How much does a exterior lighting installation cost in Philadelphia?

A exterior lighting installation in Philadelphia typically costs $863-$6,471, 8% above the $2,800 national average.

What is the cost per fixture for a exterior lighting installation in Philadelphia?

Exterior Lighting Installation in Philadelphia typically costs $162-$647 per fixture.

What are the different quality tiers for a exterior lighting installation in Philadelphia?

A budget exterior lighting installation in Philadelphia averages $752 (Replace 3-4 existing porch or entry fixtures, same wiring, basic fixtures). A mid-range project runs $3,126 (New lighting for front and back: entry, garage, pathway lights, motion sensors). A premium renovation costs $10,790 (Full landscape + architectural lighting: line-voltage LED system, in-ground, smart controls).

How long does a exterior lighting installation take?

A exterior lighting installation typically takes 1-2 days. The minimum timeline is 2 hours, and complex projects can run 3-5 days (full landscape system).

Can I DIY a exterior lighting installation?

DIY feasibility for a exterior lighting installation is rated High for low-voltage / Low for line-voltage.

Cost to Exterior Lighting Installation in Philadelphia, PA (2026)

If you’re budgeting a exterior lighting installation in Philadelphia, most projects run $863-$6,471, 8% above 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 Northeast (where Philadelphia sits): Higher electrician labor rates. Shorter days in winter make exterior lighting a priority; strong market in NY, NJ, CT.

$863-$6,471 in Philadelphia

8% above the national average · 1.08x cost multiplier

Expect to pay $863-$6,471 for a exterior lighting installation in Philadelphia, about 8% above the national benchmark. The Northeast 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 Philadelphia prices.

Cost Breakdown in Philadelphia

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Cost per fixture	$162	$324	$647
Materials	$333	$1,332	$4,440
Labor	$419	$1,572	$5,240
Permits	$0	$222	$555
Total	$752+7% vs. national avg	$3,126+8% vs. national avg	$10,790+8% 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia

Full Kitchen Remodel

Full Bathroom Remodel

Roof Replacement (Asphalt Shingles)

Back to national average for Exterior Lighting Installation

Philadelphia Estimate

Typical Range

$863-$6,471

vs. National Average

8% above national

Cost Multiplier

1.08x

Cost Per fixture

$162-$647

This 1.08x estimate prices Philadelphia 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 →