Architectural shingles run about $728 to $1,008 per square installed in Boston, which puts a typical 25-square roof at roughly $18,200 to $25,200. That is 40% above the Massachusetts baseline. 2026 planning estimates, not quotes.
Roof replacement in Boston, Massachusetts runs roughly 40% above the Massachusetts state baseline in 2026, driven by local labor rates, permit fees, and code requirements. Snow + ice dam zone; 2x ice-and-water at eaves. Use this guide to size a per-square budget for asphalt shingles, standing-seam metal, or concrete/clay tile on a typical Boston home, then refine your estimate with our project estimator.
Boston runs about 40% above the Massachusetts state baseline, so the state figures are scaled by 1.40 to give the local ranges below.
| Material | Per square installed | 20 squares | 25 squares | 30 squares |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural asphalt shingles | $728 – $1,008 | $14,560 – $20,160 | $18,200 – $25,200 | $21,840 – $30,240 |
| Standing-seam metal | $1,512 – $2,310 | $30,240 – $46,200 | $37,800 – $57,750 | $45,360 – $69,300 |
| Concrete or clay tile | $1,652 – $2,520 | $33,040 – $50,400 | $41,300 – $63,000 | $49,560 – $75,600 |
Figures are per square — 100 square feet of finished roof — for installed work including tear-off, and are 2026 planning estimates rather than quoted prices. Squares shown allow for a typical 6/12 pitch and 10% waste. Always get three written quotes before committing.
| Roof size | Squares | Asphalt shingle range |
|---|---|---|
| 1,200 sq ft footprint | 15 | $10,920 – $15,120 |
| 1,500 sq ft footprint | 18 | $13,104 – $18,144 |
| 2,000 sq ft footprint | 25 | $18,200 – $25,200 |
| 2,500 sq ft footprint | 31 | $22,568 – $31,248 |
| 3,000 sq ft footprint | 37 | $26,936 – $37,296 |
The Massachusetts state permit average is around $380; large metros frequently sit above that and may add inspection or scaffolding requirements of their own.
A typical 25-square asphalt shingle roof in Boston works out at roughly $18,200 – $25,200 installed. That is the Massachusetts baseline scaled by the local factor of 1.40.
Snow + ice dam zone; 2x ice-and-water at eaves. Metro labour rates, permit and inspection requirements, and disposal fees all differ from the state average, which is what the 1.40 multiplier represents.
In almost every jurisdiction yes, and a licensed contractor will pull it as part of the job. Replacing a roof without one can cause problems at resale and can give an insurer grounds to dispute a later claim.
Three, from licensed and insured local contractors, each written against the same scope. Ask specifically whether flashing, drip edge, underlayment, ridge vent and decking replacement are included, because that is where quotes usually differ.