Cost to Professional Landscaping / Landscape Design in Philadelphia, PA
$3,660–$36,600 in Philadelphia
22% above the national average · 1.22x cost multiplier
Expect to pay $3,660–$36,600 for a professional landscaping / landscape design in Philadelphia, about 22% above the national benchmark. The Northeast region's contractor market and material costs account for most of this difference. The detailed breakdown below shows how budget, mid-range, and premium projects compare at Philadelphia prices.
Cost Breakdown in Philadelphia
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $5 | $10 | $24 |
| Materials | $2,196 | $6,710 | $21,960 |
| Labor | $1,830 | $6,710 | $21,960 |
| Permits | $0 | $366 | $1,220 |
| Design | $610 | $1,830 | $6,100 |
| Total | $4,636+22% vs. national avg | $15,616+22% vs. national avg | $51,240+22% 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia
Philadelphia Estimate
Typical Range
$3,660–$36,600
vs. National Average
22% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.22x
Cost Per sq ft
$5–$24
Estimates apply Philadelphia's 1.22x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →