The cheapest type of roofing is basic asphalt shingles, which cost between $4.25 and $4.95 per square foot when installed. Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing choice in America because they are affordable and easy to install. According to RubyHome (2025), asphalt shingles dominate nearly 80% of residential roofing projects in the U.S. These shingles last about 20 to 30 years, making them a good choice for homeowners on a budget. If you want to save money on a roof, asphalt shingles are your best option.
How Much Does Basic Asphalt Cost?
Basic asphalt shingles are the entry-level choice for most homeowners. According to RubyHome (2025), the average cost of roof replacement ranges from $5,868 to $13,217 for a typical home.
For a 1,700 square foot roof, installation costs between $6,800 and $68,000 depending on the material you choose. Basic asphalt shingles sit at the low end of this range. A typical replacement with asphalt shingles costs around $8,000 to $10,000 for most single-family homes.
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Why Are They So Cheap?
Asphalt shingles cost less because they are simple to make and install quickly. The material itself is inexpensive compared to metal, tile, or slate.
Labor is also faster with asphalt. Roofers can install them without special tools or training. According to RubyHome (2025), architectural asphalt shingles cost $4.50 to $8.25 per square foot, while basic three-tab shingles cost even less. This makes them perfect if your budget is tight.
What About Other Cheap Options?
| Roofing Type | Cost Per Sq. Ft. | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Asphalt Shingles | $4.25-$4.95 | 20 years |
| Corrugated Metal | $5.50-$11.50 | 40-80 years |
| Flat Roofing (Rubber) | $5.50-$7.50 | 20 years |
| Architectural Asphalt | $4.50-$8.25 | 30 years |
If you want something slightly cheaper upfront, flat rubber roofing costs about the same. However, basic asphalt remains the cheapest option overall. According to RubyHome (2025), asphalt shingles account for approximately 80% of all roofing projects, making them the standard choice.
Metal roofing costs more at first but lasts much longer. According to RubyHome (2025), metal roofs last 40 to 80 years compared to 20 years for basic asphalt. This means you pay more now but save money long term.
Should You Choose the Cheapest Option?
The cheapest roof is not always the best choice. You must think about how long you will stay in your home.
If you plan to move in five years, cheap asphalt shingles make sense. If you want to stay for 20 years or more, spending extra on a better material pays off. According to RubyHome (2025), metal roofing offers 40 to 80 years of protection, which is far longer than asphalt. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the average U.S. roof size is 2,647 square feet or 26.47 squares. This means material choice really matters for your wallet over time.
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Talk with a local roofing company to review your options and get a detailed estimate for your project.