Get a free, instant estimate for a new roof, replacement or repair. Choose your material, size and pitch to see a realistic price range in seconds.
A full roof replacement costs most homeowners between $5,500 and $15,000, which works out to roughly $4 to $12 per square foot installed. Small, simple asphalt shingle roofs can come in below that range, while large metal, tile or slate roofs can climb well above $25,000. Our free roof cost calculator above gives you a personalized range in seconds, and this guide explains what is behind the numbers so you can budget with confidence.
Roofers measure work in "roofing squares," where one square equals 100 square feet of roof surface. A typical home has between 15 and 30 squares. Multiply your squares by the installed price per square and add tear-off, permits and extras, and you have a solid planning figure.
Size is the biggest driver of price. The table below shows typical installed costs for architectural asphalt shingles (about $4.50 to $8.00 per square foot), based on roof surface area before tear-off and extras.
| Roof Area (sq ft) | Roofing Squares | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 | 10 | $4,500 - $8,000 |
| 1,500 | 15 | $6,750 - $12,000 |
| 2,000 | 20 | $9,000 - $16,000 |
| 2,500 | 25 | $11,250 - $20,000 |
| 3,000 | 30 | $13,500 - $24,000 |
Note: your roof surface is larger than your home's footprint. A medium-pitch roof is usually 10 to 20 percent larger than the floor area beneath it.
Material choice changes both the upfront price and how long the roof lasts. Here is how the most common options compare.
| Material | Installed Cost per Sq Ft | Typical Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab asphalt shingles | $3.50 - $6.50 | 15-20 years |
| Architectural asphalt shingles | $4.50 - $8.00 | 25-30 years |
| Corrugated metal | $5.00 - $9.00 | 30-45 years |
| Standing seam metal | $9.00 - $16.00 | 40-70 years |
| Clay or concrete tile | $8.00 - $18.00 | 50+ years |
| Wood shake | $7.00 - $14.00 | 20-40 years |
| Natural slate | $15.00 - $30.00 | 75-100+ years |
| Flat roof (TPO / EPDM) | $5.00 - $10.00 | 20-30 years |
Asphalt shingles cover most homes in North America because they balance price, appearance and ease of installation. Architectural (dimensional) shingles cost a little more than 3-tab but look better, resist wind more effectively and carry longer warranties.
Metal roofs cost roughly two to three times more than shingles, but they can last 40 to 70 years, shed snow easily, resist fire and may lower cooling costs. Standing seam panels with hidden fasteners are the premium choice, while exposed-fastener corrugated panels are the economical one.
Clay, concrete and slate roofs are extremely durable and add curb appeal, but they are heavy. Your home may need structural reinforcement, and installation requires specialist crews, which raises labor costs.
| Factor | Asphalt Shingles | Metal Roof |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | 2-3x higher |
| Lifespan | 20-30 years | 40-70 years |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Low |
| Energy efficiency | Average | Good (reflective coatings) |
| Best for | Short-term budget, resale | Long-term ownership |
If you plan to stay in your home for 20 years or more, metal often costs less per year of service. If you expect to sell within 10 years, quality architectural shingles are usually the smarter spend.
Prices differ across the country. Coastal and high-cost metro areas, such as the Northeast and West Coast, usually sit at the top of the range because of higher labor rates and permit fees. Parts of the Midwest and South often land near or below the national average. In [City], [State], expect quotes to run [higher / lower / close to] the averages shown on this page. Use the "Local price level" option in the calculator to adjust the estimate for your area.
Not every problem needs a full replacement. Minor repairs such as replacing a few shingles or resealing flashing commonly cost a few hundred dollars, while larger leak repairs can reach $1,000 or more. Consider replacement when:
A professional roof inspection, usually $100 to $300, can tell you which path makes financial sense. Learn more in our guide to roof repair costs.
Verify the license and liability insurance, ask for local references, and read recent reviews. Get the contract in writing with the materials, timeline, cleanup and warranty spelled out. Be cautious of door-to-door storm chasers, large upfront payments and quotes far below every other bid.
Measure your roof area (or home footprint), multiply by your pitch factor, then multiply by the installed price per square foot of your chosen material. Add tear-off, permits and extras such as chimneys, skylights and gutters. Our calculator does all of this automatically.
A 2,000 square foot roof typically costs between $9,000 and $16,000 with architectural shingles, and $18,000 to $32,000 with standing seam metal, before tear-off and extras.
Not always. Tear-off and disposal are often priced separately, usually $0.80 to $1.50 per square foot per layer. The calculator lets you add this by selecting the number of old layers.
For homeowners staying 20 years or longer, usually yes. Metal costs more upfront but lasts much longer, needs less maintenance and can reduce energy bills.
Most residential projects take one to three days. Large, steep or complex roofs, and tile or slate installations, can take a week or more.
It is a planning estimate based on average installed prices and typical add-on costs. Final quotes depend on your contractor, roof condition and local market, so use the result as a starting budget and confirm it with local quotes.
Ready to move from estimate to exact price? Request a free roof quote from and get a detailed, no-obligation estimate for your home in City.