- Recessed lights usually cost $138 to $414 each installed in the calculator, about $291 typical.
- Fixr's average job is six lights for $1,467, or $176 to $328 a light.
- Retrofits in finished ceilings cost about twice as much as open ceilings: Bob Vila puts them at $450 to $650 a light.
- Slim LED wafer lights skip the can and are quicker to install in many ceilings.
Cost per light
| Install | Per light | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | $176 to $328 | Fixr |
| Typical | $100 to $500 (average $330) | Bob Vila (Angi data) |
| Open ceiling, new build living room | $200 to $300 | Bob Vila |
| Finished ceiling, existing living room | $450 to $650 | Bob Vila |
| Closet, existing space | $500 to $700 | Bob Vila |
Why retrofits cost more
In an open ceiling the electrician runs wire between joists in minutes. In a finished ceiling every run is fished through small holes, joists get in the way and holes need patching. Bob Vila says recessed lighting in an existing bathroom can cost as much as $725 a light.
Planning the layout
Lights spaced too far apart leave dark spots; too close and the room looks like an office. Dimmers and separate zones add a little cost and a lot of flexibility. In insulated ceilings, housings must be rated for insulation contact.
A worked example
Six typical lights at the US average come to $828 to $2,484, about $1,746 typical. Four retrofit lights in a finished ceiling are about $2,200. Enter a ZIP to scale the 60% labor share.
Quoting recessed lighting
- Price per light with a minimum.
- Dimmer and switch work as lines.
- Say who patches and paints.
Send it as an estimate from Koira.
Last checked October 9, 2026. More for your trade: how electricians run on Koira.