How much does a landscaping overhaul cost in Boston, MA?

The average landscaping overhaul in Boston, MA costs $19,802 in 2026. Costs range from $4,951 for a basic project to $82,510 for a high-end renovation. Boston is 65% more expensive than the national average of $12,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Boston?

The average contractor labor rate in Boston, MA is $53.91/hour, compared to the national average of $30/hour. For a landscaping overhaul, labor typically accounts for 60% of the total cost, which is approximately $11,881 in Boston.

Are materials more expensive in Boston?

Boston has a material cost index of 143 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 43% more than the national average. For a landscaping overhaul, materials account for 40% of the cost, approximately $7,921.

Do I need a permit for a landscaping overhaul in Boston?

A landscaping overhaul usually does not require a permit in most jurisdictions, though rules vary in Boston, MA. Always verify with the local building department. The average permit cost in Boston (when required) is $3,166.

Is a landscaping overhaul a good investment in Boston?

A landscaping overhaul provides an estimated 80% ROI nationally. In Boston, where the median home price is $512,971, this project costs about 3.9% of your home value. This is a small percentage of home value, making it a relatively low-risk improvement.

Landscaping Overhaul in Boston, MA — Costs $4,951 to $82,510

What does landscaping overhaul cost in Boston? Average $19,802, ranging $4,951–$82,510. Labor runs $53.91/hr locally — 65% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Boston, MA Market

+65% vs national

Labor Rate

$53.91/hr

Material Index

143

Avg Permit Cost

$3,166

Median Home Price

$512,971

As one of the largest metros in Massachusetts, Boston has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. At 65% above the national average, Boston is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. With a median home price of $512,971, this landscaping overhaul represents just 3.9% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.

Low Estimate

$4,951

National: $3,000

Mid-Range

$19,802

National: $12,000

High End

$82,510

National: $50,000

Per Sq Ft

$25

National: $15

Duration: 1-4 weeks

DIY: Medium

Permits: Not Required

ROI: 80%

Landscaping Overhaul Cost Calculator for Boston

Adjusted for Boston's labor rate ($53.91/hr) and material costs (index 143).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Boston

$19,802

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Boston market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (60%)$11,881

At Boston's average rate of $53.91/hr (80% above national avg)

Materials (40%)$7,921

Material cost index 143 (43% above national baseline of 100)

Landscaping Overhaul vs. Home Value in Boston

Metric	Boston	National Avg
Landscaping Overhaul (Mid-Range)	$19,802	$12,000
Median Home Price	$512,971	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	3.9%	3.4%
Estimated ROI	80%	80%
Median Household Income	$92,000	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Boston

1Local labor rates ($53.91/hr in Boston)
2Material cost index (143 vs national 100)
3Yard size
4Design complexity
5Plant selection
6Irrigation system

Popular Upgrades

Irrigation system
Landscape lighting
Native plants

Other Projects in Boston, MA

Solar Panel Installation

$38,044

HardROI 55%

Deck Addition

$32,637

HardROI 65%

Outdoor Kitchen Installation

$31,903

HardROI 50%

Roof Replacement

$29,704

HardROI 68%

Second Story Addition

$322,700

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Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$242,025

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Room Addition

$145,215

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Home Addition

$127,612

MediumROI 60%

Landscaping Overhaul in Other Massachusetts Cities

Worcester, MA

$17,242

-13%Pop. 206,518

Springfield, MA

$16,373

-17%Pop. 155,929

Cambridge, MA

$19,946

+1%Pop. 118,403

Lowell, MA

$16,615

-16%Pop. 115,554

Brockton, MA

$16,286

-18%Pop. 105,643

Quincy, MA

$18,401

-7%Pop. 101,636

New Bedford, MA

$17,194

-13%Pop. 101,079

Lynn, MA

$16,337

-17%Pop. 99,989

Planning a Landscaping Overhaul in Boston

A landscaping overhaul typically doesn't require a permit in Boston, which simplifies planning. However, always confirm with the local building department before starting, especially for structural changes. Expect the project to take 1-4 weeks to complete.

A landscaping overhaul is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Boston, skilled contractors charge an average of $53.91/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

With a median household income of $92,000, many Boston residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $19,802 represents 22% of the typical household's annual income.

Landscaping Overhaul — National Guide

See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.

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