Metal Roof Installation cost: Davenport vs Des Moines (2026)
The two metros aren't quite in sync on metal roof installation: Davenport sits 2% below Des Moines, or roughly $21,150 versus $21,550 — about $400 apart.
Davenport IA
Lower costTypically around $21,150
Des Moines IA
Typically around $21,550
Davenport vs Des Moines: full breakdown
| Factor | Davenport | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $21,150 | $21,550 |
| Estimated range | $12,900–$29,400 | $13,100–$29,950 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.93 | ×0.95 |
| Climate zone | Cold | Cold |
| Climate factor | ×1.04 | ×1.04 |
| Local permit | $250 | $250 |
| Labor share | $12,700 | $12,950 |
| Materials/equipment | $8,450 | $8,600 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for metal roof installation — get an actual quote before you commit.
How much should this gap actually matter?
A 2% difference on metal roof installation is minor — you'll typically see a wider spread just from getting multiple quotes in the same city, so don't let location drive the decision.
Metal roof installation by type: Davenport vs Des Moines
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 | Davenport | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated steel (exposed fastener) | $9,000–$17,750 | $9,150–$18,050 |
| Standing-seam steel | $17,750–$34,250 | $18,050–$34,900 |
| Aluminum | $13,850–$27,450 | $14,100–$27,950 |
| Copper | $29,400–$58,550 | $29,950–$59,650 |
| Zinc | $27,450–$53,650 | $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: Davenport 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 | Davenport | Des Moines |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $8,000–$15,800 | $8,150–$16,100 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $10,950–$22,600 | $11,150–$23,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $12,900–$29,400 | $13,100–$29,950 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $15,800–$35,200 | $16,100–$35,900 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $18,700–$41,050 | $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?
Two roofs of the same square footage can price hundreds apart because of something you can't see from the ground — the deck under the old shingles. Add the tear-off-versus-overlay call and the shingle grade, and you have the decisions that actually move the number.
The risk case
Nail down the per-sheet decking rate in writing before anyone climbs up. Soft or rotted plywood is the most common mid-job discovery, and without an agreed number the crew names the price after they've already found the damage — turning a cheap quote into an open tab.
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
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.
Whatever the headline bid says, the roof that lasts is the one installed on a bare, sound deck with the repair price fixed in advance. Overlays and open-ended decking charges are where a cheap quote turns expensive down the line.
Davenport vs Des Moines
Is metal roof installation cheaper in Davenport or Des Moines?
Davenport wins on price: metal roof installation runs about $21,150 there versus $21,550 in Des Moines, a gap of roughly $400 (2%) as of 2026.
Why does metal roof installation cost more in Des Moines than Davenport?
The main driver is local labor rates: Des Moines's labor index is 0.95 versus 0.93 in Davenport. Climate zone (cold vs cold) also shift the total.
How much is metal roof installation in Davenport, IA?
In Davenport, metal roof installation typically runs $12,900–$29,400 in 2026, with most homeowners paying around $21,150.
When is the cheapest time to buy metal roof installation — 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 Davenport and Des Moines (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 metal roof installation cost?
Rarely. The $400 difference is real but one-time, and you can often close most of it in Des Moines 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 metal roof installation in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik