Updated June 24, 2025
How much does it cost to remove concrete or asphalt? On average, homeowners spend between $500-$5,000 on concrete or asphalt removal, depending on the type of surface, square footage, location, and how accessible the material is. For example, removing a concrete driveway typically costs $1,000-$3,000, while asphalt driveway removal ranges from $800-$2,500.
This cost guide covers the average price ranges for the most common projects:
- Concrete Patio Removal
- Asphalt Driveway Removal
- Concrete Parking Lot Removal
- Concrete Foundation Removal
- Concrete Driveway Removal
- Concrete Sidewalk Removal
Concrete and asphalt removal costs vary based on project complexity, the thickness and condition of the material, how easily equipment can access the site, and local labor or disposal fees. The best way to get an accurate price for your specific project is to request quotes from multiple local contractors. This not only helps you find the best price, but also ensures you hire the right professional for the job, not just the cheapest one.
Whether you're tearing out an old patio, removing a cracked driveway, or demolishing a concrete slab, this guide will help you understand costs, compare options, and save money.
Concrete Patio Removal Average Cost
On average, concrete patio removal costs $3-$6 per square foot, including demolition and debris disposal. For a typical patio size of 100-300 square feet, total project costs usually range from $300-$1,800.
What Affects the Cost to Tear Out a Concrete Patio?
Several key factors influence the final price:
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Size of the patio: Larger patios require more labor and disposal
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Complexity: Reinforcement (like rebar), thickness, or unique shapes increase costs
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Accessibility: If equipment can’t easily access the patio, manual labor may raise the price
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Location: Costs vary by region due to labor rates and local disposal fees
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Contractor pricing: Rates vary depending on who you hire and their availability
The table below gives an idea of what real concrete patio removal costs across the country look like, how they vary, and why.
| State | City | Project Description | Project Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Norwalk | Demolition of 270 sq ft concrete patio | $1,500 |
| Colorado | Denver | Demolition of 350 sq ft concrete patio, including 240 sq ft overhang | $2,500 |
| Colorado | Severance | Demolition of 289 sq ft concrete patio | $950 |
| Connecticut | Oakville | Demolition of 375 sq ft concrete patio | $1,500 |
| Florida | Miami | Demolition of 456 sq ft concrete patio | $700 |
| Georgia | Warner Robins | Demolition of 133 sq ft concrete patio | $700 |
| Illinois | Chicago | Demolition of 800 sq ft concrete patio | $1,500 |
| Michigan | Dexter | Demolition of 144 sq ft concrete patio | $450 |
| Minnesota | Minneapolis | Demolition of 200 sq ft concrete patio and walkway | $1,000 |
| North Carolina | Cary | Demolition of 150 sq ft concrete patio | $1,100 |
| Ohio | Worthington | Demolition of 1,400 sq ft concrete patio | $1,500 |
| Texas | North Richland Hills | Demolition of 288 sq ft concrete patio | $1,800 |
| Texas | Plano | Demolition of 80 sq ft concrete patio | $750 |
As shown in the examples above, the size of the patio is typically the biggest cost factor. A small 144 sq ft patio in Michigan cost just $450, while a much larger 1,400 sq ft patio in Ohio cost $1,500, a relatively low price per square foot due to scale and access.
Other factors, like disposal fees and regional labor costs, also affect pricing. That's why it’s important to get quotes from local patio removal contractors to understand the cost in your area.
Find concrete patio removal near you
Keep reading:
- What You Should Know About Removing a Concrete Patio Attached to a House
- How Concrete Is Removed and How Much It Costs
Asphalt Driveway Removal Average Cost
The average cost to remove an asphalt drivewayis $1-$3 per square foot, including hauling and disposal. For a typical two-car driveway, that translates to a total cost of $1,000-$3,000.
Factors That Affect Asphalt Driveway Removal Cost
Several elements can impact the final price of asphalt removal:
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Driveway size: Larger driveways cost more overall, but may have a lower cost per square foot
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Ease of access: Driveways with limited equipment access may require more manual labor
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Thickness and condition: Heavily compacted or double-layered asphalt can take longer to break up
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Geographic location: Labor rates, disposal fees, and local demand vary by region
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Contractor rates: Pricing depends on the experience, equipment, and availability of the crew you hire
Real Asphalt Driveway Demolition Cost Examples
| State | City | Project Description | Project Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | Richfield | Demolition of 1,600 sq ft driveway | $1,600 |
| North Carolina | Greensboro | Demolition of 1,000 sq ft driveway | $1,800 |
| Ohio | University Heights | Demolition of 1,400 sq ft driveway | $3,500 |
As you can see, the cost to tear out an asphalt driveway varies significantly, even for similar-sized projects. In some areas, 1,600 sq ft may cost $1,600, while in others, a 1,400 sq ft project may run $3,500.
This variation comes down to regional pricing, material disposal rates, labor availability, and the specific contractor you hire.
Pro Tip: To ensure you get a fair price (and great service), we recommend contacting at least three local asphalt removal contractors. Comparing quotes helps you make an informed decision based on both cost and credibility, not just the cheapest bid.
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Concrete Parking Lot Removal Average Cost
On average, concrete parking lot removal costs $2-$4 per square foot, including demolition, hauling, and debris disposal.
Larger lots often come with a lower cost per square foot due to economies of scale. Smaller lots or those with difficult access typically fall at the higher end of the range.
Real Concrete Parking Lot Removal Cost Examples
| Location | Size | Total Cost | Cost per Square Foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manchester, NH | 480 sq ft | $2,300 | $4.80 |
| Irving, TX | 29,000 sq ft | $52,200 | $1.80 |
As these examples show, project size has a major impact on cost per square foot. A small 480 sq ft parking lot in New Hampshire cost nearly $5 per square foot, while a large 29,000 sq ft lot in Texas was removed for under $2 per square foot.
What Affects Concrete Parking Lot Demolition Costs?
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Total square footage: Larger lots often result in lower unit pricing
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Site accessibility: Tight spaces may increase labor and equipment time
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Location: Labor costs and disposal fees vary by city and region
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Thickness/reinforcement: Extra-thick or rebar-reinforced concrete costs more to break up
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Contractor rates: Prices vary based on experience, demand, and equipment used
For the most accurate pricing, we recommend getting quotes from local commercial concrete removal contractors. This will ensure you understand both the full scope of the cost and your available service options.
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Concrete Foundation Removal Average Cost
The average cost to remove a concrete foundation ranges from $1,000-$5,000, depending on the size, type of foundation, and project complexity.
Generally, larger foundations cost more overall but less per square foot, while smaller or harder-to-access foundations can drive up the cost due to manual labor or special equipment needs.
The table below gives an idea of what real concrete foundation pricing across the country looks like, how cost varies, and why.
What Impacts Concrete Foundation Removal Costs?
Several factors influence the total price of concrete foundation demolition:
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Size of the foundation: Bigger jobs often benefit from lower per-square-foot rates
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Accessibility: Foundations that are hard to reach with machinery require more labor
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Material complexity: Cinder blocks, rebar, or mixed materials (like brick or wood) add to the cost
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Location: Labor rates and waste disposal fees vary significantly by region
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Contractor pricing: Each company has different rates based on experience and equipment
| State | City | Project Description | Project Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Santa Ana | 400 sq ft concrete foundation | $2,000 |
| Georgia | Marietta | 200 sq ft concrete foundation + 100 sq ft brick wall | $2,000 |
| Minnesota | Lakeville | 288 sq ft concrete foundation + wood retaining wall | $1,900 |
| New Hampshire | Warren | 864 sq ft concrete foundation | $1,800 |
| New Jersey | Ocean City | 476 sq ft concrete foundation, removed and replaced with pavers/stone | $34,000 |
| North Carolina | Charlotte | 1,500 sq ft cinder block foundation + cedar sidings | $5,500 |
| Texas | Colleyville | 480 sq ft concrete foundation | $1,050 |
| Texas | Fort Worth | 352 sq ft concrete foundation | $2,000 |
| Texas | Fort Worth | 2,600 sq ft concrete foundation | $3,900 |
As the table shows, foundation removal costs vary greatly depending on location and complexity. For instance, removing a 400 sq ft foundation in Santa Ana, CA cost $2,000, while removing an 864 sq ft foundation in Warren, NH cost just $1,800, a difference largely driven by higher disposal fees and cost of living in California.
In contrast, a complex demolition and rebuild project in Ocean City, NJ (involving a foundation replacement with pavers and stone) cost significantly more, at $34,000.
Pro Tip: Because foundation demolition is a highly variable service, it’s best to get quotes from at least three local contractors. This helps you understand not only the going rate in your area but also which providers are best equipped for your specific project.
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Concrete Driveway Removal Average Cost
In the U.S., the average cost of concrete driveway removal ranges from $500-$2,500. Your exact price will depend on the size of the driveway, your location, accessibility, and the contractor you hire.
Larger driveways or those with obstacles like retaining walls or difficult access may cost significantly more. On the other hand, small or easily accessible driveways may fall at the lower end of the range.
Real-World Concrete Driveway Removal Cost Examples
| State | City | Project Description | Project Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Brentwood | Demolition of 1,248 sq ft concrete driveway | $2,496 |
| California | Hayward | Demolition of 450 sq ft concrete driveway | $1,100 |
| California | Long Beach | Demolition of 1,500 sq ft concrete driveway | $1,500 |
| California | Long Beach | Demolition of a 500 sq ft concrete driveway | $850 |
| Florida | St. Petersburg | Demolition of 400 sq ft concrete driveway | $800 |
| Maryland | Baltimore | Demolition of 200 sq ft concrete driveway | $600 |
| Massachusetts | Newton | Demolition of 1,000 sq ft concrete driveway | $3,200 |
| Michigan | Grand Rapids | Demolition of 160 sq ft concrete driveway | $450 |
| North Carolina | Cary | Demolition of 150 sq ft concrete driveway | $900 |
| Oregon | Portland | Demolition of 250 sq ft concrete driveway, including 100 sq ft retaining wall | $2,100 |
| Texas | Deer Park | Demolition of 700 sq ft concrete driveway | $1,900 |
| Texas | Euless | Demolition of 400 sq ft concrete driveway, including replacement | $4,200 |
| Texas | South Lake | Demolition of 3,000 sq ft concrete driveway | $3,750 |
| Utah | Riverton | Demolition of 102 sq ft concrete driveway | $900 |
| Washington | Seattle | Demolition of 360 sq ft concrete driveway | $1,450 |
What Affects Concrete Driveway Removal Cost?
Several variables can influence the cost of your driveway removal:
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Size (length × width × depth): Larger areas require more time, labor, and hauling
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Accessibility: Driveways that are hard to reach or tightly confined increase labor costs
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Location: Higher local disposal fees and cost of living drive up project pricing
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Contractor rates: Prices can vary widely based on experience, demand, and equipment
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Extras: Retaining walls or integrated walkways may raise the total cost
Example of Regional Cost Differences
A 160 sq ft driveway in Grand Rapids, MI cost $450 to remove, while a 150 sq ft driveway in Cary, NC cost $900, twice as much for nearly the same job. Why the difference? Cary’s higher cost of living (115/100 vs. 87.8/100) and elevated disposal fees drive up contractor pricing in that region.
Tip: Because pricing varies widely by region and scope, the best way to get a fair price is to request quotes from at least three local concrete removal contractors. This not only ensures competitive pricing but also gives you insight into service quality and professionalism.
Find concrete driveway removal in your area
Learn more:
- Should You Repair or Replace Cracks in Your Concrete Driveway?
- The Guide to Concrete Driveway Replacement
Concrete Sidewalk Removal Average Cost
The average cost to remove a concrete sidewalk is $1,000, but prices typically range from $500-$2,000 or more, depending on the project's size and complexity.
You can expect to pay around $3-$6 per square foot, including labor and debris disposal. Larger, more accessible sidewalks usually cost less per square foot than small or hard-to-reach sections.
| State | City | Project Description | Project Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | Massack | 200 sq ft concrete sidewalk | $1,100 |
| Illinois | Oak Lawn | 162 sq ft concrete sidewalk | $650 |
| Texas | Dallas | 195 sq ft concrete sidewalk, including replacement | $5,000 |
| Texas | Fort Worth | 377 sq ft concrete sidewalk | $1,200 |
| Texas | Richardson | 64 sq ft concrete sidewalk | $300 |
Factors That Influence Sidewalk Removal Cost
Your final price will vary based on a few key factors:
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Size: Length × width × depth directly impacts cost per square foot
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Sidewalk material & thickness: Reinforced or thicker concrete costs more to break up
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Accessibility: Hard-to-reach sidewalks may require manual labor or smaller equipment
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Location: Local labor rates, cost of living, and dump fees can affect total cost
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Contractor rates: Prices vary based on experience, equipment, and demand
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Add-ons: If sidewalk replacement is included, expect significantly higher pricing
Example of Cost Variance
A 64 sq ft sidewalk in Richardson, TX cost just $300 to remove, while a 195 sq ft sidewalk in Dallas, TX, which included replacement, cost $5,000. This dramatic difference shows how extras like new installation and regional pricing can drastically affect total cost.
Get Accurate Quotes for the Best Price
To avoid overpaying and ensure quality work, we recommend getting at least 3 quotes from local sidewalk removal contractors. This gives you a better idea of local pricing and helps you choose a provider with the right mix of cost and service quality.
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Learn more about hiring the right contractor:
