Data Engine
Roof Cost Index
A normalized score tracking roofing prices in every U.S. state, with cost-per-square-foot ranges and regional market factors.
What Is The Roof Cost Index?
The Roof Cost Index is a single number that tells you how expensive roofing is in a U.S. state compared to the national average. The national baseline is set to 100. A score of 120 means roofing in that state costs roughly 20% more than the U.S. average; a score of 92 means roughly 8% less. It is designed as a benchmarking tool for homeowners, contractors, insurers, and researchers.
National Roofing Cost Snapshot
Across the 50 states tracked, the modeled mid-range installed roofing cost is about $4.73 per square foot. Hawaii sits at the top of the index at 155, while Mississippi anchors the bottom at 90. Index version 2026-06-01.
State Comparison Table
Sorted by index score (highest to lowest). National Average = 100.
| State | Region | Index | Low $/sqft | Mid $/sqft | High $/sqft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | West | 155 | $5.44 | $6.98 | $10.11 |
| Alaska | West | 135 | $4.74 | $6.08 | $8.81 |
| California | West | 130 | $4.56 | $5.85 | $8.48 |
| New York | Northeast | 130 | $4.56 | $5.85 | $8.48 |
| Massachusetts | Northeast | 122 | $4.28 | $5.49 | $7.96 |
| New Jersey | Northeast | 122 | $4.28 | $5.49 | $7.96 |
| Connecticut | Northeast | 118 | $4.14 | $5.31 | $7.7 |
| Rhode Island | Northeast | 118 | $4.14 | $5.31 | $7.7 |
| Maine | Northeast | 115 | $4.04 | $5.18 | $7.5 |
| New Hampshire | Northeast | 115 | $4.04 | $5.18 | $7.5 |
| Vermont | Northeast | 115 | $4.04 | $5.18 | $7.5 |
| Washington | West | 115 | $4.04 | $5.18 | $7.5 |
| Maryland | South | 112 | $3.93 | $5.04 | $7.31 |
| Oregon | West | 112 | $3.93 | $5.04 | $7.31 |
| Delaware | South | 110 | $3.86 | $4.95 | $7.18 |
| Colorado | West | 108 | $3.79 | $4.86 | $7.05 |
| Florida | South | 105 | $3.69 | $4.73 | $6.85 |
| Illinois | Midwest | 105 | $3.69 | $4.73 | $6.85 |
| Minnesota | Midwest | 105 | $3.69 | $4.73 | $6.85 |
| Montana | West | 105 | $3.69 | $4.73 | $6.85 |
| Nevada | West | 105 | $3.69 | $4.73 | $6.85 |
| Pennsylvania | Northeast | 105 | $3.69 | $4.73 | $6.85 |
| Virginia | South | 105 | $3.69 | $4.73 | $6.85 |
| Louisiana | South | 102 | $3.58 | $4.59 | $6.66 |
| Wyoming | West | 102 | $3.58 | $4.59 | $6.66 |
| Idaho | West | 100 | $3.51 | $4.5 | $6.53 |
| Michigan | Midwest | 100 | $3.51 | $4.5 | $6.53 |
| North Dakota | Midwest | 100 | $3.51 | $4.5 | $6.53 |
| Utah | West | 100 | $3.51 | $4.5 | $6.53 |
| Wisconsin | Midwest | 100 | $3.51 | $4.5 | $6.53 |
| Indiana | Midwest | 98 | $3.44 | $4.41 | $6.39 |
| Ohio | Midwest | 98 | $3.44 | $4.41 | $6.39 |
| South Dakota | Midwest | 98 | $3.44 | $4.41 | $6.39 |
| Iowa | Midwest | 97 | $3.4 | $4.37 | $6.33 |
| Arizona | West | 95 | $3.33 | $4.27 | $6.2 |
| Kansas | Midwest | 95 | $3.33 | $4.27 | $6.2 |
| Missouri | Midwest | 95 | $3.33 | $4.27 | $6.2 |
| Nebraska | Midwest | 95 | $3.33 | $4.27 | $6.2 |
| New Mexico | West | 95 | $3.33 | $4.27 | $6.2 |
| North Carolina | South | 95 | $3.33 | $4.27 | $6.2 |
| Texas | South | 95 | $3.33 | $4.27 | $6.2 |
| Georgia | South | 93 | $3.26 | $4.19 | $6.07 |
| Kentucky | South | 93 | $3.26 | $4.19 | $6.07 |
| South Carolina | South | 93 | $3.26 | $4.19 | $6.07 |
| Alabama | South | 92 | $3.23 | $4.14 | $6 |
| Oklahoma | South | 92 | $3.23 | $4.14 | $6 |
| Tennessee | South | 92 | $3.23 | $4.14 | $6 |
| West Virginia | South | 92 | $3.23 | $4.14 | $6 |
| Arkansas | South | 90 | $3.16 | $4.05 | $5.87 |
| Mississippi | South | 90 | $3.16 | $4.05 | $5.87 |
Methodology
The index combines several structured cost signals, normalized against a national baseline of 100.
State-level baseline cost multipliers, climate adjustments, and labor profiles.
Anonymized homeowner inputs from 30+ cost calculators help calibrate ranges.
Editorial research on insurance, financing, and material cost trends.
Reserved input slot for partner contractor pricing submissions.
Reserved input for shingle, metal, tile, and underlayment commodity tracking.
See the full methodology and editorial policy. Source documentation: sources library.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Roof Cost Index?
The Roof Cost Index is a normalized score that measures roofing prices in each U.S. state relative to a national baseline of 100. A score above 100 means roofing is more expensive than the national average; below 100 means it is cheaper.
How is the index calculated?
We combine state-level cost multipliers, climate exposure, and labor profiles from our state cost guides, then calibrate ranges using anonymized inputs from our 30+ roofing calculators and editorial research.
Is this real-time pricing?
No. The current release is a modeled index built from structured cost inputs. It is intended as a benchmark, not a live quote. We refresh the model periodically and disclose the version and update date on every page.
Why does California score so high?
California carries elevated labor cost, strict fire-rated material requirements, and high tile/metal adoption — all of which lift installed roofing prices well above the national baseline.
Why is Texas close to the national average?
Texas has competitive labor supply and broad asphalt-shingle adoption, which offsets storm-driven replacement demand and keeps the state near the U.S. baseline.
Can I use the index for an insurance claim?
The index is useful context for understanding regional pricing, but insurance settlements depend on your policy, deductible, and an adjuster's scope. Use our claim and ACV/RCV calculators for policy-specific math.
How often is the index updated?
We plan quarterly methodology refreshes once contractor pricing feeds and material commodity inputs are integrated. The current version is labeled at the top of every state page.
Will historical data be available?
Yes. The data model already supports monthly, quarterly, and yearly history. Public historical charts will follow once we have enough verified data points to publish responsibly.
Can journalists cite the Roof Cost Index?
Yes — please cite RoofingCalculatorUSA.com Roof Cost Index along with the version number and the state page URL. Reach out via our contact page for media inquiries.
Is there an API?
An API and downloadable dataset are on the roadmap. The current data layer is structured to be served programmatically once the public release is approved.
Related Research Reports
Related State Guides
Drill into individual state roofing markets.