Have you noticed more homes in your neighborhood glowing beautifully all year long? That’s not magic—it’s permanent outdoor lighting, one of the biggest trends in home improvement right now.
Instead of climbing ladders every holiday season or untangling boxes of lights, homeowners are investing in lighting systems that stay up 24/7, look great year-round, and can be customized with an app on your phone.
But the big question is: how much are they going to cost you? Let’s break it down clearly—no confusing jargon, just real numbers and practical tips.
What Exactly Is Permanent Outdoor Lighting?
Permanent outdoor lighting is a professionally installed LED system designed to stay on your home year-round. Unlike temporary Christmas lights that go up and down each season, these fixtures are mounted discreetly under your eaves or along rooflines, blending in with your home’s exterior when turned off. When lit, they give your house a clean, polished glow that looks intentional and elegant—not seasonal or cluttered.
You can control everything from your smartphone—the colors, brightness, timing, and even special patterns. Whether it’s red and green for Christmas, red-white-blue for Independence Day, or warm white for a cozy backyard dinner, you can change the entire look of your home in seconds. Many systems even come with preset themes for holidays or custom options for events and parties.
Most U.S. homeowners install them for three main reasons:
- Holiday displays – Enjoy festive lighting without yearly setup or tangled wires.
- Accent lighting – Highlight rooflines, landscaping, and architectural details for curb appeal.
- Security lighting – Improve visibility and deter intruders around your property.
It’s a long-term, low-maintenance upgrade that keeps your home looking bright, safe, and inviting all year long.
A tree-patterned solar lantern adds a touch of charm and nature-inspired glow to the garden.
Average Cost of Permanent Outdoor Lighting in the U.S.
Across the U.S., most homeowners spend between $2,000 and $10,000+ for a full installation of the best permanent outdoor lighting. The total depends on your home’s size, roofline complexity, and the lighting features you choose. Smaller, single-story homes cost less, while large or custom houses with complex designs can easily exceed $10,000.
On average, pricing runs about $15 to $40 per linear foot, including lights, control system, power supplies, and professional installation. Premium brands and smart app-enabled systems tend to fall at the higher end of that range.
Here’s a quick cost breakdown:
- Small single-story home: $2,000–$3,500
- Medium home (2,000–2,500 sq. ft.): $4,000–$6,000
- Large or custom home: $8,000–$15,000+
Every project is different, but these numbers give a solid idea of what to expect before you start requesting quotes from installers. It’s a smart way to plan your budget and avoid surprises.
What Affects the Price?
Several key factors determine how much permanent outdoor lighting will cost, and understanding them can help you plan your budget more accurately.
1. Home Size and Roofline Design
The size and shape of your home make a big difference. A small, single-story ranch home is quick and straightforward to install lights on, while a larger two-story home with peaks, dormers, and wraparound eaves requires more footage, more materials, and more labor hours—so the total cost climbs.
2. Type of Lighting System
Not all permanent lighting systems are the same. You’ll find three common types:
- Permanent holiday lighting (like Gemstone Lights or Trimlight) – versatile and colorful, ideal for year-round use.
- Landscape lighting – used to illuminate gardens, trees, and pathways.
- Architectural accent lighting – highlights the home’s design features.
Each system has its own pricing and complexity. Holiday lighting systems tend to be the most flexible—and the most expensive—since they include app control, color-changing options, and smart scheduling features.
Stylish post lights enhance both safety and aesthetics in the backyard landscape.
3. Lighting Quality and Features
The quality of your LED lights plays a major role in overall price and longevity. Lower-cost systems might save money upfront but usually offer fewer color options and shorter lifespans. Premium setups come with:
- Full RGB color control
- WiFi or smartphone integration
- Weatherproof ratings (IP65 or higher)
- Multi-zone programming for different areas of the home
These upgrades make the system easier to use and more durable in the long run.
4. Labor and Installation Difficulty
Labor is a big part of your final bill. The more challenging the installation, the more you’ll pay. Homes with steep roofs, tricky access points, or materials like tile or metal require extra time and specialized equipment. Professional installers handle all of this safely, bringing the right tools, ladders, and electrical expertise—so you don’t have to risk climbing a roof yourself.
5. Brand, Warranty, and Service
Finally, the brand you choose affects both cost and reliability. Trusted names such as Gemstone Lights, JellyFish Lighting, and Trimlight may cost more initially, but they typically include longer warranties (5–10 years), solid customer support, and better overall performance. You’re not just paying for the lights—you’re paying for long-term peace of mind.
An elegant globe-style path light adds sophistication and warmth to the evening garden.
Permanent vs. Temporary Lights: What’s the Difference?
Let’s clear up one thing first — not all outdoor lights are built the same. Permanent outdoor lighting and temporary string lights may look similar at first glance, but they serve very different purposes. Permanent lights are designed to stay up year-round, built to handle rain, snow, heat, and wind without needing to be taken down or replaced every season. They’re usually installed by professionals and hardwired into your home’s electrical system for a clean, seamless look.
Temporary lights, on the other hand, are what most people use during the holidays — think plug-in string lights or clip-on roofline bulbs. They’re inexpensive and easy to install yourself, but they’re not meant to withstand harsh weather or long-term exposure. After a few months, you’ll likely need to take them down or replace broken strands, which adds up over time in both effort and cost.
Here’s a quick comparison to make it clear:
Durability: Permanent lights are weatherproof and built to last years; temporary lights usually fade, crack, or stop working after a season or two.
Appearance: Permanent lights are sleek, subtle, and often nearly invisible during the day; temporary ones can look messy with visible cords or clips.
Convenience: Permanent systems turn on automatically and can be controlled by an app, while temporary lights require manual setup and takedown every year.
Cost: Temporary lights are cheaper initially, but recurring replacements and labor add up fast — permanent lighting is a one-time investment.
Bottom line: Permanent lights come with a higher upfront cost, but they pay off in the long run by saving time, stress, and maintenance money. Plus, they make your home look cleaner, more polished, and beautifully lit no matter the season — not just at Christmas.
Getting an Accurate Estimate
Every home is different, so the best way to know your true cost is to get a free estimate from a few local installers.
Here’s what to do before you call:
- Measure your roofline or eaves to get a rough idea of footage
- Take a few photos of your home’s exterior
- Decide which areas you want lit (front only, full perimeter, backyard, etc.)
- Ask about warranty, app features, and energy ratings
Most companies will come out for a free quote, show you samples, and even give you a preview of how the lighting would look on your house.
FAQs
1. Can I install permanent outdoor lighting myself?
Technically yes, but it’s not easy or safe without proper tools. Professional installation ensures everything is secure, waterproof, and code-compliant.
2. How long do permanent outdoor lights last?
High-quality LED systems can last 10–15 years with normal use.
3. Do they increase electricity bills?
Not by much—most homeowners report an increase of only $5–$15 per month.
4. Are permanent lights safe in bad weather?
Yes. Most systems are rated IP65 or higher, meaning they can handle rain, snow, and extreme heat.
5. Can I change colors for holidays?
Absolutely! You can set up custom color schemes for Christmas, Halloween, Independence Day, or just your favorite sports team.
Final Thoughts
So, how much is permanent outdoor lighting? Expect to spend $2,000 to $10,000+ depending on your home’s size, design, and the features you want.
It’s definitely an investment—but one that adds instant charm, security, and convenience to your home while saving you the hassle (and danger) of climbing a ladder every year.
If you’re tired of dealing with tangled cords and seasonal stress, it might be time to make the switch. Get a few quotes, see the options, and you might find it’s more affordable than you think.
