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Your home makes its first impression in the time it takes to pull into the driveway. The good news is that curb appeal on a budget is very doable. Realtors know it: according to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, 92% recommend improving curb appeal before listing, and smaller projects often return a higher share of their cost than big ones. In other words, cheap curb appeal can beat a pricey remodel.
Below are 20 curb appeal ideas ranked from lowest to highest cost, with a note on the value each adds. Costs are approximate and vary by region. ROI figures are national averages, not guarantees.
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Cheap Curb Appeal: 8 Projects Under $100
These cheap curb appeal wins take a weekend or less. Combine a wash, fresh mulch, new house numbers, and updated lighting, and the whole facade can come in under $300.
1. Edge and tidy the lawn
- Cost: $0–$40
- Value: High
Crisp edges along beds and walkways make a yard look maintained. It’s free if you already own an edger.
2. Declutter and fix small eyesores
- Cost: $0–$50
- Value: High
Stash the hoses, bins, and toys, then tighten loose railings and patch cracked steps. Buyers notice deferred maintenance from the street.
3. Doormat and seasonal wreath
- Cost: $20–$40
- Value: Medium
A fresh doormat runs about $20 or less, and a wreath signals a home that’s cared for.
4. Paint the front door
- Cost: $20–$30 DIY
- Value: High
Navy, emerald, and matte black are popular, with clay or taupe for traditional homes. Hiring a pro typically runs $125 to $225.
5. New house numbers
- Cost: $2 per numeral to $100
- Value: Medium
Match the new numbers to the finish on your light fixtures for a cohesive look.
6. Solar pathway lights
- Cost: about $30
- Value: Medium
A set of 12 costs roughly $30 and gives the walkway an evening glow.
7. Pressure wash everything
- Cost: $30–$100 rental
- Value: High
Driveways, walkways, and siding shed years of grime in one afternoon.
8. Fresh dark mulch
- Cost: $2–$6 per bag
- Value: High
Two delivered cubic yards cost $60 to $100 and cover most front beds. Dark mulch makes plants stand out.
Curb Appeal Ideas for $100 to $1,000
Ready to spend a little more? These curb appeal ideas may call for a hired hand, but they stay near or under $1,000.
9. Garage door facelift
- Cost: $40–$150
- Value: Medium–High
The garage often takes up much of the facade. Faux hardware kits cost about $40, and a wash and fresh paint finish the job.
10. Replace the mailbox
- Cost: $30–$200
- Value: Medium
A rusted box undermines every other fix. Repaint it, or replace it following Postal Service rules.
11. Swap porch light fixtures
- Cost: $40–$100 a pair
- Value: Medium
Builder-grade brass lanterns date a house, and most porch lights are too small for their wall. Go bigger.
12. Planters, window boxes, and seasonal color
- Cost: $50–$200
- Value: Medium
Stick to two or three colors, and keep everything alive. Dead plants look worse than empty boxes.
13. Repaint trim and shutters
- Cost: $200–$600
- Value: High
High-contrast paint on the door and shutters creates a focal point in listing photos.
14. Regular lawn care service
- Cost: about $415
- Value: Very high
Standard lawn care was the cheapest project in NAR’s outdoor report and had the highest estimated recovery, at 217%.
15. Professional house and driveway wash
- Cost: $200–$600 house, $150–$350 driveway
- Value: High
These are typical price ranges for professional cleaning. It’s a good option if ladder work isn’t your thing.
Curb Appeal ROI Heavy Hitters: Bigger Projects Worth Considering
These cost more, but the curb appeal ROI can be striking. Local results vary, so treat the percentages as directional.
16. DIY landscape refresh
- Cost: $500–$2,000
- Value: Solid
Add shrubs, perennials, and steel edging. Realtors estimate an overall landscape upgrade recovers about 100% of its cost.
17. Steel entry door
- Cost: low four figures
- Value: Very high
Cost vs. Value data shows about 216% recovery. NAR’s estimate is closer to 100%. Either way, it pays back.
18. Garage door replacement
- Cost: $4,000–$7,500
- Value: Highest
It’s the top curb appeal ROI project, returning about 268%, and steel insulated models are the most cost-effective.
19. Landscape lighting
- Cost: several thousand
- Value: Enjoyment
NAR shows only 59% recovery but a perfect Joy Score of 10. Do it for you, not for resale.
20. Manufactured stone veneer accent
- Cost: $10,000–$20,000
- Value: High
It returns about 208%, and applying it to just the entry or a lower wall avoids the cost of a full re-side.
Where to Start
Curb appeal on a budget works best in layers. Tackle items 1 through 8 this weekend, add a few from the middle of the list, and save the big-ticket projects for when you’re preparing to sell. The smaller the project, the bigger the percentage return tends to be, so cheap curb appeal upgrades punch above their weight.
Protect the Home Behind the Curb Appeal
A polished exterior gets buyers through the door, but they’ll also notice the AC, the water heater, and the appliances. Liberty Home Guard plans cover major systems, appliances, and garage door openers when they break down from normal wear and tear. Cosmetic upgrades aren’t covered.
Selling soon? Our seller listing coverage protects your home while it’s on the market. Compare our plans, get a free quote, or read what to do if your home isn’t selling for more.
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