Driveway Removal Cost in San Diego: Concrete vs Asphalt (2026)
A cracked, sunken, or stained driveway does more than hurt your curb appeal—it can create tripping hazards and drainage problems. If your driveway is beyond repair, removal and replacement is the way to go. Here is a detailed look at what driveway removal costs in San Diego for 2026, including the key differences between concrete and asphalt projects.
When Does a Driveway Need to Be Removed?
Not every cracked driveway needs full removal. Minor cracks and surface wear can often be patched or resurfaced. However, full driveway removal is usually the best option when you see extensive cracking throughout the slab, significant settling or heaving (common in San Diego neighborhoods with expansive clay soil like Tierrasanta, Santee, and Spring Valley), tree root damage, or when you want to change your driveway material entirely.
At Demo Diego, our driveway removal service handles both concrete and asphalt driveways across San Diego County. We have removed driveways of every size and condition, from short single-car paths to long multi-car driveways on large properties in Rancho Santa Fe and Poway.
Below we cover the average costs, what factors influence pricing, permit requirements, and your options after the old driveway is gone.
Average Driveway Removal Cost in San Diego (2026)
The cost to remove a driveway in San Diego depends primarily on the material (concrete vs. asphalt), the size of the driveway, and the thickness of the slab. Here are the typical price ranges for 2026:
| Driveway Type | Cost Per Sq Ft | Typical Total Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete Driveway (4″ thick) | $3 – $6 / sq ft | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Reinforced Concrete (with rebar, 6″+) | $5 – $9 / sq ft | $2,500 – $7,000 |
| Asphalt Driveway | $2 – $4 / sq ft | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Paver Driveway | $2 – $5 / sq ft | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Stamped / Decorative Concrete | $4 – $7 / sq ft | $2,000 – $5,500 |
These prices include breaking up the driveway, loading debris, hauling to a recycling facility, and basic grading of the subgrade. A typical two-car driveway in San Diego is roughly 400 to 600 square feet, putting most concrete driveway removal projects in the $1,800 to $4,000 range.
Concrete vs. Asphalt Driveway Removal: Key Differences
Concrete Driveway Removal
Concrete is by far the most common driveway material in San Diego. Removing a concrete driveway involves using a jackhammer or excavator-mounted hydraulic breaker to break the slab into manageable pieces, which are then loaded into trucks and hauled to a concrete recycling facility. The presence of rebar (steel reinforcement) makes the job harder and more time-consuming because the steel must be cut and separated from the concrete.
Thicker concrete slabs (6 inches or more) and those poured on top of older slabs are particularly labor-intensive. Properties in older San Diego neighborhoods like North Park, Normal Heights, and Kensington sometimes have driveways that were poured in layers over decades, resulting in very thick, challenging removals. Our concrete removal service is equipped to handle any thickness and configuration.
Asphalt Driveway Removal
Asphalt driveways are less common in San Diego than concrete but are found throughout the county, particularly on older commercial properties and some residential neighborhoods in El Cajon, Lakeside, and Escondido. Asphalt is softer and thinner than concrete (typically 2 to 4 inches), making it easier and faster to remove. It can often be ripped up with an excavator without jackhammering.
Asphalt is also 100 percent recyclable. San Diego area recycling facilities accept old asphalt and grind it into recycled asphalt product (RAP) that can be used as base material for new driveways, roads, and parking lots. This makes asphalt removal somewhat cheaper due to lower disposal costs.
Factors That Influence Driveway Removal Cost
Driveway Size and Thickness
Larger driveways mean more material to break, load, and haul. A single-car driveway (200 sq ft) is obviously cheaper than a long multi-car driveway (600+ sq ft). Thickness matters too: a standard 4-inch concrete slab breaks faster than a 6-inch reinforced slab with wire mesh and rebar.
Reinforcement (Rebar and Wire Mesh)
Rebar-reinforced concrete takes significantly more time to demolish because the steel holds the broken pieces together and must be cut separately. Expect to pay 20 to 40 percent more for a rebar-reinforced driveway compared to unreinforced concrete of the same size.
Access for Equipment
If a small excavator or skid steer can access the driveway, the job goes much faster. Driveways behind gates, on steep slopes, or surrounded by landscaping that cannot be disturbed may require more manual labor with jackhammers, which increases both time and cost.
Subgrade Preparation
After the driveway is removed, the subgrade (the dirt underneath) may need to be graded, compacted, or amended before a new driveway can be installed. Basic grading is usually included in the demolition price, but extensive subgrade work (removing soft soil, adding base rock) is an additional cost.
Utility Lines
Water lines, gas lines, irrigation, and electrical conduit often run under or alongside driveways. Before any removal begins, underground utilities must be located and marked (call 811 for a free utility locate). If utilities need to be protected or rerouted, that adds to the project scope.
Disposal and Recycling
Both concrete and asphalt can be recycled in San Diego, which keeps disposal costs lower than sending material to a landfill. At Demo Diego, we haul driveway debris to local recycling facilities whenever possible. Recycled concrete is crushed and used as road base and fill material throughout San Diego County.
Permits for Driveway Removal in San Diego
In the City of San Diego, removing a driveway typically requires a right-of-way permit if the driveway connects to a public street and you plan to modify the curb cut or apron. If you are simply removing and replacing the driveway within your property without changing the curb cut, a standard building permit may suffice.
Permit fees range from $150 to $600 depending on the scope of the project and whether curb or sidewalk work is involved. In unincorporated areas of San Diego County (like Lakeside, Alpine, and Fallbrook), the County Department of Public Works handles these permits.
Demo Diego can advise you on what permits are needed for your specific project and handle the application process on your behalf, so you can focus on planning your new driveway while we take care of the paperwork.
Driveway Replacement Options After Removal
Once your old driveway is removed, you have several replacement options, each with different costs and benefits for San Diego homeowners:
- •New concrete ($8–$15/sq ft): The most popular choice in San Diego. Durable, low maintenance, and available in stamped, stained, and brushed finishes.
- •Pavers ($12–$25/sq ft): Interlocking concrete or natural stone pavers offer a premium look. Popular in upscale San Diego neighborhoods like Carmel Valley and Scripps Ranch.
- •Asphalt ($5–$10/sq ft): More affordable upfront but requires periodic sealing. Less common in San Diego residential but practical for long driveways.
- •Permeable paving ($15–$30/sq ft): Growing in popularity due to San Diego's stormwater management requirements. Allows rainwater to filter through rather than running off into storm drains.
- •Gravel ($3–$6/sq ft): The most budget- friendly option. Works well for long rural driveways in areas like Ramona and Valley Center.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driveway Removal in San Diego
How long does driveway removal take?
Most residential driveway removals in San Diego take one day. A standard two-car concrete driveway can typically be broken up, loaded, and hauled away in four to eight hours. Larger or thicker driveways, or those with limited equipment access, may take a second day.
Can I remove just part of my driveway?
Yes. Partial driveway removal is common when only a section is damaged, when you want to reduce impervious surface area for water management, or when you want to convert part of the driveway into landscaping. We can saw-cut a clean edge so the remaining section looks finished.
Will the removal damage my sidewalk or curb?
Professional contractors take care to protect adjacent surfaces. We saw-cut along the driveway edge to create a clean separation from sidewalks and curbs. If the driveway apron (the section between the sidewalk and the street) needs to be removed, that is addressed separately and may involve city coordination.
Is it cheaper to remove a driveway in winter?
San Diego's mild climate means driveway removal can be done year-round without significant seasonal price differences. However, the rainy season (December through March) may cause occasional scheduling delays. Booking during fall or early winter can sometimes yield better availability and slightly lower prices due to reduced demand.
Do I need to call 811 before driveway removal?
Yes. California law requires you to call 811 at least two business days before any digging or demolition to have underground utilities located and marked. This is a free service. Demo Diego verifies that utility locates have been completed before beginning any driveway removal project.
Get a Free Driveway Removal Estimate in San Diego
Ready for a new driveway? The first step is removing the old one. Contact Demo Diego today for a free, no-obligation quote on driveway removal anywhere in San Diego County.
Call 760-860-8080Or visit our Driveway Removal page to learn more about what we offer.