Cost to Professional Landscaping / Landscape Design in Los Angeles, CA
$4,050–$40,500 in Los Angeles
35% above the national average · 1.35x cost multiplier
In Los Angeles, a professional landscaping / landscape design runs $4,050 to $40,500 on average — about 35% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The West Coast 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 Los Angeles
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $5 | $11 | $27 |
| Materials | $2,430 | $7,425 | $24,300 |
| Labor | $2,025 | $7,425 | $24,300 |
| Permits | $0 | $405 | $1,350 |
| Design | $675 | $2,025 | $6,750 |
| Total | $5,130+35% vs. national avg | $17,280+35% vs. national avg | $56,700+35% 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 Los Angeles may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Refresh (Mulch, Edging, Annuals) | $1 - $4 per sq ft | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 Los Angeles
Los Angeles Estimate
Typical Range
$4,050–$40,500
vs. National Average
35% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.35x
Cost Per sq ft
$5–$27
Estimates apply Los Angeles's 1.35x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →