Cost to Under-Cabinet Kitchen Lighting Installation in Portland, OR (2026)
If you’re budgeting a under-cabinet kitchen lighting installation in Portland, most projects run $511-$1,917, 28% 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 West Coast (where Portland sits): Highest labor costs nationally.
$511-$1,917 in Portland
28% above the national average · 1.28x cost multiplier
In Portland, a under-cabinet kitchen lighting installation runs $511 to $1,917 on average - about 28% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The West Coast 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 Portland
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $109 | $327 | $654 |
| Labor | $216 | $576 | $1,153 |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $82 |
| Total | $325+30% vs. national avg | $903+29% vs. national avg | $1,998+27% 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 Portland 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 Portland
Portland Estimate
Typical Range
$511-$1,917
vs. National Average
28% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.28x
This 1.28x estimate prices Portland 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 →