Metal Roof Installation cost: Knoxville vs New South Memphis (2026)
In 2026, metal roof installation is about 1% less expensive in Knoxville than in New South Memphis. Most homeowners pay around $20,600 in Knoxville versus $20,850 in New South Memphis — a gap of roughly $250.
Knoxville TN
Lower costTypically around $20,600
New South Memphis TN
Typically around $20,850
Knoxville vs New South Memphis: full breakdown
| Factor | Knoxville | New South Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $20,600 | $20,850 |
| Estimated range | $12,550–$28,650 | $12,700–$29,000 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.95 | ×0.96 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $250 | $250 |
| Labor share | $12,350 | $12,500 |
| Materials/equipment | $8,250 | $8,350 |
These are 2026 planning figures for metal roof installation, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
Is the gap worth worrying about?
At 1%, this gap is small enough that it's usually swallowed by normal quote-to-quote variation for metal roof installation — focus on the contractor, not the city.
Metal roof installation by type: Knoxville vs New South Memphis
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 | Knoxville | New South Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated steel (exposed fastener) | $8,750–$17,300 | $8,900–$17,500 |
| Standing-seam steel | $17,300–$33,350 | $17,500–$33,800 |
| Aluminum | $13,500–$26,750 | $13,650–$27,100 |
| Copper | $28,650–$57,000 | $29,000–$57,750 |
| Zinc | $26,750–$52,300 | $27,100–$52,950 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for metal roof installation — get an actual quote before you commit.
Metal roof installation by roof size: Knoxville vs New South Memphis
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 | Knoxville | New South Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $7,800–$15,400 | $7,900–$15,600 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $10,650–$22,000 | $10,800–$22,300 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $12,550–$28,650 | $12,700–$29,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $15,400–$34,300 | $15,600–$34,750 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $18,200–$40,000 | $18,450–$40,500 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national metal roof installation range for local labor, climate and permits.
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 Knoxville; we use Tennessee regional price parity instead.
Memphis metro · about 7% below 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
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 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.
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.
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.
Knoxville vs New South Memphis
Is metal roof installation cheaper in Knoxville or New South Memphis?
Yes — New South Memphis costs more. Expect around $20,850 for metal roof installation there against $20,600 in Knoxville, about $250 (1%) apart in 2026.
Why does metal roof installation cost more in New South Memphis than Knoxville?
It comes down to labor: New South Memphis indexes at 0.96 against Knoxville's 0.95. The mixed-vs-mixed climate difference adds to the gap.
How much is metal roof installation in Knoxville, TN?
Expect to pay $12,550 to $28,650 for metal roof installation in Knoxville in 2026, averaging around $20,600.
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 Knoxville and New South Memphis, 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. $250 is a one-time difference, not an ongoing one, and off-season buying plus apples-to-apples bids in New South Memphis 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