Cost to Landscape Lighting Cost in 2026: What to Expect in Raleigh, NC

$1,350–$5,850 in Raleigh

10% below the national average · 0.90x cost multiplier

Homeowners in Raleigh typically spend $1,350–$5,850 on a landscape lighting cost in 2026: what to expect, about 10% below the national average. Labor rates and contractor availability in the Southeast region drive much of the price difference. Permit requirements and material delivery costs also play a role. See the full tier-by-tier breakdown below before requesting bids.

Cost Breakdown in Raleigh

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Cost per per fixture installed	$59	$180	$360
Materials	$315	$1,080	$3,150
Labor	$360	$1,260	$2,700
Permits	$0	$0	$180
Total	$675-10% vs. national avg	$2,520-10% vs. national avg	$6,750-10% 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh

Full Kitchen Remodel

Full Bathroom Remodel

Composite Deck Building

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

Raleigh Estimate

Typical Range

$1,350–$5,850

vs. National Average

10% below national

Cost Multiplier

0.90x

Cost Per per fixture installed

$59–$360

Estimates apply Raleigh's 0.90x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.

See national average costs →