How Much Does It Cost to Install Under-Cabinet Lighting in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Expect the cost to install under-cabinet lighting to range from  $230 to $300 per light, with an average cost of $265. Factors like your location, the size and number of cabinets, and the quality of fixtures will influence the total cost. By budgeting carefully and hiring a lighting professional, you can ensure a smooth installation and enjoy optimal results.

Under-Cabinet Lighting Materials Cost

Installation-related materials per light cost between $20 and $25 on average, and may include connectors, fittings, fasteners, and mounting hardware. When selecting fixtures, you have the option to either save or splurge, depending on your budget and preferences. Keep in mind that wireless, battery-powered, motion-activated, and hard-wired lighting fixtures fall on the higher end of the average cost range.

Under-Cabinet Lighting Cost by Style

There are several types of under-cabinet lights to choose from, each offering unique benefits for your kitchen.

Xenon Fixtures

Xenon fixtures cost an average of $50 per unit. Although considered an older style, many homeowners appreciate xenon lights for their powerful output, which means you may need fewer fixtures overall. However, they emit more heat and can increase your energy bill.

LED Puck Lights

LED puck lights are a budget-friendly option at approximately $25 per fixture, and you can often purchase them in sets. They emit low heat, making them cooler and more energy-efficient than other options. Keep in mind that they produce a "halo" effect on your countertops, which may offer less overall brightness compared to other lighting styles.

LED Strips

If you prefer consistent illumination, LED strip lighting is a great option. At an average of $20 per 8-foot strip, LED strips eliminate the "dead spots" that can occur with puck lighting, though they may not be as bright as other under-cabinet options.

According to Salvatore Cutrona, a Licensed Master Electrician, "LED strips are low voltage and require a transformer to lower the voltage from 120 volts to 12 or 24 volts. Another common LED option replacing fluorescent fixtures is LED under-cabinet fixtures. These fixtures are typically sized to fit your cabinets (ranging from 6 to 48 feet) and operate at 120 volts. They are priced and wired similarly to fluorescent fixtures, and are more energy-efficient."

Fluorescent Lighting

Fluorescent lighting ranges from $12 to $50 per unit, with some options starting as low as $12. While they may not provide the same intensity as xenon fixtures, fluorescent lights offer adequate illumination with low heat emission.

Under-Cabinet Lighting Labor

Labor makes up about $200 of the average $265 per fixture cost. Professional installation includes:

• Planning optimal light placement

• Preparing the area for installation

• Setting up equipment

• Mounting new lighting runs

• Adding circuit receptacles for transformers

• Installing the lighting fixtures

• Securing the cabinets

• Drilling and feeding wire paths

• Routing and connecting wiring

• Connecting and testing the fixtures

• Cleaning up the workspace

By hiring a professional, you ensure each step is handled expertly.

If you're replacing outdated under-cabinet lighting that you'd like removed by a pro, add between $5 and $45 to the cost of each new fixture to account for the labor. This add-on job includes:

• Removing mounting trim pieces

• Removing hardware

• Disconnecting fixtures from wiring

• Capping wiring

• Responsible fixture disposal

Many electricians also offer debris removal. If you'd like used materials or debris hauled away, add $2 to $3 per fixture installed.

DIY vs. Hire a Lighting Pro

Installing under-cabinet lighting yourself can be an affordable option, but if you lack electrical experience, it may be best to hire a professional electrician. Improper wiring can result in non-functioning lights or even fire hazards. In some locations, you may need a permit to wire your fixtures, as permits are often required for electrical work involving 12-gauge wires or low-voltage lights connected to transformers. To reduce costs, you can handle tasks like mounting the fixtures and drilling holes for wiring, but consider hiring an electrician to connect the live wires.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.