Cost to Exterior Lighting Installation in Albuquerque, NM (2026)
If you’re budgeting a exterior lighting installation in Albuquerque, most projects run $723-$5,424, 10% below the $2,800 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Number and Type of Fixtures. On its own it can swing the cost by $200-$8,000, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: 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
In the Southwest (where Albuquerque sits): Denver and Boise markets have elevated rates; mountain properties often require more complex lighting designs.
$723-$5,424 in Albuquerque
10% below the national average · 0.90x cost multiplier
Expect to pay $723-$5,424 for a exterior lighting installation in Albuquerque, about 10% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per fixture | $136 | $271 | $542 |
| Materials | $288 | $1,152 | $3,840 |
| Labor | $340 | $1,275 | $4,249 |
| Permits | $0 | $192 | $480 |
| Total | $628-10% vs. national avg | $2,619-10% vs. national avg | $9,049-10% vs. national avg |
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
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Albuquerque may shift costs slightly.
| 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 |
Other Projects in Albuquerque
Albuquerque Estimate
Typical Range
$723-$5,424
vs. National Average
10% below national
Cost Multiplier
0.90x
Cost Per fixture
$136-$542
This 0.90x 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 →