How much does it cost to install recessed lighting? A fast, no-fluff pricing guide 💡

Homeowners ask this daily: how much does it cost to install recessed lighting in a kitchen, living room, or basement? Below is a clear breakdown of real-world ranges, what drives price up or down, and quick scenarios (including 10 recessed can lights) so you can budget with confidence.

Pro tip: If you have shallow joists or lots of obstructions, swap cans for low profile LED recessed lighting (ultra-thin “wafer” fixtures). They install faster and avoid many ceiling conflicts. 🛠️

Smart recessed lights in a contemporary living room

How much does it cost to install recessed lighting (quick ranges)

Typical total installed cost per fixture: $120–$350+ depending on access, wiring distance, and fixture type.

• Labor: ~$80–$250 per opening (retrofit > new construction).

• Material: $15–$60 for wafers; $25–$100 for can + trim kits; add $20–$80 for a quality dimmer.

Room math examples

• 6 LED recessed lighting dimmable (one pack over a small kitchen): $720–$1,800 installed.

• 10 recessed can lights across a great room: $1,400–$3,500+ installed (cans generally take longer than wafers).

These are ballparks; old plaster ceilings, fire blocking, or long home-runs can push costs higher, while open ceilings and short circuits land at the low end.

Pro tip: Confirm dimmer compatibility with your exact fixtures (ELV/MLV/0-10V). A matched dimmer eliminates flicker and low-end drop-out.

Modern LED recessed light fixture

What drives price (and what you can control)

Access & ceiling type. Open joists are fastest. Plaster, lath, or dense insulation raise labor.

Fixture style. Wafer lights (including 1 inch LED recessed light styles) skip cans and usually install quicker.

Circuit & code. New circuits, AFCI/GFCI requirements, and local permits add time. (See the National Electrical Code overview from NFPA 70.)

Dimming & color control. Smart dimmers or multi-zone scenes add parts and programming.

Energy performance. ENERGY STAR® fixtures reduce wattage and heat; learn the benefits at ENERGY STAR residential fixtures.

For efficiency and safety basics on lighting retrofits, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Saver lighting guidance is a reliable, long-standing reference.

Choosing fixtures: cans vs wafers vs micro downlights

• Cans + trims: Traditional approach; excellent cutoff and optics. Best for higher ceilings and where you want classic “recessed” appearance.

• Wafers / low profile LED recessed lighting: Ultra-thin, driver-in-remote-box sets that fit almost anywhere and speed installs. Great for retrofits.

• Micro downlights: Small apertures (e.g., 1 inch LED recessed light) deliver accent lighting with minimal visual clutter—ideal over shelves or art.

Dimmable packs: When shopping value bundles—like 6 LED recessed lighting dimmable—check: CRI (color fidelity), selectable CCT (e.g., 2700–5000K), wet-location ratings for showers, and the approved dimmer list.

Sample scenarios & quick math

• Kitchen refresh (6 wafers):Hardware $120–$300 + labor $600–$1,200 → $720–$1,500. Add $50–$100 for a quality dimmer.

• Great room (10 cans):Hardware $350–$900 + labor $1,000–$2,600 → $1,350–$3,500+ (more if fishing new circuits).

• Accent run (8 micro 1-inch):Hardware $240–$640 + labor $800–$1,600 → $1,040–$2,240.

Stage lighting setup featuring vibrant LED spotlights with multicolored and blue illumination, creating a dynamic atmosphere for an event or performance.

FAQs

In one sentence: how much does it cost to install recessed lighting?

Plan $120–$350+ per fixture installed, then scale by the number of lights and your ceiling/wiring complexity.

What’s the “installing recessed lighting cost” if I already have power nearby?

Near-by power and open access often save $50–$150 per opening compared with long wire runs and tight fishing.

Are wafers cheaper to install than cans?

Usually yes; wafers cut labor because there’s no housing to mount, and they fit under obstructions.

Do I need special dimmers for LED?

Yes—match the dimmer type to the driver your fixtures use (check the manufacturer list), especially for dimmable kits.

How many lights do I need?

Start with spacing ≈ ceiling height (e.g., 8-ft ceiling → ~8-ft spacing), then fine-tune for task and wall-wash.

Conclusion

So, how much does it cost to install recessed lighting? Expect about $120–$350+ per fixture, with wafers at the low end and traditional cans higher, then add for dimmers and circuit work. Whether you’re planning 10 recessed can lights in a great room or a 6 LED recessed lighting dimmable pack over a kitchen, choose efficient fixtures, verify dimmer compatibility, and use low profile LED recessed lighting where access is tight to keep costs and headaches down. 🙂