The Average Landscape Lighting Cost in Raleigh
Without landscape lighting, your property may feel strangely dark and even unsafe after dark. The front entry may feel dim, steps can be harder to see, and outdoor areas that look good during the day can disappear at night. That is usually what leads homeowners to consider landscape lighting, with the inevitable question quickly arising: how much does landscape lighting cost? Â
There is no one-size-fits-all answer because the cost of landscape lighting in Raleigh depends on the size of the home, the number of light fixtures, the type of lighting solutions, and other important factors unique to each landscape. However, there are factors that influence the cost which we will go over in this article. For a full home illumination, the average cost is $1,500-4,000 in the Raleigh area.
Factors that Affect Landscape Lighting Cost
The landscape lighting installation cost for one home may be very different from the next, even in the same neighborhood. A realistic price comes from the layout of the property and the goals of the homeowner, not just a rough average. In Raleigh, most homeowners typically invest between $2,500 and $4,500 for a professionally installed system, with smaller projects starting around $1,500 and larger custom designs exceeding $6,000.
Number of Landscape Lighting Fixtures and Placement
How many light fixtures are being installed and where they need to go is the first step in determining cost. In Raleigh, installed fixtures typically range from $100 to $250 per light depending on quality and installation complexity. A front entry with a short walk may only need a handful of installed light locations, and a small setup of 5 to 8 lights may cost roughly $1,000 to $2,000. A wider lot with long flower beds, a lot of trees, and multiple seating areas will require more coverage, and larger systems with 15 to 25 or more lights often range from $3,000 to $6,000 or more.
A good landscape lighting design is not about spacing every light the same way across the yard. It is about deciding what actually needs light, whether that is through pathway lighting, installed fixtures near the front entry area, or highlighting specific architectural features.
Wiring, Trenching, and Power Access
With low voltage landscape lighting, the wiring has to be routed from the power source to each area being lit, and that can change the amount of labor involved. In Raleigh, wiring and trenching labor can add approximately $500 to $2,000 or more depending on property size and obstacles. Some yards make that straightforward, while other properties are more complicated to work on.
For instance, wires may need to pass beneath lawn areas, move through garden beds, or work around patios, retaining walls, and other parts of the existing landscape that are already in place. The installation method affects both labor and the overall layout, which both impact landscape lighting pricing.
Transformer and Electrical Setup
Most low voltage landscape systems rely on a properly sized low voltage transformer connected to the home’s power source. In Raleigh, transformers and basic electrical setup typically range from $150 to $500, while more complex electrical work or outlet installation can increase costs to $500 to $1,500 or more. If the current setup is clear and accessible, that part of the job may be simple. If the project needs outdoor outlet installation, added capacity, or changes tied into the home's electrical system, then more electrical work may be needed, increasing your project cost.
Factors that Affect Landscape Lighting Cost
The landscape lighting installation cost for one home may be very different from the next, even in the same neighborhood. A realistic price comes from the layout of the property and the goals of the homeowner, not just a rough average. In Raleigh, most homeowners typically invest between $2,500 and $4,500 for a professionally installed system, with smaller projects starting around $1,500 and larger custom designs exceeding $6,000.
Number of Landscape Lighting Fixtures and Placement
How many light fixtures are being installed and where they need to go is the first step in determining cost. In Raleigh, installed fixtures typically range from $100 to $250 per light depending on quality and installation complexity. A front entry with a short walk may only need a handful of installed light locations, and a small setup of 5 to 8 lights may cost roughly $1,000 to $2,000. A wider lot with long flower beds, a lot of trees, and multiple seating areas will require more coverage, and larger systems with 15 to 25 or more lights often range from $3,000 to $6,000 or more.
A good landscape lighting design is not about spacing every light the same way across the yard. It is about deciding what actually needs light, whether that is through pathway lighting, installed fixtures near the front entry area, or highlighting specific architectural features.
Wiring, Trenching, and Power Access
With low voltage landscape lighting, the wiring has to be routed from the power source to each area being lit, and that can change the amount of labor involved. In Raleigh, wiring and trenching labor can add approximately $500 to $2,000 or more depending on property size and obstacles. Some yards make that straightforward, while other properties are more complicated to work on.
For instance, wires may need to pass beneath lawn areas, move through garden beds, or work around patios, retaining walls, and other parts of the existing landscape that are already in place. The installation method affects both labor and the overall layout, which both impact landscape lighting pricing.
Transformer and Electrical Setup
Most low voltage landscape systems rely on a properly sized low voltage transformer connected to the home’s power source. In Raleigh, transformers and basic electrical setup typically range from $150 to $500, while more complex electrical work or outlet installation can increase costs to $500 to $1,500 or more. If the current setup is clear and accessible, that part of the job may be simple. If the project needs outdoor outlet installation, added capacity, or changes tied into the home's electrical system, then more electrical work may be needed, increasing your project cost.
Type of Lighting Fixtures Impact Overall Project Cost
Not all light fixtures are priced the same. Decorative lamp posts, compact accent lights, hardscape lights, and premium brass fixtures all affect the installation price differently. In Raleigh, standard fixtures typically range from $100 to $200 installed, while premium brass or copper fixtures can range from $200 to $400 or more per light. The same is true for lamp type. Older traditional lights that use incandescent bulbs or halogen bulbs cost more to run and usually need more maintenance over time.
LED Landscape Lighting
Most modern landscape lighting uses integrated LED bulbs because they last longer, use less energy, and hold up better in outdoor conditions. In Raleigh, LED landscape lighting systems typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 for a full installation, with individual LED fixtures averaging $120 to $300 installed. For homeowners concerned about the energy bill, energy efficient led fixtures often make more sense than older incandescent bulbs.
Solar and Battery-Powered Options
Solar powered lights and battery operated lights usually cost less upfront than a wired system. In Raleigh, solar landscape lighting typically ranges from $20 to $100 per fixture for do-it-yourself setups, with small professionally placed solar layouts averaging $300 to $1,000. For a small area to highlight flower beds or a small path, solar lights may be enough. However, if you have a shaded yard or heavy tree cover, it will affect how much light those fixtures actually produce.
String Lights and Outlet-Based Setups
String lights are chosen by many homeowners to illuminate seating areas, porches, pergolas, and patios where the goal is a softer look rather than broader yard coverage. In Raleigh, installed string lighting setups typically range from $300 to $1,500 depending on coverage area and mounting requirements. They can add warmth to a space and is especially nice for deck lighting or other entertainment-based areas. However, they do not do as well of a job as a fully integrated landscape lighting system.
Low Voltage Systems for Long-Term Use
When the goal is a more complete and dependable setup, low voltage lighting systems are often the best long-term economical choice. In Raleigh, full low voltage landscape lighting systems typically range from $2,500 to $6,000 or more depending on the number of fixtures and design complexity. This gives better control over where light falls, how bright it is, and how the different areas of the property work together after dark. That becomes more important when the layout includes deck lights, pool lighting, tree lighting, walkways, or highlighting hardscapes.
When Landscape Lighting is Worth the Cost
In Raleigh and the surrounding areas, the average landscape lighting cost for professionally installed systems falls between $3,000 and $12,000 or more, depending on the size of the property, the number of fixtures, and the complexity of the design. Most standard residential projects fall closer to $2,500 to $4,500, while high-end custom designs can exceed $8,000.
That is a broad range, and for some homeowners the upfront price can feel substantial. However, the value of landscape lighting is not limited to appearance. The right system can make a property easier to move through and more functional after dark.
Walkways, steps, elevation changes, and transitions between the driveway, front entry, and backyard are easier to navigate when they are properly lit. That makes a difference for everyday use, especially around entry paths, patios, and side yards where dark spots can make footing less certain. It can also support broader security lighting goals by reducing poorly lit areas around the home.
Schedule a Consultation to Install Landscape Lighting in Raleigh
Every property looks different after dark, which is why it helps to plan a landscape lighting project that fits your home instead of guessing at fixture placement, brightness, or layout.Â
Sunset Lights Outdoor Lighting Company works with homeowners throughout the Greater Raleigh area to create outdoor lighting installation solutions that make walkways safer, highlight key features of the property, and bring more function to outdoor spaces at night.Â
If you are ready to talk through ideas and landscape lighting installation cost for your specific needs, schedule a consultation with our team today by calling or texting (919) 899-9395 or filling out the form below.Â