Metal Roof Installation cost: Ankeny vs Des Moines (2026)
Metal roof installation costs about the same in Ankeny and Des Moines in 2026 — roughly $21,550 in each.
Ankeny IA
Typically around $21,550
Des Moines IA
Typically around $21,550
Ankeny vs Des Moines: full breakdown
| Factor | Ankeny | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $21,550 | $21,550 |
| Estimated range | $13,100–$29,950 | $13,100–$29,950 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.95 | ×0.95 |
| Climate zone | Cold | Cold |
| Climate factor | ×1.04 | ×1.04 |
| Local permit | $250 | $250 |
| Labor share | $12,950 | $12,950 |
| Materials/equipment | $8,600 | $8,600 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for metal roof installation, not quotes from a contractor.
A wash — choose on quality, not city
Neither metro has a cost edge on metal roof installation — spend your decision-making energy on the contractor, not the location.
Metal roof installation by type: Ankeny vs Des Moines
Every metal roof installation type gets its own localized price for each metro, using the same labor, climate and permit adjustments — a true apples-to-apples comparison.
| Type | Ankeny | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated steel (exposed fastener) | $9,150–$18,050 | $9,150–$18,050 |
| Standing-seam steel | $18,050–$34,900 | $18,050–$34,900 |
| Aluminum | $14,100–$27,950 | $14,100–$27,950 |
| Copper | $29,950–$59,650 | $29,950–$59,650 |
| Zinc | $27,950–$54,700 | $27,950–$54,700 |
Metal roof installation numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
Metal roof installation by roof size: Ankeny vs Des Moines
Metal roofing is priced per square (100 sq ft) and costs roughly $6–$14 per sq ft installed — two to three times asphalt, but it lasts decades longer. Standing-seam costs more than exposed-fastener panels.
| Size | Ankeny | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $8,150–$16,100 | $8,150–$16,100 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $11,150–$23,000 | $11,150–$23,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $13,100–$29,950 | $13,100–$29,950 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $16,100–$35,900 | $16,100–$35,900 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $19,050–$41,850 | $19,050–$41,850 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for metal roof installation, not quotes from a contractor.
Cheapest time for metal roof installation 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?
Tear-off vs. overlay, shingle tier and what's hidden under the deck decide the real number. Our editors on the trade-offs.
The risk case
The surprise that wrecks a roofing budget is rot in the decking, and you rarely see it until the old shingles come off. Fix the price per replacement sheet in the contract before the crew starts, so a low bid can't quietly climb once the deck is open.
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.
The do-it-right case
Skipping the tear-off means burying whatever's failing underneath, and a second layer bakes the shingles from below until they curl early. Doing it properly means stripping to the deck, then paying for real underlayment, flashing and airflow — the work that sets how long the roof lasts, not just how it looks the first week.
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.
Ankeny vs Des Moines
Is metal roof installation cheaper in Ankeny or Des Moines?
Not really — both cities land at almost the same number for metal roof installation, around $21,550 each.
Why does metal roof installation cost more in Des Moines than Ankeny?
It comes down to labor: Des Moines indexes at 0.95 against Ankeny's 0.95. The cold-vs-cold climate difference adds to the gap.
How much is metal roof installation in Ankeny, IA?
Expect to pay $13,100 to $29,950 for metal roof installation in Ankeny in 2026, averaging around $21,550.
When is the cheapest time to buy metal roof installation — and does it differ by city?
No, the seasonal pattern is the same in Ankeny and Des Moines: 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 metal roof installation cost?
Cost shouldn't be the deciding factor between Ankeny and Des Moines — they land at nearly the same price. Contractor reputation, scope, equipment tier and timing matter more.
Compare metal roof installation in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik