Asphalt is the cheapest we have. Even amortized over centuries it still turns out cheapest for many roads. While it doesn't last as long as alternatives, replaces it is very fast/cheap with modern machine and so replacing it every 15 years is cheaper than something that would last for 100 years.

Of course this depends on what the road is used for. Most streets don't get a lot of traffic though, and so the cost curves work out to favor asphalt over time. Roads with a lot of traffic (particularly truck traffic) should be concrete as the cost curves work out better.

Modular pavers that this article recommends are the most expensive. They don't lend to easy/cheap automation to replace and so there is a high maintenance cost.