Cost to Exterior Lighting Installation in San Francisco, CA

$1,240–$9,300 in San Francisco

55% above the national average · 1.55x cost multiplier

Expect to pay $1,240–$9,300 for a exterior lighting installation in San Francisco, about 55% above the national benchmark. The West Coast 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 San Francisco prices.

Cost Breakdown in San Francisco

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Cost per fixture	$233	$465	$930
Materials	$465	$1,860	$6,200
Labor	$620	$2,325	$7,750
Permits	$0	$310	$775
Total	$1,085+55% vs. national avg	$4,495+55% vs. national avg	$15,500+55% 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco

Full Kitchen Remodel

Full Bathroom Remodel

Hardwood Floor Installation

Back to national average for Exterior Lighting Installation

San Francisco Estimate

Typical Range

$1,240–$9,300

vs. National Average

55% above national

Cost Multiplier

1.55x

Cost Per fixture

$233–$930

Estimates apply San Francisco's 1.55x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.

See national average costs →