Custom neon signs have become a powerful tool for personal expression, brand identity, and interior design. From trendy coffee shops and retail storefronts to home offices and wedding décor, these glowing signs attract attention, create ambiance, and make statements that standard lighting simply can't match. But before you hit “order now,” there’s one major question to answer: how much will it actually cost?
The truth is, pricing for custom-made neon signs isn’t as straightforward as it seems. Costs vary widely based on size, type (LED vs. glass), design complexity, color choices, and even mounting options. While some basic signs may cost as little as $100, more intricate, large-format designs can easily exceed $1,000. And if you’re a business owner, content creator, or designer working on a budget, understanding what drives those costs is essential to making an informed decision.
This isn’t about guesswork or vague estimates—we’re using real-world examples, vendor pricing insights, and case studies to give you a practical breakdown of what to expect.
How Much Do Custom made Neon Signs Typically Cost?
In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about the typical costs of custom-made neon signs and how to get the best value for your budget.
The Problem: Sticker Shock and Budget Misfires
When most people start looking into custom neon signs, they usually expect something flashy and affordable. After all, it’s just some lights and a cool design, right?
Not quite.
Here’s the issue: many customers are shocked when they get their first quote. What they thought might be a $150 idea suddenly comes in at $400, $600, or even more. This leads to two common problems:
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Sticker Shock: Potential buyers abandon the idea altogether.
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Budget Misfires: Others move forward but end up with a sign that’s too small, too dim, or doesn’t quite match what they envisioned—simply because they didn’t understand the price drivers.
The reality is that custom neon sign pricing is rarely standardized. Without a clear guide to break down the elements that influence cost, it’s easy to miscalculate your budget and expectations.
Let’s fix that by walking through everything you should know before you buy.
Breaking It Down: What Actually Influences Cost?
There are several key elements that determine how much you’ll pay for a custom neon sign. Let’s break them down:
1. Size
This is the most obvious factor. Larger signs require more tubing (for glass neon) or longer LED strips (for LED neon), more labor, and larger backing materials.
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Small (up to 24 inches): $100 – $300
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Medium (25 – 36 inches): $250 – $500
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Large (37 – 60 inches or more): $500 – $1000+
2. Design Complexity
A sign with a simple one-word design in a basic font will cost significantly less than one with:
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Multiple words
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Script fonts (which require more precise bending or layout)
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Custom logos
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Illustrations or icons
The more complex the design, the higher the production cost, especially for handcrafted signs.
3. Type of Neon: Glass vs. LED
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Glass Neon: Traditional, handmade, vibrant. But fragile and more expensive.
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Average cost: $300–$1200+
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LED Neon Flex: Safer, more energy-efficient, modern.
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Average cost: $100–$800
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Most customers now prefer LED neon for indoor use and affordability.
4. Color Choice
Some colors cost more than others. For example, certain LED hues (like deep red or turquoise) require special materials. Glass neon colors are even more restricted due to the gas and glass combinations required.
The more colors you request, the higher the cost, especially if they require layering or different manufacturing techniques.
5. Backing and Mounting Style
Backing choices affect both the look and price:
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Cut-to-shape acrylic (most common): Moderate cost
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Rectangle or square backing: Cheaper but bulkier
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No backing (suspended signs): Requires additional installation gear and setup time
Mounting types like wall hanging, ceiling suspension, or freestanding bases may also require brackets or structural support—adding to labor and materials.
6. Shipping and Handling
Neon signs are fragile or bulky (especially glass), and shipping rates can range from $25 to $200+ depending on distance, size, and packaging. Most vendors charge this separately or include it in a higher base price.
Real Case Study: Neon & Co Custom Order Analysis
A company like Neon & Co prices their custom signs based on three factors: letter count, typeface, and LED tubing length.
Let’s simplify what most vendors like them consider behind the scenes:
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Word: “Coffee Corner”
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Font: Script
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Width: 36 inches
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Lighting: White LED
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Mounting: Clear acrylic cut to shape
Estimated Price: $390 – $460 including remote dimmer and wall mount kit.
This pricing aligns with many LED neon makers, giving customers a mid-range option for personal or business use. You don’t need to go deep into supplier names—just know that the formula used is consistent industry-wide: size + material + labor + extras = total cost.
How Vendors Price Differently
Not all neon sign sellers use the same pricing strategy. This can make online shopping confusing.
1. Flat Rate by Width
Some vendors offer set prices by sign size, regardless of text complexity:
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24" sign = $199
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36" sign = $299
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48" sign = $399
These companies often use batch manufacturing or limit design customizations to keep costs predictable.
2. Per Letter Pricing
Other vendors charge by the number of letters, especially for simple text signs:
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$20–$50 per letter depending on style
A sign like “Bar” may cost $150, while “Jonathan’s Cocktail Lounge” could shoot up to $500.
3. Fully Custom Pricing
For intricate logos or artwork, vendors switch to design-based quotes, often requiring uploads, previews, and back-and-forth consultations. These usually start at $400 minimum and climb depending on hours needed to finalize.
Knowing how a vendor calculates price can help you control the cost with smarter design decisions.
Common Extras That Add to Cost
Even when you think you’re seeing the final price, optional add-ons can increase the total:
1. Remote Dimmer or Controller
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Cost: $20 – $50
Lets you control brightness or flashing effects. Handy for ambiance or energy savings.
2. Multiple Color Options / RGB
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Cost: $50 – $100+
Signs that change colors or require RGB controllers cost more due to electronics and materials.
3. Rush Production
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Cost: $50 – $150
Most signs take 7–14 days to build. Need it faster? You’ll likely pay a premium.
4. Outdoor Proofing
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Cost: $50 – $100
Outdoor-rated signs need sealed edges, waterproof enclosures, and stronger components.
5. Custom Shape Backing
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Cost: $30 – $80+
Want a star-shaped or logo cut backing? Expect additional laser cutting and setup costs.
6. Installation Services
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Cost: Varies
Some vendors offer professional installation, especially for large commercial setups. Can cost $100–$500+ depending on your location.
What You Actually Get for the Price
Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically included in the cost of a high-quality custom neon sign:
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The Sign Itself: Cut, shaped, wired, tested
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Backing Panel: Acrylic, PVC, or metal depending on choice
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Power Adapter: Plug-and-play transformer for home use
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Hanging Kit: Pre-drilled holes, chains, or wall mounts
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Basic Warranty: 6 months to 1 year for LED neon, often not included for glass
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Customer Support: Most premium sellers include a design mock-up and revision before production
You’re not just buying a “product” but a service that includes design translation, hand assembly, safe wiring, and delivery. That’s why pricing often feels higher than expected—but it reflects real value.
Action Steps: How to Get a Neon Sign Without Overpaying
1. Start with the Purpose
Are you buying for:
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A business window?
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A home office?
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An event?
Smaller signs work fine for interior décor, but business signage might require more size and brightness.
2. Pick LED Neon Over Glass
LED neon signs look great, cost less, and last longer. Unless you need vintage style or intense glow, LED is the better choice for almost everyone.
3. Limit Text or Use Block Fonts
Less text = less tubing = less cost. Script fonts look amazing, but they often cost more. Clean block letters are cheaper to produce.
4. Stick to One Color
Adding more colors makes signs more expensive and harder to manufacture. One bold color is often more impactful and affordable.
5. Skip Extra Features Unless Necessary
Controllers, outdoor-proofing, RGB lights, and custom shapes are nice, but not always needed. Decide what adds real value vs. what’s just “cool.”
6. Compare at Least Three Vendors
Before committing, get quotes from at least three neon sign sellers. Make sure to compare what's included—not just the sticker price.
7. Order in Advance
Rushing an order inflates the price. Give yourself at least 3–4 weeks from design to delivery.
Conclusion: What to Expect When Pricing Custom Neon Signs
Custom neon signs are more than just glowing decor—they’re investments in visibility, atmosphere, and personal or brand identity. But with that comes a wide pricing range that can easily surprise buyers who aren’t familiar with the factors involved. From size and design complexity to materials and extras like dimmers or waterproofing, every decision plays a role in determining the final cost.
The key takeaway? Not all neon signs are priced equally, and not every add-on is worth it for your particular use. By understanding the main cost drivers—like LED vs. glass, one color vs. multicolor, and flat rate vs. per-letter pricing—you can confidently choose a sign that fits your space and budget without overspending.
Whether you're creating signage for a business, decorating your home, or planning a unique event display, being realistic about your design and budget upfront will lead to better results and fewer surprises. A little research goes a long way in avoiding sticker shock and making your custom neon sign purchase a smart, lasting decision.
Now that you know the cost breakdown, you're ready to shop smarter and glow brighter.
