Cost to Exterior Lighting Installation in Tampa, FL (2026)
If you’re budgeting a exterior lighting installation in Tampa, most projects run $722-$5,413, 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 Southeast (where Tampa sits): Lower labor costs; strong market in FL and TX suburban homes. Good value region for exterior electrical work.
$722-$5,413 in Tampa
10% below the national average · 0.90x cost multiplier
Homeowners in Tampa typically spend $722-$5,413 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 Tampa
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per fixture | $135 | $271 | $541 |
| Materials | $291 | $1,164 | $3,880 |
| Labor | $334 | $1,254 | $4,181 |
| Permits | $0 | $194 | $485 |
| Total | $625-11% vs. national avg | $2,612-10% vs. national avg | $9,031-10% 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 Tampa 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 Tampa
Tampa Estimate
Typical Range
$722-$5,413
vs. National Average
10% below national
Cost Multiplier
0.90x
Cost Per fixture
$135-$541
This 0.90x estimate prices Tampa 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 →