Landscape Lighting Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of professional landscape lighting design and installation based on the number of fixtures, material quality, and your region.
A landscape lighting design & installation costs $2,000 to $6,000, with a national average of $3,800. Use the calculator below to estimate your cost by size, quality tier, and location.
Last updated: March 25, 2026
Landscape Lighting Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of professional landscape lighting design and installation based on the number of fixtures, material quality, and your region.
Estimated Total
$3,620
Itemized Breakdown
This calculator provides estimates based on national averages adjusted for your region. Actual costs may vary significantly based on specific project conditions, contractor availability, material prices, and local market factors. Always get at least 3 quotes from licensed, insured contractors before starting your project.
Want the full picture?
Read our complete Landscape Lighting Design & Installation cost guide with material comparisons, contractor tips, savings strategies, and regional pricing data.
Quick Cost Reference
Cost by Tier
8-10 basic LED path lights and 2-3 spotlights on a single transformer. Standard brass or plastic fixtures with a simple layout.
12-15 fixtures including path lights, uplights, and accent lights. Professional design, quality brass fixtures, multiple zones on a timer.
25-30+ fixtures with custom lighting design, premium copper or bronze fixtures, smart controls, color-changing capability, and landscape integration.
How This Calculator Works
This landscape lighting cost calculator estimates your total project cost from four inputs: project size, quality tier, the options you select, and your location. It combines material and labor rates for your chosen tier, adds typical permit costs, then applies a regional cost multiplier so the estimate reflects pricing in your state.
Estimates use 2026 cost data cross-referenced from multiple industry sources. Treat the result as a planning range, not a quote. Your final price depends on your specific scope, material choices, and local contractor availability, so collect at least three itemized bids before you set a budget.
What Affects Your Landscape Lighting Design & Installation Cost
Number of Fixtures
$75 - $350 per fixture installedEach fixture includes the light, wiring, and labor to install. Basic LED path lights cost $75-$150 each installed. Quality brass uplights and spotlights run $150-$250. Premium architectural fixtures with smart controls cost $250-$350 each.
Transformer Size and Zones
$150 - $800A single-zone 300-watt transformer costs $150-$300. Multi-zone systems with smart timers, photocells, and Wi-Fi controls run $400-$800. Larger properties may need multiple transformers.
Professional Lighting Design
$0 - $1,500Some contractors include basic design for free. A professional lighting designer who creates a custom plan with photometric layouts charges $500-$1,500. This ensures proper light placement, eliminates dark spots, and creates dramatic effects.
Wiring Runs and Trenching
$2 - $5 per linear footLow-voltage wire costs $0.50-$1.00 per foot for materials. Trenching through landscaping adds $1-$3 per linear foot for labor. Runs through hardscape or under driveways cost significantly more. A typical residential project uses 200-500 feet of wire.
Fixture Material Quality
$30 - $300 per fixturePlastic and painted aluminum fixtures cost $30-$75 each but degrade in 3-5 years. Solid brass costs $75-$150 and lasts 15-20 years. Copper and bronze fixtures run $150-$300 and develop a beautiful patina over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a landscape lighting design & installation cost?
A landscape lighting design & installation costs $2,000 to $6,000 for a typical project, with a national average of $3,800. Budget projects start around $1,200, and premium work can reach $15,000. Use the calculator above for an estimate matched to your size, quality tier, and state.
How does this landscape lighting design & installation cost calculator work?
It combines 2026 material and labor rates for your selected quality tier, adds typical permit costs and any options you choose, then applies a cost multiplier for your state. Adjust the inputs to see your estimate update instantly.
Is this calculator free to use?
Yes. This landscape lighting design & installation cost calculator is free, requires no signup, and returns instant estimates.
Does the estimate include labor and permits?
Yes. Each estimate combines material and labor costs for your chosen quality tier plus typical permit fees. Your final price still depends on your specific scope and local contractor rates, so collect itemized quotes before budgeting.
How can I lower my landscape lighting design & installation cost?
Start with a smaller zone (front walkway or patio) for $800-$1,500 and expand later - most transformers support adding fixtures Buy fixtures in bulk directly - a 10-pack of quality brass path lights saves $20-$40 per fixture compared to buying individually
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