Shingles Roof vs Metal Roof

Asphalt shingles are the default roof in much of the country because they are the lowest-cost option to install. HomeGuide puts them at about $3 to $5 per square foot installed, with a typical 1,800 to 2,500 square foot roof running $5,700 to $12,000. Their service life is usually 15 to 30 years.

Metal costs more, at $5 to $16 per square foot installed, but lasts 30 to 80 years or more. That longer life is the whole case for it. The calculator spreads both choices over the same period so shingle replacements are counted, and you can change every price to match your quotes.

Shingles Roof vs Metal Roof side by side

Last verified October 2026. Typical values; individual animals, products and local prices vary.

Which one fits you

Shingles Roof

• You plan to sell within 10 to 15 years and want the lowest installed price.
• Your budget is the limiting factor and you need a roof at $3 to $5 per square foot.
• You want the widest choice of local installers and easy repairs.
• Your home is modest in size where shingles cost about $5,700 to $12,000 total.

Metal Roof

• You expect to stay 30 years or longer and want to avoid a second replacement.
• You can afford the higher price up front and value minimal maintenance.
• You like standing seam or metal shingle styles and accept the higher cost.
• You want a roof that outlasts a typical 15 to 30 year asphalt shingle.

How this works

This page compares the two roof types using ranges from two cost guides. Roof price depends on pitch, size, tear-off, underlayment, region and the specific product, so a local written quote beats any average. Sources are listed below, and each guide explains what moves its cost range.

The calculator counts a second shingle roof if your period outlasts the shingle lifespan you enter. It does not model inflation, energy savings, insurance discounts or resale value, because those depend heavily on your location. Enter quotes for your own roof to replace the national midpoint prices used as defaults.

HomeGuide: shingles $3 to $5 per sq ft (we use $4) lasting 15 to 30 years (22.5); metal $5 to $16 (we use $10) lasting 30 to 80+ years (55). Roof area follows HomeGuide's 1,800 to 2,500 sq ft range. Costs are in today's dollars with no inflation, and a replacement is counted when the roof wears out inside your period.

Where these numbers come from

The figures and defaults on this page are based on:

• HomeGuide: Metal Roof Cost, Metal roof price per square foot, types, lifespan and labor. (checked October 2026)
• HomeGuide: Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost, Shingle price per square foot, average roof cost, lifespan and warranties. (checked October 2026)
• Fixr: Roof Shingle Installation Costs, Wider asphalt and metal ranges and lifespan by material. (checked October 2026)

Planning estimates. Get several written roofing quotes before deciding.