How Much Does a Concrete Walkway Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Adding a 200-square-foot concrete walkway costs an average of $2,000. Most homeowners spend an average range of $1,600 and $2,400, with no‑frills jobs closer to $1,200 and premium finishes topping out near $3,200. That’s an average of $10 per square foot, or between $8 and $12 with standard finishes. Teaming up with a trusted concrete pro keeps the project on budget and leaves you with a walkway built to last.

Concrete Walkway Cost Factors

Your concrete sidewalk cost depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a closer look at how your total breaks down.

Size

Bigger walkways call for more concrete, more labor, and—no surprise—more money. Prices per square foot may be slightly higher for smaller projects due to minimum concrete delivery fees, but slightly lower for bigger projects because contractors may offer discounted rates.

Thickness

Some contractors and suppliers quote concrete cost by cubic yard rather than by square foot because concrete sidewalks vary in thickness. The standard walkway is four inches thick. The thicker your concrete walkway—enough to handle the weight of cars, trucks, and heavy machinery—the more you can expect to pay.

For a 200-square-foot sidewalk at four inches thick, expect to pay $250 for 2.5 cubic yards of concrete, not including labor. It’s a good idea to order a bit more in case your sidewalk is thicker than anticipated, or if you have wastage.

Concrete delivery fees are calculated at $130 per cubic yard, which adds up to approximately $310 for a 200-square-foot sidewalk, although the cost for standard walkways may be closer to $200.

Grade

The grade of concrete describes its overall strength and composition. Higher-grade concrete is stronger and more durable than low-grade concrete and costs more. The strength and grade of concrete are based on the ratio of its aggregate components, such as sand, water, and cement.

C20 concrete—also called Gen 3 concrete—is common for residential driveways and pathways. Lower numbers, like C10 and C15, indicate lower grades, while higher grades, like C35 and C40 concrete, are used more commonly in commercial applications.

Shape

Straight lines keep costs down. Curves and angles require custom forms and additional labor, which increases the price. Turns and curves require special frames to capture their unique shape.

Terrain

Concrete needs a level base. If your yard slopes, budget for grading before the first wheelbarrow of concrete mix shows up. The project can’t start until the uneven terrain is suitably leveled. Clearing obstacles like brush and trees also adds to your total project cost.

Custom Color and Stamping

Concrete of the same grade that’s properly installed by a professional should be functionally identical. If you want to elevate the style of your walkway beyond plain gray slabs, you have many options for custom colors, finishes, and stamping, which all come with an added cost.

• Polished concrete: $8–$12 per square foot; offers a smooth, uniform appearance.

• Acid-stained concrete: $12–$25 per square foot; comes in different hues, such as brown, tan, gray, green, or blue.

• Stamped concrete: $8–$12 per square foot; mimics the appearance of pavers or cobblestone by stamping designs on the concrete while it’s still drying.

Reinforcement

If you opt for reinforcement, wire mesh costs between $50 and $200 for a 200-square-foot area. Alternatively, rebar reinforcement is available at an average of $100 for a project of this size.

Landscaping

For landscaping enhancements, flower bed installations range from $200 to $500, and wired lighting costs an average of $150 per fixture. Optionally, decorative paver borders ($200 to $500), heating coils ($3,000 to $8,000), and outdoor bench installations ($300 to $800) may also be considered.

Labor

Labor for installing a concrete walkway costs an average of $75 per hour, with rates ranging from $50 to $130 per hour. For a 200-square-foot sidewalk, the project takes about 18 hours to complete, resulting in a total labor cost of approximately $1,350; however, costs may vary between $900 and $2,250 depending on local conditions and job complexity.

Prep

Before installing a new concrete sidewalk, the land needs to be suitably prepared for the project. After addressing grading and slope issues with the terrain, choose the base that sits between your concrete slabs and the underlying soil. A vapor barrier can help prevent cracking from freeze-thaw cycles in colder climates.

Permits

Inquire with your local regulatory bodies about any permits required to build a concrete sidewalk, or ask your contractor to obtain them for you. You may need a permit, particularly if your new walkway connects to public roads or an existing sidewalk. Required permits cost between $200 and $1,000, depending on your location.

Removal

If you need to replace an existing sidewalk, add the concrete removal cost to your budget. This may involve waste disposal and labor costs to dig up the old sidewalk. Expect to pay anywhere from $2 to $6 per square foot for concrete removal.

Replacement vs. Repair

Concrete sidewalks last 25 to 50 years before needing replacement due to the cumulative effects of weathering, foot traffic, and other forms of damage. Some damage can be repaired, especially if the sidewalk is less than 10 years old.

In other cases, you may be able to replace just one concrete slab instead of redoing your entire walkway. Ask a concrete contractor in your area to inspect the damaged sidewalk and provide a professional recommendation for addressing the areas of concern.

Does Installing a Concrete Sidewalk Increase Home Value?

Paved driveways and concrete walkways can increase the value of your home. Well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing concrete sidewalks add to a home’s curb appeal, especially when compared to dirt or gravel pathways. The investment may not yield a significant difference in appraisal value, but it can make a home more marketable and easier to sell.

Budgeting for Building a Concrete Sidewalk

Here are some budgeting tips to help you cut the cost of your concrete walkway without compromising quality or durability:

• Decide on straight lines instead of curves and complex designs to reduce custom labor costs.

• Stick to the basics. You can save money by skipping custom stamping, staining, or polishing.

• Standard gray concrete is more cost-effective than colorful stained concrete.

• Choose a sidewalk path that minimizes the need for excavation and grading.

• Keep your landscaping options simple, opting out of intricate curbing or custom flower beds.

• Schedule your project during the off-season in late fall or early winter when contractors may be motivated to offer lower rates.

• Prepare the site by removing grass, tree roots, large rocks, and other obstacles.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.