Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement cost: Medford vs Missoula (2026)
In 2026, asphalt shingle roof replacement is about 22% more expensive in Medford than in Missoula. Most homeowners pay around $10,950 in Medford versus $9,000 in Missoula — a gap of roughly $1,950.
Medford MA
Typically around $10,950
Missoula MT
Lower costTypically around $9,000
Medford vs Missoula: full breakdown
| Factor | Medford | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $10,950 | $9,000 |
| Estimated range | $7,150–$14,700 | $5,900–$12,100 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.14 | ×0.94 |
| Climate zone | Cold | Cold |
| Climate factor | ×1.05 | ×1.05 |
| Local permit | $325 | $250 |
| Labor share | $6,550 | $5,400 |
| Materials/equipment | $4,400 | $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 22% gap is meaningful on a project this size — about $1,950. That's real money, but it's often within reach of off-season timing and a tighter apples-to-apples bid in Medford.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by type: Medford vs Missoula
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 | Medford | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab shingles | $7,150–$12,300 | $5,900–$10,100 |
| Architectural shingles | $8,700–$14,700 | $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: Medford 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 | Medford | Missoula |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $4,850–$8,700 | $4,000–$7,150 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $6,300–$11,700 | $5,200–$9,650 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $7,150–$14,700 | $5,900–$12,100 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $9,300–$17,100 | $7,650–$14,050 |
| 3,000 sq ft (30 squares) | $11,100–$20,650 | $9,150–$17,050 |
| 3,500+ sq ft (35 squares) | $12,900–$24,250 | $10,600–$20,000 |
These are 2026 planning figures for asphalt shingle roof replacement, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
What roofing pros earn in each metro
Since labor accounts for around 60% of what a asphalt shingle roof replacement job costs, it's the biggest lever behind any price gap between cities. What you're seeing below is actual BLS metro wage data for skilled installers — not a guess.
Boston-Cambridge-Newton 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 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
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 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.
Whatever the headline bid says, the roof that lasts is the one installed on a bare, sound deck with the repair price fixed in advance. Overlays and open-ended decking charges are where a cheap quote turns expensive down the line.
Medford vs Missoula
Is asphalt shingle roof replacement cheaper in Medford or Missoula?
In 2026, asphalt shingle roof replacement is cheaper in Missoula at about $9,000, versus $10,950 in Medford — a difference of about $1,950 (22%).
Why does asphalt shingle roof replacement cost more in Medford than Missoula?
Labor rates explain most of it — 1.14 in Medford vs 0.94 in Missoula. A cold climate versus cold, along with differing permit costs, accounts for the rest.
How much is asphalt shingle roof replacement in Medford, MA?
In Medford, asphalt shingle roof replacement typically runs $7,150–$14,700 in 2026, with most homeowners paying around $10,950.
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 Medford 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?
Rarely. The $1,950 difference is real but one-time, and you can often close most of it in Medford by buying in the off-season and getting tighter, apples-to-apples bids. Ongoing factors — energy prices, climate and home condition — matter more over the life of the system.
Compare asphalt shingle roof replacement in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik