Cost Guides · November 7, 2026
Artificial Turf Installation Cost in Orange County (2026)
Updated November 7, 2026
Artificial turf costs $3,247 to $8,714 to install in 2026, or about $6 to $17 per square foot with labor. Costs by yard size, turf type and base prep.
AI-generated audio summary. For the full detail, read on.
What does artificial turf cost to install in 2026?
Most homeowners pay $3,247 to $8,714 to have artificial turf installed, and the national average is $5,780, according to Angi's cost data from 2,284 verified projects (updated September 5, 2026). Angi's estimate for Santa Ana, here in Orange County, runs a little lower: $2,993 to $7,360, with an average of $5,154. The turf itself costs $2 to $8 per square foot, and labor adds $4 to $9 per square foot, so most installs come to about $6 to $17 per square foot.
| What you are pricing | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Typical project, national | $3,247 to $8,714 |
| National average | $5,780 |
| Typical project, Santa Ana, CA | $2,993 to $7,360 |
| Average, Santa Ana, CA | $5,154 |
| Turf, per square foot | $2 to $8 |
| Labor, per square foot | $4 to $9 |
| Excavation | $150 to $600 |
Source: Angi, Artificial Grass Installation Cost (updated September 5, 2026)
Cost by yard size
Size moves the price more than anything else. These totals add Angi's 2026 ranges for the turf and for labor at each size:
| Area | Turf plus labor |
|---|---|
| 200 sq ft | $1,200 to $3,400 |
| 500 sq ft | $3,000 to $8,500 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $6,000 to $17,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $12,000 to $34,000 |
For 1,000 square feet, for example, Angi puts the turf at $2,000 to $8,000 and the labor at $4,000 to $9,000.
Source: Angi, Artificial Grass Installation Cost (updated September 5, 2026)
Cost by turf type
Artificial turf is made from one of three plastics, and that choice sets the material price:
| Turf fiber | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Polypropylene | $2 to $5 |
| Polyethylene | $2 to $7 |
| Nylon | $5 to $8 |
The base under the turf adds $0.35 to $2.25 per square foot, depending on whether the crew uses Class II road base, crushed miscellaneous base or decomposed granite.
Source: Angi, Artificial Grass Installation Cost (updated September 5, 2026)
What the price includes
A good quote lists each part of the job, so you can compare bids line by line. Expect to see:
- Removing the old grass and hauling it away
- Excavating and grading so water drains off
- A compacted base of road base, crushed rock or decomposed granite
- A weed barrier
- The turf, cut, seamed and secured
- Edging along beds, paths and walls
- Infill brushed into the fibers
No Orange County rebate for artificial turf
If you're replacing a lawn to save water, know this before you choose: the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) Turf Replacement Program, which pays rebates starting at $2 per square foot, does not cover artificial or synthetic turf. It pays when grass is replaced with a climate-appropriate landscape instead. If the rebate matters to your budget, price both options before you decide.
Upkeep and how long it lasts
Artificial grass lasts 10 to 20 years with very little maintenance, according to Angi. It still has some running costs. Angi puts routine maintenance and cleaning at $0.25 to $0.35 per square foot, repairs or replaced sections at $2 to $10 per square foot, and new infill at $0.30 to $1.75 per pound.
Source: Angi, Artificial Grass Installation Cost (updated September 5, 2026)
What pushes the price up
Removing an old lawn, grading uneven or sloped ground, and tight access that keeps equipment out of the yard all add labor. Curved beds and paths take more cutting and seaming than a simple rectangle. Nylon turf sits at the top of the material range.
A quick way to estimate your yard
Measure the area and multiply it by $6 to $17 per square foot, which is Angi's turf price plus labor. A 600-square-foot backyard comes to $3,600 to $10,200. Compare that with Angi's Santa Ana average of $5,154 and you have a fair budget before you get quotes.
Is it worth it?
Turf makes sense where grass gets heavy use and you want it green all year without mowing. If saving water is the main goal, a drought-tolerant landscape can qualify for MWDOC's rebate, and turf can't. We install pet-rated turf on a draining aggregate base across Orange County, and we give free, itemized estimates.
Watch & Learn
How to Install Artificial Turf Like a Pro | Step-by-Step Backyard Transformation (Full Guide)
A clear explainer on the subject, from The Turf Yard.
Frequently asked questions
How much does artificial turf cost to install?
$3,247 to $8,714 for most projects, with a national average of $5,780, according to Angi's 2026 data. Angi's estimate for Santa Ana, CA is $2,993 to $7,360, with an average of $5,154.
How much does artificial turf cost per square foot?
The turf costs $2 to $8 per square foot and labor adds $4 to $9, so most installs come to about $6 to $17 per square foot, based on Angi's 2026 figures. Nylon turf costs the most, at $5 to $8 per square foot.
How much does it cost to turf 1,000 square feet?
About $6,000 to $17,000 with labor. Angi puts the turf at $2,000 to $8,000 and the labor at $4,000 to $9,000 for that size.
Is there a rebate for artificial turf in Orange County?
No. MWDOC's Turf Replacement Program, which starts at $2 per square foot, excludes artificial and synthetic turf. It pays for replacing grass with a climate-appropriate landscape instead.
How long does artificial turf last?
10 to 20 years, according to Angi, depending on the product and how much use it gets.
How much does artificial turf maintenance cost?
Angi puts routine maintenance and cleaning at $0.25 to $0.35 per square foot, repairs at $2 to $10 per square foot, and replacement infill at $0.30 to $1.75 per pound.
Want an exact price for your yard?
Get a free on-site artificial turf estimate from our Orange County team, itemized so you can see every part of the job.
