Cost to Landscaping Design and Installation in Chicago, IL

$1,770–$21,240 in Chicago

18% above the national average · 1.18x cost multiplier

In Chicago, a landscaping design and installation runs $1,770 to $21,240 on average — about 18% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Midwest 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 Chicago

Line Item	Low	Mid	High
Cost per sq ft	$5	$12	$30
Materials	$944	$3,540	$11,800
Labor	$1,180	$4,130	$14,160
Permits	$0	$236	$590
Total	$2,124+18% vs. national avg	$8,496+18% vs. national avg	$30,090+18% vs. national avg

Budget

Basic refresh: mulch, shrub planting, sod in bare patches, clean edging

Mid-Range

Full front yard redesign: new plant beds, sod or seed, defined edging, basic irrigation

Premium

Professional full redesign: hardscape, mature trees, irrigation system, lighting, drainage

Material Options

Material prices below are national averages; availability in Chicago may shift costs slightly.

Material	Cost/Unit	Pros	Cons	Best For
Sod (Instant Lawn)	$0.60-$1.20/sq ft materials	Immediate results, no waiting period, firm surface in days	Expensive, requires intensive watering for 4-6 weeks, limited grass types	Front yards where curb appeal matters immediately, small to medium areasImmediate results, no waiting period, firm surface in days
Seed (Grow-In Lawn)	$0.05-$0.20/sq ft materials	Lowest cost, wider grass variety selection, good long-term density	Takes 6-12 weeks to establish, requires precise timing, weed competition	Large back yards, budget-conscious projects, spring/fall timingLowest cost, wider grass variety selection, good long-term density
Hardwood Mulch	$35-$50/cubic yard installed	Suppresses weeds, retains moisture, improves soil, low maintenance	Breaks down over 1-2 years and needs refreshing, can harbor pests if piled against house	All plant beds - the most cost-effective landscaping improvement per dollarSuppresses weeds, retains moisture, improves soil, low maintenance
Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants	$10-$80/plant installed	Low water needs, minimal maintenance, supports local wildlife, lower long-term cost	Less visual impact in first year, limited selection in some regions	Eco-conscious homeowners, dry climates, low-maintenance landscapesLow water needs, minimal maintenance, supports local wildlife, lower long-term cost
Landscape Edging (Steel or Aluminum)	$1.50-$4/linear ft installed	Defines beds cleanly, prevents grass intrusion, professional look	Metal can rust or shift over time, requires periodic re-setting	Any project - clean edging is one of the most cost-effective ways to elevate a landscapeDefines beds cleanly, prevents grass intrusion, professional look

Other Projects in Chicago

Full Kitchen Remodel

Full Bathroom Remodel

Basement Finishing

Back to national average for Landscaping Design and Installation

Chicago Estimate

Typical Range

$1,770–$21,240

vs. National Average

18% above national

Cost Multiplier

1.18x

Cost Per sq ft

$5–$30

Estimates apply Chicago's 1.18x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.

See national average costs →