Asphalt Price Per Ton: 2026 Regional Price Guide

By Mohamed Skhiri · Published March 15, 2026 · 9 min read
Asphalt price per ton — hot mix asphalt being loaded at a plant

Asphalt price per ton ranges from $80 to $160 in 2026 for standard hot mix asphalt (HMA), with the national average sitting at approximately $110 per ton. Understanding the asphalt price per ton is essential for accurately budgeting any paving project — from a residential driveway to a commercial parking lot or road construction project.

Our Asphalt Tonnage Calculator converts your project dimensions into exact tonnage, and our Asphalt Cost Calculator gives you the total installed price.

Asphalt Price Per Ton by Mix Type (2026)

The asphalt price per ton varies significantly based on the type of mix you choose:

Asphalt Mix TypePrice Per TonBest ForCalculator
Standard Hot Mix (HMA)$80–$160Driveways, roads, parking lotsHMA Calculator
Warm Mix Asphalt$90–$170Eco-friendly projects, cool weatherAsphalt Calculator
Cold Mix Asphalt$60–$120Pothole patching, temporary repairsCold Mix Calculator
Recycled Asphalt (RAP)$50–$100Budget driveways, base layersRecycled Calculator
Polymer-Modified$120–$200Heavy traffic, highwaysMix Calculator
Superpave (PG graded)$100–$180State/federal road projectsPaving Calculator

Asphalt Price Per Ton by Region

The asphalt price per ton varies by region due to proximity to refineries, transportation costs, and local demand:

RegionHMA Price Per TonRAP Price Per TonKey Factor
Northeast (NY, NJ, PA, MA)$110–$160$70–$100High labor costs, short season
Southeast (FL, GA, NC, SC)$80–$120$50–$80Near Gulf refineries, year-round
Midwest (OH, IL, MI, MN)$90–$140$55–$90Seasonal demand spikes
Southwest (TX, AZ, NM)$85–$130$50–$85Near refineries, heat considerations
West Coast (CA, OR, WA)$110–$160$65–$100Strict environmental regulations
Mountain West (CO, UT, MT)$100–$150$60–$95Transportation distance

For exact pricing in your area, use our Asphalt Cost Per Square Foot Calculator, which factors in regional rates.

How Many Tons of Asphalt Do I Need?

Converting your project area to tons requires knowing the thickness. Here's the asphalt price per ton applied to common project sizes:

Tons = Length (ft) × Width (ft) × Thickness (in) ÷ 12 × 145 ÷ 2,000

ProjectAreaThicknessTons NeededMaterial Cost @ $110/ton
Single-car driveway240 ft²2"2.9$319
Standard driveway600 ft²2"7.3$803
Double-wide driveway1,000 ft²2"12.1$1,331
Small parking lot5,000 ft²3"90.6$9,966
Road section (1/4 mile)9,900 ft²3"179.4$19,734

Use our Asphalt Tonnage Calculator for precise calculations based on your exact dimensions, or our Asphalt Calculator for a complete project estimate.

What Affects the Asphalt Price Per Ton?

1. Crude Oil Prices

Asphalt is a petroleum product. When crude oil rises by $10/barrel, the asphalt price per ton typically increases by $5–$15. In 2026, relatively stable oil markets have kept HMA pricing moderate.

2. Season & Demand

Asphalt price per ton peaks in June–August when demand is highest. Ordering in late fall or early spring can save 10–15% on materials. Read our guide: Best Time to Pave a Driveway.

3. Distance from Plant

Hot mix asphalt must be placed at 275–325°F, so every mile from the plant adds cooling risk and delivery cost. Expect $0.50–$2 per ton per mile beyond 30 miles. For large projects, use our Road Construction Cost Calculator.

4. Aggregate Type

Premium aggregates (granite, basalt) increase the asphalt price per ton by $10–$30 vs standard limestone. Use our Crushed Stone Calculator for base material costs.

5. Volume Discount

Ordering 50+ tons typically saves 5–10% on the asphalt price per ton. 100+ tons can save 10–15%. Most driveway projects use 5–15 tons, so negotiate or bundle with neighbors.

Asphalt Price Per Ton: Material Only vs Installed

Cost TypePrice Per TonIncludes
Material only (pickup)$80–$130Asphalt mix at the plant
Material + delivery$95–$150+ truck hauling (varies by distance)
Installed (no base)$140–$250+ spreading, compaction, labor
Installed (with base)$200–$350+ gravel base prep, grading

For a complete cost breakdown including base prep and labor, use our Driveway Cost Calculator or Asphalt Cost Calculator.

How to Save on Asphalt Price Per Ton

  • Use recycled asphalt (RAP): 30–40% cheaper than virgin HMA and suitable for driveways with light traffic.
  • Order in bulk: 50+ tons saves 5–10% on your asphalt price per ton.
  • Pave off-season: Late spring/early fall prices are 10–15% lower. See Best Time to Pave.
  • Pick up from plant: Self-hauling saves $15–$30 per ton in delivery fees.
  • Consider overlay vs new: Resurfacing uses less material — a 2" overlay uses ~12 tons per 1,000 ft² vs ~18 tons for a 3" full-depth installation.
  • Maintain what you have: Regular sealcoating and crack repair delays costly replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does asphalt cost per ton in 2026?

The asphalt price per ton in 2026 is $80–$160 for standard hot mix, with a national average of $110/ton. Recycled asphalt costs $50–$100/ton. Use our Tonnage Calculator to estimate your needs.

How many square feet does a ton of asphalt cover?

One ton of asphalt covers approximately 80–100 ft² at 2" thick, or 160–200 ft² at 1" thick. For exact coverage, use our Asphalt Calculator.

What is the asphalt price per ton for a driveway?

For residential driveways, the asphalt price per ton is typically $90–$140 for standard HMA. A 600 ft² driveway needs 7–8 tons, costing $700–$1,100 in materials. Total installed cost: $2,400–$4,200. See How Much Does an Asphalt Driveway Cost?

How much does asphalt weigh per cubic yard?

Hot mix asphalt weighs approximately 3,915 pounds (1.96 tons) per cubic yard when compacted. Loose HMA weighs about 3,500 lbs/yd³. Read our full guide: Asphalt Weight Per Cubic Yard.