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How much does artificial turf cost in San Diego?

What actually drives the price, what to expect by yard size and turf type, and the rebates that can offset it.

Typical range: $4,000 – $20,000+

Cost by turf type

Price per square foot, installed — 2026 figures.

Budget / Economy
$6–10
per sq ft
Sport / Multi-use
$9–16
per sq ft
Pet-Friendly
$10–18
per sq ft
Putting Green
$15–25
per sq ft

Add-ons that commonly increase the total: a crushed-rock sub-base runs an extra $2–$5 per sq ft, and tearing out and hauling away an old lawn typically adds $1–$3 per sq ft. Larger yards (2,000+ sq ft) often price 10–20% lower per square foot than small ones, since setup costs get spread across more area.

Cost by yard size

All-in installed cost, including base prep.

Small — under 500 sq ft
$4,000–9,000
Medium — 500–1,500 sq ft
$9,000–20,000
Large — 1,500+ sq ft
$20,000+

These are general ranges, not a quote. Try the instant calculator on our homepage for a quick estimate, or get an exact number from your matched installer, free.

What actually drives the price

Base excavation and grading is usually the biggest cost driver, not the turf material itself. A yard with good existing drainage and a flat grade costs meaningfully less to convert than one needing significant regrading, or areas with poor drainage that need additional work to prevent pooling.

Water-district rebates that can offset it

Programs and amounts change through the year — confirm current details before starting a project.

$3.00 / sq ftCity of Escondido

Turf removal rebate for residential customers — one of the higher rates countywide.

Up to $2.00 / sq ftMetropolitan Water District

Regional rebate for qualifying turf conversions.

$0.50–$2.00 / sq ftSoCal WaterSmart agencies

Includes Carlsbad, Oceanside, Otay Water District, Sweetwater Authority, Vallecitos, and others.

+ $100 / treeCity of San Diego

Landscape Transformation Program — up to 5 trees if adding shade as part of the project.

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