How Much Do Neon Signs Really Cost is the first thing shoppers ask about, and for good reason: prices stretch from budget-friendly to premium depending on size and scope. With research drawn from industry data and in-depth analysis by the experts at Neon Beer Signs, who have many years of experience in the field, this guide gives you a clear look at what to expect in 2025. You’ll discover the real numbers behind neon sign prices, why they vary, and how to choose the right design for your budget and style.
Key Takeaway
- Custom neon sign cost typically starts around $100–$150 for small, simple text.
- Most buyers land in the $200–$500 range for mid-size, personalized designs.
- Large statement pieces (≈3–5 ft) commonly run $800–$1,500+.
- LED neon is generally more affordable than glass neon for comparable sizes.
- Placement and install (indoor vs. outdoor, height, hardware) can add $100–$300+.
Reddit Discussion on Neon Sign Costs (User Reports & Real-World Ranges)
Crowdsourced pricing threads on Reddit offer a practical snapshot of what people actually pay—useful context before you set a budget. In a recent discussion about neon sign cost, posters shared figures that clustered into a few clear tiers:
Small custom neon sign cost: ~$150–$200
User @Ok-Statement-8517 reported purchasing a 70 cm custom sign with 10 letters for $160 during a sale on Etsy, calling it “the perfect size” for their event. Another commenter said their planned 13-letter piece in the 65–80 cm range priced between $150 and $500, with an average around $250, across Amazon, Etsy, and local shops.
Medium neon sign cost (3–4 ft): ~$250–$300
For mid-size displays, @BoomBoomBroomBroom noted a sign “nearly 4 feet wide” at just over $300, including a dimmer. User Dafillysteak said they “got two 38” signs for $285” by shopping around on Etsy—an example of how platform competition can nudge prices down.
Large neon sign cost (4–5 ft): ~$350–$500+
Several posters flagged higher pricing for larger backdrops. @tinesandtwine gathered quotes for a 4′ wide sign in the $350–$450 range; they added that locally made options sat at the top end but looked better and “came with delivery and installation.” User rmric0 cautioned that “larger ones 3–5 feet are going to be around $300,” but also observed that “a lot of them are just reselling from like AliExpress,” a reminder to weigh vendor quality and after-sales support.
Bundle deals and negotiation can lower the total cost!
Scale can help. @thebuis and fiancé went “extra” and bought three signs on Amazon for about $650 total, after negotiating a multi-item discount (sizes ranged 24″–48″, with both one- and two-line layouts). The takeaway: if you need multiple signs, ask about bundles.
Renting as a budget-friendly alternative
If you only need a sign for a day, renting can be smart. @tinesandtwine ultimately rented a generic neon (“It was always you”) for $75 from their backdrop company—then noted they were glad not to store a large sign at home afterward.
What these Reddit reports suggest
- Entry point: Small, single-line customs (≈10–13 letters; ≈65–80 cm) commonly land $150–$200 on major marketplaces.
- Event-ready sizes: 3–4 ft signs tend to cluster $250–$300; 4–5 ft pieces often $350–$500+, especially with local build quality, delivery, or install.
- Variables that move price: width/height, letter count, single vs. multi-line, dimmer/remote, mounting, vendor quality, and rush timelines.
- Money-savers: look for sales, negotiate bundles, or rent for one-off events.
So, How Much Do Neon Signs Really Cost in 2025?
Drawing from years of experience at Neon Beer Signs and pricing data from leading suppliers like Xcraft, NeonMakers Pro, and GlowLite Signs, here’s a realistic look at what you’ll actually pay for custom neon signage:
The price of a custom neon sign typically starts around $100 and can range from $2,000 to $2,000 or more, depending mainly on the size and scope of the project. For most buyers, a realistic budget begins in the $200–$500 range for a straightforward, single-line design. Larger statement pieces, designed to cover a wall or serve as a centerpiece, often push into the $800–$1,500 bracket.
At Neon Beer Signs, we find that the majority of customers land “in the middle”: they aren’t paying entry-level prices, but they’re also not investing in oversized commercial displays. Instead, they spend a few hundred dollars to secure a design that feels both personalized and visually striking.
| Type of Neon Sign | Typical Price Range | Examples & Use Cases | Notes |
| Small Custom Signs (LED or Glass) | $100 – $200 | Single-line text, simple “Beer” or “Open” signs for home bars | Entry-level; compact, easy to install |
| Mid-Size Custom Signs (LED) | $200 – $500 | Branded styles (e.g., Michelob Ultra 18″–24″), bar wall décor, man caves | Most popular category; “sweet spot” for balance of cost & impact |
| Large Statement Signs | $800 – $1,500 | Oversized designs (≈3–5 feet) for bars, restaurants, event backdrops | More tubing, power capacity, and structural support required |
| Premium Glass Neon Signs | $500 – $2,000+ | Traditional tube-and-gas craft signs, vintage beer logos | Higher cost due to skilled labor and fragile materials |
| Off-the-Shelf LED Neon | $30 – $100 | Generic “Beer” or decorative neon accents | Affordable, ready-made, but not personalized |
| Custom LED Neon (Beer Logos & Names) | $80 – $300+ | Branded beer signs (Bud Light, Corona, Coors, etc.) for home or small bars | Budget-friendly, safe, long lifespan (30,000–50,000 hrs) |
What’s the Average Price of a Custom Neon Sign?
Based on insights from our specialists at Neon Beer Signs and comparisons across leading suppliers, the price of a neon sign can vary widely depending on the technology used.
Traditional glass neon has long been considered the gold standard for its authentic glow. These signs require skilled artisans to heat, bend, and seal glass tubes before filling them with noble gases such as neon or argon. The craftsmanship is labor-intensive, and the materials themselves are more delicate. For that reason, glass neon typically starts in the $700 range and can climb into $1000 when the design is large or highly intricate.
LED neon, by contrast, uses flexible tubing with integrated light-emitting diodes. This approach is not only safer and more energy-efficient, it also significantly reduces production costs. Off-the-shelf LED neon products can be found for as little as $30–$100. Once you move into custom LED designs, especially for branded signage or personalized home décor, pricing usually begins around $80–$100 and scales upward with size and complexity. Even then, LED models tend to remain more budget-friendly than their glass counterparts.
In practice, this means that the average cost of a neon sign today is lower when you choose LED technology. It provides a vibrant, long-lasting glow at a fraction of the energy consumption, making it a practical choice for both businesses and homeowners. Glass neon, on the other hand, remains a premium option for those who value its classic aesthetic and artisanal quality.
What Determines the Cost of a Neon Sign? Here Are Some of the Factors that Affect Their Prices
After looking at the average cost ranges, the next question is often “why do the numbers vary so much?”. The truth is that neon sign prices aren’t fixed—there are top 5 factors that can raise or lower the total. Understanding these details will help you see where your money goes and what to expect when ordering your own sign.
1. Size of the Neon Sign
When comparing neon sign prices, size is the clearest lever. A bigger sign doesn’t just use more LED flex—it also needs a larger acrylic backing, a higher-rated power supply, longer wiring runs, and sturdier packaging for shipping.
You can see the jump right inside our catalog. The Michelob Ultra Neon Sign (18″) is listed at $134, a sweet spot for home bars or small wall spaces. Scale the same design up to 33″ and the total moves to $275. That near-doubling isn’t arbitrary: the perimeter length (the part that carries light) grows significantly, the backing panel expands, and the transformer capacity steps up to drive the added footage. Shipping also rises because larger panels require thicker protective foam and bigger cartons.
Rule of thumb: small accents (≈18–20″) keep costs low and are easy to place; mid-size statements (≈30–36″) deliver bigger visual impact and typically land in the $250–$350 range for comparable designs. Decide first how far away viewers will stand—if guests are across the room, going up a size often gives you the “wow” you’re after, and the price change reflects the extra material and build required.
2. Complexity of the Design
Not all neon signs are created equal. A straightforward, single-color word or phrase is much faster—and cheaper—to build than a multi-line logo packed with curves, layered shapes, or gradient effects. The difference shows up in both the artistry and the production steps.
At Beer Neon Signs, a simple one-line message like “OPEN” or “BEER HERE” typically uses a single LED channel on a plain backing and minimal wiring. By contrast, a branded layout (think a stylized wordmark with a ribbon or icon) demands multiple color zones, tighter bend radii, separate circuits, and more precise assembly to keep lines clean and spacing consistent. That extra work increases build time and material use—so the price goes up.
3. Materials and Build Style
Traditional glass neon is made by bending heated tubes and filling them with gas like neon or argon. This process is labor-intensive and contributes to higher costs, often putting glass signs in the higher hundreds or even thousands. LED neon, by contrast, uses flexible tubing with diode lights—more efficient to make and therefore less expensive, especially for custom orders.
4. Placement and Location
Where you plan to hang your sign has a direct impact on the final price. Indoor pieces are typically the most straightforward—they require less reinforcement, no weather sealing, and lightweight mounting hardware. Once you take your neon outside, though, things change. Rooftop or exterior wall installations need stronger acrylic backing, waterproof coatings, UV protection, and heavier brackets to withstand the elements. Naturally, all of that adds to the overall bill.
That’s exactly why Neon Beer Signs has developed a line of special beer-themed neon signs built with versatile, durable materials. These signs are designed to look great indoors above a home bar or man cave, yet rugged enough to mount on an outdoor patio wall or even stick behind a serving counter at your brewery or taproom. With easy installation kits included, you can confidently place your neon almost anywhere—because a good beer sign deserves to shine wherever the party happens.
5. Installation Services
Sometimes installation is straightforward, sometimes it’s not. If a sign needs to be mounted high up or in a tricky space, special tools or extra labor may be necessary. This can mean paying an additional fee on top of the base price of the sign itself.
Pro Tips For Choosing the Perfect Neon Sign (2025 Guide)
- Set a clear budget – Decide your ceiling before you shop. Most custom neon sign orders land in the $200–$500 range; statement pieces can run higher.
- Pick your technology: LED vs. glass – LED neon = lighter, safer, usually cheaper; glass neon = classic glow and premium feel. Choose what fits your look and budget.
- Measure your space (and viewing distance) – Match size to where it lives: home bar, storefront window, or event backdrop. From 10–12 ft away, aim for ~30–36″ width for legibility.
- Prioritize legibility (font, stroke, color) – Short words, simple scripts, and high-contrast colors read best. Avoid ultra-thin strokes or complex logos at small sizes.
- Choose indoor vs. outdoor build – Outdoor placements need weatherproofing, UV protection, and sturdier mounts. Confirm the rating before buying.
- Plan mounting and power – Wall, window, or hanging? Check for pre-drilled holes, standoffs, or chains. Note outlet location and consider a dimmer for low-light areas.
- Get comparable quotes – Request the same specs (width, colors, backing, dimmer, shipping) from multiple vendors so neon sign prices are apples-to-apples.
- Approve a proof – Ask for a scale mockup with exact dimensions, colors, and backboard shape to avoid surprises on delivery day.
- Check lead time, warranty, returns – Confirm production + shipping windows (especially for events) and read policies so you’re covered.
- Add the finishing touches – Consider a remote dimmer, timer, or custom backboard shape to make the sign feel intentional—not just decorative.
Quick checklist
- Budget set
- Size & placement measured
- LED or glass chosen
- Font/color legible
- Indoor/outdoor rating confirmed
- Mounting/power planned
- Quotes compared & proof approved
FAQs
How much does a custom neon sign cost?
| Sign Type | Common Price Range | What You Get |
| Basic, small custom LED sign (single color, simple phrase) | $100–$200 | Compact design, 10–12 letters, simple font, minimal mounting |
| Mid-size custom LED or mix-color glass sign | $200–$500 | Larger size, possibly multiple colors, more complex font or artwork |
| Large statement/outdoor sign or high-end glass neon | $800–$1,500+ | Big display, intricate design, premium materials, weatherproofing |
1. How much do most people actually spend?
The majority of buyers spend between $200–$500 for a mid-sized, personalized sign that balances size, legibility, and design detail.
2. Why do some neon signs cost over $1,000?
Larger statement pieces (3–5 feet wide), complex multi-color logos, or traditional glass neon builds often fall in the $800–$1,500+ range due to more materials, labor, and durability needs.
3. Are LED neon signs cheaper than glass neon signs?
Yes. LED neon signs are generally more affordable, starting as low as $80–$100 for custom orders, while glass neon signs typically start in the several-hundred-dollar range due to skilled craftsmanship and fragile materials.
4. Does installation affect the overall price?
Yes, It can. Wall-mounted indoor signs may be easy to set up, while rooftop or outdoor installs often require specialized hardware and labor, adding $100–$300 or more.
5. How long does a neon sign last?
Most LED neon signs last 30,000–50,000 hours, while traditional glass neon can also last years if well maintained. This makes them a long-term investment, not just a one-time decoration.
Neon Beer Signs – The Best Place to Buy Your Perfect Neon
By now, it’s clear that neon sign prices can range from budget-friendly options under $100 to premium handcrafted displays costing over $2,000. Factors like size, design complexity, materials, and placement all play a role in shaping what you’ll pay. But no matter where your budget falls, one thing stays the same: neon brings energy, personality, and unforgettable character to any space.
If you’re ready to light up your home bar, restaurant, or special event, there’s no better choice than Neon Beer Signs. We specialize in beer-themed neon designs that are vibrant, durable, and tailored to your needs. Whether you want a compact wall accent or a large statement centerpiece, we deliver great neon signs at affordable prices—without compromising quality.
Neon Beer Signs: Best Place For You To Buy a Great Neon Sign at an Affordable Price!