Cost to Level a Yard in Philadelphia [2026 Data]

Philadelphia is a fairly flat city, punctuated by small hills and surrounded by suburbs with less uniform topography, but many of the city’s homes have uneven yards, which can lead to drainage problems and make construction projects difficult. Leveling your Philadelphia yard can help you make the most of the city’s relatively small lawns. We explore what contributes to the cost of yard leveling in Philadelphia, PA.

Yard Leveling Cost Factors 

The cost to level a yard in Philadelphia, PA, is based on various factors, including yard size, type of regrading project, labor costs, and more. Here are some of the things to consider when budgeting for yard leveling. 

Size

The average yard size in Philadelphia is around 830 square feet, compared to the Pennsylvania state average of around 16,000 square feet, making it one of the smallest average yard sizes in the country. A smaller yard means you’ll pay less for yard leveling, but many landscaping companies have minimum pricing for leveling jobs due to having to bring equipment in and work within space constraints, so less square footage may not save you as much as you’d think.

For larger yards, your landscaping pro may charge by the acre for leveling services. You’ll pay more for a larger lot, depending on how much of it you’re looking to level. 

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 leveling project also includes removing vegetation like trees, brush, or stumps, you may pay an additional $550 to $6,100 per acre. Land clearing costs depend on the density and type of vegetation, the equipment needed to clear the land, and what you do with the removed material. 

Land Surveying

The average cost for a residential land survey in Philadelphia is $400 to $1,100, depending on what kind of survey you need. Having a survey to confirm your property’s boundaries before leveling your yard can ensure there are no questions about property lines later on. 

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

Landscaper Costs

To ensure your yard is properly leveled, hire a qualified landscaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Local landscapers charge an average of $50 to $90 per hour in labor costs to regrade a yard. Landscapers who specialize in yard leveling can answer all your questions about grading your yard, tell you the best time to regrade your yard, and know how to level your lawn so your project has professional results.

Permit Costs

Depending on the scope and type of project, you may need to obtain a permit from the City of Philadelphia before leveling your yard. Permit and filing fees start at $75 and depend on the type of work being done. 

Does Leveling a Yard Increase Home Value?

Overall, landscaping projects in Philadelphia can offer a return on investment (ROI) of up to 100%, making them a good investment in your home’s value. Leveling your yard not only boosts your home’s curb appeal but can also provide valuable protection against drainage problems and the costly repairs needed to fix water damage. Investing in the cost of landscaping your yard, including yard leveling, can make your home more appealing to prospective buyers and set it apart from similar properties.

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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