How Much Does a Metal Roof Cost vs. Asphalt Shingles? (2025 Update)

Are you trying to choose between metal or asphalt shingles for your roof replacement? Does the decision come down to cost?

A new roof will be an very big investment, no matter which roofing material you choose. So, comparing prices is the smart thing to do. 

With that in mind, metal roofing is more expensive than shingles. The problem is knowing just how much more you would have to spend.

For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has taken pride in being transparent on roofing pricing that the rest of the industry avoids. That's why I'll compare metal roofing's cost to shingles and much more. 

By the end of this article, you’ll have answers to the following questions:

• How much does a metal roof cost vs. asphalt shingles? (average and per square foot)
• What cost factors affect metal roofing and shingle prices?

How much does a metal roof vs. shingles cost? 

A metal roof (standing seam specifically) will cost more than asphalt shingles in 2025, usually up two or three times more expensive. For comparison, the 2025 national average cost of a steel standing seam metal roof is $51,865 while an architectural asphalt shingle roof's average cost is $31,871.

Keep in mind that these average prices don’t account for area-specific pricing, roof size/complexity, or other cost factors (more on this later). On top of this, there are three types of asphalt shingles, other shingles in general, and different metal options.

So, let’s look at the difference in prices between asphalt shingle, the other types of shingles, and metal roofing. 

How much does a shingle roof cost?

The three types of asphalt shingles are 3-tab, architectural, and luxury. 3-tab asphalt shingles are the cheapest and most inferior, while architectural are the most affordable for a good quality product. 

Luxury shingles have the highest curb appeal and last the longest, but are the most expensive. Below is a table with cost per square foot for each type of asphalt shingle. 

The majority of homeowners go with architectural shingles because of the affordability, but luxury shingles are popular for their look and long lifespan. However, there are premium shingle options for homeowners looking for something a little different than standard asphalt shingles. 

These shingle types of considered premium for a reason. They have longer lifespans and higher curb appeals, but are significantly more expensive than standard asphalt shingles.

How much does a metal roof cost?

A steel metal roof costs anywhere from $4.50 to $16.00 per square foot, depending on the type of metal roof system and metal. A steel exposed fastener metal roof (also called exposed fastener) costs around $4.50 to $6.50 per square foot, but maintenance fees come later when the fasteners need to be replaced. 

So, it's not recommended for residential roof replacements over heated spaces. For a standing seam metal roof, pricing really depends on the type of metal.  

Below are the five most commonly used metals for residential roofing and how much they cost per square foot for a full standing seam metal roof, including labor and material costs.

Metal roofing is well worth the investment if you have the budget. However, even the cheapest standing seam metal roof will be more expensive than the most expensive asphalt shingle.

What cost factors affect metal roofing and shingle prices?

At this point, you know how metal roofing’s cost compares to asphalt shingles and other shingle prices. While the one you choose determines material costs, your roof, property, and roofer also have a huge impact on a new roof's cost.

Below are the main factors a roofer takes into account when estimating the cost of a roof replacement.

Labor costs

Labor costs are factored into every line item on an estimate. So, if anything takes time and labor, it adds to the roof replacement's labor costs. 

Unfortunately, there’s no set price for labor and time because it depends on the roofing contractor you hire. But the more manpower and time it takes to replace your roof, the higher the cost.

Dump fees

During the tear-off process, your old roof is ripped up until there's only a clean roof deck. The debris is then loaded into a dump truck or trailer to be taken to a dump of the roofer's choice.

The dumpsites charge significant fees for this service, which means disposing of your old roof always has an associated cost. Like everything else, there's also a labor cost for the crew member who dumps your old roof.

The number of shingle layers being torn off

If your roof has more than one layer, it requires more labor to tear off and increases the amount of debris coming off your roof. So, this not only increases labor costs but also the dump fees. 

There will be an initial labor and dump fee for the first layer, plus an added cost for each additional layer.

The other roof system components

The roofing material determines most of the material costs associated with a new roof. However, you'll also be paying for the other components of the specific roof system.

Including the main material, the components you'll pay for when getting a new roof are: 

• Decking (if any wood is compromised)
• Drip edge
• Underlayment
• Ice & water shield
• Starter shingles
• Roof vents and ventilation system
• Roof flashing
• Ridge capping
• Pipe boots

While the specific component will be a little different based on the main material, every component listed here must be included in your roof replacement. If just one is missing or left off to save money, I guarantee you’ll have problems. 

The accessibility of your roof

Roofers use a roof access point for every single piece of the roof replacement process. The harder your roof is to access, the more it impacts your new roof's cost. 

Things like landscaping below the roofline, patio area, a fence, and how far away the materials and dump truck are a few examples of what makes a roof hard to access. Simply put, the more obstacles they have to work around to get the job done increases labor and time costs. 

Your roof's size

The most obvious cost factor is the square footage of your roof. It affects the amount of materials, labor, and time needed to complete the roof replacement.

I say square footage because it’s what homeowners are familiar with. However, you’ll also hear a roofing contractor say “price per roofing square” (100 square feet).

Your roof’s pitch 

Roof pitch is your roof's slope (angle), which can go from flat to almost completely vertical. The steeper the roof pitch, the more it increases labor costs due to moving slower and safely.

Pitch will always play a huge role in pricing, especially labor costs. However, steep pitches can also create more square footage, which also increase material prices. 

Roof complexity

Complexity is how your roof is cut up with different facets, hips, valleys, and stories off the ground. Your roof’s complexity has a huge impact on the cost based on how it’s cut up with different facets, hips, valleys, and stories off the ground.

Just like with pitch, a roof with a high number of facets at multiple angles, hips, valleys, and two or more stories off the ground is more difficult and takes a lot longer to roof than a ranch-style home’s roof. 

Roof penetrations

A roof penetration is anything that comes through your roof, like plumbing vents, gas vents, kitchen/bathroom vents, skylights, and chimneys. The more penetrations your roof has, the more it can affect cost. 

Smaller pipes or vents won’t impact much, but skylights and chimneys add more to a new roof’s cost because they take longer to flash and work around.

What else do you need to compare when deciding between a metal roof and asphalt shingles?

Now you know what you need to know about metal roofing’s cost vs. asphalt shingles. The difference in cost is enough for some homeowners to determine which one is the right roofing material for them. 

But while cost is usually the biggest decision-making factor, there are other things to compare. After all, how can you feel confident you’re making the right decision if you don’t have all the information?

That’s why I wrote another article comparing the pros and cons of asphalt shingles and metal roofing, plus their lifespan, warranties, and more.

Check out Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: Which is Right for You to get all the information you need to make the right roofing material decision.