How much does an irrigation system cost?
A professionally installed irrigation system typically costs $8–$20 per m², with most residential systems landing between $1,500 and $3,200.
Typical price band
$2,200typical
standard job $1.5k–$3.2k
$400 low$8,000 high
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Real-world examples
Drip system for garden beds$400 – $1,100
Pop-up sprinklers for a lawn$1,500 – $3,200
Full multi-zone automated system$3,500 – $8,000
What affects the price
— Area covered. More square metres means more pipe, more heads and more trenching.
— System type. Drip line is cheapest; pop-up sprinklers and multi-zone automation cost progressively more.
— Trenching conditions. Established lawn, clay soil, tree roots and paving all slow the digging down.
— Controller & zones. Each extra zone adds valves and wiring, and smart Wi-Fi controllers cost more than tap timers.
— Water connection. Mains connections need a backflow device installed by a licensed plumber; tank and pump setups add more.
Tips before you post
— The mains connection and backflow prevention must be done by a licensed plumber — check it's in the quote.
— Ask for the design on paper showing zones and head positions, so future repairs are easy.
— A rain or soil-moisture sensor pays for itself quickly in water savings.
Beyond the price: Putting in an irrigation system: what to sort before you dig
Read the guide →Other costs in this category
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Indicative range only, not a quote. Get quotes from local tradies for an exact price. Last updated 13 July 2026.
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