Cost to Under-Cabinet Kitchen Lighting Installation in New York City, NY (2026)
If you’re budgeting a under-cabinet kitchen lighting installation in New York City, most projects run $490-$1,839, 23% above 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 Northeast (where New York City sits): Higher electrician rates.
$490-$1,839 in New York City
23% above the national average · 1.23x cost multiplier
Homeowners in New York City typically spend $490-$1,839 on a under-cabinet kitchen lighting installation, about 23% above the national average. Labor rates and contractor availability in the Northeast 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 New York City
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $121 | $363 | $726 |
| Labor | $186 | $496 | $992 |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $91 |
| Total | $307+23% vs. national avg | $859+23% vs. national avg | $1,930+23% 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 New York City 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 New York City
New York City Estimate
Typical Range
$490-$1,839
vs. National Average
23% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.23x
This 1.23x estimate prices New York City 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 →