Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement cost: Philadelphia vs Scranton (2026)
In 2026, asphalt shingle roof replacement is about 9% more expensive in Philadelphia than in Scranton. Most homeowners pay around $9,950 in Philadelphia versus $9,100 in Scranton — a gap of roughly $850.
Philadelphia PA
Typically around $9,950
Scranton PA
Lower costTypically around $9,100
Philadelphia vs Scranton: full breakdown
| Factor | Philadelphia | Scranton |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $9,950 | $9,100 |
| Estimated range | $6,500–$13,400 | $5,950–$12,250 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.04 | ×0.95 |
| Climate zone | Cold | Cold |
| Climate factor | ×1.05 | ×1.05 |
| Local permit | $275 | $250 |
| Labor share | $5,950 | $5,450 |
| Materials/equipment | $4,000 | $3,650 |
Asphalt shingle roof replacement numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
Is the price difference a dealbreaker?
A 9% spread (roughly $850) is significant enough to plan around, but not fixed — off-peak timing and sharper bidding in Philadelphia typically recover some of it.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by type: Philadelphia vs Scranton
Each asphalt shingle roof replacement option, priced separately for both metros — the same local labor, climate and permit adjustments applied per city, so you can compare like for like.
| Type | Philadelphia | Scranton |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab shingles | $6,500–$11,250 | $5,950–$10,250 |
| Architectural shingles | $7,950–$13,400 | $7,250–$12,250 |
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: Philadelphia vs Scranton
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 | Philadelphia | Scranton |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $4,450–$7,950 | $4,050–$7,250 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $5,750–$10,700 | $5,250–$9,750 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $6,500–$13,400 | $5,950–$12,250 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $8,500–$15,600 | $7,750–$14,250 |
| 3,000 sq ft (30 squares) | $10,150–$18,900 | $9,250–$17,250 |
| 3,500+ sq ft (35 squares) | $11,800–$22,200 | $10,750–$20,250 |
Asphalt shingle roof replacement numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
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.
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro · about 7% above the US average installer wage.
No BLS metro wage series for Scranton; we use Pennsylvania 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
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?
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 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.
Full tear-off, architectural shingles and a written deck-repair rate protect you from the two big risks — hidden rot and warranty gaps. The lowest storm-season bid is rarely the cheapest over the roof's life.
Philadelphia vs Scranton
Is asphalt shingle roof replacement cheaper in Philadelphia or Scranton?
Yes — Philadelphia costs more. Expect around $9,950 for asphalt shingle roof replacement there against $9,100 in Scranton, about $850 (9%) apart in 2026.
Why does asphalt shingle roof replacement cost more in Philadelphia than Scranton?
Labor rates explain most of it — 1.04 in Philadelphia vs 0.95 in Scranton. A cold climate versus cold, along with differing permit costs, accounts for the rest.
How much is asphalt shingle roof replacement in Philadelphia, PA?
asphalt shingle roof replacement in Philadelphia runs $6,500–$13,400 as of 2026 — most jobs land near $9,950.
When is the cheapest time to buy asphalt shingle roof replacement — and does it differ by city?
It doesn't vary by location — Late spring to early fall (dry, 45–85°F) is the discount window in both Philadelphia and Scranton (roughly 5–10% off), while mid-winter and the post-storm rush tends to be the most expensive in either city.
Should I choose where to live based on asphalt shingle roof replacement cost?
Rarely. The $850 difference is real but one-time, and you can often close most of it in Philadelphia 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