get three written quotes before committing.
Why Des Moines costs more than the rest of Iowa
Des Moines carries roughly a 7% premium over the Iowa statewide figure. Three things drive that gap. Metro wages run above the state average, and labor is about 50% of this bill. Permitting and inspection are slower and more expensive inside city limits. And site access is tighter, which means smaller equipment, more hand work, and sometimes street permits for deliveries.
Statewide, Iowa averages $7.80 to $17.55 per sq ft, against $8.35 to $18.78 inside Des Moines. Suburbs on the metro fringe usually fall between the two.
Concrete Driveway cost by project size in Des Moines
| Project size | Des Moines range | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| 10×10 (100 sq ft) | $835 – $1,878 | $1,356 |
| 12×12 (144 sq ft) | $1,202 – $2,704 | $1,953 |
| 12×16 (192 sq ft) | $1,602 – $3,605 | $2,604 |
| 16×20 (320 sq ft) | $2,671 – $6,009 | $4,340 |
| 20×20 (400 sq ft) | $3,338 – $7,511 | $5,425 |
| 24×24 (576 sq ft) | $4,807 – $10,816 | $7,812 |
| 30×40 (1,200 sq ft) | $10,015 – $22,534 | $16,275 |
Des Moines compared with other Iowa markets
| Area | Cost per sq ft | vs Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Cedar Rapids | $7.96 – $17.90 | -5% |
| Davenport | $7.88 – $17.73 | -6% |
| Iowa average | $7.80 – $17.55 | −7% |
Ground conditions and code in Des Moines
Permits in Des Moines
A residential permit for this work typically runs around $300 in Iowa, and metro jurisdictions like Des Moines usually sit at the upper end of that range with longer review times. Permit cost is rarely included in a contractor quote, so add it separately. Confirm scope with the Des Moines building department before work begins.
Hiring in Des Moines
Get three written, itemised quotes from licensed and insured contractors, and make sure each specifies the same dimensions and the same grade of material. In a metro market, the cheapest bid often reflects a thinner specification or a crew travelling in from outside the area rather than a genuine saving. Ask for local references and check that the licence is current in Iowa.
Frequently asked questions
How much does concrete driveway cost in Des Moines?
In 2026, concrete driveway costs $8.35 to $18.78 per sq ft in Des Moines. For a 400 sq ft project, the installed total typically lands between $3,338 and $7,511.
Is Des Moines more expensive than the rest of Iowa?
Yes. Des Moines runs about 7% above the Iowa statewide average, driven by metro wage levels, permitting, and tighter site access.
Do I need a permit in Des Moines?
Most work of this type and value requires a permit. Budget around $300 and allow extra time for review, since metro jurisdictions are typically slower than rural ones.
How do I compare quotes in Des Moines?
Insist on three written, itemised quotes covering identical dimensions, materials, and scope of preparation. A bid far below the others usually signals a reduced specification rather than better value.
Nearby markets
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