How much does landscape lighting cost?

A professionally installed low-voltage system runs about $2,000 to $6,000 depending on fixture count and design. A DIY kit is roughly $300 to $1,500.

Can I install landscape lighting myself?

Yes. Low-voltage systems are safe and designed for DIY, since the cable carries only 12 volts. The one part that may need an electrician is adding a new outdoor GFCI outlet for the transformer.

Are solar landscape lights worth it?

Solar lights need no wiring and are the easiest option, but they are dimmer and less reliable in shade or winter. Wired low-voltage gives stronger, more consistent light.

How big a transformer do I need?

Add up the wattage of all your fixtures and pick a transformer rated above that total, leaving room to add lights later. Running near the limit shortens its life.

How deep do I bury the cable?

A few inches is typical for low-voltage cable, deep enough to hide it and avoid mower blades, but check local guidance. Keep it away from areas you dig often.

PROJECT GUIDE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

Landscape Lighting Cost & Project Guide

Everything for your Landscape Lighting in one place: cost by state, DIY vs. hire, the tools and materials, and a local pro if you want one.

NATIONAL AVERAGE · UPDATED JUNE 2026

HIRE A PRO

$2,000–$6,000

DIY COST

$300–$1,500

Typical project: A low-voltage system, about 8 to 12 fixtures

Skill levelDoable with careAnyone can take this on. The Blueprint walks you through it, step by step.

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Exact cost by zip →Tools & materials →Find a pro →

Source: 3+ benchmark aggregations (RSMeans, Angi, Fixr, HomeGuide) plus Submitted Quotes data

Plan your Landscape Lighting

A quick checklist to get from idea to done. Want it as a printable PDF? Grab the full free version, emailed to you.

1Set a realistic budget using the cost range above.
2Check whether your project needs a permit in your state.
3Decide DIY or hire (see the breakdown below).
4Make your materials and tools list.
5If hiring, get three quotes and compare them like-for-like.
6Plan the timeline and order materials with a 10 percent buffer.

Get the full free Landscape Lighting checklist, emailed as a PDF →

Tools and materials for a Landscape Lighting

What you will actually buy. We flag what to rent versus own so you do not overspend on a one-time tool.

Materials

Low-voltage fixtures · 10 fixtures
Transformer · 1
Low-voltage cable · 100 ft
Connectors and stakes · 1 set

Tools

Shovel or trenching tool · you likely own
Wire stripper and connectors · rent or buy
Timer or smart controller · rent or buy

See all the tools and materials worth buying →

Pro tips for your Landscape Lighting

The mistakes that cost DIYers the most, and how to stay ahead of them.

Undersizing the transformer for the fixture load

Running too many fixtures on one long cable run, which dims the far end

Burying cable where a shovel or aerator will hit it

Using a non-GFCI outlet for the transformer

Should you DIY or hire for Landscape Lighting?

It depends on three things: your skill level, your time, and your tolerance for the riskiest parts of the project.

When DIY makes sense

→You have prior experience with similar home improvement projects
→The scope is well-defined and doesn't involve hidden structural work
→You can dedicate multiple days without rushing the job
→You're comfortable pulling a permit and scheduling inspections

When to hire

→The project involves electrical, plumbing, or structural elements
→You're on a hard deadline (sale, rental, weather window)
→Mistakes would be expensive or dangerous to fix
→Your jurisdiction requires a licensed contractor for permit sign-off
→You haven't done this type of work before

DifficultyModerate

Doable with some project experience and comfort handling permits and inspections.

Not planning to DIY? Find a local Landscape Lighting pro →

What drives the cost of Landscape Lighting

Materials

The single biggest material variable is your product choice. Low-voltage path and spot lights and Solar lights (no wiring) sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum, a decision that can shift your materials budget by 40–60%. Key line items include low-voltage fixtures, transformer, low-voltage cable, each priced per unit and sensitive to regional supply-chain conditions. Bulk purchasing and timing your order outside peak season (spring and early summer) can reduce material costs by 10–15%.

Labor

BLS occupational wage data shows outdoor-trade crews earn $28–$52/hour depending on metro area, and most landscape lighting jobs require a two- to three-person crew for at least one full day. Labor typically accounts for 40–60% of the total project cost. Project complexity, custom details, tight access, or non-standard configurations, adds crew time and can push labor costs well above the national average.

Site conditions

Slope, soil type, and existing-structure condition are the three site factors contractors price most aggressively. Demolition or removal of old materials adds dumpster and disposal fees that rarely appear in online estimates. Local code requirements, permit fees, required inspections, and jurisdiction-specific material standards, can add $200–$1,500 to any project before a single tool is lifted.

Rather hire it out?

Find a vetted Landscape Lighting pro near you. We never sell your info and never take kickbacks.

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Landscape Lighting cost in your state

Landscape Lighting cost varies a lot by state. Open your state for locally calibrated hire and DIY numbers.

Landscape Lighting cost in Michigan →Landscape Lighting cost in California →Landscape Lighting cost in Texas →Landscape Lighting cost in Florida →Landscape Lighting cost in New York →Landscape Lighting cost in Pennsylvania →Landscape Lighting cost in Ohio →Landscape Lighting cost in Georgia →

See all home improvement costs by state →