Cost to Landscape Lighting Design & Installation in Chicago, IL (2026)
If you’re budgeting a landscape lighting design & installation in Chicago, most projects run $2,331-$6,992, 17% above the $3,800 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Number of Fixtures. On its own it can swing the cost by $75 - $350 per fixture installed, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Start with a smaller zone (front walkway or patio) for $800-$1,500 and expand later - most transformers support adding fixtures
In the Midwest (where Chicago sits): Lowest costs nationally.
$2,331-$6,992 in Chicago
17% above the national average · 1.17x cost multiplier
In Chicago, a landscape lighting design & installation runs $2,331 to $6,992 on average - about 17% 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $654 | $1,635 | $4,360 |
| Labor | $1,013 | $2,280 | $4,433 |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $109 |
| Total | $1,667+19% vs. national avg | $4,460+17% vs. national avg | $10,537+16% vs. national avg |
Budget
8-10 basic LED path lights and 2-3 spotlights on a single transformer. Standard brass or plastic fixtures with a simple layout.
Mid-Range
12-15 fixtures including path lights, uplights, and accent lights. Professional design, quality brass fixtures, multiple zones on a timer.
Premium
25-30+ fixtures with custom lighting design, premium copper or bronze fixtures, smart controls, color-changing capability, and landscape integration.
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Chicago may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic/Painted Aluminum | $30-$75/fixture | Temporary or rental property installationsVery affordable, lightweight, easy to install |
| Cast Aluminum | $50-$120/fixture | Mid-range installations where budget mattersDurable, lightweight, powder-coat finish resists corrosion |
| Solid Brass | $75-$200/fixture | Most residential installations - best value for longevityCorrosion-proof, 15-20 year lifespan, develops warm patina |
| Copper/Bronze | $150-$350/fixture | Premium installations on high-end propertiesStunning appearance, virtually indestructible, develops natural patina |
Other Projects in Chicago
Chicago Estimate
Typical Range
$2,331-$6,992
vs. National Average
17% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.17x
This 1.17x estimate prices Chicago 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 →