How much do LED street lights cost?

Poor street lighting doesn’t just lead to accidents and security risks—it also drives up maintenance and electricity costs. If cities stick with outdated lighting, they’ll keep overspending on energy and frequent repairs. The solution? Switching to LED street lights, which deliver long-term savings and better performance.

The cost of LED street lights depends on wattage, features, and installation. Prices typically range from $100 to $1,000 per unit, with additional costs for poles, installation, and maintenance. While the upfront investment is higher, LED street lights save money over time through lower energy use and reduced maintenance needs.

Understanding the cost factors behind LED street lights helps you plan a cost-effective lighting system that delivers maximum efficiency.

Table of Contents

How Much Do Street Lights Cost?

Street lighting is essential for road safety, security, and urban development, but getting the right setup means knowing how much different street lights cost. Prices vary based on the lighting technology—with LED street lights being the most cost-effective long-term solution.

Traditional Street Light Cost

Older street lights like high-pressure sodium (HPS), metal halide (MH), and mercury vapor (MV) lamps are still used in many areas. While they’re cheaper upfront, their higher energy use and frequent maintenance needs drive up long-term costs.

Street Light Type	Initial Cost per Unit	Lifespan (Hours)	Energy Efficiency	Annual Maintenance Cost
High-Pressure Sodium (HPS)	$100 – $500	24,000	Moderate	$100 – $200
Metal Halide (MH)	$150 – $600	15,000 – 20,000	Low	$150 – $250
Mercury Vapor (MV)	$100 – $400	12,000 – 24,000	Low	$120 – $250

With higher electricity use and frequent bulb replacements, traditional street lights end up costing more over time.

LED Street Light Cost

LED street lights are the preferred option because they use less energy, last longer, and require minimal maintenance. While their upfront cost is higher, they pay for themselves through energy savings and lower maintenance expenses.

LED Street Light Wattage	Cost per Unit	Lifespan (Hours)	Energy Efficiency	Annual Maintenance Cost
30W – 50W (Small Roads)	$100 – $300	50,000 – 100,000	50-70% Energy Savings	$20 – $50
60W – 100W (Urban Roads)	$150 – $500	50,000 – 100,000	50-70% Energy Savings	$20 – $50
120W – 200W (Highways)	$250 – $800	50,000 – 100,000	50-70% Energy Savings	$20 – $50
250W – 300W (High Mast)	$500 – $1,000	50,000 – 100,000	50-70% Energy Savings	$20 – $50

Cost Comparison: Traditional vs. LED Street Lights

Factor	Traditional Street Lights (HPS/MH/MV)	LED Street Lights
Initial Cost	Lower ($100 – $600)	Higher ($100 – $1,000)
Lifespan	12,000 – 24,000 hours	50,000 – 100,000 hours
Energy Efficiency	Moderate to Low	High (50-70% savings)
Maintenance Costs	High (frequent replacements)	Low (minimal maintenance)
Total Cost Over 10 Years	Expensive due to high energy and maintenance costs	Cost-effective with long-term savings

Which is the Better Choice?

If short-term cost savings are the goal, traditional street lights may seem appealing due to their lower upfront cost. But for long-term financial and energy savings, LED street lights win every time with lower power consumption, a longer lifespan, and minimal maintenance costs.

How Much Does a Street Pole Cost?

Street poles play a key role in safety, visibility, and urban aesthetics. Their cost depends on material, height, and design.

Pole Type	Estimated Cost
Steel Pole (Standard)	$300 – $1,000
Aluminum Pole	$500 – $1,500
Concrete Pole	$800 – $2,000
High Mast Pole (30m+)	$3,000 – $10,000

For solar street lights, poles need brackets for solar panels, increasing their cost.

How Much Does a Street Light Cost to Install?

Installation costs include labor, wiring, foundation, and mounting. Pricing depends on location and complexity.

Installation Type	Estimated Cost
Basic LED Street Light Installation	$500 – $2,000 per unit
Smart LED Street Light (Dimmable & Sensor-based)	$1,000 – $3,000 per unit
Solar LED Street Light Installation	$1,500 – $4,000 per unit

Urban installations tend to cost more due to excavation, wiring, and roadwork.

Are Streetlights Expensive?

The upfront cost of LED street lights may be higher, but they save significant money over time through lower energy consumption and minimal maintenance. Compared to traditional lights, LEDs use 50-70% less power and last much longer.

Type of Street Light	Lifespan	Energy Efficiency
LED Street Light	50,000 – 100,000 hours	50-70% energy savings
HPS Street Light	24,000 hours	Less efficient
Metal Halide Street Light	15,000 – 20,000 hours	High energy consumption

Investing in LED street lights reduces power bills and eliminates frequent replacements.

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Street Lighting?

Upgrading to LED street lights involves labor and material costs. A typical replacement project includes:

Component	Cost per Unit
New LED Fixture	$100 – $800
Replacement Pole	$500 – $3,000
Wiring and Installation	$500 – $2,000
Smart Control System	$1,000 – $3,000

Most cities recover costs within 3-5 years through energy and maintenance savings.

How Much Does It Cost to Run Street Lighting?

Street lighting costs come down to energy use and maintenance expenses.

Energy Costs

Energy consumption depends on wattage, operating hours, and local electricity rates.

Street Light Wattage	Monthly Energy Use (12 hours/day)	Monthly Cost ($0.12/kWh)
50W LED	18 kWh	$2.16
100W LED	36 kWh	$4.32
200W LED	72 kWh	$8.64

Smart LED lights with dimming and motion sensors cut costs even further.

Conclusion

LED street lights are a smart investment with higher upfront costs but major long-term savings. Pricing varies based on wattage, pole type, installation, and energy use. If you’re looking for energy-efficient, cost-effective LED street lighting, contact us today—our experts are ready to help you find the best solution!