Outdoor light wiring is usually priced by a mix of labor, materials, and how difficult each run is, so there is no single “normal” number that fits every job. For a straightforward run from an existing circuit to one fixture, many homeowners see pricing in the rough range of a few hundred dollars per run, but the total can climb quickly if the electrician has to fish wire through finished walls, drill through masonry, add weatherproof boxes, or trench outdoors. A simple run in an open basement or accessible attic will usually cost far less than a run that requires significant patching or long exterior routing.
If you are asking about “per run,” make sure the electrician defines what counts as one run. Some contractors mean one cable route from the power source to one light. Others bundle in the fixture install, switch install, GFCI protection, conduit, junction boxes, or permit work. That is why two quotes can look very different even if both sound reasonable at first.
A fair quote should usually break out at least the major pieces: labor, wire, boxes, conduit if needed, fixtures if supplied, and any permit or inspection fees. If the lighting is going on a patio, driveway, porch, or along a side yard, ask whether the price includes outdoor-rated cable and weatherproof materials. Outdoor work has to hold up to rain, sun, and temperature swings, so cheaper indoor-grade parts are not something you want to save money on.
The biggest cost drivers are access and code requirements. Runs that are easy to reach might be priced on the lower end, while anything involving trenching, concrete, brick, finished ceilings, or older wiring can cost much more. If the electrician has to add a new circuit from the panel, that is a different job from tapping into an existing line, and the price should reflect that.
A good way to compare quotes is to ask each electrician the same questions: how many feet are in each run, what materials are included, whether the quote covers cleanup and patching, and whether the circuit has enough capacity for the added lights. If one price is much lower than the others, find out what is missing before deciding it is a deal.
If you want a practical rule of thumb, ask for a per-run price only after the electrician has seen the site. That is the only way to judge whether the quote is fair for your house and not just a generic estimate.
