Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement cost: Camden vs Newark (2026)
In 2026, asphalt shingle roof replacement is about 9% less expensive in Camden than in Newark. Most homeowners pay around $9,500 in Camden versus $10,400 in Newark — a gap of roughly $900.
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 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national asphalt shingle roof replacement range for local labor, climate and permits.
Is the gap worth worrying about?
A 9% gap is meaningful on a project this size — about $900. That's real money, but it's often within reach of off-season timing and a tighter apples-to-apples bid in Newark.
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 |
Localized 2026 planning ranges by type — not quotes.
What roofing pros earn in each metro
Labor is about 60% of a asphalt shingle roof replacement bill, so local wages drive most of the gap. These are real metro hourly wages for skilled installers (BLS OEWS), not estimates.
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
Shingles need warm, dry weather to seal, and demand peaks after summer storms. Booking in the slow late-fall/winter window for a spring install often unlocks off-season pricing.
Where does a smart roofing budget go in 2026?
Tear-off vs. overlay, shingle tier and what's hidden under the deck decide the real number. Our editors on the trade-offs.
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 value case
Architectural shingles hit the sweet spot — far more durable than 3-tab for a modest premium, and far cheaper than metal or tile. For most homes they're the right default.
The risk case
Budget for the unknown: rotten decking found at tear-off is the most common surprise. Get the per-sheet repair rate in writing up front so a "cheap" bid doesn't balloon mid-job.
Full tear-off, architectural shingles and a written deck-repair rate protect you from the two big risks — hidden rot and warranty gaps. The lowest storm-season bid is rarely the cheapest over the roof's life.
Camden vs Newark
Is asphalt shingle roof replacement cheaper in Camden or Newark?
In 2026, asphalt shingle roof replacement is cheaper in Camden at about $9,500, versus $10,400 in Newark — a difference of about $900 (9%).
Why does asphalt shingle roof replacement cost more in Newark than Camden?
The main driver is local labor rates: Newark's labor index is 1.14 versus 1.04 in Camden. Climate zone (mixed vs mixed) and permit fees also shift the total.
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?
Yes — and the wage data shows it. A skilled installer earns about $33.4/hr in the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington area versus $38.3/hr around New York-Newark-Jersey City (BLS metro wage data). Since labor is roughly 60% of a asphalt shingle roof replacement job, that wage gap is the biggest reason the installed prices differ.
When is the cheapest time to buy asphalt shingle roof replacement — and does it differ by city?
The best window is the same in both Camden and Newark: Late spring to early fall (dry, 45–85°F), when demand drops and installers discount to keep crews busy — typically 5–10% off peak pricing. The most expensive time anywhere is an emergency replacement during mid-winter and the post-storm rush.
Should I choose where to live based on asphalt shingle roof replacement cost?
Rarely. The $900 difference is real but one-time, and you can often close most of it in Newark by buying in the off-season and getting tighter, apples-to-apples bids. Ongoing factors — energy prices, climate and home condition — matter more over the life of the system.
Compare asphalt shingle roof replacement in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik