Asphalt vs Metal Roofing Cost Comparison

Asphalt shingles cost $350–$550 per square installed and last 20–30 years. Metal roofing costs $700–$1,200 per square but lasts 40–70 years. On a cost-per-year basis, the two materials are surprisingly close — making the decision less about price and more about how long you plan to stay in your home.

This guide compares both options across upfront cost, lifespan, maintenance, energy savings, and resale value so you can make an informed choice.

Table of Contents

• How Much Does Each Material Cost?
• Side-by-Side Comparison Table
• How Long Does Each Roof Last?
• What Is the Cost Per Year of Service?
• How Do Maintenance Costs Compare?
• Which Is More Energy Efficient?
• Which Has Better Resale Value?
• When Should You Choose Asphalt?
• When Should You Choose Metal?
• How to Get an Accurate Estimate
• FAQ

How Much Does Each Material Cost?

Asphalt shingles are the more affordable option upfront — typically 2 to 3 times less than metal roofing for the same roof size.

	Asphalt Shingles	Metal Roofing
Material + labor per square	$350–$550	$700–$1,200
20-square roof (2,000 sq ft)	$7,000–$11,000	$14,000–$24,000
30-square roof (3,000 sq ft)	$10,500–$16,500	$21,000–$36,000

That price gap is the primary reason asphalt shingles still cover roughly 75% of American homes, according to industry data. However, the upfront cost tells only part of the story.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Factor	Asphalt Shingles	Metal Roofing
Installed cost per square	$350–$550	$700–$1,200
Lifespan	20–30 years	40–70 years
Cost per year	$14–$22/sq/year	$14–$24/sq/year
Wind resistance	Up to 110 mph	Up to 140 mph
Maintenance	Moderate	Minimal
Energy savings	Standard	10–25% cooling reduction
Resale value recoup	60–70%	60–85%
Fire rating	Class A (best products)	Class A (all products)
Weight	2–4 lbs/sq ft	1–1.5 lbs/sq ft
Recyclable	Limited	100% recyclable
Best for	Budget-focused, shorter stays	Long-term, severe weather

How Long Does Each Roof Last?

Metal roofing lasts roughly twice as long as asphalt shingles, which is the key factor that closes the lifetime cost gap.

• Asphalt shingles: 20–30 years (architectural), 15–20 years (three-tab)
• Metal roofing: 40–70 years (standing seam can last even longer)

A metal roof often outlasts two full asphalt installations. If you plan to stay in your home for 25+ years, you’ll likely need to replace an asphalt roof at least once during that period — while a metal roof installed today will still be performing.

What Is the Cost Per Year of Service?

When you divide total installed cost by expected lifespan, the comparison shifts dramatically:

Material	Cost per square	÷ Lifespan	= Cost per year
Asphalt	$350–$550	÷ 25 years	$14–$22/sq/year
Metal	$700–$1,200	÷ 50 years	$14–$24/sq/year

On a per-year basis, the two materials cost essentially the same. Metal becomes the better value if your roof lasts the full 50+ years and you’d otherwise need to replace asphalt once or twice during that period.

How Do Maintenance Costs Compare?

Asphalt shingles require periodic attention that increases with age:

• Granule loss accelerates over time, especially in severe weather zones
• Individual shingles can crack, curl, or blow off in high winds
• Moss and algae growth in humid climates shortens lifespan
• Typical maintenance budget: $200–$500 per year after year 15

Metal roofing is largely maintenance-free:

• Panels resist wind up to 140 mph (many products)
• No granule loss, cracking, or curling
• Occasional fastener checks on exposed-fastener systems
• Typical maintenance budget: $50–$150 per year

Over a 50-year period, metal roofing maintenance costs roughly $2,500–$7,500 total, while asphalt may require $6,000–$15,000 in maintenance plus a full replacement at year 25.

Which Is More Energy Efficient?

Metal roofing reflects more solar radiation, reducing cooling costs by 10–25% in hot climates. Light-colored metal panels with reflective coatings perform especially well in Sun Belt states (Texas, Arizona, Florida). Asphalt absorbs more heat, though lighter-colored shingles and cool-roof rated products have narrowed this gap somewhat.

For a home spending $2,000 per year on cooling, metal roofing could save $200–$500 annually — which adds up to $10,000–$25,000 over the roof’s lifetime.

Which Has Better Resale Value?

According to industry data, a new metal roof typically recoups 60–85% of its cost at resale, while a new asphalt roof recoups 60–70%. Metal roofing is also an attractive selling point for buyers who want a “forever roof” and don’t want to budget for replacement within the next several decades.

When Should You Choose Asphalt?

Asphalt shingles make more sense when:

• You’re on a tight budget and need a roof now
• You plan to sell the home within 10 years
• Your area has HOA restrictions requiring shingles
• The roof has a complex shape with many dormers and valleys (metal installation costs rise with complexity)
• You want the widest selection of colors and styles

When Should You Choose Metal?

Metal roofing makes more sense when:

• You plan to stay in the home 20+ years
• Your region gets severe weather (hail, high winds, heavy snow)
• Energy efficiency is a priority in a hot climate
• You want minimal long-term maintenance
• You’re building new and can absorb the cost into the mortgage
• You’re in a wildfire-prone area (Class A fire rating on all metal products)

How to Get an Accurate Estimate

The best way to compare costs for your specific roof is to calculate both options with your actual dimensions, pitch, and waste factor. Our free roofing calculator lets you toggle between asphalt and metal to see a side-by-side cost breakdown instantly. Enter your roof measurements once and compare materials without any commitment or contact information required.

For more detail on metal roofing specifically, see our metal roof cost calculator guide. If you’re considering corrugated panels as a budget metal option, our corrugated metal roof cost guide breaks down that pricing separately.

FAQ

Is a metal roof worth the extra cost over asphalt shingles?

Yes, if you plan to stay in your home 20+ years. On a cost-per-year basis, metal ($14–$24 per square per year) costs roughly the same as asphalt ($14–$22 per square per year). Metal also requires far less maintenance and won’t need replacement for 40–70 years, while asphalt needs replacement every 20–30 years.

How much more does a metal roof cost than shingles?

Metal roofing costs roughly 2 to 3 times more upfront than asphalt shingles. For a typical 2,000 sq ft roof (20 squares), asphalt runs $7,000–$11,000 installed while metal runs $14,000–$24,000 installed. The gap narrows significantly when you factor in metal’s longer lifespan and lower maintenance.

Do metal roofs increase home value?

Yes. A new metal roof typically recoups 60–85% of its cost at resale, compared to 60–70% for asphalt shingles. Buyers value the decades of remaining lifespan and minimal maintenance that come with a metal roof.

How long does a metal roof last compared to asphalt?

Metal roofing lasts 40–70 years while asphalt shingles last 20–30 years (architectural) or 15–20 years (three-tab). A single metal roof often outlasts two complete asphalt installations.

Are metal roofs louder in rain than shingles?

Metal roofs can be noisier during heavy rain, but proper underlayment and attic insulation reduce this significantly. Most homeowners with insulated metal roofs report no noticeable difference from shingles during normal rainfall.

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Sources: Pricing data based on national averages from RS Means, HomeAdvisor, and roofing manufacturer published MSRP lists (2024�2025). Regional variations apply. Always obtain local contractor quotes for project-specific pricing.