Metal Roof Installation cost: Memphis vs Smyrna (2026)
The two metros aren't quite in sync on metal roof installation: Memphis sits 1% below Smyrna, or roughly $20,850 versus $21,050 — about $200 apart.
Memphis TN
Lower costTypically around $20,850
Smyrna TN
Typically around $21,050
Memphis vs Smyrna: full breakdown
| Factor | Memphis | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Metal roof installation numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
How much should this gap actually matter?
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 Smyrna
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 | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Smyrna
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 | Smyrna |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
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
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
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 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 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
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.
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 Smyrna
Is metal roof installation cheaper in Memphis or Smyrna?
In 2026, metal roof installation is cheaper in Memphis at about $20,850, versus $21,050 in Smyrna — a difference of about $200 (1%).
Why does metal roof installation cost more in Smyrna than Memphis?
Labor rates explain most of it — 0.97 in Smyrna vs 0.96 in Memphis. A mixed climate versus mixed, along with differing permit costs, accounts for the rest.
How much is metal roof installation in Memphis, TN?
metal roof installation in Memphis runs $12,700–$29,000 as of 2026 — most jobs land near $20,850.
Do roofing pros really charge more in one city?
Yes — and the wage data shows it. A skilled installer earns about $29/hr in the Memphis area versus $29.4/hr around Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin (BLS metro wage data). Since labor is roughly 60% of a metal roof installation job, that wage gap is the biggest reason the installed prices differ.
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 Memphis and Smyrna, 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?
Rarely. The $200 difference is real but one-time, and you can often close most of it in Smyrna 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