Shingles are by far the most popular roofing material. These roofs consist of overlapping, often flat materials layered to create an attractive and durable surface. Shingles come in a wide range of materials, styles, and colors, making them ideal for improving the curb appeal of homes in nearly any climate.
Cost is likely top of mind for any homeowner planning a roof replacement. We’ve developed this guide to shingle costs to help you budget for your project. Read on to understand how much roofing shingles cost by type, material, roof size, and beyond.
What Is the Cost of Roof Shingles?
On average, roofing shingles cost $3 to $6 per square foot. Lower-end shingles may cost as little as $1 per square foot, while premium options can reach $20 per square foot or higher.
| Cost Range | Cost Per Square Foot | Average Cost Per Project* |
| Low-end Cost Range | $1–$2 | $2,500–$5,000 |
| National Average Cost Range | $3–$6 | $7,500–$15,000 |
| High-end Cost Range | $8–$12 | $20,000–$30,000 |
| Extreme High-end Cost Range | $14–$20 | $35,000–$50,000 |
*Estimates based on a 2,500-square-foot roof.
We source cost data from RSMeans, a project estimator for contractors and home improvement experts. The figures listed in this article include rough labor and material costs.
What Factors Impact the Cost of Roof Shingles?
Not all shingles — or roofs, for that matter — are built equal. When shopping for a new shingle roof, consider how the following factors may affect the price:
- Type of shingle
- Shingle material
- Roof size
How Much Roof Shingles Cost by Type
While shopping for a new roof, many homeowners land on asphalt shingles as a favored choice. Although asphalt shingles are often the most cost-effective roofing material, their prices vary depending on the style.
Here are the three types of asphalt shingles and their associated price ranges:
| Roof Shingle Type | Cost Per Square Foot | Average Cost Per Project* |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab shingles | $1–$3 | $3,750–$8,750 |
| Architectural shingles | $4.50–$8.50 | $11,250–$21,250 |
| Luxury shingles | $8–$13 | $20,000–$32,500 |
*Estimates based on a 2,500-square-foot roof.
3-tab Roof Shingles
3-tab shingles ($1 to $3 per square foot) are the cheapest, most basic asphalt shingle option. They consist of mineral bits, asphalt, and fiberglass sectioned into three tabs. These shingles lack the dimension of architectural shingles, which may be an aesthetic drawback for some homeowners. However, they’re ideal for those seeking a clean, flat roofline.
Architectural Roof Shingles
Architectural shingles ($4.50 to $8.50 per square foot), also called laminated or dimensional shingles, provide a more original look than their 3-tab counterparts. Architectural shingles also contain a higher-quality asphalt-fiberglass mixture, making them more durable and longer-lasting.
Luxury Roof Shingles
Luxury shingles ($8 to $13 per square foot) are the most expensive asphalt shingle option due to their larger size, unique shape, and higher-end composition. Premium shingles are designed to mimic the appearance of natural slate shingles, which yield higher manufacturing costs.
How Much Shingle Roofing Costs by Material
Shingles aren’t just available for asphalt roofs. They come in various materials for homeowners seeking different aesthetics and benefits than asphalt shingles can provide. While asphalt, rubber, and cedar shingles are often the lowest-cost materials, others like composite, fiberglass, and slate shingles can double or even triple your costs.
Before choosing a specific roof shingle material, assess the price points, pros, and cons accompanying each. The table and sections below provide a glance at this information to help you select the best material for your home.
| Shingle Material | Cost Per Square Foot | Average Cost Per Project* |
| Asphalt shingles | $2–$4 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Rubber shingles | $4–$8 | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Wood shingles | $4.50–$8.50 | $11,250–$21,250 |
| Metal shingles | $5–$7 | $12,500–$17,500 |
| Wood shakes | $6–$11 | $15,000–$27,500 |
| Fiberglass shingles | $7–$9 | $17,500–$22,500 |
| Composite shingles | $8–$12 | $20,000–$30,000 |
| Natural slate shingles | $9–$20 | $22,500–$50,000 |
*Estimates based on a 2,500-square-foot roof.
Asphalt Roof Shingles
Asphalt shingle roofing is the most popular option among homeowners. Asphalt shingles are affordable, durable, and easy to install, allowing for lower installation costs and maintenance expenses down the road.
Rubber Roof Shingles
Rubber shingles are popular for homes in severe weather climates. These affordable shingles feature hurricane-grade performance and excellent resistance to water damage, mold, pests, and rot.
Wood Roof Shingles
Wood shingles are a higher-end alternative to asphalt shingles, providing a classic, rustic aesthetic. Wood is energy-efficient and insulative, keeping indoor temperatures stable even as external temperatures rise and fall. However, wood roofing is higher maintenance than asphalt and may not be permitted in fire-prone areas.
Metal Roof Shingles
Metal shingles, (also known as stamped metal roofing), is ideal for homeowners who don’t mind spending more on a new roof. The material is highly energy efficient and completely fire-resistant, making it a top choice for homes in hot, dry climates.
Wood Shakes
Wood shakes are a pricier version of wood shingles that offer added visual benefits. Cedar shakes are hand-split instead of machine-cut, which creates a natural appearance and a higher price. Cedar shakes, like wood shingles, are relatively high maintenance but also provide good insulation and unique curb appeal.
Fiberglass Roof Shingles
Fiberglass shingles contain a dense fiberglass material layered with asphalt and a UV coating. They often closely resemble asphalt shingles but provide added resistance against warping, UV damage, water, and fire.
Composite Roof Shingles
Composite shingles are a top choice for homeowners seeking a long-lasting, highly durable roof. They’re designed to mimic wood or slate roofing shingles but can last up to 50 years with little to no maintenance. This means enhanced curb appeal and longevity for a fraction of the effort.
Slate Roof Shingles
Slate roofing shingles comprise natural stone cut into individual tiles. This material’s high sourcing and manufacturing costs mean they cost significantly more than asphalt shingles. However, the material can last up to 100 years when properly maintained.
How Much Roof Shingles Cost by Roof Size
Roofing materials are often priced by square or 100-square-foot area. This is why roof size will significantly impact how much you pay for new shingles.
But beware — you can’t just use your home’s square footage to determine your roof size. Roofs are sloped to provide water runoff and visual appeal. For this reason, your roof has more square footage than your home.
When calculating your potential roof shingle costs, use the 1.25 Rule. Multiply your home’s size by 1.25 for a solid estimate of your roof’s square footage. For example, someone with a 3,000-square-foot home should assess cost estimates for a 3,750-square-foot roof.
If the surface is particularly sloped, you must account for a larger roof size. We recommend using a roofing calculator tool to find more accurate size estimates based on your home’s size and roof pitch.
We used the 1.25 Rule to estimate the potential cost of asphalt shingles for various home sizes:
| Home Size | Average Project Cost |
| 1,000 square feet | $2,000–$4,000 |
| 1,500 square feet | $3,000–$6,000 |
| 2,000 square feet | $4,000–$8,000 |
| 2,500 square feet | $5,000–$10,000 |
| 3,000 square feet | $6,000–$12,000 |
| 3,500 square feet | $7,000–$14,000 |
| 4,000 square feet | $8,000–$16,000 |
Which Other Factors Impact Roof Shingle Costs?
The price of your new roofing shingles depends on more than just roof size, materials, and shingle style. When planning roof replacement costs, you must also account for the added expenses of labor and installation, brand premiums, and geographic location.
- Labor and installation fees: These add approximately $45 to $60 per hour per crew member to your total cost. For more intricate roof patterns and steeper roofs, this cost can exceed $100 per worker per hour. Labor fees often account for much of your final cost, so budget accordingly.
- Existing roofing materials replacement: This carries additional costs. The contractors must tear off and discard old shingles, which can add $2 to $4 per square foot to your price. You may also pay extra for disposal and haul-away fees to remove the old materials.
- Roof type: The type of roof you have also affects your cost. Simple gable roofs are easier to access, which means lower labor fees. Other, more intricate roof patterns like hip and gambrel roofs may cost more.
- Location: Where you live may play a role in your final project costs. Labor and material costs vary depending on availability and living costs in certain areas. For this reason, your prices may be higher or lower than the national average.
- Shingle brand: The brand you select will inevitably affect your costs. Some brands offer specialized shingles with impact-resistance and solar-powered qualities. These premium products will have a much higher cost than standard roofing shingles. Meanwhile, other brands focus on high-quality standard shingles at affordable prices. We recommend researching and getting quotes from multiple roofing companies to compare potential prices.
What Are the Benefits of Investing in New Roof Shingles?
The benefits of installing a new shingle roof depend primarily on the material. For example, metal roof shingles provide optimal fire resistance, while wood offers an eye-catching rustic appeal. Other materials like asphalt and rubber shingles offer extended durability at a more affordable price.
New Roof Shingles Improve the Value of Your Home
The good news is that any roof shingle replacement means you’ll likely see a higher return. Installing a new shingle roof can do wonders for your home’s resale value.
This is a major benefit for homeowners looking to sell. According to Zillow, a new roof can speed up the sale process while increasing the dollar amount and quantity of offers you receive. Among these attractive benefits, new shingle roofs also boast 60%–70% returns on investment, helping you recoup the money you spent on the replacement.
Professional Vs. DIY Roof Shingle Installation: Which Is Worth It?
You may be tempted to reshingle your roof without the help of a professional to save money on labor fees. But before launching a DIY roof project, you must be 100% confident in your expertise. Any roofing project requires specific skills to protect your home from the elements and special equipment to ensure your safety while working dozens of feet off the ground.
Read this guide to learn more about the steps involved with DIY shingle installation.
Cost Comparison of Hiring a Professional Vs. DIY Roof Shingle Installation
Shingling your own roof may cost between $6,000 to $7,000 for materials alone. Let’s say you purchase 3-tab shingles, metal flashing, underlayment, and nails for the project. Add on the costs of tools, safety equipment, dumpster rental, and any helping hands, and your costs will likely exceed $8,500.
Compare this cost estimate to the national average price range of $7,500 to $15,000 for hiring a professional. Considering the benefits you’ll get with a professional roofing job — expertise, liability insurance, product warranties, etc. — the potential savings of DIY aren’t worth the work or the safety risk.
Hiring a Professional Roofer Is Worth the Cost
Roofing is one of the most dangerous home improvement projects. We recommend hiring a professional roofer for your shingle installation project. Not only will a pro have the materials, equipment, and expertise to get the job done right, but they’ll also provide added benefits that could save you money on future repairs and replacements. In this sense, investing in a professional roofer is worth the extra cost you might save by going DIY.
How to Hire a Professional for Roof Shingle Installation
Not sure how to start the hiring process? Follow the steps below to find the best contractor for your roof shingle installation.
- Explore local roofing company options. Search for trustworthy roofing contractors in your area. We recommend reading real customer reviews and assessing company standing before retrieving quotes.
- Obtain multiple quotes. Get shingle roof installation quotes from at least three top providers to ensure you get the services you need at the right prices.
- Discuss your options with the contractor. Before embarking on the project, ask your contractor for recommendations on the shingle types and materials available. Professional roofers will likely have insight into the benefits and drawbacks of different shingle types for your location and climate.
- Read the fine print and get a final quote. Never hire a home improvement expert without first reading the fine print of your contract and ensuring your agreed-upon quote is binding. This step will save you from costly surprises and headaches throughout the process.
So, Are New Roof Shingles Worth the Cost?
Roofing shingles generally cost $3 to $6 per square foot, making them one of the most economical options for your new roof. However, roofing costs ultimately depend on the material, type, and number of shingles your roof needs. Researching the prices and benefits of various shingle types before deciding is the best way to make an informed buying decision.
Now that you understand the costs and benefits of investing in a new shingle roof, you can start retrieving quotes from worthwhile contractors. Use the form below to find the best roofing installers in your area:
FAQs About Roofing Shingles
How much is a bundle of shingles?
Packages of shingles typically come in quantities called bundles. A bundle includes between 15 and 30 individual shingles or 33 square feet of roofing material. The cost of a bundle varies by shingle type and material, with 3-tab shingles falling in the $35 to $40 per bundle range.
How much does it cost to repair old roofing shingles?
Our research shows that roof shingle repairs typically range from $500 to $1,600. Your specific costs depend entirely on the type of roof and repairs needed. If your roof repair costs exceed $3,000, we suggest replacing the whole thing. Putting the money toward a full roof replacement will save you on future repairs while improving your home’s curb appeal and functionality.
What are solar roofing shingles?
Solar shingles or solar roof tiles consist of thin photovoltaic panels. These shingles essentially operate as hundreds of tiny solar panels, capturing and transforming sunlight into electricity to power your home. This amazing roofing system can help you save on energy bills by producing your own power. However, the technology comes at a price, with most solar tile roofs costing between $20 to $30 per square foot.
How do I know if I need a roof replacement?
Figuring out whether you need a new roof often depends on your roof type and material. One rule of thumb is to assess how long you’ve had your current roof. If the material is reaching the end of its projected life span, which is around 20 years for asphalt shingles, you should likely consider a replacement.
Otherwise, you can look for the following signs that your roof needs to be replaced:
- Interior leaks or water damage
- Serious wind or hail damage
- Ice dam formation in winter
- Sagging or roof deck rot
- Numerous cracked or warped shingles
- Roofing particle buildup in your gutters
