Metal Roof Installation cost: Kennewick vs Tacoma (2026)
Budget-wise, metal roof installation in Kennewick ($22,300) runs 16% less than in Tacoma ($25,950), a roughly $3,650 spread.
Kennewick WA
Lower costTypically around $22,300
Tacoma WA
Typically around $25,950
Kennewick vs Tacoma: full breakdown
| Factor | Kennewick | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $22,300 | $25,950 |
| Estimated range | $13,600–$31,000 | $15,800–$36,050 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.02 | ×1.19 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $300 | $325 |
| Labor share | $13,400 | $15,550 |
| Materials/equipment | $8,900 | $10,400 |
Metal roof installation numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
Is the price difference a dealbreaker?
16% (about $3,650) is enough to notice on a metal roof installation budget. Timing the purchase for the off-season and pushing for an apples-to-apples bid in Tacoma can close much of that gap.
Metal roof installation by type: Kennewick vs Tacoma
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 | Kennewick | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated steel (exposed fastener) | $9,500–$18,750 | $11,050–$21,750 |
| Standing-seam steel | $18,750–$36,150 | $21,750–$42,000 |
| Aluminum | $14,650–$28,950 | $17,000–$33,700 |
| Copper | $31,000–$61,750 | $36,050–$71,800 |
| Zinc | $28,950–$56,600 | $33,700–$65,850 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for metal roof installation — get an actual quote before you commit.
Metal roof installation by roof size: Kennewick vs Tacoma
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 | Kennewick | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $8,500–$16,700 | $9,850–$19,400 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $11,550–$23,850 | $13,450–$27,750 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $13,600–$31,000 | $15,800–$36,050 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $16,700–$37,150 | $19,400–$43,200 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $19,750–$43,300 | $22,950–$50,350 |
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.
No BLS metro wage series for Kennewick; we use Washington regional price parity instead.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro · about 32% above 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 metal roof installation in either city
Shingles need warm, dry weather to seal, and demand peaks after summer storms. Booking in the slow late-fall/winter window for a spring install often earns you off-season pricing.
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
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.
Kennewick vs Tacoma
Is metal roof installation cheaper in Kennewick or Tacoma?
Yes — Tacoma costs more. Expect around $25,950 for metal roof installation there against $22,300 in Kennewick, about $3,650 (16%) apart in 2026.
Why does metal roof installation cost more in Tacoma than Kennewick?
The main driver is local labor rates: Tacoma's labor index is 1.19 versus 1.02 in Kennewick. Climate zone (mixed vs mixed) and permit fees also shift the total.
How much is metal roof installation in Kennewick, WA?
metal roof installation in Kennewick runs $13,600–$31,000 as of 2026 — most jobs land near $22,300.
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 Kennewick and Tacoma, 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?
That would be a stretch. $3,650 is a one-time difference, not an ongoing one, and off-season buying plus apples-to-apples bids in Tacoma can close a good chunk of it. What matters more long-term is energy costs, climate and the condition of the home.
Compare metal roof installation in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik