Cost to Landscape Lighting Cost in 2026: What to Expect in Chicago, IL

$1,770–$7,670 in Chicago

18% above the national average · 1.18x cost multiplier

In Chicago, a landscape lighting cost in 2026: what to expect runs $1,770 to $7,670 on average — about 18% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Midwest market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.

Cost Breakdown in Chicago

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Cost per per fixture installed	$77	$236	$472
Materials	$413	$1,416	$4,130
Labor	$472	$1,652	$3,540
Permits	$0	$0	$236
Total	$885+18% vs. national avg	$3,304+18% vs. national avg	$8,850+18% vs. national avg

Budget

Basic DIY-grade low-voltage path light kit (8-12 solar or plug-in fixtures), single transformer, minimal wire run. No design, no trenching.

Mid-Range

Professional low-voltage system: 12-16 LED fixtures (path, uplights, spotlights), quality transformer with timer, wire burial, basic design consultation.

Premium

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.

Material Options

Material prices below are national averages; availability in Chicago may shift costs slightly.

Material	Cost/Unit	Pros	Cons	Best For
Solar path lights	$10-$40 per fixture	No wiring required, no electricity cost, easy to move	Dim output, inconsistent in winter or shaded yards, short lifespan (2-4 years)	Temporary or accent use, renters, very sunny climatesNo wiring required, no electricity cost, easy to move
Low-voltage LED path lights	$20-$80 per fixture	Reliable brightness, long lifespan (15-20+ years), low operating cost, huge variety	Requires transformer and wire burial, professional installation recommended	Driveways, walkways, garden borders - the workhouse of most systemsReliable brightness, long lifespan (15-20+ years), low operating cost, huge variety
Low-voltage LED spotlights/uplights	$40-$120 per fixture	Dramatic uplighting of trees and architectural features, adjustable aim	More expensive per fixture, requires careful aiming for best effect	Trees, shrubs, architectural features, flagpolesDramatic uplighting of trees and architectural features, adjustable aim
In-ground well lights	$80-$200 per fixture	Flush-mount for clean aesthetic, durable, works well in high-traffic areas	Expensive, installation is labor-intensive, hard to reposition	Driveways, patios, under trees where ground-mount lights would be tripped overFlush-mount for clean aesthetic, durable, works well in high-traffic areas
Deck and step lights	$25-$80 per fixture	Safety lighting for stairs and deck edges, integrated look	Installation requires cutting into deck boards or risers	Deck stairs, retaining wall steps, raised garden bedsSafety lighting for stairs and deck edges, integrated look
String lights (bistro/café style)	$20-$80 per 25-foot strand	Warm ambiance, inexpensive per foot, easy to install	Not a permanent install, susceptible to wind damage, lower weather resistance	Patios, pergolas, outdoor dining areasWarm ambiance, inexpensive per foot, easy to install

Other Projects in Chicago

Full Kitchen Remodel

Full Bathroom Remodel

Basement Finishing

Back to national average for Landscape Lighting Cost in 2026: What to Expect

Chicago Estimate

Typical Range

$1,770–$7,670

vs. National Average

18% above national

Cost Multiplier

1.18x

Cost Per per fixture installed

$77–$472

Estimates apply Chicago's 1.18x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.

See national average costs →