Exterior Lighting Installation Cost in 2026: $800–$6,000
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Cost Breakdown by Tier
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per fixture | $150 | $300 | $600 |
| Materials | $300 | $1,200 | $4,000 |
| Labor | $400 | $1,500 | $5,000 |
| Permits | $0 | $200 | $500 |
| Total | $700 | $2,900 | $10,000 |
Budget
Replace 3-4 existing porch or entry fixtures, same wiring, basic fixtures
Mid-Range
New lighting for front and back: entry, garage, pathway lights, motion sensors
Premium
Full landscape + architectural lighting: line-voltage LED system, in-ground, smart controls
What Drives the Cost
Number and Type of Fixtures
$200-$8,000Replacing a porch light costs $150-$300 installed. Adding motion-activated floodlights runs $200-$500 each. Path lights (low-voltage) cost $30-$80 per light installed. In-ground uplights for trees cost $150-$400 each. A comprehensive exterior lighting scheme for a typical home runs $3,000-$8,000.
Low-Voltage vs. Line-Voltage (120V)
$500-$3,000Low-voltage (12V) landscape systems are significantly cheaper to install - transformers cost $80-$300 and wiring is simple. Line-voltage (120V) fixtures are brighter and more permanent but require licensed electrician work and often permits, adding $50-$150 per fixture in labor.
New Wiring Runs
$200-$600 per runReplacing a fixture on existing wiring is cheap. Running new wiring from the panel to a new location costs $200-$600 per run depending on distance and obstacles. Any time wiring has to go through walls, under siding, or across a yard, costs increase.
Smart Controls and Automation
$200-$1,500Motion sensors add $50-$150 per fixture. Timer switches cost $30-$80. Full smart exterior lighting with app control and scheduled automation (Philips Hue, Lutron) adds $200-$800 in smart components beyond fixture costs.
Fixture Quality and Style
$50-$1,000 per fixtureBasic builder-grade entry lights cost $30-$80. Mid-grade fixtures from Home Depot or Lowe's run $80-$250. High-end architectural or brass fixtures from lighting showrooms cost $300-$1,500 each. Fixture cost often equals or exceeds installation labor on quality projects.
Cost by Material or Type
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Wall-Mounted Entry/Porch Lights | $80-$400/fixture installed | Front door, garage, back patio - any wall surface entry pointMost common exterior light, huge style selection, easy wiring |
| Motion-Activated Floodlights (LED) | $150-$350/fixture installed | Driveway, garage, dark corners, security-focused areasSecurity benefit, energy-efficient (only on when needed), bright coverage |
| Low-Voltage Path Lights | $30-$80/light installed | Walkways, driveway edges, garden bordersEasy DIY install, defines walkways, low running cost |
| In-Ground Uplights (Line-Voltage) | $150-$400/fixture installed | Statement trees, architectural walls, front elevation lightingProfessional look, illuminates trees and architectural features dramatically |
| Soffit and Recessed Exterior Lights | $200-$500/fixture installed | Covered porches, front soffit, covered back patioClean look, flush with soffit, water-rated, difficult to steal |
Regional Cost Variations
Labor rates and material costs vary significantly by region. Apply these multipliers to the national average to estimate costs in your area.
| Region | Adjustment | Est. Average |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | +12% to +22% | $3,136 - $3,416 |
| West Coast | +18% to +30% | $3,304 - $3,640 |
| Southeast | -14% to -7% | $2,408 - $2,604 |
| Midwest | -16% to -8% | $2,352 - $2,576 |
| Mountain West | +0% to +10% | $2,800 - $3,080 |
Timeline & What to Expect
DIY vs. Professional
Good for DIY
- Low-voltage (12V) path and landscape lights - DIY-friendly
- Replace an existing fixture at the same location (same wiring)
- Install a motion sensor timer on an existing circuit
Potential savings: $300-$800 on low-voltage landscape lighting
Hire a Pro
- Any new 120V circuit run
- In-ground line-voltage fixtures (conduit required)
- Any work requiring panel modifications
- Running wire through exterior walls or under siding
DIY feasibility: High for low-voltage / Low for line-voltage
Risk warning: Low-voltage landscape systems are safe and DIY-accessible. Line-voltage (120V) outdoor work is where mistakes become dangerous - weatherproof connections, GFCI protection, and proper burial depth all matter. Exterior electrical exposed to rain and freeze-thaw must be installed correctly to avoid fire and shock hazards.
How to Save Money
Low-voltage path lighting is one of the best DIY lighting projects - spend $200-$400 on a quality solar or transformer kit and install it yourself in an afternoon
Replace fixtures yourself when swapping existing locations - if the wiring is already there, swapping a fixture is a 20-minute job and no electrician is needed
Buy fixtures online at 30-50% less than big-box retail - look for UL wet-location rated fixtures from Amazon, Wayfair, or lighting specialty sites
Add a smart outdoor plug (Kasa, TP-Link, $25-$40) to existing outdoor outlets to get timer and app control without rewiring anything
Combine a lighting project with other electrical work happening at your home - electricians often discount when doing multiple tasks in one visit
Choose LED from the start - LED exterior fixtures use 75-80% less energy than halogen and last 15-25 years, eliminating replacement cost
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
“Are all fixtures you're installing rated for wet or damp locations as appropriate?”
Why this matters: Outdoor fixtures must carry UL wet (for exposed rain) or damp (for covered porch) ratings. Using indoor-rated fixtures outside is a code violation and a fire hazard.
“Will any of this work require GFCI protection?”
Why this matters: All outdoor outlets and many outdoor lighting circuits require GFCI protection by code. Know whether this is included or requires additional work.
“Are you pulling a permit for new circuit runs?”
Why this matters: New outdoor circuit runs require permits in most jurisdictions. Unpermitted electrical work can cause problems with homeowner's insurance and at home sale.
“For low-voltage systems: what transformer size are you specifying, and can I add more lights later?”
Why this matters: Undersized transformers limit expansion. A 150W or 300W transformer for a 6-light system leaves room to grow; a 60W transformer that's already maxed out doesn't.
Costs by City
Labor rates and contractor availability vary significantly by metro area. Select your city for a localized cost estimate.
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Sources & Methodology
Cost data cross-referenced from multiple sources. See our full methodology for details on how we research and calculate costs.
- Angi (2025)
- HomeGuide (2025)
- Fixr (2025)
Quick Answer
National Average
$2,800
Typical Range
$800 - $6,000
Low End
$200
High End
$15,000
Cost Per fixture
$150 - $600