How much does a tile roof cost?

A properly installed tile roof can last anywhere from 40 to 100 or more years, which means big savings on home costs down the line and a higher overall home value. But installing a tile roof is no small investment, and with tons of different options to choose from, it's hard to anticipate how much you'll pay to install a tile roof on your own home. To help you get a clearer picture, we talked to six roofing industry experts from across the country who shared their up-to-date insights on how much homeowners should expect to pay for tile roofing in the U.S. in 2025.

How much does a tile roof cost on average?

Homeowners in the U.S. can expect to pay between $12,000 and $50,000 for a new tile roof in 2025, according to roofing experts like Brandon Foote, owner and president of Advanced Roofing & Construction in Decatur, Ala. Exact prices depend on factors like tile material and style, roof size and roof pitch.

The cost of a tile roof will also vary significantly by location. In high-cost areas like California, for example, tile roof costs can range as high as $40,000 to $50,000, according to Bar Zakheim, co-owner of Better Place Design & Build in San Diego.

Tile roof cost per square foot

Roof tile costs anywhere from $7 to $30 per square foot — or $700 to $3,000 per square — depending on the tile material. Concrete and composite tile tend to be the most affordable, while terracotta and slate are more expensive. These general costs include the price of labor and materials.

But understanding the per-square-foot cost of roof tile only helps if you know the total square footage of your roof. Roof cost calculators can be confusing if you don't have the right information, so we recommend reading through our guide to calculating roof square footage to get started.

It's also worth noting that most roofers calculate roof size by the square — a 10-foot-by-10-foot surface area. One roofing square is equivalent to 100 square feet. The average residential home in the U.S. has a roof size of about 17 squares, or 1,700 square feet. If you'd rather not bother with the math, you can easily find out the size of your roof by scheduling an on-site consultation with a roofing contractor . Many roofers offer free consultations, and you can find reliable roofing companies near you through our Yahoo Local roofing hub .

Factors affecting tile roofing costs

Tile roofing costs are highly dependent on a host of factors, like material, style, roof size, location and more.

Tile material

The main factor affecting how much you'll pay for a tile roof is the type of tile you choose to install. Some tile, like concrete or composite, is more affordable, while higher-end types like slate are significantly more expensive.

"When people use the word 'tile' they're generally referring to some type of slate, clay or concrete roofing material," said Foote. "These materials could have a wide range of costs, anywhere between $10 and $30 per square foot, or $1,000 and $3,000 per square."

"Higher-end options like terracotta and slate can push costs higher due to their weight and extra installation costs," said Zakheim. Heavier tile requires stronger roof decking, and any structural issues that may affect the overall safety of the roof must be addressed prior to installing a slate roof. This additional prep work can drive up costs.

Roof size and style

The overall size of your roof will also impact tile roofing costs. Smaller roofs require less tile, leading to lower material costs, while larger roofs require more tile and come with a higher price tag.

Roof style also plays into roofing costs, as roofs with lots of cuts and corners are trickier to install than simpler roofs. If your roof is more complex, plan to spend more on labor for the installation.

Roof slope and pitch

Roof slope and pitch are two of the most important factors to consider when calculating the cost of installing a tile roof. While slope and pitch differ , they both relate to the overall steepness of your roof. Steeper roofs are more difficult and dangerous to work on, leading to higher installation costs, while a roof with a more gradual slope may save you some money.

Roof decking and structural issues

For heavy roofing materials like tile, the quality of your roof decking is especially important. Your roofer will need to address and repair any existing issues that could affect the safety or stability of your roof prior to installation. If repairs are needed, this will add to the overall cost.

Slate is especially dense and heavy, so homeowners should address any structural issues within the home as well before installing a slate roof.

Location

The cost of roofing materials varies a lot depending on where you live. Tile roofs tend to cost more in high-cost coastal cities like Los Angeles and Tampa, for example, while inland cities like Las Vegas and Boston see lower costs, according to home improvement platform Angi .

Zakheim, whose business is based in California, often sees homeowners pay upwards of $40,000 for tile roofs, while homeowners in the Southwest may be able to install a new tile roof for around $10,000, according to Tyler Johnson of Johnson Roofing in Mesa, Ariz.

Tile roof costs by material

Roof tile comes in four basic materials: concrete, composite, clay and slate. We'll break down costs for each type in this section, and we'll also look at the cost of solar roofing tiles.

Concrete tile

For a new concrete tile roof on an average-sized home in the U.S., you can expect to pay between $15,000 and $30,000, depending on where you live.

According to the seven roofers we polled, concrete tile ranges in cost from $900 to $1,800 per square. In high-cost areas like California, these costs can sometimes be as high as $2,700 per square, according to Zakheim, but this is not representative of average costs throughout the country.

Composite tile

Composite tile is a lightweight, budget-friendly alternative to traditional roofing tile, starting as low as $7 per square foot in most places. This means you could install a composite tile roof on an average-sized home for under $12,000, depending on where you live.

In higher cost areas, composite tiles may cost closer to $14 per square foot, or $1,400 per square. This would translate to about $24,000 for a full composite tile roof replacement on an average home.

Clay tile

Depending on the size of your roof, the location of your home and the type of clay tile you choose, you can expect to pay anywhere from $17,000 to $40,000 for a new clay tile roof.

The roofers we spoke with shared that clay tile costs tend to range from about $1,000 per square to $2,200 per square. Terracotta, a type of specialty clay tile, tends to be more expensive than other types, costing up to $2,500 per square.

Slate tile

The heaviest and most expensive type of tile roofing, slate tile, can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 per square, or $10 to $30 per square foot. This means homeowners should expect to pay between $17,000 and $50,000 when installing a slate tile roof, depending on location. In some parts of the country, slate tile prices may be somewhat lower, closer to $8 per square foot or $800 per square, according to Michael Feazal, CEO of Roof Maxx , a national roofing company.

Keep in mind that slate roofs are extremely heavy and require sturdy roof decking and structural supports. Not all homes are equipped to support a slate roof, so check with a trusted local roofing contractor to schedule an assessment.

Solar tiles

Solar roofing tiles are different from traditional tiles, but they're becoming increasingly popular as more homeowners look for ways to boost energy efficiency and lower environmental impact.

If you're interested in installing a solar tile roofing system, be prepared to pay a lot more than you would for a classic tile roof. Prices can range from around $50,000 to over $100,000, depending on the roofing system and brand. Companies like Solarstone and Solar Tile Roof offer cutting-edge solutions, but you'll need to reach out directly for specific price estimates. Learn more in our in-depth guide to re-roofing with solar shingles or tiles .

Is tile more expensive than roofing shingles?

Put simply, yes — roofing tiles are more expensive than roofing shingles. "Tile roof jobs are much more expensive due to the cost of materials and higher labor costs," said Paul Dashevsky, Co-CEO of GreatBuildz , a free online service connecting homeowners with vetted contractors. Since roof tiles are usually made from natural materials, they cost more than shingles, most of which are synthetic. But while tile roofs are a bigger investment upfront, they last significantly longer than shingle roofs and can even increase the resale value of your home.

Installing an asphalt shingle roof costs about $10,000 for the average homeowner, with costs ranging from about $7,500 to $23,000 depending on location. That said, asphalt shingle roofs are more susceptible to damage and require more frequent repairs and replacements. For more on the cost of roof tile versus roof shingles, check out our in-depth guide to understanding roof shingle installation costs .

Are tile roofs worth the cost?

If you can afford the high price tag, a tile roof is generally considered a very good investment for your home. Here are three reasons why.

Tile roofs can last a lifetime

When installed properly, tile roofs can last from 40 to over 100 years, which means you may never have to pay for another roof. Most shingle roofs only last up to 30 years, with many failing even sooner. For more on this, check out our guide to roof lifespans by material .

Installing a tile roof could increase your home's value

Investing in a new, high-quality roof increases the overall value of a home by about $15,000 on average, according to sources like IKO , a North American manufacturer of roofing materials. But IKO also notes that most homeowners only recoup about 68% of the cost of installing a new roof when they sell. 

Installing a tile roof may be more worth it for homeowners who plan to stay in their homes long-term and who live in a climate where tile roofing is well-suited.

In hot climates, tile roofing can help reduce home energy costs

Tile roofs are ideal in places with hot weather, including desert climates and humid, tropical climates. The Southwest and Southeast, where Spanish-style architecture is more common, are popular places for tile roofs, and homeowners benefit from cooler indoor temperatures and lower home cooling costs.

How to save money on tile roofing costs

If your heart's set on a tile roof but you can't quite afford the high-end costs, check out these ideas for making it more affordable.

Opt for composite or concrete tile

Composite and concrete are the two most affordable roofing tile materials on the market. While they're still more expensive than asphalt shingles, you'll pay much less than you would for clay or slate. Plus, composite and concrete tile still outperform shingles when it comes to roof durability and longevity. 

Choose an affordable style

Tiles don't just come in different materials — they also come in different styles, and some are pricier than others. Interlocking tiles are generally the most affordable style of roof tile, as they're fairly simple to install and help reduce labor costs.

Non-interlocking tile types include barrel, flat, French, mission (also known as double Roman), pantile, Riviera and Spanish-style tiles. These styles are more expensive because they are more complicated to install.

Consider re-roofing instead of roof replacement

Re-roofing usually refers to the process of installing new roofing materials over an existing roof. But with tile roofing, a re-roof involves removing the existing tiles and underlayment, repairing the roof decking, replacing the underlayment and reinstalling the same tiles. Since tiles last much longer than other roofing materials, this may be a smart option if your tiles are still in good shape.

By reusing the same materials, you'll forego the cost of buying new tile and reduce your overall roofing costs significantly. Johnson, whose roofing business is based in Arizona, said homeowners may be able to bring their overall costs down as low as $500 per square (or $8,500 for an average-sized roof) by re-roofing with existing tile.

Tile roofing costs more, but it may be worth it

There's no denying the fact that tile roofs cost more than shingle roofs and, sometimes, as much as $20,000 more. But depending on your situation, a tile roof may be the right choice. Tile roofing adds significant durability, standing up to everything from UV damage to large hail and heavy rains. The lifespan of a tile roof might also draw you in, with some tile roofs lasting over 100 years when installed properly. With current median costs landing at about $30,000 nationwide, tile roof installation is a long-term investment that can add significantly to the strength and value of your home.

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