Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement cost: Camden vs Newark (2026)
Budget-wise, asphalt shingle roof replacement in Camden ($9,500) runs 9% less than in Newark ($10,400), a roughly $900 spread.
Camden NJ
Lower costTypically around $9,500
Newark NJ
Typically around $10,400
Camden vs Newark: full breakdown
| Factor | Camden | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $9,500 | $10,400 |
| Estimated range | $6,200–$12,800 | $6,800–$14,000 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.04 | ×1.14 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $275 | $325 |
| Labor share | $5,700 | $6,250 |
| Materials/equipment | $3,800 | $4,150 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for asphalt shingle roof replacement — get an actual quote before you commit.
Is the gap worth worrying about?
A 9% spread (roughly $900) is significant enough to plan around, but not fixed — off-peak timing and sharper bidding in Newark typically recover some of it.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by type: Camden vs Newark
Each asphalt shingle roof replacement option, priced separately for both metros — the same local labor, climate and permit adjustments applied per city, so you can compare like for like.
| Type | Camden | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab shingles | $6,200–$10,700 | $6,800–$11,700 |
| Architectural shingles | $7,600–$12,800 | $8,300–$14,000 |
These are 2026 planning figures for asphalt shingle roof replacement, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by roof size: Camden vs Newark
Roofing is priced per 'square' (100 sq ft of roof). A roof is bigger than the home's footprint because of pitch and overhangs — a 2,000 sq ft home often has a 2,200–2,600 sq ft roof. Asphalt runs about $3–$5 per sq ft installed.
| Size | Camden | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $4,250–$7,600 | $4,650–$8,300 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $5,500–$10,200 | $6,000–$11,150 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $6,200–$12,800 | $6,800–$14,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $8,100–$14,900 | $8,850–$16,250 |
| 3,000 sq ft (30 squares) | $9,650–$18,000 | $10,550–$19,700 |
| 3,500+ sq ft (35 squares) | $11,250–$21,150 | $12,300–$23,100 |
Treat these as 2026 localized estimates for asphalt shingle roof replacement, not quotes from a contractor.
What roofing pros earn in each metro
Since labor accounts for around 60% of what a asphalt shingle roof replacement job costs, it's the biggest lever behind any price gap between cities. What you're seeing below is actual BLS metro wage data for skilled installers — not a guess.
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro · about 7% above the US average installer wage.
New York-Newark-Jersey City metro · about 23% above the US average installer wage.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS metro wages for HVAC installers (used as a trade-labor index).
Cheapest time for asphalt shingle roof replacement in either city
Roofers are slammed the moment warm weather returns, especially after storms. Get on their books in the off-season for a spring job and you're negotiating with an empty calendar, not a waiting list.
Where does a smart roofing budget go in 2026?
Two roofs of the same square footage can price hundreds apart because of something you can't see from the ground — the deck under the old shingles. Add the tear-off-versus-overlay call and the shingle grade, and you have the decisions that actually move the number.
The value case
For a typical home, the architectural shingle is the default that makes sense. It outlasts 3-tab by a wide margin at a modest premium, and it spares you the cost of metal or tile that most roofs never need to justify.
The do-it-right case
Pay for a full tear-off and quality underlayment, flashing and ventilation. An overlay saves money today but traps heat, voids some warranties and costs more at the next replacement.
The risk case
Nail down the per-sheet decking rate in writing before anyone climbs up. Soft or rotted plywood is the most common mid-job discovery, and without an agreed number the crew names the price after they've already found the damage — turning a cheap quote into an open tab.
The two things that actually protect a roofing budget are a real tear-off and a written rate for any deck repairs found along the way. The cheapest post-storm bid usually isn't the cheapest roof, long-term.
Camden vs Newark
Is asphalt shingle roof replacement cheaper in Camden or Newark?
Camden wins on price: asphalt shingle roof replacement runs about $9,500 there versus $10,400 in Newark, a gap of roughly $900 (9%) as of 2026.
Why does asphalt shingle roof replacement cost more in Newark than Camden?
It comes down to labor: Newark indexes at 1.14 against Camden's 1.04. The mixed-vs-mixed climate difference, plus permit fees, adds to the gap.
How much is asphalt shingle roof replacement in Camden, NJ?
In Camden, asphalt shingle roof replacement typically runs $6,200–$12,800 in 2026, with most homeowners paying around $9,500.
Do roofing pros really charge more in one city?
It's not a myth — BLS data puts installer wages at about $33.4/hr in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area and $38.3/hr in New York-Newark-Jersey City. Given labor is around 60% of a asphalt shingle roof replacement job's cost, that gap explains most of the price spread.
When is the cheapest time to buy asphalt shingle roof replacement — and does it differ by city?
No, the seasonal pattern is the same in Camden and Newark: book during Late spring to early fall (dry, 45–85°F) for about 5–10% in savings. Mid-winter and the post-storm rush is the priciest stretch in both cities, mostly due to emergency replacements.
Should I choose where to live based on asphalt shingle roof replacement cost?
Not really — the $900 gap is one-time, and smart timing and tighter quotes in Newark can shrink it. Factors that compound over time, like energy prices and home condition, deserve more weight than a single upfront difference.
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik