Asphalt Cost by State: 2023 Pricing Guide & State-by-state Comparisons

Asphalt cost by state ranges from $80 to $160 per ton in 2023, with regional pricing shaped by material availability, labor rates, and state regulations. The national average sits at $120 per ton, but local factors create significant variations – Alabama averages $105/ton while Texas hits $135/ton. Budgeting requires knowing your state’s asphalt prices, project size, and climate-specific installation requirements.

This guide provides 2023 asphalt prices for all southern states and key cost drivers like PG binder grades and Superpave mix designs. Learn how to calculate tons needed using our formula, compare regional labor rates, and explore price trends from 2022 to 2023. Includes access to state-specific asphalt calculators and current tax rates.

2023 Asphalt Cost Per Ton by State

Asphalt costs shift based on where you build. State rates change due to local taxes, transport fees, and crude oil trends. Use this guide to plan budgets for driveways, roads, or lots.

National Average Asphalt Price Per Ton

The U.S. pays $80-$120 per ton for fresh asphalt. Hot-mix (HMA) costs $100-$150. Cold-mix runs lower at $50-$80. Prices rose 4.7% since 2022 due to oil hikes and supply chain snags.

State-by-state Asphalt Price Breakdown

South states often have lower rates. North and West face higher fees. Check your state’s range:

Alabama

$75-$105 per ton. Low fuel taxes keep costs down. Mobile and Birmingham plants cut transport fees.

Arkansas

$70-$100 per ton. Local stone mines slash aggregate costs. State tax breaks aid road jobs.

Florida

$90-$130 per ton. High tourist traffic spikes demand. Coastal sites pay more for flood-proof mixes.

Georgia

$85-$115 per ton. Atlanta I-85 work pushed 2023 rates up 6%. Rural zones save 15%.

Kentucky

$78-$108 per ton. State DOT contracts lock in rates. Coal ash blends trim mix costs.

Louisiana

$82-$112 per ton. Gulf Coast refines bitumen cheap. Storm repairs cause price jumps.

Mississippi

$73-$103 per ton. Thin population lowers bids. State grants cover 20% of pave jobs.

Missouri

$80-$110 per ton. Kansas City charges $15 more than St. Louis. River barges cut ship fees.

North Carolina

$88-$118 per ton. Mountain sites need extra base layers. RAP (recycled asphalt) saves $8/ton.

Oklahoma

$72-$102 per ton. Oil fields supply cheap binders. Rural driveways cost $1.50/sq ft.

South Carolina

$84-$114 per ton. I-95 work lifts costs near exits. Coastal towns use porous asphalt (+$12/ton).

Tennessee

$79-$109 per ton. State caps sales tax at 7% for pave jobs. Nashville rates beat Memphis by 9%.

Texas

$76-$106 per ton. High output plants in Houston and Dallas. Mexican imports cut border town costs.

Virginia

$92-$122 per ton. D.C. suburbs pay top dollar. State requires PG 64-22 binders (+$5/ton).

West Virginia

$74-$104 per ton. Coal trucks damage roads, upping repair needs. State funds 30% of county jobs.

These rates set the stage, but your final cost hinges on other key factors…

Key Factors Influencing Asphalt Costs by State

Asphalt prices by state swing based on five key elements. Let’s break down each factor.

Material Quality and Asphalt Grade

Not all asphalt mixes cost the same. PG binders (Performance Graded) like PG 64-22 or PG 76-22 change prices. Superpave mixes with higher stone content add $5-$15 per ton. Polymer-modified asphalt costs 20% more than standard mixes. States with strict road specs (like Texas or Florida) often use pricier grades.

Project Scale and Thickness Requirements

Big jobs cut per-ton costs. A 500-ton order may cost $75/ton, while 50 tons runs $95. Thickness matters too: a 4-inch layer needs double the material of 2 inches. For a 10,000 sq ft lot, that’s 150 tons vs. 300 tons. States with larger projects (Georgia highways) see lower average asphalt cost per ton.

Regional Labor Costs

Crew rates vary wildly. Mississippi pays $18/hour for pavers; Texas hits $28. Union crews add 15-20% versus non-union. Labor eats 30-40% of total asphalt installation cost by state. Hot summers in Arizona mean night shifts, tacking on 10% extra.

State Regulations and Taxes

California slaps $3/ton fees for eco rules. Texas charges 6.25% sales tax on materials. Some states (North Carolina) demand 15% recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in mixes, saving $8/ton. Permits range from $200 in Oklahoma to $1,500 in Virginia.

Climate Impact on Installation

Cold states need hot-mix asphalt ($110-$140/ton) year-round. Warm states use cold-mix ($85-$100/ton). Minnesota’s short paving season (May-Oct) spikes labor rates. Florida’s rain delays add $500/day in downtime.

Now that we’ve mapped cost drivers, let’s crunch numbers. Next up: how to measure your job and apply state-specific asphalt prices.

How to Calculate Asphalt Costs for Your Project

Accurate cost estimation starts with three core steps. Follow this method to budget effectively, factoring in regional price variations.

Step 1: Measure Square Footage

Calculate the project area in square feet. Multiply length by width for rectangular spaces. A 20’x100′ driveway equals 2,000 sq ft. For irregular shapes, divide into sections and sum the totals. Always add 5-10% extra for cutting waste.

Step 2: Convert to Tons (Asphalt Calculator Formula)

Asphalt weighs 145 lbs per cubic foot. Apply this formula: (Square Feet × Thickness in Inches) ÷ 324 = Tons Needed. The constant 324 comes from converting inches to feet and pounds to tons. Example: 2,000 sq ft × 3″ depth = 6,000 ÷ 324 = 18.5 tons.

Step 3: Apply State-specific Price Per Ton

Multiply tons by local asphalt cost per ton. Prices range from $75 in Texas to $130 in West Virginia (see table). Include a 6-8% annual inflation adjustment for 2023 projects.

Asphalt Calculator USA Tool

Our tool automates these calculations with 2023 pricing data. Enter project dimensions and location for instant estimates. Features include:

• Real-time asphalt price per ton by state
• Adjustments for thickness (2″-6″)
• Waste factor customization

With your material costs calculated, let’s examine how installation labor impacts total expenses across different regions.

Also See: Asphalt Case Studies in Urban Safety: Road Innovations

Asphalt Installation Costs by State

Installation costs vary widely across states due to labor rates, material availability, and local regulations. Below are key factors affecting project budgets from site prep to final sealant.

Site Preparation Expenses

Site prep costs range from $1.50 to $3 per square foot depending on terrain. States like Texas and Florida often require extensive excavation due to sandy soils, adding $0.50-$1.25 per sq ft. Rocky regions in Tennessee or West Virginia may need specialized equipment, increasing labor fees by 15-25%.

Base Layer Installation

A 4-6 inch crushed stone base averages $2-$4 per sq ft. Mississippi and Arkansas benefit from local aggregate sources, keeping base costs below $2.50. Coastal states like North Carolina face higher prices ($3.50-$4) due to material transport fees. Proper compaction prevents cracks, reducing long-term repair needs.

Final Surface Paving Costs

Hot-mix asphalt (HMA) installation runs $3-$7 per sq ft. PG 64-22 binder dominates southern states (Louisiana, Georgia), costing $85-$110 per ton. Northern states use cold-mix asphalt for winter repairs, hitting $120-$150 per ton. Thicker 3-inch layers in high-traffic zones (Virginia, Missouri) add 20-30% to material fees.

Sealing and Maintenance

Coal tar sealant averages $0.15-$0.25 per sq ft in Oklahoma and Kentucky. Asphalt emulsion costs rise to $0.30-$0.40 in colder climates (West Virginia) needing annual applications. Resealing every 3-5 years extends pavement life by 10-15 years, cutting replacement costs by 40-60%.

With installation variables mapped, let’s examine how 2023 prices stack against previous years.

Comparing Asphalt Costs: 2022 Vs. 2023 Data

Asphalt cost per ton by state shifted in 2023. Prices rose 8-15% from 2022 levels. Supply chain snags and fuel hikes drove these jumps. We track shifts in key states below.

Price Fluctuations by State

Texas saw asphalt price per ton climb $8 (2022: $72, 2023: $80). Florida held steady at $85 per ton. Georgia spiked 12% due to tight stock. See state-by-state changes:

Cold states like West Virginia faced 18% winter surcharges. Hot-mix plants closed early, cutting supply.

Impact Of Material Availability

Three factors squeezed asphalt costs per ton by state:

• Crude oil hit $92/barrel (up 34%)
• Refinery output dropped 7% post-storms
• Trucker shortages added $3-5/ton haul fees

Recycled asphalt use grew 22% as states fought price hikes. Texas saved $11/ton using 30% RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement). But RAP needs extra testing – adding $500 per project.

These cost shifts raise questions about smart budget plans. Let’s break down key queries in our FAQ section next.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How Much Does a 20×20 Asphalt Driveway Cost?

The cost for a 20×20 asphalt driveway can vary significantly depending on your state’s asphalt price per ton and any additional site preparation required. Generally, you can expect to pay between $1,000 to $2,500, factoring in local labor rates and material costs.

What is the Cost to Pave 1,000 Square Feet?

Paving 1,000 square feet with asphalt typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. This includes both material costs and labor, which can fluctuate based on your state’s specific pricing and project requirements.

Where Can I Find an Asphalt Prices Chart?

You can find an asphalt prices chart in this guide under the “2023 Asphalt Cost per Ton by State” section. This chart provides updated pricing information for each state, helping you to plan your budget accurately.

How to Use the Asphalt Cost by State Calculator?

To use the asphalt cost by state calculator, input your project’s dimensions, select your location, and the desired thickness of asphalt. The calculator will then provide an estimated cost based on the latest pricing data for your state, taking into account local variables and inflation adjustments.

What is the Cost Difference Between 2022 and 2023?

The cost difference between 2022 and 2023 has generally seen an increase of 8-15% across many states due to various factors such as supply chain issues and rising fuel prices. It’s important to check specific state data for detailed comparisons.

Final Words

Asphalt costs vary significantly from state to state due to factors like local material quality, labor rates, and state regulations. Understanding these differences is pivotal for accurate budgeting, whether you’re looking to pave a driveway or undertake a larger roadway project. The insights shared guide you in making informed decisions about your asphalt needs.

For precise calculations based on your specific project requirements, visit Asphalt Calculator USA. This tool helps streamline your cost assessments, ensuring you have the resources you need for quality asphalt work.

Additional Resources for You:

• Yoder, E. J., & Witczak, M. W. (1975). Principles of Pavement Design (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Wiley.
• State
• How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost in 2025? | Angi
• Paving and Asphalt Calculator – DRYCO
• Historical Asphalt Price Adjustment | Agency of Transportation