Short answer: installed artificial turf in the Phoenix area usually runs about $8 to $16 per square foot, with about $11 typical. A 500 sq ft backyard lawn is roughly $4,000 to $8,000, and 1,000 sq ft is roughly $8,000 to $16,000.
Typical cost by size
| Area | Installed (at $8–$16/sq ft) |
|---|---|
| 300 sq ft (small side yard) | $2,400 – $4,800 |
| 500 sq ft (typical backyard lawn) | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $8,000 – $16,000 |
| 1,500 sq ft | $12,000 – $24,000 |
Our math, using the $8–$16 per sq ft Phoenix range from Lawn by Season (April 2026). HomeGuide lists a wider $6–$17 per sq ft. Sales tax, permits and extras aren't included.
What pushes the price up or down
- Removing the old lawn: about $0.88–$1.84 per sq ft to tear out existing grass.
- Grading and base: about $0.50–$2.00 per sq ft. The compacted base is what keeps turf flat and draining for years, so it's the last place to cut corners.
- Pets: pet-drainage backing and antimicrobial infill add about $2–$4 per sq ft.
- Turf grade: budget polypropylene is cheapest; polyethylene is the common middle; nylon (often used for putting greens) costs the most. "Cooling" turf products add about $3–$6 per sq ft.
- Slopes, tight access and curves: a sloped lot can add a lot to labor, and every curve means more cutting and seaming.
- Irrigation changes: capping or rerouting sprinklers and converting nearby beds to drip.
Things Arizona buyers should know
- It gets hot. An Arizona State University study on a 114°F day found artificial turf was hotter than asphalt and brick from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Put play areas where they get afternoon shade, consider a lighter-colored or cooling product, and keep a hose handy for summer.
- Rebates usually don't pay for turf. Many city grass-removal rebates require desert landscaping instead of artificial turf. Chandler, for example, excludes it. Check before you rip out grass. Rebate guide by city →
- HOAs: many approve turf, but most want to see the product, color and layout first, especially for front yards.
- Lifespan: quality turf commonly lasts about 15–25 years. Cheap polypropylene without UV protection can wear out much sooner in Arizona sun.
- Upkeep isn't zero: no mowing or watering, but plan on rinsing, brushing the fibers up and topping off infill now and then, especially with dogs.
How to compare quotes
- Get every quote per square foot, with the same measured area.
- Ask for the base depth and material, the turf brand and face weight, the infill type, and whether old-lawn removal and haul-away are included.
- Get the warranty on both the turf and the installation in writing.
- For any job of $1,000 or more, hire an ROC-licensed contractor. Why it matters →
Find licensed turf installers by city
Sources
- Lawn by Season: Artificial turf cost in Phoenix, AZ (Apr 2026)
- HomeGuide: Artificial turf installation cost, Phoenix
- ABC15: Artificial turf saves water, but heats considerably in direct sunlight (ASU study)
- City of Chandler: Residential grass removal rebate policy
Prices last checked Nov 6, 2026. These are published ranges, not quotes. Your price depends on your yard, materials and contractor, so get 2–3 written quotes.