Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles: Cost Comparison (2026)
Comparing metal roofing and asphalt shingles on installed cost, lifespan and trade-offs for a typical 1,800 sq ft roof.
| Item | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Metal Roofing (full roof) | $9,000 – $25,000 |
| Asphalt Shingles (full roof) | $5,500 – $12,000 |
Metal Roofing
A roof you may never replace again. Metal (exposed-fastener panels through to premium systems) costs roughly two to three times asphalt up front but lasts decades longer, sheds snow and rain, and cuts cooling bills. The gap narrows fast once you count the second asphalt roof you won't have to buy.
Lifespan: 40–70 years
Asphalt Shingles
The default choice on most American homes: cheap to buy, fast to install, and repairable in sections. Asphalt (3-tab) shingles are the price floor for a full roof replacement, which is exactly why they dominate — but they also wear out fastest and add the least resale value of the common options.
Lifespan: 15–30 years
Bottom line: Asphalt Shingles wins on upfront price; Metal Roofing wins on 40–70 years of service life. The right call depends on your budget and how long you plan to own the home.
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Frequently asked questions
Is metal roofing or asphalt shingles cheaper?
Asphalt Shingles is the lower-cost option up front. Metal Roofing costs more but offers a much longer lifespan — weigh the upfront gap against how long you'll stay in the home.
Which lasts longer, metal roofing or asphalt shingles?
Metal Roofing lasts about 40–70 years; Asphalt Shingles lasts about 15–30 years.