Cost to Exterior Lighting Installation in Boston, MA

$1,056–$7,920 in Boston

32% above the national average · 1.32x cost multiplier

In Boston, a exterior lighting installation runs $1,056 to $7,920 on average — about 32% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Northeast 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 Boston

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Cost per fixture	$198	$396	$792
Materials	$396	$1,584	$5,280
Labor	$528	$1,980	$6,600
Permits	$0	$264	$660
Total	$924+32% vs. national avg	$3,828+32% vs. national avg	$13,200+32% 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 Boston may shift costs slightly.

Material	Cost/Unit	Pros	Cons	Best For
Wall-Mounted Entry/Porch Lights	$80-$400/fixture installed	Most common exterior light, huge style selection, easy wiring	Limited illumination radius	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	Security benefit, energy-efficient (only on when needed), bright coverage	Can trigger frequently in windy areas, less aesthetic than decorative	Driveway, garage, dark corners, security-focused areasSecurity benefit, energy-efficient (only on when needed), bright coverage
Low-Voltage Path Lights	$30-$80/light installed	Easy DIY install, defines walkways, low running cost	Low brightness, transformer required, wiring visible if poorly routed	Walkways, driveway edges, garden bordersEasy DIY install, defines walkways, low running cost
In-Ground Uplights (Line-Voltage)	$150-$400/fixture installed	Professional look, illuminates trees and architectural features dramatically	Requires conduit and licensed electrician, more expensive	Statement trees, architectural walls, front elevation lightingProfessional look, illuminates trees and architectural features dramatically
Soffit and Recessed Exterior Lights	$200-$500/fixture installed	Clean look, flush with soffit, water-rated, difficult to steal	Requires soffit access, more installation complexity	Covered porches, front soffit, covered back patioClean look, flush with soffit, water-rated, difficult to steal

Other Projects in Boston

Full Bathroom Remodel

Full Kitchen Remodel

Window Replacement

Back to national average for Exterior Lighting Installation

Boston Estimate

Typical Range

$1,056–$7,920

vs. National Average

32% above national

Cost Multiplier

1.32x

Cost Per fixture

$198–$792

Estimates apply Boston's 1.32x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.

See national average costs →