Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement cost: Evanston vs Missoula (2026)
The two metros aren't quite in sync on asphalt shingle roof replacement: Evanston sits 21% above Missoula, or roughly $10,850 versus $9,000 — about $1,850 apart.
Evanston IL
Typically around $10,850
Missoula MT
Lower costTypically around $9,000
Evanston vs Missoula: full breakdown
| Factor | Evanston | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $10,850 | $9,000 |
| Estimated range | $7,100–$14,600 | $5,900–$12,100 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.14 | ×0.94 |
| Climate zone | Cold | Cold |
| Climate factor | ×1.05 | ×1.05 |
| Local permit | $300 | $250 |
| Labor share | $6,500 | $5,400 |
| Materials/equipment | $4,350 | $3,600 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national asphalt shingle roof replacement range for local labor, climate and permits.
Is the gap worth worrying about?
A 21% spread (roughly $1,850) is significant enough to plan around, but not fixed — off-peak timing and sharper bidding in Evanston typically recover some of it.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by type: Evanston vs Missoula
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 | Evanston | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab shingles | $7,100–$12,200 | $5,900–$10,100 |
| Architectural shingles | $8,650–$14,600 | $7,150–$12,100 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for asphalt shingle roof replacement, not quotes from a contractor.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by roof size: Evanston vs Missoula
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 | Evanston | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $4,850–$8,650 | $4,000–$7,150 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $6,250–$11,600 | $5,200–$9,650 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $7,100–$14,600 | $5,900–$12,100 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $9,250–$17,000 | $7,650–$14,050 |
| 3,000 sq ft (30 squares) | $11,050–$20,550 | $9,150–$17,050 |
| 3,500+ sq ft (35 squares) | $12,800–$24,150 | $10,600–$20,000 |
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
With labor making up about 60% of a asphalt shingle roof replacement job, wage differences between metros do most of the work here. These figures are real BLS OEWS installer wages, not modeled estimates.
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro · about 23% above the US average installer wage.
No BLS metro wage series for Missoula; we use Montana regional price parity instead.
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
Storm season pushes demand — and prices — up through summer, since shingles need warm, dry weather to bond correctly. Roofers with open winter calendars will often deal to fill a spring slot.
Where does a smart roofing budget go in 2026?
Two roofs of the same square footage can price hundreds apart because of something you can't see from the ground — the deck under the old shingles. Add the tear-off-versus-overlay call and the shingle grade, and you have the decisions that actually move the number.
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 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 value case
Architectural shingles sit between bargain 3-tab and premium metal or tile, and for most houses that middle ground is exactly right. They carry longer wind and wear ratings than 3-tab for a small step up in price, without the four-figure jump metal or tile demands.
Judge a roofing bid on its scope, not its bottom line — a genuine tear-off, a documented per-sheet deck rate, and a mid-grade architectural shingle. Those three close the gaps that let a low storm-season number balloon over the years.
Evanston vs Missoula
Is asphalt shingle roof replacement cheaper in Evanston or Missoula?
Missoula comes out ahead here, at roughly $9,000 for asphalt shingle roof replacement compared with $10,850 in Evanston — a 21% ($1,850) gap as of 2026.
Why does asphalt shingle roof replacement cost more in Evanston than Missoula?
The main driver is local labor rates: Evanston's labor index is 1.14 versus 0.94 in Missoula. Climate zone (cold vs cold) and permit fees also shift the total.
How much is asphalt shingle roof replacement in Evanston, IL?
Evanston homeowners can expect $7,100 to $14,600 for asphalt shingle roof replacement in 2026, with $10,850 the typical number.
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 Evanston and Missoula: 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?
Probably not. Yes, $1,850 is a real gap, but it's a one-time cost you can partly offset in Evanston with off-season timing and tighter bids. Long-term factors like energy prices and home condition matter more than this one number.
Compare asphalt shingle roof replacement in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik