Cost to Professional Landscaping / Landscape Design in Chicago, IL

$3,540–$35,400 in Chicago

18% above the national average · 1.18x cost multiplier

In Chicago, a professional landscaping / landscape design runs $3,540 to $35,400 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	$9	$24
Materials	$2,124	$6,490	$21,240
Labor	$1,770	$6,490	$21,240
Permits	$0	$354	$1,180
Design	$590	$1,770	$5,900
Total	$4,484+18% vs. national avg	$15,104+18% vs. national avg	$49,560+18% vs. national avg

Budget

Basic front yard refresh for 1,500 sq ft - new mulch, 10-15 new shrubs and perennials, simple edging, no hardscape

Mid-Range

Mid-range full front and backyard redesign for 3,000 sq ft - professional plan, new plantings, mulch, basic paver walkway, landscape lighting, irrigation tie-in

Premium

High-end full property landscape design for 5,000+ sq ft - master plan, premium plant palette, natural stone walkways and walls, full irrigation system, outdoor lighting, drainage, specimen trees

Material Options

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

Material	Cost/Unit	Pros	Cons	Best For
Basic Refresh (Mulch, Edging, Annuals)	$1 - $4 per sq ft	Lowest cost, immediate visual impact, easy to change each year, good DIY project	Annuals must be replanted each year, does not add long-term property value	Rental properties, quick curb appeal improvements, or homeowners preparing to sellLowest cost, immediate visual impact, easy to change each year, good DIY project
Perennial and Shrub Planting	$3 - $8 per sq ft	Plants mature and fill in over 2-3 years, lower long-term cost than annuals, seasonal interest	Looks sparse in year one, requires patience, plant selection must match climate and microclimate	Homeowners who think long-term and want a landscape that improves each year with minimal replantingPlants mature and fill in over 2-3 years, lower long-term cost than annuals, seasonal interest
Natural Stone Accent Plantings	$8 - $18 per sq ft	Distinctive look, natural stone never needs replacement, low maintenance, premium aesthetic	Expensive, heavy, requires professional installation for stability, limited to accent areas	High-visibility areas like entry gardens, specimen tree circles, or front foundation plantings on premium propertiesDistinctive look, natural stone never needs replacement, low maintenance, premium aesthetic
Low-Water / Native Plant Landscape	$4 - $10 per sq ft	Lower water costs, minimal maintenance once established, wildlife-friendly, increasingly popular aesthetic	Looks informal or 'weedy' to some homeowners, plant selection is climate-specific, may conflict with HOA rules	Drought-prone areas (Southwest, Mountain West), environmentally conscious homeowners, low-maintenance preferencesLower water costs, minimal maintenance once established, wildlife-friendly, increasingly popular aesthetic
Formal / Estate Landscape Design	$12 - $30+ per sq ft	Highest aesthetic impact, symmetric and dramatic, significant property value addition	High maintenance, expensive initially, requires skilled installation and ongoing care	High-value properties where outdoor curb appeal and landscaping are central to the property's characterHighest aesthetic impact, symmetric and dramatic, significant property value addition

Other Projects in Chicago

Full Kitchen Remodel

Full Bathroom Remodel

Basement Finishing

Back to national average for Professional Landscaping / Landscape Design

Chicago Estimate

Typical Range

$3,540–$35,400

vs. National Average

18% above national

Cost Multiplier

1.18x

Cost Per sq ft

$5–$24

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 →