Metal Roof Installation cost: Billerica vs Worcester (2026)
The two metros aren't quite in sync on metal roof installation: Billerica sits 11% above Worcester, or roughly $25,850 versus $23,350 — about $2,500 apart.
Billerica MA
Typically around $25,850
Worcester MA
Lower costTypically around $23,350
Billerica vs Worcester: full breakdown
| Factor | Billerica | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $25,850 | $23,350 |
| Estimated range | $15,750–$35,900 | $14,250–$32,450 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.14 | ×1.03 |
| Climate zone | Cold | Cold |
| Climate factor | ×1.04 | ×1.04 |
| Local permit | $325 | $300 |
| Labor share | $15,500 | $14,000 |
| Materials/equipment | $10,350 | $9,350 |
These are 2026 planning figures for metal roof installation, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
Is the price difference a dealbreaker?
A 11% spread (roughly $2,500) is significant enough to plan around, but not fixed — off-peak timing and sharper bidding in Billerica typically recover some of it.
Metal roof installation by type: Billerica vs Worcester
Each metal roof installation 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 | Billerica | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated steel (exposed fastener) | $11,000–$21,650 | $9,950–$19,600 |
| Standing-seam steel | $21,650–$41,800 | $19,600–$37,800 |
| Aluminum | $16,900–$33,500 | $15,300–$30,300 |
| Copper | $35,900–$71,450 | $32,450–$64,550 |
| Zinc | $33,500–$65,500 | $30,300–$59,200 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for metal roof installation, not quotes from a contractor.
Metal roof installation by roof size: Billerica vs Worcester
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 | Billerica | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $9,800–$19,300 | $8,850–$17,450 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $13,350–$27,600 | $12,100–$24,950 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $15,750–$35,900 | $14,250–$32,450 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $19,300–$43,000 | $17,450–$38,850 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $22,850–$50,100 | $20,650–$45,300 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for metal roof installation — get an actual quote before you commit.
What roofing pros earn in each metro
With labor making up about 60% of a metal roof installation job, wage differences between metros do most of the work here. These figures are real BLS OEWS installer wages, not modeled estimates.
Boston-Cambridge-Newton metro · about 23% above the US average installer wage.
No BLS metro wage series for Worcester; we use Massachusetts 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 metal roof installation in either city
Shingles seal properly only in warm, dry conditions, which is exactly when everyone else wants a new roof too — especially right after a summer hailstorm. Lock in a late-fall or winter booking for a spring install and you skip that rush.
Where does a smart roofing budget go in 2026?
Roofing budgets swing on decisions most homeowners don't think to ask about — overlay vs. tear-off, shingle tier, deck condition. Our editors break down each one.
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
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 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.
Billerica vs Worcester
Is metal roof installation cheaper in Billerica or Worcester?
Worcester comes out ahead here, at roughly $23,350 for metal roof installation compared with $25,850 in Billerica — a 11% ($2,500) gap as of 2026.
Why does metal roof installation cost more in Billerica than Worcester?
The main driver is local labor rates: Billerica's labor index is 1.14 versus 1.03 in Worcester. Climate zone (cold vs cold) and permit fees also shift the total.
How much is metal roof installation in Billerica, MA?
metal roof installation in Billerica runs $15,750–$35,900 as of 2026 — most jobs land near $25,850.
When is the cheapest time to buy metal roof installation — and does it differ by city?
No, the seasonal pattern is the same in Billerica and Worcester: 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?
Not really — the $2,500 gap is one-time, and smart timing and tighter quotes in Billerica can shrink it. Factors that compound over time, like energy prices and home condition, deserve more weight than a single upfront difference.
Compare metal roof installation in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik