Cost guide · 2026 Q3 data
Metal roof cost in 2026
How much does a metal roof cost?
A standing seam metal roof costs $24,976 to $47,932 on a 2,000 sq ft single-story home (6/12 pitch, one layer torn off, permit and dumpster included), typical $36,414. An exposed-fastener metal panel roof costs $15,138 to $40,554, typical $27,806.
Installed, that is $9.00 to $16.00 per square foot for standing seam and $5.00 to $12.00 for panel, at US-average labor.
Standing seam vs metal panel
The two common residential metal roofs are priced very differently. Standing seam uses concealed fasteners and raised seams; exposed-fastener panel (corrugated or ribbed) is screwed through the face of the panel. Per square (100 sq ft of roof), from the cited cost tables:
| Per square | Installed | Material | Labor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standing seam | $900–$1,600 | $400–$800 | $500–$800 |
| Metal panel | $500–$1,200 | $100–$500 | $400–$800 |
| Architectural shingles (for comparison) | $400–$600 | $100–$250 | $300–$350 |
Installed ranges are shown as the cost guides publish them. The Index builds its whole-roof figures from the separate material and labor ranges (see the methodology page), so the parts do not always add up exactly to the installed range.
Metal roof cost by house size
Single-story footprint, 6/12 pitch, 10% waste, one layer of old roofing torn off, permit and dumpster included, US-average labor.
| Footprint | Squares | Standing seam | Metal panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft | 12.3 | $12,678–$24,566 | $7,759–$20,877 |
| 1,500 sq ft | 18.4 | $18,827–$36,249 | $11,448–$30,715 |
| 2,000 sq ft | 24.6 | $24,976–$47,932 | $15,138–$40,554 |
| 2,500 sq ft | 30.8 | $31,125–$59,616 | $18,827–$50,392 |
| 3,000 sq ft | 36.9 | $37,274–$71,299 | $22,516–$60,230 |
For a two-story house, read the row for half the living area. More sizes: roof cost by house size.
Metal roof cost by state
Metal is priced nationally in the Index and labor is scaled by each state's BLS roofer wage. Typical standing seam cost for the 2,000 sq ft single-story home (6/12 pitch, one layer torn off, permit and dumpster included):
Most expensive
- Illinois $41,780
- New Jersey $40,881
- Massachusetts $40,499
- Minnesota $40,481
- New York $39,497
Least expensive
- Mississippi $32,879
- Arkansas $33,017
- Tennessee $33,279
- South Dakota $33,348
- Texas $33,405
Metal vs shingles on price
On the same house, standing seam is about 2.0 times the architectural shingle typical: $36,414 against $17,967. Metal panel sits between the two at $27,806. The full comparison, including lifespan, is in metal roof vs shingles.
What moves a metal roof quote
- System. Standing seam against exposed-fastener panel is the biggest single choice, as the table above shows.
- Tear-off. Removing the old roof costs about $100 to $300 per square for one layer of shingles. Whether metal can go over existing shingles depends on the local code and the roof's condition: metal over shingles.
- Roof shape. Valleys, hips and dormers mean more cutting and trim; the calculator raises waste from 10% to 15% for a complex roof.
- Location. Labor is the part that moves: see your state or metro page.
Sources: installed, material and labor ranges from the cost tables quoted on the methodology page (retrieved 2026-09-25); roofer wages from BLS OES May 2025 (SOC 47-2181). Written by the Thomas Town Digital editorial team. We match homeowners with roofers; we do not roof.
Metal roof cost questions
How much does a metal roof cost?
On a 2,000 sq ft single-story home (6/12 pitch, one layer torn off, permit and dumpster included), standing seam metal costs $24,976 to $47,932 (typical $36,414) and exposed-fastener metal panel costs $15,138 to $40,554 (typical $27,806), at US-average labor on the 2026 Q3 Roof Cost Index.
How much is a metal roof per square foot?
Standing seam costs $9.00 to $16.00 per square foot of roof installed; metal panel costs $5.00 to $12.00. Tear-off of the old roof, a permit and a dumpster are extra.
How much does a metal roof cost for a 1,500 sq ft house?
Standing seam on a single-story 1,500 sq ft home costs $18,827 to $36,249, typical $27,498; metal panel costs $11,448 to $30,715, typical $21,042.
Is a metal roof more expensive than shingles?
Yes. On the same 2,000 sq ft home, standing seam is about 2.0 times the architectural shingle typical ($36,414 against $17,967). Most of the gap is material: standing seam metal alone is $400 to $800 per square against $100 to $250 for shingles.
Why is standing seam more expensive than metal panel?
Both the material and the labor cost more. Standing seam material is $400 to $800 per square against $100 to $500 for exposed-fastener panel, and installation labor is $500 to $800 against $400 to $800 per square.
Estimate a metal roof
Low / typical / high ranges from cited national cost tables, adjusted by local roofer wages (BLS). No email required.