How Much Do Asphalt Roof Shingles Cost?

Average Cost of Asphalt Shingles

As of 2025, the average cost for asphalt shingles is $3.50 to $9.50 per square foot, including material, demolition, and labor costs.

Asphalt shingles are one of the most budget-friendly roofing options, making them the most popular choice among homeowners. Material prices range from $1.50 to $9.50 per square foot, or $150 to $950 per square (100 square feet), depending on the type and brand. Basic 3-tab shingles cost less, while luxury shingles cost more.

Installation adds $1.50 to $4 per square foot, depending on factors like roof pitch (aka slope), accessibility, labor needs, local rates, and season. If your old roof needs to be removed, expect an additional $0.50 to $1 per square foot for demolition and disposal.

Cost by Roof Size

While several factors can influence your final roofing cost, your roof’s size plays the biggest role.

How to Calculate Your Roof Size

Unless you’re ready to climb up on your roof and take some measurements (which we don’t recommend) there’s no easy way to measure your roof’s exact size. But if you know your home’s square footage, you can get a close estimate.

Let’s say your home is 2,000 square feet. If the roof has a moderate slope and isn’t too complex, multiply that number by 1.1 to estimate a 2,200-square-foot roof.

If your roof is steep and more complex, multiply by 1.5 for approximately a 3,000-square-foot roof.

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Cost by Type of Shingle

Asphalt shingles come in three main types: 3-tab, architectural, and luxury. Each differs in durability, appearance, and price.

Let’s take a closer look at each:

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles

These are the most commonly installed asphalt shingles on homes. They have cutouts or “tabs” along their bottom edge, giving the appearance of three separate shingles.

3-tab asphalt shingles have an average installation cost of $3 to $5 per square foot, or $7,500 to $12,500 for a 2,500-square-foot roof.

• Material: Asphalt-coated fiberglass and mineral granules.

• Lifespan: 18 to 20 years on average.

Average Cost per Sq. Ft:

$3 to $5

Architectural Shingles

Architectural roofing shingles don’t have cutouts. Instead, they’re laminated with an extra asphalt layer that creates a contoured, dimensional appearance.

The average cost to install architectural asphalt shingles is $4 to $8.50 per square foot, or $10,000 to $21,250 for a 2,500-square-foot roof.

• Material: Laminated layers of asphalt-coated fiberglass and mineral granules.

• Lifespan: 20 to 30 years on average.

Average Cost per Sq. Ft:

$4 to $8.50

Luxury Synthetic Asphalt Shingles

Also known as designer shingles, luxury shingles mimic the look of premium materials like natural wood or slate tile roofs but at a much lower price.

On average, the cost to install luxury asphalt shingles is $7 to $14.50 per square foot, or $17,500 to $36,250 for a 2,500-square-foot roof.

• Material: A composite of plastic, wood, asphalt, and laminate.

• Lifespan: 30+ years on average.

Average Cost per Sq. Ft:

$7 to $14.50

Factors Influencing Asphalt Shingle Costs

Many factors affect how much you’ll pay for your asphalt shingle roofing project. Here are some of the most important ones:

Type and Brand of Asphalt Shingle

Choosing between 3-tab, architectural, or luxury shingles can make a big difference in price. Upgrading from basic 3-tab to luxury shingles can triple your material cost. Higher-end brands also charge more because their shingles are more durable and often come with longer warranties — expect to pay 20% to 50% more for premium brands.

Roof Size, Layout, and Pitch

Larger roofs require more materials and more labor hours, increasing total costs. Additionally, complex roof designs with multiple valleys, hips, and a steep pitch will require more time and materials to shingle correctly, which can raise labor costs by 20 to 40%.

Geographic Location

Where you live affects labor and material prices. In cities like New York or San Francisco, costs are usually higher than in rural areas due to higher wages and supply prices. During a local construction boom, labor rates can increase by 15% to 30%. Some areas also require permits for roof replacements, which adds to the total.

Market Fluctuations in Material Prices

Asphalt is a petroleum product, so oil prices can impact shingle prices. For example, a spike in oil prices could cause shingle prices to increase by 5% to 10%.

Removal and Disposal of Old Roofing

Tearing off your old roof and hauling it away adds to the total price. If your roof has multiple layers that need to be removed, demolition costs can double.

Warranties

Shingles come with different warranty levels, from 20 years up to lifetime coverage. Choosing a lifetime warranty can add 10% to 15% to your material costs, but it may be worth it for long-term peace of mind.

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How to Save Money on Asphalt Shingle Replacement

While your roof isn’t something you should cheap out on, the cost of replacing shingles can be expensive. Thankfully, there are a few ways you may be able to save some money:

• Consider a mid-tier option. Basic 3-tab shingles are affordable but less durable. Upgrading to architectural or luxury shingles may cost more upfront but last longer and save money over time.
• Make sure they’re right for your climate. In areas with frequent hail, strong winds, or lots of humidity, impact-, wind-, or algae-resistant shingles may prevent future damage. These can cost 10% to 15% more but help reduce repair needs later.
• Repair instead of replacing. Sometimes a repair is all you need. Ask a local roofer if a full replacement is necessary.
• Compare quotes from different contractors. Always request quotes from at least three contractors to compare prices and services.
• Lay new shingles on top of the old ones. Layer new shingles over old ones. If local codes allow and your roof has only one layer of shingles, you might be able to add new shingles without tearing off the old ones, helping you save on removal costs.
• Keep your roof clean. You may never think about cleaning your roof, but regular soft washing by a pro can extend your roof’s life. Avoid power washing, which can damage shingles.

Shingle Replacement vs Repair Costs

If your roof is less than 15 years old and is damaged in a few spots, you may be able to get by with a repair, rather than a full replacement. A roofing contractor can come out to inspect your roof and tell you what your best option is. If they decide a repair is a feasible course of action, it can save you a ton of money.

On average, replacing an asphalt shingle roof costs over $10,000, while a roof repair costs less than $2,000.

DIY vs Professional Installation

While we love DIY projects as much as the next guy, we don’t recommend installing your shingles yourself (unless you’re a roofer). There’s a lot of risk of installing something incorrectly, which can lead to mold and water damage, and DIY shingle installation often voids the manufacturer’s warranty. Plus, working on a roof is very dangerous, especially if you don’t have the right tools and experience.

For safety and peace of mind, we recommend hiring a pro.

Finding a Professional Roofing Contractor

Since we’ve established that installing your roof yourself is a bad idea, let Modernize help you find a reliable roofer. We can connect you with local contractors who are experienced, licensed, and ready to help. We’ll help you compare three to four quotes to find the best professional for your budget and needs.

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