Landscape lighting vs. LED string lights: running cost
An LED string lights is cheaper to run: about $5 a year versus $20 for a landscape lighting at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $15 difference.
| Landscape lighting | LED string lights | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 50 W | 15 W |
| Watt range | 20–400 W | 2–180 W |
| Typical use | 6 hours a day | 5 hours a day |
| Energy per year | 110 kWh | 27 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 0.9¢ | 0.3¢ |
| Cost per day | 5.4¢ | 1.3¢ |
| Cost per month | $1.64 | $0.41 |
| Cost per year | $20 | $5 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $48 | $12 |
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What drives the difference
- Landscape lighting: A 10-fixture low-voltage LED landscape system draws about 40-60 W including transformer losses; the same layout with 20 W halogen lamps draws about 200-250 W.
- LED string lights: LED patio/bistro strings use about 0.5-1 W per bulb; the same string with 11 W incandescent bulbs draws over 150 W.
Ways to cut either cost
Free to run once installed; works for decorative low-brightness use.
See options on AmazonPrevents strings from running all night.
See options on AmazonUses about 75-80% less than halogen systems.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a landscape lighting or an LED string lights?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a landscape lighting costs about $20 a year versus $5 for an LED string lights. That's $15 more, or 4.0× as much.
How many watts do landscape lighting and LED string lights use?
A landscape lighting typically draws 50 W (range 20–400 W). An LED string lights draws 15 W (range 2–180 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.