Cost to Kitchen Lighting Upgrade in Columbus, OH (2026)
If you’re budgeting a kitchen lighting upgrade in Columbus, most projects run $1,464-$5,856, 2% below the $3,200 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Number of New Circuits. On its own it can swing the cost by $300 - $1,500, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Replace existing fixtures in the same location to avoid running new wire - this alone saves $300-$800 in electrician time.
$1,464-$5,856 in Columbus
2% below the national average · 0.98x cost multiplier
In Columbus, a kitchen lighting upgrade runs $1,464 to $5,856 on average - about 2% below 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 Columbus
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per fixture | $73 | $146 | $293 |
| Materials | $376 | $1,692 | $4,230 |
| Labor | $618 | $1,443 | $3,092 |
| Permits | $0 | $141 | $235 |
| Total | $994-1% vs. national avg | $3,276-2% vs. national avg | $8,027-3% vs. national avg |
Budget
Replace existing fixtures with basic LED flush-mounts and under-cabinet strip lights. No new wiring runs.
Mid-Range
Recessed LED cans throughout, pendant lights over island, under-cabinet lighting, dimmer switches. New circuits if needed.
Premium
Full layered lighting plan with recessed cans, statement pendants, toe-kick lighting, in-cabinet lighting, smart dimmers, and designer fixtures.
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Columbus may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Recessed LED Cans | $25-$100/can installed | Primary ambient lighting in most kitchensClean look, spreads light evenly, dimmable |
| Pendant Lights | $100-$600/fixture | Kitchen islands, breakfast bars, over sinksDecorative impact, great over islands and sinks |
| Under-Cabinet LED Strips | $150-$400 per run hardwired | Countertop task lighting in all kitchensExcellent task lighting, eliminates counter shadows |
| Semi-Flush Ceiling Fixtures | $80-$400/fixture | Budget upgrades, kitchens with low ceilingsEasier to install than recessed, wide variety of styles |
| Track Lighting | $200-$600/run installed | Flexible task lighting, galley kitchensAdjustable heads, single circuit powers multiple lights |
Other Projects in Columbus
Columbus Estimate
Typical Range
$1,464-$5,856
vs. National Average
2% below national
Cost Multiplier
0.98x
Cost Per fixture
$73-$293
This 0.98x estimate prices Columbus 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 →