Asphalt shingles cost less today; a metal roof costs less per year. Which wins comes down to one question: how long will you own the home?

The upfront gap

A typical asphalt-shingle replacement runs about $9,000–$21,000, while a standing-seam metal roof runs roughly $14,000–$30,000 — close to double. But asphalt lasts about 20 years and metal lasts 40–60, so over a long enough horizon metal's cost per year is often lower.

The Metal vs. Asphalt Roof Calculator does this comparison for your roof size and how long you plan to stay, showing upfront cost, lifetime cost, and cost per year side by side.

When metal wins

  • You're staying 15+ years. You capture metal's longevity instead of paying for a second asphalt roof.
  • Severe weather. Metal resists hail, high wind, and fire, and sheds snow — which is why it's popular in storm-prone and heavy-snow states.
  • Hot, sunny climates. Reflective metal cuts cooling costs.

When asphalt wins

  • You'll move within ~10 years. You won't be around to recoup the premium, and a new asphalt roof recoups about 60% at resale either way (see our roof replacement ROI guide).
  • Tight budget now. Asphalt's lower upfront cost is simply easier to finance.
  • HOA or style constraints that favor shingles.

Resale reality

At resale, a standing-seam metal roof recoups roughly 48–60% of its cost per the annual Remodeling Cost vs. Value report — a bit less than asphalt as a percentage, because buyers don't always pay a premium for the longer life. So if resale in a few years is the goal, asphalt is the safer money move; if this is your long-term home, metal usually wins on total cost and durability. Compare your numbers on the roofing square calculator and get local quotes before deciding.