Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement cost: Arlington vs McLean (2026)
Arlington and McLean are a near-perfect match on asphalt shingle roof replacement cost in 2026, both landing around $9,900.
Arlington VA
Typically around $9,900
McLean VA
Typically around $9,900
Arlington vs McLean: full breakdown
| Factor | Arlington | McLean |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $9,900 | $9,900 |
| Estimated range | $6,450–$13,300 | $6,450–$13,300 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.08 | ×1.08 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $300 | $300 |
| Labor share | $5,950 | $5,950 |
| Materials/equipment | $3,950 | $3,950 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for asphalt shingle roof replacement, not quotes from a contractor.
A wash — choose on quality, not city
Neither metro has a cost edge on asphalt shingle roof replacement — spend your decision-making energy on the contractor, not the location.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by type: Arlington vs McLean
We localize each asphalt shingle roof replacement type separately for both metros, applying the same labor, climate and permit adjustments each time, so you're comparing like for like.
| Type | Arlington | McLean |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab shingles | $6,450–$11,150 | $6,450–$11,150 |
| Architectural shingles | $7,900–$13,300 | $7,900–$13,300 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for asphalt shingle roof replacement — get an actual quote before you commit.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by roof size: Arlington vs McLean
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 | Arlington | McLean |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $4,400–$7,900 | $4,400–$7,900 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $5,700–$10,600 | $5,700–$10,600 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $6,450–$13,300 | $6,450–$13,300 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $8,400–$15,450 | $8,400–$15,450 |
| 3,000 sq ft (30 squares) | $10,050–$18,700 | $10,050–$18,700 |
| 3,500+ sq ft (35 squares) | $11,650–$21,950 | $11,650–$21,950 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national asphalt shingle roof replacement range for local labor, climate and permits.
What roofing pros earn in each metro
About 60% of a asphalt shingle roof replacement bill goes to labor, so wage differences between these two metros matter more than almost anything else. These are real, government-sourced (BLS OEWS) installer wages, not estimates.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro · about 14% above the US average installer wage.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro · about 14% above the US average installer wage.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metro wages for HVAC installers (used as a trade-labor index).
Cheapest time for asphalt shingle roof replacement in either city
Shingles need warm, dry weather to seal, and demand peaks after summer storms. Booking in the slow late-fall/winter window for a spring install often unlocks off-season pricing.
Where does a smart roofing budget go in 2026?
Roofing budgets swing on decisions most homeowners don't think to ask about — overlay vs. tear-off, shingle tier, deck condition. Our editors break down each one.
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 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 do-it-right case
Pay for a full tear-off and quality underlayment, flashing and ventilation. An overlay saves money today but traps heat, voids some warranties and costs more at the next replacement.
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.
Arlington vs McLean
Is asphalt shingle roof replacement cheaper in Arlington or McLean?
asphalt shingle roof replacement costs about the same in both — roughly $9,900 in each city.
Why does asphalt shingle roof replacement cost more in McLean than Arlington?
Labor rates explain most of it — 1.08 in McLean vs 1.08 in Arlington. A mixed climate versus mixed accounts for the rest.
How much is asphalt shingle roof replacement in Arlington, VA?
asphalt shingle roof replacement in Arlington runs $6,450–$13,300 as of 2026 — most jobs land near $9,900.
Do roofing pros really charge more in one city?
Yes — and the wage data shows it. A skilled installer earns about $35.4/hr in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area versus $35.4/hr around Washington-Arlington-Alexandria (BLS metro wage data). Since labor is roughly 60% of a asphalt shingle roof replacement job, that wage gap is the biggest reason the installed prices differ.
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 Arlington and McLean: 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?
Cost shouldn't be the deciding factor between Arlington and McLean — they land at nearly the same price. Contractor reputation, scope, equipment tier and timing matter more.
Compare asphalt shingle roof replacement in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik