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Landscaping spans everything from a few garden beds to a full backyard transformation, so costs vary widely. Most projects run $3,000 to $15,000 in 2026, averaging around $5,000, or about $4.50–$17 per square foot depending on how much hard surface is involved.
What you’re paying for
Landscaping is part design, part materials, part labor. A simple refresh is mostly plants, mulch, and a crew’s time. A full project layers in hardscape (patios, walls, walkways), irrigation, and lighting — and that hardscape is what turns a few-thousand-dollar job into a five-figure one.
Cost by scope
The table below maps typical budgets to project scope, from a basic plant-and-mulch refresh to a high-end outdoor living space.
Softscape vs. hardscape
This is the key budget distinction. Softscape (plants, sod, mulch, trees) is comparatively affordable and can be phased or DIY’d. Hardscape (patios, retaining walls, walkways, outdoor kitchens) is where the money goes — skilled labor, heavy materials, and site prep. If budget is tight, prioritize softscape and the highest-visibility areas first.
How to budget
A common rule of thumb is 5–10% of your home’s value for complete landscaping. That’s a ceiling, not a requirement — phasing the work (softscape now, hardscape later) lets you build the yard over time without one giant bill.
How to save on landscaping
- Phase the project — highest-impact areas first.
- Do your own planting and mulching; hire out grading and hardscape.
- Choose young plants that fill in rather than expensive mature specimens.
- Get a design plan so phased work fits a cohesive whole.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Design / plan | $300 – $2,500 | – |
| Plants, sod & mulch | $1,000 – $8,000 | – |
| Labor | $50 – $120 / hour | – |
| Hardscape (patio, walkway, wall) | $2,000 – $20,000+ | – |
| Irrigation & lighting | $1,500 – $8,000 | – |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (plants, mulch, cleanup) | $1,000 – $5,000 | – |
| Mid-range (beds, sod, walkway) | $5,000 – $15,000 | – |
| High-end (hardscape, lighting, irrigation) | $15,000 – $50,000+ | – |
What affects the price
- Yard size More area means more plants, materials, and labor hours.
- Hardscape vs. softscape Patios, retaining walls, and walkways cost far more than plants, sod, and mulch.
- Plant maturity Mature trees and shrubs cost much more than young plants that fill in over time.
- Grading & drainage Fixing slope and water flow adds cost but protects the whole project.
- Irrigation & lighting Sprinkler systems and landscape lighting are popular, budget-raising add-ons.
Landscaping 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 landscaping job costs about $3,500 to $17,600 in Hawaii (17% above the U.S. average). In Arkansas, it costs about $2,600 to $12,800 (15% below the U.S. average).
See the typical cost in all 50 states and D.C.
| State | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $2,600 – $13,100 |
| Alaska | $3,400 – $17,300 |
| Arizona | $2,900 – $14,300 |
| Arkansas | $2,600 – $12,800 |
| California | $3,400 – $16,800 |
| Colorado | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Connecticut | $3,200 – $16,100 |
| Delaware | $2,900 – $14,700 |
| District of Columbia | $3,200 – $16,200 |
| Florida | $2,700 – $13,700 |
| Georgia | $2,800 – $13,800 |
| Hawaii | $3,500 – $17,600 |
| Idaho | $2,800 – $14,100 |
| Illinois | $3,400 – $17,300 |
| Indiana | $3,000 – $15,200 |
| Iowa | $2,900 – $14,600 |
| Kansas | $2,900 – $14,300 |
| Kentucky | $2,800 – $14,000 |
| Louisiana | $2,700 – $13,500 |
| Maine | $2,900 – $14,700 |
| Maryland | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Massachusetts | $3,400 – $17,300 |
| Michigan | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Minnesota | $3,300 – $16,400 |
| Mississippi | $2,600 – $13,100 |
| Missouri | $3,100 – $15,300 |
| Montana | $2,900 – $14,700 |
| Nebraska | $2,800 – $14,100 |
| Nevada | $3,100 – $15,500 |
| New Hampshire | $3,000 – $14,900 |
| New Jersey | $3,400 – $17,100 |
| New Mexico | $2,800 – $13,800 |
| New York | $3,300 – $16,500 |
| North Carolina | $2,700 – $13,500 |
| North Dakota | $3,000 – $15,200 |
| Ohio | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Oklahoma | $2,700 – $13,700 |
| Oregon | $3,300 – $16,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $3,000 – $15,200 |
| Rhode Island | $3,100 – $15,600 |
| South Carolina | $2,700 – $13,700 |
| South Dakota | $2,700 – $13,500 |
| Tennessee | $2,800 – $13,800 |
| Texas | $2,700 – $13,700 |
| Utah | $2,800 – $14,100 |
| Vermont | $2,900 – $14,600 |
| Virginia | $2,900 – $14,300 |
| Washington | $3,500 – $17,400 |
| West Virginia | $2,900 – $14,300 |
| Wisconsin | $3,100 – $15,600 |
| Wyoming | $3,000 – $14,900 |
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 landscaping cost on average?
- Most projects run $3,000–$15,000, with the average around $5,000. Costs run roughly $4.50–$17 per square foot depending on how much hardscape is involved.
- How much should I budget for landscaping?
- A common guideline is 5–10% of your home's value for full landscaping. Start with the highest-impact areas if that's more than you want to spend at once.
- What's the most expensive part of landscaping?
- Hardscaping — patios, retaining walls, walkways, and outdoor kitchens — costs far more than plants and sod, and usually dominates a big landscaping budget.
- Does landscaping add home value?
- Quality landscaping improves curb appeal and can return a meaningful share of its cost, especially a well-maintained, cohesive front yard that helps a home sell faster.
- Can I save by phasing the work?
- Yes. Many homeowners phase landscaping — softscape first, hardscape later — to spread the cost while still making progress.
- How much can I save doing it myself?
- Planting, mulching, and cleanup are DIY-friendly and save on labor. Grading, hardscape, and irrigation are better left to pros for lasting results.
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: