Landscape Lighting Cost in Massachusetts
Locally calibrated hire vs. DIY cost data for landscape lighting projects in Massachusetts. Cited sources, permit requirements, and a full build guide, free.
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HIRE A PRO
$2,300–$6,900
Fully installed, labor + materials
DIY COST
$300–$1,600
Materials + rentals, your labor free
Requires some construction knowledge and proper planning.
Government Data · Government Data · Submitted Quotes (n=0)
How we got these numbers
National benchmark costs from RSMeans, Angi, Fixr, and HomeGuide are adjusted for Massachusetts using two federal datasets: the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity (RPP) index and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Massachusetts's RPP is 1.1 (national baseline = 100) and its BLS labor adjustment factor is 1.21. Higher RPP means goods and services cost more relative to the national average; the BLS factor scales contractor labor rates to local wage levels. We blend these two adjustments, weighted 40% RPP, 60% BLS labor, to produce the ranges shown above.
adjusted_cost = national_benchmark × (0.4 × RPP/100 + 0.6 × bls_labor_adj)
RPP(Massachusetts) = 1.1 · BLS adj = 1.21
What's included
| Item | Qty | Unit Cost | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-voltage fixtures | 10 fixtures | $45 | $450 |
| Transformer | 1 | $150 | $150 |
| Low-voltage cable | 100 ft | $1 | $100 |
| Connectors and stakes | 1 set | $50 | $50 |
| Materials Total | $750 | ||
Tools you'll need
See the tools we'd buy →TOOLS YOU PROBABLY OWN
- Shovel or trenching tool
TOOLS TO RENT OR BUY
Wire stripper and connectors
Inexpensive to buy
Timer or smart controller
Build sequence
- 1
Plan the layout and total the fixture wattage to size the transformer.
- 2
Mount the transformer near a GFCI-protected outdoor outlet.
COMMON MISTAKE
Plugging into a non-GFCI outlet outdoors is a code and safety issue.
- 3
Lay out the fixtures and run the low-voltage cable along the path.
- 4
Connect each fixture, then bury the cable a few inches deep.
- 5
Set the timer, then adjust aim and brightness after dark.
Permits and code requirements
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
Permit rules for landscape lighting vary by city and county in Massachusetts. Most structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work needs a permit and an inspection. Confirm with your local building department, or see the Massachusetts guide for specifics.
PERMIT THRESHOLD
Varies by municipality
Disclaimer: Always verify permit requirements with your local building department before starting work. Requirements vary by municipality and are updated periodically.
Frequently asked questions
NEXT STEPS
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UPDATED JUNE 2026