How much does a roof replacement cost in Cambridge, MA?

The average roof replacement in Cambridge, MA costs $29,920 in 2026. Costs range from $13,298 for a basic project to $74,799 for a high-end renovation. Cambridge is 66% more expensive than the national average of $18,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Cambridge?

The average contractor labor rate in Cambridge, MA is $54.31/hour, compared to the national average of $30/hour. For a roof replacement, labor typically accounts for 60% of the total cost, which is approximately $17,952 in Cambridge.

Are materials more expensive in Cambridge?

Cambridge has a material cost index of 144 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 44% more than the national average. For a roof replacement, materials account for 40% of the cost, approximately $11,968.

Do I need a permit for a roof replacement in Cambridge?

Yes, a roof replacement typically requires building permits in Cambridge, MA. The average permit cost in Cambridge is $3,017. Always confirm requirements with the Cambridge building department before starting work.

Is a roof replacement a good investment in Cambridge?

A roof replacement provides an estimated 68% ROI nationally. In Cambridge, where the median home price is $607,888, this project costs about 4.9% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Roof Replacement in Cambridge, MA — Costs $13,298 to $74,799

What does roof replacement cost in Cambridge? Average $29,920, ranging $13,298–$74,799. Labor runs $54.31/hr locally — 66% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Cambridge, MA Market

+66% vs national

Labor Rate

$54.31/hr

Material Index

144

Avg Permit Cost

$3,017

Median Home Price

$607,888

Cambridge is a mid-sized city in Massachusetts with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a roof replacement, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 66% above the national average, Cambridge is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. With a median home price of $607,888, this roof replacement represents just 4.9% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$13,298

National: $8,000

Mid-Range

$29,920

National: $18,000

High End

$74,799

National: $45,000

Per Sq Ft

National: $4

Duration: 2-5 days

DIY: Hard

Permits: Required

ROI: 68%

Roof Replacement Cost Calculator for Cambridge

Adjusted for Cambridge's labor rate ($54.31/hr) and material costs (index 144).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Cambridge

$29,920

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Cambridge market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (60%)$17,952

At Cambridge's average rate of $54.31/hr (81% above national avg)

Materials (40%)$11,968

Material cost index 144 (44% above national baseline of 100)

Roof Replacement vs. Home Value in Cambridge

Metric	Cambridge	National Avg
Roof Replacement (Mid-Range)	$29,920	$18,000
Median Home Price	$607,888	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	4.9%	5.1%
Estimated ROI	68%	68%
Median Household Income	$98,948	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Cambridge

1Local labor rates ($54.31/hr in Cambridge)
2Material cost index (144 vs national 100)
3Roof size (squares)
4Pitch/slope
5Material type
6Number of layers to remove

Popular Upgrades

Architectural shingles
Metal roofing
Impact-resistant shingles

Other Projects in Cambridge, MA

Solar Panel Installation

$38,315

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$32,874

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$32,133

HardROI 50%

Siding Replacement

$29,253

HardROI 76%

Second Story Addition

$325,033

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$243,775

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$146,265

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$128,532

MediumROI 60%

Roof Replacement in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA

$29,704

-1%Pop. 675,647

Worcester, MA

$25,862

-14%Pop. 206,518

Springfield, MA

$24,559

-18%Pop. 155,929

Lowell, MA

$24,923

-17%Pop. 115,554

Brockton, MA

$24,430

-18%Pop. 105,643

Quincy, MA

$27,601

-8%Pop. 101,636

New Bedford, MA

$25,790

-14%Pop. 101,079

Lynn, MA

$24,505

-18%Pop. 99,989

Planning a Roof Replacement in Cambridge

Building permits are typically required for a roof replacement in Cambridge. The average permit fee in this area is $3,017, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 2-5 days from start to finish.

A roof replacement is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Cambridge, skilled contractors charge an average of $54.31/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $98,948, many Cambridge residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $29,920 represents 30% of the typical household's annual income.

Roof Replacement — National Guide

See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.

All Construction Costs in Cambridge

View labor rates, material costs, and project estimates for Cambridge, MA.

Explore All Project Cost Guides

Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.

View All Project Costs