Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement cost: Elizabeth vs Kearny (2026)
There's essentially no price gap here: asphalt shingle roof replacement runs close to $10,400 in both Elizabeth and Kearny in 2026.
Elizabeth NJ
Typically around $10,400
Kearny NJ
Typically around $10,400
Elizabeth vs Kearny: full breakdown
| Factor | Elizabeth | Kearny |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $10,400 | $10,400 |
| Estimated range | $6,800–$14,000 | $6,800–$14,000 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.14 | ×1.14 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $325 | $325 |
| Labor share | $6,250 | $6,250 |
| Materials/equipment | $4,150 | $4,150 |
These are 2026 planning figures for asphalt shingle roof replacement, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
No real cost edge either way
Neither metro has a cost edge on asphalt shingle roof replacement — spend your decision-making energy on the contractor, not the location.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by type: Elizabeth vs Kearny
We localize each asphalt shingle roof replacement type separately for both metros, applying the same labor, climate and permit adjustments each time, so you're comparing like for like.
| Type | Elizabeth | Kearny |
|---|---|---|
| 3-tab shingles | $6,800–$11,700 | $6,800–$11,700 |
| Architectural shingles | $8,300–$14,000 | $8,300–$14,000 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national asphalt shingle roof replacement range for local labor, climate and permits.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by roof size: Elizabeth vs Kearny
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 | Elizabeth | Kearny |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $4,650–$8,300 | $4,650–$8,300 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $6,000–$11,150 | $6,000–$11,150 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $6,800–$14,000 | $6,800–$14,000 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $8,850–$16,250 | $8,850–$16,250 |
| 3,000 sq ft (30 squares) | $10,550–$19,700 | $10,550–$19,700 |
| 3,500+ sq ft (35 squares) | $12,300–$23,100 | $12,300–$23,100 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for asphalt shingle roof replacement — get an actual quote before you commit.
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.
New York-Newark-Jersey City metro · about 23% 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 earns you off-season pricing.
Where does a smart roofing budget go in 2026?
A roofing quote can hide a lot behind a single number — whether it's a true tear-off, the shingle grade, and what's under the surface. Here's how our editors sort through it.
The do-it-right case
Skipping the tear-off means burying whatever's failing underneath, and a second layer bakes the shingles from below until they curl early. Doing it properly means stripping to the deck, then paying for real underlayment, flashing and airflow — the work that sets how long the roof lasts, not just how it looks the first week.
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 risk case
The surprise that wrecks a roofing budget is rot in the decking, and you rarely see it until the old shingles come off. Fix the price per replacement sheet in the contract before the crew starts, so a low bid can't quietly climb once the deck is open.
Insist on tear-off over overlay, get the deck-repair rate in writing before work starts, and lean toward architectural shingles. Skipping any of the three tends to cost more later than it saves now.
Elizabeth vs Kearny
Is asphalt shingle roof replacement cheaper in Elizabeth or Kearny?
Not really — both cities land at almost the same number for asphalt shingle roof replacement, around $10,400 each.
Why does asphalt shingle roof replacement cost more in Kearny than Elizabeth?
Kearny's higher labor index (1.14 vs 1.14 in Elizabeth) is the biggest factor, with the mixed/mixed climate split playing a smaller role.
How much is asphalt shingle roof replacement in Elizabeth, NJ?
In Elizabeth, asphalt shingle roof replacement typically runs $6,800–$14,000 in 2026, with most homeowners paying around $10,400.
Do roofing pros really charge more in one city?
Yes — and the wage data shows it. A skilled installer earns about $38.3/hr in the New York-Newark-Jersey City 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?
It doesn't vary by location — Late spring to early fall (dry, 45–85°F) is the discount window in both Elizabeth and Kearny (roughly 5–10% off), while mid-winter and the post-storm rush tends to be the most expensive in either city.
Should I choose where to live based on asphalt shingle roof replacement cost?
Not on this basis — Elizabeth and Kearny cost about the same. Weigh contractor quality, scope, equipment tier and timing instead.
Compare asphalt shingle roof replacement in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik