Metal Roof Installation cost: Bothell vs Tri-Cities (2026)
The two metros aren't quite in sync on metal roof installation: Bothell sits 16% above Tri-Cities, or roughly $25,950 versus $22,300 — about $3,650 apart.
Bothell WA
Typically around $25,950
Tri-Cities WA
Lower costTypically around $22,300
Bothell vs Tri-Cities: full breakdown
| Factor | Bothell | Tri-Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $25,950 | $22,300 |
| Estimated range | $15,800–$36,050 | $13,600–$31,000 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.19 | ×1.02 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $325 | $300 |
| Labor share | $15,550 | $13,400 |
| Materials/equipment | $10,400 | $8,900 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for metal roof installation, not quotes from a contractor.
How much should this gap actually matter?
A 16% gap is meaningful on a project this size — about $3,650. That's real money, but it's often within reach of off-season timing and a tighter apples-to-apples bid in Bothell.
Metal roof installation by type: Bothell vs Tri-Cities
We localize each metal roof installation type separately for both metros, applying the same labor, climate and permit adjustments each time, so you're comparing like for like.
| Type | Bothell | Tri-Cities |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated steel (exposed fastener) | $11,050–$21,750 | $9,500–$18,750 |
| Standing-seam steel | $21,750–$42,000 | $18,750–$36,150 |
| Aluminum | $17,000–$33,700 | $14,650–$28,950 |
| Copper | $36,050–$71,800 | $31,000–$61,750 |
| Zinc | $33,700–$65,850 | $28,950–$56,600 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for metal roof installation — get an actual quote before you commit.
Metal roof installation by roof size: Bothell vs Tri-Cities
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 | Bothell | Tri-Cities |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $9,850–$19,400 | $8,500–$16,700 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $13,450–$27,750 | $11,550–$23,850 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $15,800–$36,050 | $13,600–$31,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $19,400–$43,200 | $16,700–$37,150 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $22,950–$50,350 | $19,750–$43,300 |
These are 2026 planning figures for metal roof installation, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
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.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro · about 32% above the US average installer wage.
No BLS metro wage series for Tri-Cities; we use Washington 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
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?
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.
Bothell vs Tri-Cities
Is metal roof installation cheaper in Bothell or Tri-Cities?
Tri-Cities comes out ahead here, at roughly $22,300 for metal roof installation compared with $25,950 in Bothell — a 16% ($3,650) gap as of 2026.
Why does metal roof installation cost more in Bothell than Tri-Cities?
Labor rates explain most of it — 1.19 in Bothell vs 1.02 in Tri-Cities. A mixed climate versus mixed, along with differing permit costs, accounts for the rest.
How much is metal roof installation in Bothell, WA?
Expect to pay $15,800 to $36,050 for metal roof installation in Bothell in 2026, averaging around $25,950.
When is the cheapest time to buy metal roof installation — and does it differ by city?
Timing doesn't change by city here — Late spring to early fall (dry, 45–85°F) is the cheapest window in both Bothell and Tri-Cities, saving roughly 5–10%. Avoid mid-winter and the post-storm rush in either location, when emergency replacements push prices up.
Should I choose where to live based on metal roof installation cost?
Probably not. Yes, $3,650 is a real gap, but it's a one-time cost you can partly offset in Bothell with off-season timing and tighter bids. Long-term factors like energy prices and home condition matter more than this one number.
Compare metal roof installation in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik