Asphalt vs. Metal Roof Cost: Which Is Cheaper in 2026?
By the HomeRenoCost Editorial Team · Reviewed 2026-06-05
Asphalt shingles and standing-seam metal are the two most common choices for a US re-roof, and they sit at very different price points. This guide compares what each costs to install, how long it lasts, and when the more expensive option actually saves money.
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Upfront cost: asphalt wins
Asphalt shingles are the budget benchmark: they are the cheapest mainstream roofing material to buy and the fastest for crews to install, which keeps labor down. For most homes, an asphalt re-roof is the lowest-cost way to get a new, warrantied roof.
Metal roofing costs more on both counts. The panels themselves are pricier per square, and installation is slower and more specialized, so labor is higher. Expect a standing-seam metal roof to run roughly two to three times the price of a comparable asphalt roof. Your exact figure depends on roof size, pitch, and local labor rates — the calculator estimates all three for your state.
Lifespan and long-term value
The gap narrows once you account for lifespan. A quality asphalt roof typically lasts 15 to 25 years, while a metal roof can last 40 to 70 years. Over a long enough horizon, the metal roof you buy once may be cheaper than the two or three asphalt roofs you would install in the same period.
Metal also tends to shed snow, resist fire, and reflect heat — which can trim cooling bills in hot states. Asphalt is easier and cheaper to repair, and replacement shingles are available everywhere.
Which should you choose?
If you have a tight budget or do not plan to stay in the home long, asphalt is usually the rational choice. If you are staying for decades, live in a harsh climate, or want the lowest lifetime cost, metal can pay off despite the higher sticker price.
Whatever you are leaning toward, start with a real number for your roof size and state, then weigh it against how long you plan to own the home.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a metal roof really worth the extra cost?
- It depends on how long you stay. Because metal lasts two to three times as long as asphalt, owners who keep a home for 30+ years often come out ahead on lifetime cost. For short stays, asphalt's lower upfront price usually wins.
- How much more does a metal roof cost than shingles?
- As a rule of thumb, standing-seam metal runs about two to three times the installed price of asphalt shingles for the same roof, driven by both material and labor.