Concrete Driveway Cost in Houston, TX (2026)

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Concrete Driveway Cost in Houston, TX (2026)
BLS OEWS 2025 wage data · updated August 2026
Houston · per sq ft
$7.49 – $16.86

Concrete Driveway costs $7.49 to $16.86 per sq ft in Houston in 2026. For a 400 sq ft project, expect $2,997 – $6,742 installed, typically near $4,870. That is about 2% above the Texas average.

Typical sq ft
$12.17
vs state average
+2%
Local construction wage
$27.41
Frost depth
6 in

Houston concrete driveway calculator

Estimated installed cost
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Planning estimate. Wage index applies to the labor share only; materials held at national prices. Get three written quotes.

Why Houston runs above the Texas average

Construction wages in Houston average $27.41 per hour against $26.54 statewide, so labor-heavy work prices above the Texas norm here.

Labor is about 50% of the installed cost on this type of work, and it is the part that actually moves between markets. Materials are priced by national manufacturers and barely shift, which is why the gap between metros is narrower than wage differences alone suggest.

Concrete Driveway cost by project size in Houston

Project sizeHouston rangeTypical
100 sq ft$749 – $1,686$1,217
200 sq ft$1,498 – $3,371$2,435
300 sq ft$2,247 – $5,057$3,652
400 sq ft$2,997 – $6,742$4,870
600 sq ft$4,495 – $10,114$7,304
800 sq ft$5,993 – $13,485$9,739
1,000 sq ft$7,492 – $16,856$12,174
1,500 sq ft$11,237 – $25,284$18,261

Where the money goes

For a 400 sq ft project in Houston at roughly $4,870, a typical bill splits like this:

Line itemShareCost
Labor50%$2,435
Materials36%$1,753
Site prep & equipment8%$390
Overhead, disposal & finishing6%$292

Houston compared with other Texas markets

AreaCost per sq ftvs Houston
Dallas$7.44 – $16.74−1%
Austin$7.51 – $16.890%
San Antonio$7.30 – $16.43−3%
Midland$7.58 – $17.05+1%
Texas average$7.38 – $16.61−1%

Ground conditions and code in Houston

Houston sits in IECC zone 3 (warm) with a design frost depth of about 6 inches. Footings and posts must extend below that line, which adds excavation depth and concrete volume that warm-climate estimates leave out.

Permits in Houston

A residential permit for this work typically runs around $450 in Texas. Permit cost is rarely included in a contractor quote, so budget it separately and confirm scope with the Houston building department before work begins.

Hiring in Houston

Get three written, itemised quotes from licensed and insured contractors, each specifying the same scope and grade of material. Ask for local references and check the licence is current in Texas.

Frequently asked questions

How much does concrete driveway cost in Houston?

In 2026, concrete driveway costs $7.49 to $16.86 per sq ft in Houston. For a 400 sq ft project, the installed total typically lands between $2,997 and $6,742.

Is Houston more expensive than the rest of Texas?

Yes. Houston runs about 2% above the Texas average, because local construction wages ($27.41/hr) sit above the statewide figure of $26.54/hr.

Do I need a permit in Houston?

Most work of this type and value requires a permit. Budget around $450 in Texas and allow extra time for review in metro jurisdictions.

How do I compare quotes in Houston?

Get three written, itemised quotes covering identical scope and materials. A bid far below the others usually signals a reduced specification rather than better value.

Nearby markets

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Methodology. Local pricing applies the Houston construction wage from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (2025 release, $27.41/hr) to the labor share of a national 2026 cost baseline. Materials are held at national prices. Figures refresh automatically with each BLS release. Planning estimates, not quotes. See our full methodology.

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