How Much Does Lighting Cost?

Light installation costs an average of $80 per hour in Australia when hiring electricians, but the cost varies depending on the type of light used. Those who select down lighting will be charged $60 per hour, and outdoor lighting is $100 per hour. An additional factor that influences the cost is the reputation and experience of the company installing the lights.

Costs in Australia by City:

Type of bulb 

The quality of the bulb that is used is the main factor that determines the cost. The materials used, the lifespan, and the energy usage of the bulbs affects its price tag.

• LEDs – The LED light price can hike up the price of installing lights because of the high quality of the product. LED lights have longer lifespans than incandescent lights and use less energy, which makes them cost more.
• Incandescent – Incandescent lights are the most affordable option for those who want to stay within their budget for light installation. Over time, they may cost more to use because they consume more energy.
• Halogen – Similar to incandescent lights, halogen bulbs are cheaper to purchase but are more expensive to run overtime. Halogen lights cost 20 times more per year to operate compared to LED lights, which are known to be more economical.
• CFLs – CFL lights are inexpensive to purchase, but have a shorter lifespan compared to LED bulbs.

Type of lighting

• Ambient – Ambient lighting is soothing and creates a warm environment that isn’t overly lit. It’s often used under cabinets, with tread lights in hallways, and under vanities in bathrooms.
• Task – Task lighting is ideal to use in offices or areas that are used to work in.
• Accent – Accent lighting contributes to the outdoor lighting cost and can highlight specific features like trees or architectural features. Accent lighting is also used in the interior setting to highlight features like artwork.

Style of lighting

• Indoor – The size of the interior setting and the type of lighting used can influence the cost of the lighting. 
• Outdoor – Outdoor lighting includes accent lights used to highlight trees or features on the exterior of the building. Floodlights can also be used for security purposes. The cost to install outdoor flood lights is $75 to $150 each.
• Installation – The complexity involved with installing the lighting and the scope of the project influences the price due to the labour involved.

• LEDs – LED lights cost an average of $5 per bulb for each quarter for 12 watts. The LED lighting cost is significantly lower compared to other types of bulbs available.
• Incandescent – Incandescent bulbs are an average of $35 for every 60 watts used for each bulb in the home each quarter.
• Halogen – Halogen lights consume more energy than LEDs and have an average price tag of $25 for every 42 watts per quarter for one light bulb.
• CFLs – CFLs cost $10 for each bulb per quarter for every 15 watts used.

Indoor

The cost of indoor lighting depends on the energy-efficiency, materials, and energy usage of each bulb.

• Downlights – Downlights cost an average of $5 per bulb.
• Recessed lights – Recessed lights can cost $5 and $25.
• Pendant lights – Pendant lights vary depending on the quality of materials used and have a price tag of $100.
• Chandeliers – Chandeliers can cost $100 to $500, depending on the materials used and the style of the product.
• Bathroom – Bathroom lights range between $25 to $40 for a single sconce or $300 to $500 for multiple light fixtures that are purchased.
• High Bay LED – High Bay LED lights are an average of $75 to purchase.

A beautiful home with a variety of lighting. | Source: Forrest Electrical Group

Outdoor

• Spotlights – Spotlight features cost an average of $75 to $100 to purchase.
• Floodlights – Floodlights with 1,000 watts range from $400 to $500 each.
• Garden lights – Standard garden lights are $30 to $100 each.
• Step lights – Step lights can cost an average of $20 to $50.
• Bollard lights – Bollard lights are typically $30 each.
  

  Two classic lights either side of an entrance door. | Source: Super Home Services

Indoor lighting installation 

• Downlight Installation – The standard downlight installation cost in Australia differs based on the amount of downlights and the complexity of the job. The average cost of downlights and installation varies between $40 and $75 per light.
• Recessed – The average cost to install recessed lighting is $100 to $200. Wiring the lights can be $70 to $150 per light.
• Pendant lights – Pendant lights are traditionally used in kitchens and can cost $60 to $85 per pendant.
• Chandeliers – Electricians charge $100 to $400 to install a chandelier in a building.
• Bathroom – The cost to install bathroom light fixture
• High Bay LED – High bay led lighting prices can vary and can cost $75 to $150 per light.

Outdoor lighting installation

The cost of outdoor lighting depends on the number of lights installed. Customers can expect to pay $100 to $1,000. The size of the property and the number of lights that need to be installed will influence the final price.

• Spotlights – Spotlights cost $100 to $200 per light installed by an electrician.
• Floodlights – Floodlights have a price tag of $75-$150 each for installation and take an hour to install.
• Garden lights – Garden lights cost $30 to $100 per light, not including $60-$90 in labour fees for each hour.
• Step lights – Step lights are $100 to $200 when an electrician installs them.
• Bollard lights – Bollard lights can cost $30 to $150 per light, depending on how complex the wiring is for each item.

Below are a few tips to adhere to when hiring an electrician:

• Research local electricians.
• Read online reviews.
• Ask family members and friends for referrals.
• Request references from the electrician.
• Obtain at least three quotes to narrow down your top choices.
• Meet in-person to evaluate their professionalism and get a chance to ask questions.

How to Create an Accurate Estimate

• Determine the number of lights needed.
• Obtain multiple quotes.
• Determine the type of lights you want to use.

Licencing and Qualifications 

• Research the background of the electrician.
• Research your state’s licensing requirements.
• Confirm the electrician’s license with the state.
• Ask to see the electrician’s license in advance.

How to Save Money Hiring an Electrician

• Hire an electrician with less experience.
• Hire their services during the off-season.
• Negotiate a lower rate.
• Ask about promotions or sales.

What is the cost of replacing halogen downlights with LED?

Replacing halogen downlights with LED lights is ideal for those who want to save more energy throughout the year. When hiring an electrician, the downlight price can cost $1,000 for the average home. The cost of downlights varies depending on the number of lights that need to be replaced and the quality of materials used.

How long do most lights take to install?

Whether installing a new chandelier or lights on outdoor steps, the task varies on how long it will take to complete. Most projects can take one to two hours for professional electricians. Their level of experience will also determine how quickly they can perform the project, as well as the age of the home and the type of wiring that needs to be handled.

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources