Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement cost: Kearny vs Newark (2026)
In 2026, Kearny and Newark land on nearly identical asphalt shingle roof replacement pricing — about $10,400 either way.
Kearny NJ
Typically around $10,400
Newark NJ
Typically around $10,400
Kearny vs Newark: full breakdown
| Factor | Kearny | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Localized 2026 planning estimates — not quotes. Each city adjusts the national asphalt shingle roof replacement range for local labor, climate and permits.
No real cost edge either way
This is a statistical tie on asphalt shingle roof replacement cost, so let contractor reputation and project timing decide, not geography.
Asphalt shingle roof replacement by type: Kearny vs Newark
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 | Kearny | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| 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: Kearny 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 | Kearny | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
These are 2026 planning figures for asphalt shingle roof replacement, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
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
Why summer costs more: it's the only stretch shingles seal reliably, so every storm-damaged roof in the region is competing for the same crews. Reserve a spring slot during the slow winter season and you're not in that queue.
Where does a smart roofing budget go in 2026?
The real cost of a roof comes down to three decisions: tear-off or overlay, which shingle tier, and what condition the decking is in. Our editors weigh in.
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
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.
The do-it-right case
A full tear-off lets the crew replace underlayment, flashing and ventilation while the deck is exposed — the layers that actually keep water out. Covering old shingles with new ones costs less on install day, but the trapped heat shortens shingle life, and many manufacturers won't honor a warranty on an overlay.
Three habits keep a roof from costing more than it should: strip to the deck, choose an architectural shingle, and get the decking-repair rate on paper before the tear-off begins. Storm season tends to produce the lowest bids and the shortest-lived roofs.
Kearny vs Newark
Is asphalt shingle roof replacement cheaper in Kearny or Newark?
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 Newark than Kearny?
Labor rates explain most of it — 1.14 in Newark vs 1.14 in Kearny. A mixed climate versus mixed accounts for the rest.
How much is asphalt shingle roof replacement in Kearny, NJ?
In Kearny, 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?
No, the seasonal pattern is the same in Kearny 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?
No — the cost is essentially identical between Kearny and Newark. Base the decision on the things that actually vary: contractor reputation, scope, equipment tier and timing.
Compare asphalt shingle roof replacement in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik