ELECTRICAL
Recessed Lighting Installation Cost: Per Light in 2026
Estimate recessed lighting installation cost per light — with the free electrical cost calculator.
Recessed lights (cans) are the fastest way to modernize a room — but the per-light cost varies by whether you're in new construction or retrofitting. Here's the real 2026 number.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Recessed lighting costs $200–$400 per light installed in 2026 — $125–$250 in new construction, $200–$400 for retrofits, more for complex ceilings. A typical 10-light living room runs $2,000–$4,000.
Per-light costs
New construction (before drywall) runs $125–$250 per light. Retrofitting an existing ceiling runs $200–$400 per light because of cutting, wiring and patching. Complex ceilings or high ceilings add more.
- New construction: $125–$250 per light
- Retrofit: $200–$400 per light
- LED disk lights: $20–$60 each
- Typical 10-light room: $2,000–$4,000
What drives the price
Fixture quality (IC-rated, wet-rated), dimmer switches, number of circuits and ceiling access all change the quote. LED fixtures are now standard — they last 15+ years and cut energy use dramatically.
Try the electrical calculator
Enter the number of lights and the price per unit plus labor to see the total.