How Much Does Outdoor Lighting Cost? A Detailed Breakdown from a Professional Installer

If you’ve been wondering how much outdoor lighting costs for a home or property, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions homeowners ask, and the answers online are usually all over the place. As someone who designs and installs systems every day, I’ll give you a straight, experience-backed breakdown so you can plan confidently without guessing.

Quick Answer: Most Outdoor Lighting Systems Cost $4,000 to $12,000 Installed

If you need the fast number, this is the range that covers the majority of homes. Smaller homes land toward the lower end. Larger properties or projects with specialty lighting land higher.

Now let’s dig into what actually affects the price.

What Determines the Cost of Outdoor Lighting?

Number of Fixtures

This is the biggest cost factor in any lighting design. Most homes use 10 to 30 fixtures depending on layout and goals.

Typical fixture cost installed:

• $250 to $350 per fixture count for standard path or accent lighting

• $350 to $500 per fixture count for decorative or specialty fixtures

• $500 to $900+ for premium fixtures or challenging installs

Professional-grade brass fixtures last years longer than the plastic or aluminum retail options. They’re built to handle weather, moisture, and everyday life without failing.

Transformer and Wiring

A dependable lighting system needs a high quality transformer, proper wire gauge, waterproof connections, and correct voltage balancing.

Typical ranges:

• Transformers: $400 to $1,200 – 75watt -1,200 watt transformer with lighting on/off controls.

• Wiring and materials: $800 to $3,000 buried and installed. Price vary depending on length, amount of home runs, passing under walkways and or driveways.

This is the part of the system you don’t see, but it’s the difference between reliable lighting and a constant headache.

Design Complexity

Not every home gets the same treatment. Some require advanced design and installation techniques.

Costs increase with:

• Accent lights for sculptures or fountains

• Large or mature trees with multiple lights

• Sloped yards and challenging landscapes that we need to trench through

• Step lighting sleeves placed before a concrete pour

• Hardscape drilling or passing under walkways and driveways

• Smart controls and dimming zones

You’re not just paying for fixtures. You’re investing in a lighting design that enhances architecture, safety, and curb appeal.

Real Outdoor Lighting Cost Examples

Front Yard Upgrade in Monument, CO

12 brass fixtures for path, tree up lighting and facade lighting. Included new stainless steel transformer with timer control.
Total cost: $4,800 (including taxes)
Great for homeowners wanting safety, visibility, and a warm entry glow.

Full Mid-Size System in Colorado Springs, CO

20 fixtures for front yard trees, front steps, backyard paths, and patio string lights
Total cost: $9,200 (including tax)
A balanced, whole-property design with noticeable visual depth at night for most any home in Colorado Springs.

Premium Property Transformation in Castle Rock, CO

36 fixtures including tree lighting, beam mounted down lights on arbor, moon lighting, water feature lighting, garden sculpture, and pool area step lights
Total cost: $18,000+
This is the resort-style setup that a home in Castle Rock deserves. The dramatic nighttime look makes the home feel like a high-end retreat.

Common Mistake: Mixing Cheap Parts With Professional Installs

Many homeowners try to save money by piecing together different fixtures over time. Cheap aluminum or plastic fixtures fail quickly and cost more in the long run. Brass fixtures with sealed LED components are built to last and give consistent performance.

Can You Start Small and Expand Later?

Absolutely. Many customers start with their front entry or patio. If the transformer is sized correctly, you can add new fixtures anytime. Starter systems usually run from $2,000 to $4,000. Another insider tip: If you do plan to add later communicate that upfront so we can install spare wiring where needed to connect to later. This makes the second phase cheaper.

So What Will Your Outdoor Lighting Cost?

A quality outdoor lighting installation typically falls between $4,000 and $12,000 depending on your home, lighting goals, and design requirements. The best way to get an exact cost is with an on-site consultation where we design your layout, review fixture options, and build a detailed estimate all for FREE.

I also offer FREE nighttime demos so you can see the lighting before committing. Nothing sells outdoor lighting like seeing your own home glowing after dark.