Quick Answer

Neon signs are expensive because they require skilled manual labor, specialized materials, complex design work, and careful handling. Traditional glass neon signs, in particular, are handmade pieces that take time, experience, and precision to produce, install, and maintain.

Neon signs have been around for more than a century, yet people still ask the same question: Why do they cost so much? At first glance, a glowing sign on a wall doesn’t seem like it should cost hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. But once you understand what goes into making one, the pricing starts to make a lot more sense.

This article breaks down the real reasons behind neon pricing, from materials and craftsmanship to transport, energy use, and long-term durability.

Neon Signs Are Handmade, Not Mass-Produced

One of the biggest cost drivers of traditional neon signs is the fact that they are made by hand. There is no “print” button for a glass neon sign.

Each piece starts as a straight glass tube. A skilled neon artisan heats that tube using open flames and carefully bends it into shape by eye and experience. Letters, curves, logos, and symbols are formed slowly, one section at a time. A small mistake can ruin the tube entirely, forcing the process to restart.

This work takes years to learn and even longer to master. Because of that, labor costs are high—not because artisans are overcharging, but because the skill itself is rare. A single custom sign can require hours or even days of hands-on work.

That labor alone already sets neon apart from most modern lighting options.

Specialized Materials Add to the Cost

Traditional neon signs rely on materials that are both fragile and specialized.

Glass tubing is not ordinary household glass. It needs to withstand high heat during shaping and high voltage during operation. On top of that, different gases are used to produce different colors. Pure neon creates warm reds and oranges, while argon and other gases are used alongside phosphor coatings for blues, greens, and whites.

Then there are the electrical components. Neon signs require high-voltage transformers to function properly. These transformers are not cheap, and larger signs often need more than one. Every added color or segment can increase the number of electrical connections involved.

When you add together glass, gas, coatings, electrodes, wiring, and transformers, the material cost rises quickly—even before labor is factored in.

Design Complexity Has a Direct Impact on Price

Not all neon signs are priced equally. Simple text with one color is far less expensive than a detailed logo or illustration.

Every curve, corner, and color change increases complexity. Multiple colors mean multiple glass sections. Tight curves require more precision. Larger signs need more support and more power.

Custom designs take longer because nothing is standardized. Even if two customers want the same word, differences in size, font, spacing, and mounting will change how the sign is built.

In short: the more unique the design, the more time and effort it takes—and the more expensive the final sign becomes.

Transport and Installation Are Risky and Costly

Glass neon signs are fragile. Shipping them safely requires careful packaging, custom crates, and sometimes freight shipping rather than standard carriers. Larger signs increase both risk and cost.

Installation can also be expensive. Because neon signs operate at high voltage and use delicate glass, professional installation is often recommended or required. Improper handling can lead to breakage or electrical issues.

By contrast, modern LED neon alternatives are lightweight, flexible, and far easier to ship and install. This difference alone explains a large part of the price gap between traditional neon and LED neon lights.

Energy Use and Long-Term Running Costs

Neon signs don’t just cost more upfront—they also cost more to run.

Traditional neon signs typically consume around 10–12 watts per foot. Many are designed to stay on continuously, which increases electricity usage and puts ongoing stress on electrical components.

LED neon lights use significantly less power, often around 3–5 watts per foot. Over years of use, this difference adds up to noticeable savings on electricity bills.

For businesses running signs daily, operating costs become part of the total ownership cost—and traditional neon signs are clearly more expensive in this area.

Repairs and Maintenance Aren’t Cheap

Another hidden cost of neon signs is maintenance.

If a glass tube cracks or breaks, repairs must be done by a trained technician. Matching colors, re-bending glass, and re-sealing gas is not a simple fix. Electrical components can also fail over time due to heat and constant use.

Routine maintenance includes cleaning, checking for cracks, and monitoring electrical performance. Skipping maintenance can lead to higher repair bills later.

LED neon lights generally require less upkeep. They are more resistant to physical damage, and repairs—if needed—are simpler and cheaper.

Longevity Is Part of the Value

Despite all these costs, neon signs have one major advantage: longevity.

A well-made glass neon sign can last decades if properly maintained. Many vintage neon signs from the mid-20th century are still glowing today. That durability is part of what people pay for.

While LED neon lights also last a long time (often 10–15 years or more), traditional neon has a proven lifespan measured in generations, not just years.

For some businesses and collectors, that permanence justifies the investment.

Neon Signs vs LED Neon Lights: A Cost Comparison

When comparing the two, the differences are clear:

• Glass neon signs

  • Higher labor and material costs

  • Fragile and expensive to ship

  • Higher energy usage

  • Costly repairs

  • Long lifespan and classic glow

• LED neon lights

  • Lower production costs

  • Lightweight and durable

  • Energy-efficient

  • Easier installation and maintenance

  • Similar visual impact for most uses

Price per foot often reflects this gap. Traditional neon can range from a few hundred dollars per foot to well over a thousand, while LED neon is typically much more affordable.

So, Are Neon Signs Worth the Price?

That depends on what you value.

If you want authentic craftsmanship, historic appeal, and a sign that feels like functional art, traditional neon delivers something unique. The cost reflects the skill, materials, and time involved.

If your priority is visual impact, customization, and efficiency, modern LED neon lights offer a more practical alternative with far fewer downsides.

Neither option is “cheap”—they simply serve different needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are neon signs more expensive than regular lights?
Because they are handmade, use specialized materials, and require skilled labor and high-voltage components.

Are LED neon lights real neon?
No. They mimic the look of neon using LED technology inside flexible tubing.

Do neon signs cost a lot to run?
Traditional neon signs use more electricity than LED alternatives, especially if left on continuously.

Are neon signs hard to repair?
Yes. Glass neon repairs require specialists and can be expensive.

Why do people still buy traditional neon signs?
For their craftsmanship, durability, and iconic appearance that LED alternatives can’t fully replicate.