Landscape Lighting Cost Calculator
Estimate landscape lighting installation cost based on number of fixtures, system type, and control options.
A landscape lighting costs $1,500 to $6,500, with a national average of $3,200. Use the calculator below to estimate your cost by size, quality tier, and location.
Last updated: March 25, 2026
Landscape Lighting Cost Calculator
Estimate landscape lighting installation cost based on number of fixtures, system type, and control options.
Estimated Total
$1,680
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 cost guide with material comparisons, contractor tips, savings strategies, and regional pricing data.
Quick Cost Reference
Cost by Tier
Basic DIY-grade low-voltage path light kit (8-12 solar or plug-in fixtures), single transformer, minimal wire run. No design, no trenching.
Professional low-voltage system: 12-16 LED fixtures (path, uplights, spotlights), quality transformer with timer, wire burial, basic design consultation.
Full low-voltage or line-voltage architectural system: 20+ fixtures with uplighting, path lights, deck lights, and accent lighting. Zone control, professional design, underground conduit.
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 Cost
Low-voltage vs. line-voltage systems
$500 - $3,000 differenceLow-voltage (12V) landscape lighting uses a transformer and is the most common choice for DIY and mid-range installs. Line-voltage (120V) systems require licensed electricians, conduit, and permits but deliver much higher brightness. Most residential installs use low-voltage; line-voltage is reserved for large properties or commercial-style lighting.
Number and type of fixtures
$65 - $400 per fixturePath lights run $20-$80 per fixture. Spotlights and uplights: $40-$120 each. In-ground well lights: $80-$200. Deck and step lights: $30-$80 each. Wall-mounted architectural fixtures: $100-$400. Labor to install each runs $50-$150 depending on how much wire needs to be buried.
Transformer size and features
$80 - $600A basic 150W transformer handles 8-10 fixtures and costs $80-$150. A 300W multi-zone transformer with photocell, timer, and Wi-Fi control costs $200-$400. If you're installing more than 15 fixtures, you'll likely need a 600W transformer at $300-$600. Transformer size directly limits how many fixtures you can add later.
Wire burial method
$150 - $800 additionalWire can be laid in a shallow trench (4-6 inches deep, code-compliant for low-voltage) using a flat spade or specialized burial tool. Professional trenching with a gas-powered tool runs faster but the equipment adds cost. Rocky or root-heavy soil significantly increases trenching labor.
Landscape complexity
$300 - $1,500 additionalFlat, open yards are straightforward to wire. Mature plantings, slopes, hardscape (patios, driveways), and irrigation systems all add complexity and time. Running wire under a driveway or walkway requires drilling or boring - add $200-$500 per crossing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a landscape lighting cost?
A landscape lighting costs $1,500 to $6,500 for a typical project, with a national average of $3,200. Budget projects start around $400, 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 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 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 cost?
Start with a lower-wattage transformer than you think you need. You can always add a second transformer later at lower cost than replacing a transformer you sized wrong. Most 150W transformers handle 6-8 LED fixtures well. Buy fixtures without the stake included (many manufacturers sell just the fixture head) when replacing existing lights - the stakes and wire are already buried.
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