Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement cost: Ames vs Davenport (2026)
The two metros aren't quite in sync on asphalt shingle roof replacement: Ames sits 1% below Davenport, or roughly $8,900 versus $8,950 — about $50 apart.
Ames IA
Lower costTypically around $8,900
Davenport IA
Typically around $8,950
Ames vs Davenport: full breakdown
| Factor | Ames | Davenport |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $8,900 | $8,950 |
| Estimated range | $5,800–$11,950 | $5,850–$12,000 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.93 | ×0.93 |
| Climate zone | Cold | Cold |
| Climate factor | ×1.05 | ×1.05 |
| Local permit | $250 | $250 |
| Labor share | $5,350 | $5,350 |
| Materials/equipment | $3,550 | $3,600 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for asphalt shingle roof replacement — get an actual quote before you commit.
Is the price difference a dealbreaker?
A 1% difference on asphalt shingle roof replacement is minor — you'll typically see a wider spread just from getting multiple quotes in the same city, so don't let location drive the decision.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by type: Ames vs Davenport
Below, each asphalt shingle roof replacement option is priced independently for both cities, with identical local labor, climate and permit logic applied — so the comparison holds up.
| Type | Ames | Davenport |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab shingles | $5,800–$10,000 | $5,850–$10,050 |
| Architectural shingles | $7,050–$11,950 | $7,100–$12,000 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for asphalt shingle roof replacement, not quotes from a contractor.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by roof size: Ames vs Davenport
Roofing is priced per 'square' (100 sq ft of roof). A roof is bigger than the home's footprint because of pitch and overhangs — a 2,000 sq ft home often has a 2,200–2,600 sq ft roof. Asphalt runs about $3–$5 per sq ft installed.
| Size | Ames | Davenport |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $3,950–$7,050 | $4,000–$7,100 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $5,100–$9,500 | $5,150–$9,550 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $5,800–$11,950 | $5,850–$12,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $7,550–$13,900 | $7,600–$14,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft (30 squares) | $9,000–$16,800 | $9,100–$16,900 |
| 3,500+ sq ft (35 squares) | $10,500–$19,750 | $10,550–$19,850 |
Asphalt shingle roof replacement numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
Cheapest time for asphalt shingle roof replacement in either city
Shingles seal properly only in warm, dry conditions, which is exactly when everyone else wants a new roof too — especially right after a summer hailstorm. Lock in a late-fall or winter booking for a spring install and you skip that rush.
Where does a smart roofing budget go in 2026?
The real cost of a roof comes down to three decisions: tear-off or overlay, which shingle tier, and what condition the decking is in. Our editors weigh in.
The do-it-right case
Skipping the tear-off means burying whatever's failing underneath, and a second layer bakes the shingles from below until they curl early. Doing it properly means stripping to the deck, then paying for real underlayment, flashing and airflow — the work that sets how long the roof lasts, not just how it looks the first week.
The value case
Architectural shingles hit the sweet spot — far more durable than 3-tab for a modest premium, and far cheaper than metal or tile. For most homes they're the right default.
The risk case
Budget for the unknown: rotten decking found at tear-off is the most common surprise. Get the per-sheet repair rate in writing up front so a "cheap" bid doesn't balloon mid-job.
The two things that actually protect a roofing budget are a real tear-off and a written rate for any deck repairs found along the way. The cheapest post-storm bid usually isn't the cheapest roof, long-term.
Ames vs Davenport
Is asphalt shingle roof replacement cheaper in Ames or Davenport?
Yes — Davenport costs more. Expect around $8,950 for asphalt shingle roof replacement there against $8,900 in Ames, about $50 (1%) apart in 2026.
Why does asphalt shingle roof replacement cost more in Davenport than Ames?
The main driver is local labor rates: Davenport's labor index is 0.93 versus 0.93 in Ames. Climate zone (cold vs cold) also shift the total.
How much is asphalt shingle roof replacement in Ames, IA?
In Ames, asphalt shingle roof replacement typically runs $5,800–$11,950 in 2026, with most homeowners paying around $8,900.
When is the cheapest time to buy asphalt shingle roof replacement — and does it differ by city?
No, the seasonal pattern is the same in Ames and Davenport: book during Late spring to early fall (dry, 45–85°F) for about 5–10% in savings. Mid-winter and the post-storm rush is the priciest stretch in both cities, mostly due to emergency replacements.
Should I choose where to live based on asphalt shingle roof replacement cost?
That would be a stretch. $50 is a one-time difference, not an ongoing one, and off-season buying plus apples-to-apples bids in Davenport can close a good chunk of it. What matters more long-term is energy costs, climate and the condition of the home.
Compare asphalt shingle roof replacement in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik