Tile Roof Installation cost: Cordova vs Knoxville (2026)
The two metros aren't quite in sync on tile roof installation: Cordova sits 1% above Knoxville, or roughly $17,250 versus $17,050 — about $200 apart.
Cordova TN
Typically around $17,250
Knoxville TN
Lower costTypically around $17,050
Cordova vs Knoxville: full breakdown
| Factor | Cordova | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $17,250 | $17,050 |
| Estimated range | $10,300–$24,200 | $10,200–$23,900 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×0.96 | ×0.95 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $250 | $250 |
| Labor share | $10,350 | $10,250 |
| Materials/equipment | $6,900 | $6,800 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for tile roof installation, not quotes from a contractor.
How much should this gap actually matter?
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: Cordova vs Knoxville
Every tile 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 | Cordova | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete tile | $10,300–$20,400 | $10,200–$20,100 |
| Clay / terracotta tile | $13,650–$27,100 | $13,500–$26,750 |
| Slate | $19,400–$48,200 | $19,150–$47,550 |
Tile roof installation numbers here are 2026 planning ranges, adjusted per city — useful for budgeting, not a substitute for an actual quote.
Tile roof installation by roof size: Cordova vs Knoxville
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 | Cordova | Knoxville |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $6,950–$13,650 | $6,850–$13,500 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $8,900–$18,450 | $8,750–$18,200 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $10,300–$24,200 | $10,200–$23,900 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $12,700–$29,000 | $12,550–$28,650 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $15,600–$34,750 | $15,400–$34,300 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national tile roof installation range for local labor, climate and permits.
What roofing pros earn in each metro
Since labor accounts for around 60% of what a tile roof installation job costs, it's the biggest lever behind any price gap between cities. What you're seeing below is actual BLS metro wage data for skilled installers — not a guess.
Memphis metro · about 7% below the US average installer wage.
No BLS metro wage series for Knoxville; we use Tennessee 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 tile roof installation in either city
Why summer costs more: it's the only stretch shingles seal reliably, so every storm-damaged roof in the region is competing for the same crews. Reserve a spring slot during the slow winter season and you're not in that queue.
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 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.
Cordova vs Knoxville
Is tile roof installation cheaper in Cordova or Knoxville?
Knoxville wins on price: tile roof installation runs about $17,050 there versus $17,250 in Cordova, a gap of roughly $200 (1%) as of 2026.
Why does tile roof installation cost more in Cordova than Knoxville?
Cordova's higher labor index (0.96 vs 0.95 in Knoxville) is the biggest factor, with the mixed/mixed climate split playing a smaller role.
How much is tile roof installation in Cordova, TN?
Cordova homeowners can expect $10,300 to $24,200 for tile roof installation in 2026, with $17,250 the typical number.
When is the cheapest time to buy tile roof installation — and does it differ by city?
The best window is the same in both Cordova and Knoxville: 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 tile roof installation cost?
Rarely. The $200 difference is real but one-time, and you can often close most of it in Cordova 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 tile roof installation in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik