Cost to Professional Landscaping / Landscape Design in San Diego, CA

$4,050–$40,500 in San Diego

35% above the national average · 1.35x cost multiplier

Expect to pay $4,050–$40,500 for a professional landscaping / landscape design in San Diego, about 35% above the national benchmark. The West Coast 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 San Diego prices.

Cost Breakdown in San Diego

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 San Diego 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 San Diego

Solar Panel Installation

Full Kitchen Remodel

Full Bathroom Remodel

Back to national average for Professional Landscaping / Landscape Design

San Diego 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 San Diego's 1.35x regional cost multiplier to national averages. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.

See national average costs →