Cost to Exterior Lighting Installation in Raleigh, NC

$720–$5,400 in Raleigh

10% below the national average · 0.90x cost multiplier

Homeowners in Raleigh typically spend $720–$5,400 on a exterior lighting installation, about 10% below the national average. Labor rates and contractor availability in the Southeast region drive much of the price difference. Permit requirements and material delivery costs also play a role. See the full tier-by-tier breakdown below before requesting bids.

Cost Breakdown in Raleigh

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Cost per fixture	$135	$270	$540
Materials	$270	$1,080	$3,600
Labor	$360	$1,350	$4,500
Permits	$0	$180	$450
Total	$630-10% vs. national avg	$2,610-10% vs. national avg	$9,000-10% 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 Raleigh 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 Raleigh

Full Kitchen Remodel

Full Bathroom Remodel

Composite Deck Building

Back to national average for Exterior Lighting Installation

Raleigh Estimate

Typical Range

$720–$5,400

vs. National Average

10% below national

Cost Multiplier

0.90x

Cost Per fixture

$135–$540

Estimates apply Raleigh's 0.90x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.

See national average costs →