Cost to Under-Cabinet Kitchen Lighting Installation in Albuquerque, NM (2026)
If you’re budgeting a under-cabinet kitchen lighting installation in Albuquerque, most projects run $353-$1,326, 12% below the $900 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Plug-In vs. Hardwired. On its own it can swing the cost by $200 - $800, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Install plug-in LED strip lights yourself for $50-$150 in materials - saves $300-$600 in electrician labor
In the Southwest (where Albuquerque sits): Moderate labor rates.
$353-$1,326 in Albuquerque
12% below the national average · 0.88x cost multiplier
Expect to pay $353-$1,326 for a under-cabinet kitchen lighting installation in Albuquerque, about 12% below the national benchmark. The Southwest region's contractor market and material costs account for most of this difference. The detailed breakdown below shows how budget, mid-range, and premium projects compare at Albuquerque prices.
Cost Breakdown in Albuquerque
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $96 | $288 | $576 |
| Labor | $123 | $327 | $654 |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $72 |
| Total | $219-12% vs. national avg | $615-12% vs. national avg | $1,398-11% vs. national avg |
Budget
Plug-in LED strip lights or battery puck lights, minimal wiring, 6-8 linear feet of coverage
Mid-Range
Hardwired LED strip or light bar system with dimmer switch, 12-16 linear feet, hidden wiring
Premium
Hardwired LED system with color temperature control, under and in-cabinet lighting, smart switch, 16-24 linear feet
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Albuquerque may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| LED Strip Lights (Tape) | $3-$8/linear ft (materials) | Most kitchens - provides the cleanest, most uniform lookMost even illumination, ultra-thin profile, flexible for curves, dimmable, energy efficient |
| LED Puck Lights | $15-$40 each | Small areas, renters, or budget-friendly DIY installationsEasy to install, available in plug-in or battery, individually replaceable |
| LED Light Bars | $20-$60 each (12-24 inches) | Homeowners who want hardwired lighting but prefer a simpler install than strip lightsEasy to hardwire or plug in, link multiple bars together, replaceable units |
| Tunable White LED (CCT Adjustable) | $8-$15/linear ft (materials) | Design-conscious homeowners who want flexibility in color temperatureWarm light for ambiance, cool light for cooking tasks, matches any time of day |
Other Projects in Albuquerque
Albuquerque Estimate
Typical Range
$353-$1,326
vs. National Average
12% below national
Cost Multiplier
0.88x
This 0.88x estimate prices Albuquerque labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →