Metal Roof Installation cost: Lakewood vs Spokane (2026)
Budget-wise, metal roof installation in Lakewood ($25,950) runs 17% more than in Spokane ($22,200), a roughly $3,750 spread.
Lakewood WA
Typically around $25,950
Spokane WA
Lower costTypically around $22,200
Lakewood vs Spokane: full breakdown
| Factor | Lakewood | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $25,950 | $22,200 |
| Estimated range | $15,800–$36,050 | $13,550–$30,850 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.19 | ×1.02 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $325 | $300 |
| Labor share | $15,550 | $13,300 |
| Materials/equipment | $10,400 | $8,900 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national metal roof installation range for local labor, climate and permits.
Is the price difference a dealbreaker?
A 17% spread (roughly $3,750) is significant enough to plan around, but not fixed — off-peak timing and sharper bidding in Lakewood typically recover some of it.
Metal roof installation by type: Lakewood vs Spokane
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 | Lakewood | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated steel (exposed fastener) | $11,050–$21,750 | $9,450–$18,600 |
| Standing-seam steel | $21,750–$42,000 | $18,600–$35,950 |
| Aluminum | $17,000–$33,700 | $14,550–$28,800 |
| Copper | $36,050–$71,800 | $30,850–$61,400 |
| Zinc | $33,700–$65,850 | $28,800–$56,300 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for metal roof installation, not quotes from a contractor.
Metal roof installation by roof size: Lakewood vs Spokane
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 | Lakewood | Spokane |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $9,850–$19,400 | $8,450–$16,600 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $13,450–$27,750 | $11,500–$23,700 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $15,800–$36,050 | $13,550–$30,850 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $19,400–$43,200 | $16,600–$36,950 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $22,950–$50,350 | $19,650–$43,050 |
Metal roof installation numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
What roofing pros earn in each metro
Labor is about 60% of a metal roof installation bill, so local wages drive most of the gap. These are real metro hourly wages for skilled installers (BLS OEWS), not estimates.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metro · about 32% above the US average installer wage.
No BLS metro wage series for Spokane; 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?
A roofing quote can hide a lot behind a single number — whether it's a true tear-off, the shingle grade, and what's under the surface. Here's how our editors sort through it.
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 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
A full tear-off lets the crew replace underlayment, flashing and ventilation while the deck is exposed — the layers that actually keep water out. Covering old shingles with new ones costs less on install day, but the trapped heat shortens shingle life, and many manufacturers won't honor a warranty on an overlay.
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.
Lakewood vs Spokane
Is metal roof installation cheaper in Lakewood or Spokane?
Spokane comes out ahead here, at roughly $22,200 for metal roof installation compared with $25,950 in Lakewood — a 17% ($3,750) gap as of 2026.
Why does metal roof installation cost more in Lakewood than Spokane?
Labor rates explain most of it — 1.19 in Lakewood vs 1.02 in Spokane. A mixed climate versus mixed, along with differing permit costs, accounts for the rest.
How much is metal roof installation in Lakewood, WA?
In Lakewood, metal roof installation typically runs $15,800–$36,050 in 2026, with most homeowners paying around $25,950.
When is the cheapest time to buy metal roof installation — and does it differ by city?
No, the seasonal pattern is the same in Lakewood and Spokane: 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?
Rarely. The $3,750 difference is real but one-time, and you can often close most of it in Lakewood 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