Metal Roof Installation cost: Camden vs Newark (2026)
The two metros aren't quite in sync on metal roof installation: Camden sits 9% below Newark, or roughly $22,700 versus $24,850 — about $2,150 apart.
Camden NJ
Lower costTypically around $22,700
Newark NJ
Typically around $24,850
Camden vs Newark: full breakdown
| Factor | Camden | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Typical 2026 cost | $22,700 | $24,850 |
| Estimated range | $13,850–$31,550 | $15,150–$34,500 |
| Labor index (vs US) | ×1.04 | ×1.14 |
| Climate zone | Mixed | Mixed |
| Climate factor | ×1 | ×1 |
| Local permit | $275 | $325 |
| Labor share | $13,600 | $14,900 |
| Materials/equipment | $9,100 | $9,950 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for metal roof installation — get an actual quote before you commit.
Is the gap worth worrying about?
A 9% spread (roughly $2,150) is significant enough to plan around, but not fixed — off-peak timing and sharper bidding in Newark typically recover some of it.
Metal roof installation by type: Camden vs Newark
Every metal roof installation type gets its own localized price for each metro, using the same labor, climate and permit adjustments — a true apples-to-apples comparison.
| Type | Camden | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| Corrugated steel (exposed fastener) | $9,650–$19,050 | $10,550–$20,800 |
| Standing-seam steel | $19,050–$36,800 | $20,800–$40,200 |
| Aluminum | $14,900–$29,500 | $16,250–$32,200 |
| Copper | $31,550–$62,850 | $34,500–$68,650 |
| Zinc | $29,500–$57,650 | $32,200–$62,950 |
All figures are 2026 localized planning estimates for metal roof installation — get an actual quote before you commit.
Metal roof installation by roof size: Camden vs Newark
Metal roofing is priced per square (100 sq ft) and costs roughly $6–$14 per sq ft installed — two to three times asphalt, but it lasts decades longer. Standing-seam costs more than exposed-fastener panels.
| Size | Camden | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 sq ft (10 squares) | $8,600–$16,950 | $9,450–$18,550 |
| 1,500 sq ft (15 squares) | $11,750–$24,250 | $12,850–$26,500 |
| 2,000 sq ft (20 squares) | $13,850–$31,550 | $15,150–$34,500 |
| 2,500 sq ft (25 squares) | $16,950–$37,850 | $18,550–$41,300 |
| 3,000+ sq ft (30 squares) | $20,100–$44,100 | $21,950–$48,150 |
These are 2026 planning figures for metal roof installation, localized to each city — not formal quotes.
What roofing pros earn in each metro
With labor making up about 60% of a metal roof installation job, wage differences between metros do most of the work here. These figures are real BLS OEWS installer wages, not modeled 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 metal roof installation in either city
The material dictates the season (shingles need warmth to seal), but the price is set by demand, and demand spikes after every regional hailstorm. Booking your spot in the quiet winter months for spring work avoids that spike.
Where does a smart roofing budget go in 2026?
Roofing budgets swing on decisions most homeowners don't think to ask about — overlay vs. tear-off, shingle tier, deck condition. Our editors break down each one.
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.
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.
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.
Camden vs Newark
Is metal roof installation cheaper in Camden or Newark?
Yes — Newark costs more. Expect around $24,850 for metal roof installation there against $22,700 in Camden, about $2,150 (9%) apart in 2026.
Why does metal roof installation cost more in Newark than Camden?
Labor rates explain most of it — 1.14 in Newark vs 1.04 in Camden. A mixed climate versus mixed, along with differing permit costs, accounts for the rest.
How much is metal roof installation in Camden, NJ?
Camden homeowners can expect $13,850 to $31,550 for metal roof installation in 2026, with $22,700 the typical number.
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 metal roof installation job's cost, that gap explains most of the price spread.
When is the cheapest time to buy metal roof installation — 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 Camden and Newark (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 metal roof installation cost?
Not really — the $2,150 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.
Compare metal roof installation in other cities
Updated June 2026 · By Serhat Özçelik