Cost to Level a Yard in New York [2025 Data]

Plenty of New York City homeowners have experienced drainage problems and yard flooding with heavy rain. Yard leveling can help with drainage problems and prevent costly issues arising from poor drainage. Yard leveling can also provide an even foundation when you install a fence, driveway, or patio, removing dips and slopes that can interfere with construction. Yard leveling can cost between $1,274 and $3,794, with most homeowners paying around $2,397.

Yard Leveling Cost Factors 

How much you pay for yard leveling in New York City is based on various factors like yard size, project type, and material costs. We break down some of the most common things that affect how much you’ll pay for yard leveling. 

Size

The average yard size in New York City is among the smallest in the country at under 1,000 square feet. Smaller spaces may cost less in general to level, but due to the complexity of moving equipment in and out of difficult-to-access NYC yards and the high price of labor, the cost per square foot is much higher than in other cities.

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

Most lots in New York City won’t need land clearing before leveling, since very few undeveloped lots remain in the city. If you do need to remove rocks, trees, brush, or debris before leveling, expect to pay between $425 and $4,650 for land clearing before you begin your yard leveling project. 

Land Surveying

A residential land survey in New York City costs an average of $300 to $1,000. It’s a good idea to have a boundary survey before beginning yard leveling work—especially if you’re installing a fence—to avoid any boundary disputes or other problems that can arise in the future. 

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 New York, New York, to level your yard costs an average of $75 to $150 per hour in labor costs, which will be included in your project quote. While some small leveling projects can be tackled as a DIY by a handy homeowner, hiring an experienced professional for larger yard leveling jobs is a good idea. A qualified pro can answer all your yard grading questions, let you know the best time to regrade your yard, and ensure you have the best possible results. 

Permit Costs

Depending on the type and scope of your project, you may need to obtain a permit from the Department of Buildings for yard leveling work. Permit fees and requirements depend on the specifics of your project, so confirm with your landscape contractor or the permit office before beginning any work. Failing to obtain a permit can result in fines, citations, and even having to remove the unpermitted work. 

Does Leveling a Yard Increase Home Value?

Landscaping projects, including yard leveling, can offer a return on investment (ROI) of up to 100%. You can recoup the cost of landscaping and yard grading when it comes time to sell, since your yard leveling project not only improves your home’s curb appeal but also allows for better drainage, which is a big plus for prospective local homebuyers.

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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