Flat Roof Replacement cost: Knoxville vs Memphis (2026)
The two metros aren't quite in sync on flat roof replacement: Knoxville sits 1% below Memphis, or roughly $9,750 versus $9,850 — about $100 apart.
Knoxville TN
Lower costTypically around $9,750
Memphis TN
Typically around $9,850
Knoxville vs Memphis: full breakdown
| Factor | Knoxville | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $9,750 | $9,850 |
| Estimated range | $5,000–$14,450 | $5,050–$14,650 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.95 | ×0.96 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $250 | $250 |
| Labor share | $5,850 | $5,900 |
| Materials/equipment | $3,900 | $3,950 |
These are 2026 planning figures for flat roof replacement, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
Is the price difference a dealbreaker?
1% is within noise for flat roof replacement — contractor selection and timing move the price more than which of these two metros you're in.
Flat roof replacement by type: Knoxville vs Memphis
Below, each flat roof replacement option is priced independently for both cities, with identical local labor, climate and permit logic applied — so the comparison holds up.
| Type | Knoxville | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| EPDM (rubber) | $5,000–$11,600 | $5,050–$11,750 |
| TPO | $5,950–$12,550 | $6,000–$12,700 |
| PVC | $6,850–$14,450 | $6,950–$14,650 |
| Modified bitumen | $5,000–$10,650 | $5,050–$10,800 |
| Built-up roofing (BUR) | $6,400–$13,500 | $6,500–$13,650 |
These are 2026 planning figures for flat roof replacement, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
Flat roof replacement by roof size: Knoxville vs Memphis
Flat and low-slope roofs are priced per square (100 sq ft) and run about $3–$11 per sq ft installed, depending on the membrane. The roof area is close to the footprint since there's little pitch.
| Size | Knoxville | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $4,050–$8,300 | $4,100–$8,400 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $5,000–$10,650 | $5,050–$10,800 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $5,950–$13,500 | $6,000–$13,650 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $7,350–$15,400 | $7,450–$15,600 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $8,750–$18,200 | $8,900–$18,450 |
Flat 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 flat 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.
No BLS metro wage series for Knoxville; we use Tennessee regional price parity instead.
Memphis metro · about 7% below 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 flat 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?
A roofing quote can hide a lot behind a single number — whether it's a true tear-off, the shingle grade, and what's under the surface. Here's how our editors sort through it.
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.
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.
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.
Knoxville vs Memphis
Is flat roof replacement cheaper in Knoxville or Memphis?
Knoxville wins on price: flat roof replacement runs about $9,750 there versus $9,850 in Memphis, a gap of roughly $100 (1%) as of 2026.
Why does flat roof replacement cost more in Memphis than Knoxville?
Labor rates explain most of it — 0.96 in Memphis vs 0.95 in Knoxville. A mixed climate versus mixed accounts for the rest.
How much is flat roof replacement in Knoxville, TN?
Knoxville homeowners can expect $5,000 to $14,450 for flat roof replacement in 2026, with $9,750 the typical number.
When is the cheapest time to buy flat roof replacement — and does it differ by city?
The best window is the same in both Knoxville and Memphis: 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 flat roof replacement cost?
That would be a stretch. $100 is a one-time difference, not an ongoing one, and off-season buying plus apples-to-apples bids in Memphis can close a good chunk of it. What matters more long-term is energy costs, climate and the condition of the home.
Compare flat roof replacement in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik