Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement cost: Cambridge vs Chelsea (2026)
Asphalt shingle roof replacement costs about the same in Cambridge and Chelsea in 2026 — roughly $10,950 in each.
Cambridge MA
Typically around $10,950
Chelsea MA
Typically around $10,950
Cambridge vs Chelsea: full breakdown
| Factor | Cambridge | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $10,950 | $10,950 |
| Estimated range | $7,150–$14,700 | $7,150–$14,700 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.14 | ×1.14 |
| Climate zone | Cold | Cold |
| Climate factor | ×1.05 | ×1.05 |
| Local permit | $325 | $325 |
| Labor share | $6,550 | $6,550 |
| Materials/equipment | $4,400 | $4,400 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for asphalt shingle roof replacement — get an actual quote before you commit.
No real cost edge either way
The two metros are effectively a wash for asphalt shingle roof replacement — pick on contractor quality and timing, not location.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by type: Cambridge vs Chelsea
Every asphalt shingle roof replacement type gets its own localized price for each metro, using the same labor, climate and permit adjustments — a true apples-to-apples comparison.
| Type | Cambridge | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab shingles | $7,150–$12,300 | $7,150–$12,300 |
| Architectural shingles | $8,700–$14,700 | $8,700–$14,700 |
These are 2026 planning figures for asphalt shingle roof replacement, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by roof size: Cambridge vs Chelsea
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 | Cambridge | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $4,850–$8,700 | $4,850–$8,700 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $6,300–$11,700 | $6,300–$11,700 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $7,150–$14,700 | $7,150–$14,700 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $9,300–$17,100 | $9,300–$17,100 |
| 3,000 sq ft (30 squares) | $11,100–$20,650 | $11,100–$20,650 |
| 3,500+ sq ft (35 squares) | $12,900–$24,250 | $12,900–$24,250 |
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
Labor is about 60% of a asphalt shingle roof replacement bill, so local wages drive most of the gap. These are real metro hourly wages for skilled installers (BLS OEWS), not estimates.
Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro · about 23% above the US average installer wage.
Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro · about 23% 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
Roofers are slammed the moment warm weather returns, especially after storms. Get on their books in the off-season for a spring job and you're negotiating with an empty calendar, not a waiting list.
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
Nail down the per-sheet decking rate in writing before anyone climbs up. Soft or rotted plywood is the most common mid-job discovery, and without an agreed number the crew names the price after they've already found the damage — turning a cheap quote into an open tab.
The value case
For a typical home, the architectural shingle is the default that makes sense. It outlasts 3-tab by a wide margin at a modest premium, and it spares you the cost of metal or tile that most roofs never need to justify.
The do-it-right case
A full tear-off lets the crew replace underlayment, flashing and ventilation while the deck is exposed — the layers that actually keep water out. Covering old shingles with new ones costs less on install day, but the trapped heat shortens shingle life, and many manufacturers won't honor a warranty on an overlay.
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.
Cambridge vs Chelsea
Is asphalt shingle roof replacement cheaper in Cambridge or Chelsea?
Not really — both cities land at almost the same number for asphalt shingle roof replacement, around $10,950 each.
Why does asphalt shingle roof replacement cost more in Chelsea than Cambridge?
Labor rates explain most of it — 1.14 in Chelsea vs 1.14 in Cambridge. A cold climate versus cold accounts for the rest.
How much is asphalt shingle roof replacement in Cambridge, MA?
Expect to pay $7,150 to $14,700 for asphalt shingle roof replacement in Cambridge in 2026, averaging around $10,950.
Do roofing pros really charge more in one city?
Real wage data backs this up — skilled installers earn roughly $38.4/hr in Boston-Cambridge-Newton compared with $38.4/hr in Boston-Cambridge-Newton (BLS OEWS). Labor is about 60% of a asphalt shingle roof replacement job, so that wage gap is what mostly drives the price difference.
When is the cheapest time to buy asphalt shingle roof replacement — and does it differ by city?
The best window is the same in both Cambridge and Chelsea: Late spring to early fall (dry, 45–85°F), when demand drops and installers discount to keep crews busy — typically 5–10% off peak pricing. The most expensive time anywhere is an emergency replacement during mid-winter and the post-storm rush.
Should I choose where to live based on asphalt shingle roof replacement cost?
No — the cost is essentially identical between Cambridge and Chelsea. Base the decision on the things that actually vary: contractor reputation, scope, equipment tier and timing.
Compare asphalt shingle roof replacement in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik