Tile roofs are most common in warmer climates, like Florida, because of their energy efficiency. They cool homes by offsetting the sun’s heat, saving on energy-related expenses since the house will remain cooler without relying too much on A.C.

Yet, the Sunshine State isn’t the only place where homes benefit from roofing tiles. Temperatures get warm, and the skies are sunny throughout the US, so almost all homeowners nationwide can potentially benefit from the energy efficiency that tile roofing offers.

Still, there’s the caveat of finding the price that works for you. 

While big-picture benefits like saving on cooling costs are appealing, you must be able to afford the upfront costs of a tile roof. Otherwise, the long-term value is irrelevant.

Below, we’ll examine the various roofing tile pricing factors to best inform your decision on whether they’re a good choice for your home.

Tile Roofing Pricing Overview.

The first thing you’ll notice about tile roof installation costs is the wide range. You could pay anywhere between $8,000 and $23,000, averaging around $15,500. 

Using those calculations, expect to pay between $2 and $10 per square foot for material and $5 to $18 per square foot for labor, amounting to $7 to $28 per square foot. If your home is an above average size, expect the cost of roofing materials and labor to reflect that.

Materials are a definitive driver of roofing tile pricing. Simply put, higher-end materials (e.g., metal or composite) lead to costlier projects.

Aside from their energy efficiency, tiles are preferred over standard asphalt because they mesh with nearly all architectural styles. They’re also durable, offering long-term reliability; well-maintained tile roofs can last between 40 and 100 years.

Tile roofing costs more than standard roofing options, but its stylishness, durability, and eco-friendliness make it more than worth the upfront costs—provided they fit your budget.

Now, let’s get further into the nitty-gritty of factors dictating tile roofing costs.

The Type Of Roofing Type Will Impact Pricing Significantly.

Based on your chosen tile, you can expect to pay between $2 and $10 per square foot—a broad range influenced by various factors.

For example, clay tiles have higher extraction and processing costs than concrete tiles. Conversely, clay is more affordable than slate because slate must be quarried and shaped since it is natural stone.

Other factors impacting price include availability, color, and texture. For instance, sourcing different colors for clay tiles could present challenges because they are popular for their classic appearance. Thus, clay tiles with more unique colors would likely skyrocket in price.

Here’s a breakdown of tile costs (each pricing range is per square foot):

• Composite Tile ($7 to $11 for materials and $12 to $26 for installation).
• Metal Tile ($6 to $15 for materials and $11 to $30 for installation).
• Slate Tile ($5 to $30 for materials and $10 to $45 for installation).
• Terracotta Tile ($5 to $10 for materials and $10 to $25 for installation).
• Clay Tile ($3 to $7 for materials and $8 to $22 for installation).
• Concrete Tile ($2 to $4 for materials and $7 to $9 for installation).

Weighing The Style Of Your Preferred Tile.

Different tile installation methods are required for each style, which impacts pricing. 

Broadly, barrel tiles are the priciest of all styles, whereas interlocking tiles are the most affordable.

Here’s a breakdown of styles and their costs (each pricing range is per square foot):

• Barrel Tile ($10 to $13).
• Riviera ($9 to $11).
• Mission/Double Roman ($9 to $11).
• French ($9 to $11).
• Spanish ($8 to $10).
• Pantile ($8 to $10).
• Plain/Flat ($8 to $9).
• Interlocking ($3 to $5).

How Big Is Your Roof?

Because of the added labor and materials, a bigger roof will cost more for tile installation since you’re paying per square foot.

Here’s a breakdown of the average installation cost for given roof sizes:

• $24,500 to $98,000 for 3,500 sq ft.
• $21,000 to $84,000 for 3,000 sq ft.
• $17,500 to $70,000 for 2,500 sq ft.
• $14,000 to $56,000 for 2,000 sq ft.
• $10,500 to $42,000 for 1,500 sq ft.

The Cost Of Labor.

Labor accounts for most of your roofing project costs—usually around 60%. You’ll pay between $45 and $75 per hour or $5 to $18 per square foot. Costs vary based on location and whether your roof slope is steep or the design is unusual. 

Roofing contractors often charge per square, which is usually 100 square feet. $1,200 per square is the same as $12 per square foot. 

Don’t Forget To Assess These Factors For Your Roofing Tile Installation.

Here’s a bulleted list of other factors to weigh—beyond what we’ve already discussed—when installing a tile roof:

• The number of vents and boots on your roof can impact installation, requiring extra labor and materials and increasing the price. These scenarios call for intricate work, such as cutting and fitting the tiles around vents and boots, making installation more extensive and expensive.

• Damage is often discovered after removing old roof materials, which might lead to soffit, roof, or gutter repair before installing tiles, further driving up the cost. It costs between $900 and $2,500 to repair a tile roof.

• Do you live in a region where tile roofs are common? If so, you’ll probably benefit from more favorable pricing than if you live somewhere where tile roofs are rare. 

• Another geographical factor to consider for your roofing tile installation is the climate. Living in areas with extreme temperatures and heavier precipitation means your tile roof might need more ventilation, insulation, and waterproofing, leading to a more expensive project.

• Are you planning to DIY your tile roofing project? While we typically advise homeowners to work with professionals, doing it yourself theoretically can save you money. However, you’d have to do the job right, which requires a professional’s expertise and mastery. Unless you have experience in roofing, we advise you to work with a licensed pro for a safer, more reliable installation process.