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Artificial turf trades a lifetime of watering and mowing for a higher upfront cost. Installed, it runs $8 to $20 per square foot in 2026, averaging around $12.75 — and most of that is labor and base prep, not the turf itself.
What you’re paying for
The synthetic grass is only $2–$8 per square foot. The bulk of the cost — 50–60% — is excavating the old lawn, building a compacted aggregate base for drainage, installing and seaming the turf, and adding infill. Good base prep is what separates a flat, well-draining lawn from a wrinkled, puddling one.
Cost by component and grade
The table below breaks down the per-square-foot cost by component and turf grade, from standard landscape turf to premium putting greens.
Is it worth it?
The case for turf is long-term savings and convenience: no watering (big in drought regions), no mowing, no fertilizing, and a green lawn year-round. Over 5–10 years those savings offset the upfront cost, and quality turf lasts 15–25 years. The case against: the upfront price, summer heat retention, and a less “natural” feel than grass.
Base prep is everything
If you take one thing away: the base determines the result. A properly excavated, compacted, well-draining base keeps the turf flat, firm, and puddle-free for decades. It’s the least visible line item and the one never to cut.
How to save on artificial turf
- Choose landscape-grade turf unless you need pet or putting-green grades.
- Do larger areas to lower the per-square-foot setup cost.
- Never skimp on base prep — it’s the difference between a 20-year lawn and a 2-year one.
- Get multiple quotes — installation pricing varies widely.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turf material | $2 – $8 / sq ft | – |
| Base prep & aggregate | $3 – $8 / sq ft | – |
| Installation labor | $4 – $10 / sq ft | – |
| Infill | $0.50 – $2 / sq ft | – |
| Old lawn removal | $1 – $3 / sq ft | – |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turf material (landscape grade) | $2 – $8 / sq ft | – |
| Base prep + labor | $6 – $14 / sq ft | – |
| Pet-grade turf (installed) | $10 – $18 / sq ft | – |
| Putting green / premium | $15 – $25 / sq ft | – |
What affects the price
- Yard size Smaller projects cost more per square foot because of fixed setup fees.
- Turf quality Pet-grade, premium, and putting-green turf cost more than standard landscape grade.
- Base preparation Excavation, a compacted aggregate base, and drainage are essential — and a big share of labor.
- Site conditions Slopes, poor drainage, and tight access raise prep costs.
Artificial turf cost by state
Where you live can change the price as much as the options you pick. Labor is a big part of the bill, and construction workers are paid more in some states than others. A typical artificial turf job costs about $9.35 to $23 per sq ft in Hawaii (17% above the U.S. average). In Arkansas, it costs about $6.80 to $17 per sq ft (15% below the U.S. average).
See the typical cost in all 50 states and D.C.
| State | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $6.95 – $17/sq ft |
| Alaska | $9.20 – $23/sq ft |
| Arizona | $7.60 – $19/sq ft |
| Arkansas | $6.80 – $17/sq ft |
| California | $8.95 – $22/sq ft |
| Colorado | $8 – $20/sq ft |
| Connecticut | $8.55 – $21/sq ft |
| Delaware | $7.85 – $20/sq ft |
| District of Columbia | $8.65 – $22/sq ft |
| Florida | $7.30 – $18/sq ft |
| Georgia | $7.35 – $18/sq ft |
| Hawaii | $9.35 – $23/sq ft |
| Idaho | $7.50 – $19/sq ft |
| Illinois | $9.20 – $23/sq ft |
| Indiana | $8.10 – $20/sq ft |
| Iowa | $7.75 – $19/sq ft |
| Kansas | $7.60 – $19/sq ft |
| Kentucky | $7.45 – $19/sq ft |
| Louisiana | $7.20 – $18/sq ft |
| Maine | $7.85 – $20/sq ft |
| Maryland | $8 – $20/sq ft |
| Massachusetts | $9.20 – $23/sq ft |
| Michigan | $8 – $20/sq ft |
| Minnesota | $8.70 – $22/sq ft |
| Mississippi | $6.95 – $17/sq ft |
| Missouri | $8.15 – $20/sq ft |
| Montana | $7.85 – $20/sq ft |
| Nebraska | $7.50 – $19/sq ft |
| Nevada | $8.25 – $21/sq ft |
| New Hampshire | $7.90 – $20/sq ft |
| New Jersey | $9.10 – $23/sq ft |
| New Mexico | $7.35 – $18/sq ft |
| New York | $8.80 – $22/sq ft |
| North Carolina | $7.20 – $18/sq ft |
| North Dakota | $8.10 – $20/sq ft |
| Ohio | $8 – $20/sq ft |
| Oklahoma | $7.30 – $18/sq ft |
| Oregon | $8.80 – $22/sq ft |
| Pennsylvania | $8.10 – $20/sq ft |
| Rhode Island | $8.30 – $21/sq ft |
| South Carolina | $7.30 – $18/sq ft |
| South Dakota | $7.20 – $18/sq ft |
| Tennessee | $7.35 – $18/sq ft |
| Texas | $7.30 – $18/sq ft |
| Utah | $7.50 – $19/sq ft |
| Vermont | $7.75 – $19/sq ft |
| Virginia | $7.60 – $19/sq ft |
| Washington | $9.30 – $23/sq ft |
| West Virginia | $7.60 – $19/sq ft |
| Wisconsin | $8.30 – $21/sq ft |
| Wyoming | $7.90 – $20/sq ft |
These are numbers to plan with, not quotes. Each one is this guide's U.S. range, adjusted for what construction workers earn in that state. See every state cost guide or how we estimate.
Common questions
- How much does artificial turf cost per square foot?
- Installed, it runs $8–$20 per square foot, averaging about $12.75. The turf material is $2–$8; the rest is base prep and labor.
- Is artificial turf worth it?
- It eliminates watering, mowing, and fertilizing, so it pays back over 5–10 years in water and maintenance savings — especially in drought-prone areas. The trade-off is the upfront cost.
- How long does artificial turf last?
- Quality turf lasts 15–25 years with light maintenance (rinsing, brushing, keeping debris off).
- Is artificial turf pet-friendly?
- Yes — pet-grade turf with proper drainage and antimicrobial infill handles pets well. It costs a bit more ($10–$18/sq ft installed).
- Why does base prep matter so much?
- The compacted aggregate base under the turf provides drainage and a level, stable surface. Skimping leads to puddling, wrinkles, and an uneven lawn — it's where quality installs earn their cost.
- Does artificial turf get hot?
- It can get warm in direct summer sun. Lighter colors, cooling infills, and a quick rinse help; it's a real consideration in very hot climates.
How we estimate: These are typical U.S. prices for materials and for hiring a pro to install them. We checked them against the 2026 sources listed below (see how we get our numbers). Your price depends on where you live, the size of the job and the materials you pick. Get two or three written bids before you choose a contractor.
Sources
We checked the prices on this page against 2026 numbers from these sources: