Recessed Lighting Installation in Cambridge, MA — Costs $1,345 to $11,765
What does recessed lighting installation cost in Cambridge? Average $4,202, ranging $1,345–$11,765. Labor runs $54.31/hr locally — 68% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.
Cambridge, MA Market
+68% vs nationalLabor Rate
$54.31/hr
Material Index
144
Avg Permit Cost
$3,017
Median Home Price
$607,888
Cambridge is a mid-sized city in Massachusetts with a healthy pool of local contractors. Homeowners generally have several options to compare for a recessed lighting installation, which helps keep pricing competitive. At 68% above the national average, Cambridge 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 $607,888, this recessed lighting installation represents just 0.7% of typical home value — a relatively small investment that can significantly boost curb appeal or functionality.
Low Estimate
$1,345
National: $800
Mid-Range
$4,202
National: $2,500
High End
$11,765
National: $7,000
Per Sq Ft
$0
National: $0
Recessed Lighting Installation Cost Calculator for Cambridge
Adjusted for Cambridge's labor rate ($54.31/hr) and material costs (index 144).
Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.
Estimated Total in Cambridge
$4,034
Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Cambridge market rates.
Local Cost Breakdown
At Cambridge's average rate of $54.31/hr (81% above national avg)
Material cost index 144 (44% above national baseline of 100)
Recessed Lighting Installation vs. Home Value in Cambridge
| Metric | Cambridge | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Recessed Lighting Installation (Mid-Range) | $4,202 | $2,500 |
| Median Home Price | $607,888 | $350,000 |
| Project as % of Home Value | 0.7% | 0.7% |
| Estimated ROI | 50% | 50% |
| Median Household Income | $98,948 | $75,000 |
What Affects the Price in Cambridge
- 1Local labor rates ($54.31/hr in Cambridge)
- 2Material cost index (144 vs national 100)
- 3Number of fixtures
- 4Ceiling type (drywall vs plaster)
- 5Dimmer switches
- 6Attic access availability
Popular Upgrades
- LED wafer lights
- Smart dimmer switches
- Color-temperature adjustable LEDs
Other Projects in Cambridge, MA
Attic Conversion
$90,403
Basement Finishing
$72,299
Basement Finishing
$56,881
Home Theater / Media Room Build
$39,703
Second Story Addition
$325,033
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction
$243,775
Room Addition
$146,265
Home Addition
$128,532
Recessed Lighting Installation in Other Massachusetts Cities
Planning a Recessed Lighting Installation in Cambridge
A recessed lighting installation typically doesn't require a permit in Cambridge, which simplifies planning. However, always confirm with the local building department before starting, especially for structural changes. Expect the project to take 1-2 days to complete.
A recessed lighting installation is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Cambridge, skilled contractors charge an average of $54.31/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.
With a median household income of $98,948, many Cambridge residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $4,202 represents 4% of the typical household's annual income.
Recessed Lighting Installation — National Guide
See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.
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