Metal Roof Installation cost: Memphis vs Nashville (2026)
Memphis runs 1% lower than Nashville for metal roof installation — expect around $20,850 in Memphis against $21,050 in Nashville, a difference of about $200.
Memphis TN
Lower costTypically around $20,850
Nashville TN
Typically around $21,050
Memphis vs Nashville: full breakdown
| Factor | Memphis | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $20,850 | $21,050 |
| Estimated range | $12,700–$29,000 | $12,850–$29,250 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.96 | ×0.97 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $250 | $275 |
| Labor share | $12,500 | $12,650 |
| Materials/equipment | $8,350 | $8,400 |
These are 2026 planning figures for metal roof installation, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
Is the gap worth worrying about?
A 1% 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: Memphis vs Nashville
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 | Memphis | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated steel (exposed fastener) | $8,900–$17,500 | $8,950–$17,650 |
| Standing-seam steel | $17,500–$33,800 | $17,650–$34,100 |
| Aluminum | $13,650–$27,100 | $13,800–$27,350 |
| Copper | $29,000–$57,750 | $29,250–$58,250 |
| Zinc | $27,100–$52,950 | $27,350–$53,450 |
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: Memphis vs Nashville
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 | Memphis | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $7,900–$15,600 | $8,000–$15,750 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $10,800–$22,300 | $10,900–$22,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $12,700–$29,000 | $12,850–$29,250 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $15,600–$34,750 | $15,750–$35,050 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $18,450–$40,500 | $18,650–$40,850 |
These are 2026 planning figures for metal roof installation, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
What roofing pros earn in each metro
Roughly 60% of what you pay for metal roof installation is labor, which is why local wages explain most of the price gap. The numbers below are actual metro wages for skilled installers, sourced from BLS OEWS — not guesses.
Memphis metro · about 7% below the US average installer wage.
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin metro · about 6% 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
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?
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 value case
For a typical home, the architectural shingle is the default that makes sense. It outlasts 3-tab by a wide margin at a modest premium, and it spares you the cost of metal or tile that most roofs never need to justify.
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
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.
A roof's real cost shows up over its lifespan, not on install day. Tear-off, a documented repair rate and a mid-tier shingle grade are what keep that lifetime cost in check.
Memphis vs Nashville
Is metal roof installation cheaper in Memphis or Nashville?
Memphis wins on price: metal roof installation runs about $20,850 there versus $21,050 in Nashville, a gap of roughly $200 (1%) as of 2026.
Why does metal roof installation cost more in Nashville than Memphis?
It comes down to labor: Nashville indexes at 0.97 against Memphis's 0.96. The mixed-vs-mixed climate difference, plus permit fees, adds to the gap.
How much is metal roof installation in Memphis, TN?
Expect to pay $12,700 to $29,000 for metal roof installation in Memphis in 2026, averaging around $20,850.
Do roofing pros really charge more in one city?
It's not a myth — BLS data puts installer wages at about $29/hr in the Memphis area and $29.4/hr in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin. Given labor is around 60% of a metal roof installation job's cost, that gap explains most of the price spread.
When is the cheapest time to buy metal roof installation — and does it differ by city?
The best window is the same in both Memphis and Nashville: Late spring to early fall (dry, 45–85°F), when demand drops and installers discount to keep crews busy — typically 5–10% off peak pricing. The most expensive time anywhere is an emergency replacement during mid-winter and the post-storm rush.
Should I choose where to live based on metal roof installation cost?
That would be a stretch. $200 is a one-time difference, not an ongoing one, and off-season buying plus apples-to-apples bids in Nashville 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