Cost to Level a Yard in Phoenix [2025 Data]

Phoenix homeowners may not think of yard leveling as a necessary project due to the area’s low annual rainfall totals and overall flat topography. But leveling and regrading your yard is an important step in many projects like installing a pool, fence, or driveway or even building a new home. Take a look at some of the factors that affect how much you’ll pay for yard leveling in Phoenix.

Yard Leveling Cost Factors 

The cost of yard leveling in Phoenix, Arizona, is based on multiple factors, including the size of the area being leveled, the type of project, labor costs, and more. We break down common cost factors so you can budget for your yard leveling project. 

Size

The average yard size in Phoenix is just under 7,000 square feet, smaller than the U.S. average of around 10,900 square feet. The larger the area being leveled, the more you’ll pay, but smaller regrading projects may carry a minimum charge.

For larger properties, landscape pros may charge by the acre for leveling and regrading. For new builds, the entire lot may need to be leveled before construction begins. Here are some common lot sizes and the average cost for leveling.

Type of Project

The part of the outdoor space you’re regrading and why plays a big role in calculating the final cost to level your yard. Check out these common regrading projects below to give you a better idea.

Severity of Slope

The slope of your existing lawn will help dictate the overall price tag for this project. If you have a very steep slope on one side of your yard that you need to level, that will cost you more than a slight slope. Contractors typically charge based on the elevation change; the more significant the change, the bigger the price tag.

Land Clearing

If your yard needs to be cleared of brush, rocks, or vegetation before leveling, expect to pay between $375 and $4,200 per acre, depending on the density of material, equipment needed, and more. 

Land Surveying

A residential property survey in Phoenix costs an average of $400 to $1,100. Survey costs depend on the type and extent of the survey, the size of the property, and the availability of property records. It’s a good idea to survey your property boundaries before beginning a leveling or regrading project to avoid future boundary disputes. 

Fill and Topsoil

Fill dirt is a rocky material that’s ideal for packing in pockets during a regrade. It costs between $5 and $30 per cubic yard. How much you need depends on what’s available to relocate from elsewhere in your yard.

Topsoil goes down over the fill dirt. You’ll pay between $12 and $55 per cubic yard. Topsoil costs more than fill dirt because it’s full of nutrients to help nurture a lush landscape.

Yard Leveling Pro Costs

Landscape Pro Costs

Hiring a landscape pro in Phoenix, Arizona, to level your yard costs an average of $50 to $85 an hour in labor costs, which will be factored into your total charges. A qualified landscaper who specializes in yard leveling can answer your questions about grading your yard and knows how to level your yard so your project has the best possible results. 

Permit Costs

Your yard leveling project may require a permit from the City of Phoenix, depending on the type of work being performed. Permit fees vary, but grading and drainage permits for residential properties begin at $150 and increase based on the project's scope. Be sure to pull any necessary permits and pay all fees before starting work, as failure to obtain a permit can result in fees, court costs, and even having to remove any unpermitted work.

Does Leveling a Yard Increase Home Value?

Including yard leveling in your landscaping projects can not only boost your home’s curb appeal but also offer a return on investment (ROI) on landscaping costs of up to 100%. In Phoenix, homeowners who budget for yard leveling in the cost of xeriscaping can make their homes more attractive to prospective buyers when it comes time to sell.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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