// Cost Guide · 2026 · New York City
Lighting Installation Costs in NYC
2026 per-fixture and whole-room pricing for recessed lighting, chandeliers, under-cabinet, exterior, and smart lighting throughout New York City.
$800
type-dependent
Cost breakdown — NYC 2026
| Scope of Work | NYC Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Recessed lighting (can lights) Per fixture, existing ceiling, standard height |
$150 – $350 | Includes hole cutting, wiring, switch connection. More if new circuit needed. |
| Recessed lighting — whole room 6–10 cans in a living room or kitchen |
$900 – $2,800 | Depends on ceiling access, number of fixtures, new circuit requirements. |
| Chandelier / pendant installation Replacing existing fixture |
$150 – $400 | Simple swap on existing box. More if ceiling box upgrade needed for weight. |
| Chandelier — high ceiling or new location Cathedral ceiling, new circuit, or hardwired location |
$350 – $800+ | Includes ceiling medallion work, structural support if needed, scaffolding for high ceilings. |
| Under-cabinet lighting Per linear foot, hardwired |
$120 – $250/ft | Hardwired is more reliable than plug-in. Includes dimmer switch. |
| Exterior lighting installation Wall sconces, path lights, flood lights |
$180 – $500/fixture | Higher cost due to weatherproofing, outdoor conduit, GFCI requirements. |
| Smart lighting integration Dimmer switches, smart switches, hub wiring |
$120 – $300/switch | Lutron, Leviton, or smart home system integration. Neutral wire check required. |
| New lighting circuit When panel capacity allows |
$350 – $700 | Required if adding significant new load without existing circuit capacity. |
What affects cost in NYC
Ceiling access is the biggest cost variable for recessed lighting in NYC. If you have an unfinished basement below or attic above, running wiring is straightforward. If you’re working in a finished room with no above access — very common in NYC apartments and brownstones — the electrician must fish wires through finished walls, which adds significant labor time.
Smart lighting adds complexity because most older NYC homes lack neutral wires at light switches — required by most modern smart dimmers and switches. We check this during every quote. In some cases, smart-compatible no-neutral switches (like Lutron Caseta) solve this; in others, we need to run a neutral wire.
Recessed lighting and NYC buildings: Installing recessed cans in a co-op or condo sometimes requires board approval and fire-rated fixtures (IC-rated, airtight). If you’re above another unit, fire code requirements may dictate specific fixture types. We know NYC building codes and specify the right fixtures from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Lighting installation in NYC typically costs $120–$800 per fixture depending on type, ceiling height, existing wiring, and whether new circuits are needed. Recessed lighting runs $150–$350 per can; chandelier installation $250–$800+; exterior lighting $180–$500 per fixture.
For simple fixture replacements (swapping one fixture for another on an existing circuit), no permit is required. If new circuits are being added or wiring is being extended, a DOB permit is required. We tell you upfront if your job needs one.
A common rule of thumb is one can per 4–6 square feet of ceiling area for general lighting, but placement matters as much as count. We help with layout planning as part of every recessed lighting quote — positioning for even distribution and avoiding glare is as important as the count.
Yes, but there are considerations: co-op and condo buildings may require board approval, fire-rated IC-rated airtight fixtures are required when installing over insulated ceilings or in units above other apartments, and ceiling access affects cost. We handle NYC apartment lighting regularly and know the requirements.
Smart switch installation in NYC typically costs $120–$300 per switch location, including the switch hardware. The main variable is whether your existing wiring has a neutral wire at the switch box — many pre-1990 NYC homes don’t. We assess this during the quote and recommend the right smart switch system for your wiring.
Get a free lighting installation quote
Tell us what type of lighting you’re installing, room size, and whether you have ceiling access — we’ll give you a straight per-fixture or room price.