Tile Roof Installation cost: Ames vs Davenport (2026)
Budget-wise, tile roof installation in Ames ($16,750) runs 1% less than in Davenport ($16,850), a roughly $100 spread.
Ames IA
Lower costTypically around $16,750
Davenport IA
Typically around $16,850
Ames vs Davenport: full breakdown
| Factor | Ames | Davenport |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $16,750 | $16,850 |
| Estimated range | $10,000–$23,450 | $10,050–$23,600 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.93 | ×0.93 |
| Climate zone | Cold | Cold |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $250 | $250 |
| Labor share | $10,050 | $10,100 |
| Materials/equipment | $6,700 | $6,750 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for tile roof installation — get an actual quote before you commit.
Is the price difference a dealbreaker?
That 1% gap is small — for tile roof installation it's usually less than the spread between two local contractors' quotes, so the metro matters far less than who you hire and when you buy.
Tile roof installation by type: Ames vs Davenport
Below, each tile roof installation option is priced independently for both cities, with identical local labor, climate and permit logic applied — so the comparison holds up.
| Type | Ames | Davenport |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete tile | $10,000–$19,750 | $10,050–$19,850 |
| Clay / terracotta tile | $13,250–$26,250 | $13,350–$26,400 |
| Slate | $18,800–$46,650 | $18,950–$46,950 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national tile roof installation range for local labor, climate and permits.
Tile roof installation by roof size: Ames vs Davenport
Tile is priced per square (100 sq ft) and runs about $7–$15 per sq ft installed. Its weight matters: many homes need the roof structure reinforced before concrete or clay tile can go on.
| Size | Ames | Davenport |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $6,750–$13,250 | $6,800–$13,350 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $8,600–$17,900 | $8,650–$18,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $10,000–$23,450 | $10,050–$23,600 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $12,300–$28,100 | $12,400–$28,250 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $15,100–$33,650 | $15,200–$33,850 |
These are 2026 planning figures for tile roof installation, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
Cheapest time for tile roof installation in either city
Shingles seal properly only in warm, dry conditions, which is exactly when everyone else wants a new roof too — especially right after a summer hailstorm. Lock in a late-fall or winter booking for a spring install and you skip that rush.
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 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 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.
Judge a roofing bid on its scope, not its bottom line — a genuine tear-off, a documented per-sheet deck rate, and a mid-grade architectural shingle. Those three close the gaps that let a low storm-season number balloon over the years.
Ames vs Davenport
Is tile roof installation cheaper in Ames or Davenport?
Yes — Davenport costs more. Expect around $16,850 for tile roof installation there against $16,750 in Ames, about $100 (1%) apart in 2026.
Why does tile roof installation cost more in Davenport than Ames?
It comes down to labor: Davenport indexes at 0.93 against Ames's 0.93. The cold-vs-cold climate difference adds to the gap.
How much is tile roof installation in Ames, IA?
In Ames, tile roof installation typically runs $10,000–$23,450 in 2026, with most homeowners paying around $16,750.
When is the cheapest time to buy tile 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 Ames and Davenport, 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 tile roof installation cost?
That would be a stretch. $100 is a one-time difference, not an ongoing one, and off-season buying plus apples-to-apples bids in Davenport can close a good chunk of it. What matters more long-term is energy costs, climate and the condition of the home.
Compare tile roof installation in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik