What does an LED sign really cost?

Real example prices, what drives them, and what it costs to own a sign, before you ever talk to a salesperson.

  • Honest numbersExample prices by size and resolution.
  • Every costDisplay, structure, permits and install.
  • Built to last60-month NEXT parts warranty.
$20K+Most projects

Real numbers

What does an LED sign cost?

  • 3′ × 6′ $36K
  • 4′ × 8′ $49K
  • 5′ × 10′ $80K
$20KSmaller display
$100K+Large, high-res, double-sided

A commercial LED sign is a significant investment, so it’s completely reasonable to want real numbers before talking with a salesperson. Most projects fall between approximately $20,000 for a smaller display and $100,000 or more for a larger, high-resolution, double-sided installation.

The examples below give you an honest starting point. Size, resolution, mounting structure, electrical work, permits and installation all influence the final cost, but you don’t have to figure those details out alone. We’ll help you find the right balance between your budget and the visibility you need.

Example pricing

Price examples by size and resolution.

Display prices for complete NEXT signs. Your quote is based on your actual site and project.

Sign sizeDouble face 6mmBest 9mmBetter 16mmDated
3′ × 6′ $35,697 $27,932 $23,421
4′ × 8′ $49,219 $43,286 $36,654
5′ × 10′ $80,225 $67,136 $55,964
Additional sign components $3,000 – $15,000
Permit and installation $1,500 – $6,000
Sign sizeSingle face 6mmBest 9mmBetter 16mmDated
3′ × 6′ $28,697 $23,932 $19,421
4′ × 8′ $41,219 $36,286 $29,654
5′ × 10′ $67,225 $56,136 $45,964
Additional sign components Up to $10,000
Permit and installation Up to $6,000

Example pricing for planning only. Final price depends on size, resolution, structure, location, permits and installation.

Cost factors

What affects the cost of an LED sign?

Resolution is the biggest lever. The tighter the pixel pitch, the more LEDs in every module and the sharper the picture up close.

  • Close view of a STAX LED module showing its pixel arrangement and panel surface.
    SMD 6mm
  • rectangular electronic message center (LED sign) module featuring a close-up inset of LEDs arranged in a uniform grid. The display surface is evenly spaced, and the background is white.
    SMD 9mm
  • ONYX LED panel surface with a magnified inset showing the red, green, and blue LED components.
    DIP 10mm
  • ONYX LED panel surface with a magnified inset showing the red, green, and blue LED components.
    DIP 16mm

The LED display

The display’s size and resolution have the greatest effect on its price. A tighter pixel pitch produces a sharper image up close but requires more LEDs. Choose the right resolution for your viewing distance, content and long-term plans.

Sign structure and finishing

Sometimes the display can go on an existing wall, pole or sign structure. Other projects need an identification cabinet, support structure, decorative pole cover or architectural finishing. We can help identify what your project needs.

Permits, power and installation

Most communities require a sign permit, and installation may involve concrete, steel, masonry, fabrication, electrical work or structural engineering. Your electrical service may also need an upgrade.

After the install

Plan for the cost of owning it.

The purchase price is the big number. These two keep your sign running and worth looking at.

Service

Research both parts and labor warranties for your LED sign and other sign components. NEXT offers an industry-standard 60-month parts warranty, and extended parts and labor warranties are available.

Over five years, service visits can add up to $1,000–$3,000, with the average trip around $250.

  • 60 moParts warranty
  • ~$250Average service trip

Content

Your sign needs fresh, readable content long after it’s installed. Create it in-house, hire a designer, or use a professional content platform; each balances cost, staff time and consistency differently.

The right tools keep your sign updated without a full-time designer. Include content when comparing long-term costs.

  • In-houseYour team, our tools
  • LibraryProfessional content

What owning it looks like.

  1. Install day

    Sign, structure, install

    The display plus components, permit and installation from the price examples above.

    $20K–$100K+
  2. Years 1–5

    Covered parts, light service

    60-month NEXT parts warranty. Service visits over five years typically total $1,000–$3,000 (about $250 a trip). Budget for content.

    $1K–$3K service
  3. Years 5–10

    Plan ahead

    Extended parts and labor warranties are available. Keep budgeting for content, service and electricity.

ROI calculator

See what an LED sign could earn you.

The U.S. Small Business Administration calls on-premise signs one of the most effective, lowest-cost ways to reach customers. Move the sliders to estimate what a NEXT sign could add to your business.

$50,000
15%
10,000
$45,000

Estimated added revenue / year

$90,000

Based on a 15% uplift on your current net profit.

Monthly impressions calculations determined by Outdoor Advertising industry standards.

Monthly Impressions
450,000
Added Net Income Per Month
$7,500
Sign investment
$45,000
Pays for itself in
6 months
Return over 5 years
900%
Get my real quote

Estimates are illustrative, based on commonly cited uplift ranges for on-premise digital signs, and show added revenue, not profit. Your quote will be specific to your location and project.

Frequently asked questions

Questions about LED sign cost.

Straight answers about pricing, added costs and the cost of owning a sign.

01 Do you publish LED sign price ranges, and what goes into a final quote?

Yes. NEXT LED Signs publishes example price ranges and sample configurations to help you budget. A commercial LED sign project can range from about $20,000 for a smaller display to $100,000 or more for a large, high-resolution, double-sided installation.

Your final quote depends on the display size, resolution (pixel pitch), and number of faces, as well as the mounting structure, permits, electrical work, and installation requirements at your site.

02 What factors determine the price of an LED display?

The largest cost factors are screen size, pixel pitch, brightness, and whether the display is single- or double-sided. A tighter pixel pitch uses more LEDs to create a sharper image for close viewing, which increases the price. Outdoor displays also require greater brightness and weather protection than most indoor displays.

03 What additional costs should I plan for beyond the LED display?

The display is only one part of some projects. Your total investment may also include an identification cabinet, pole cover or support structure, engineering, permits, concrete, steel, electrical upgrades, installation, and content creation. Reviewing the location early helps identify these expenses before the project begins.

04 What are the long-term costs of owning an outdoor LED sign?

Long-term expenses may include electricity, content-management software, professional content, routine service, replacement modules, insurance, and permit renewals. These costs vary considerably based on the display, location, operating schedule, warranty, and service plan.