A Technician’s Guide to Budgeting for LED Displays in 2025
By Vitaly, Lead LED Technician at Canadian LED
If there’s one question I get more than any other — whether I’m setting up at a conference hall in Toronto or chatting with a church leader out in rural Alberta — it’s this: “So, how much does an LED wall cost?”
It’s a fair question. Whether you’re planning a major corporate event, upgrading your sanctuary, or launching a new retail concept, understanding what goes into the pricing of LED wall panels is the first step to making a smart investment.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through what really affects the cost of an LED wall — based on my own hands-on experience with hundreds of installations across Canada. I’ll also explain how to tell whether you should rent or buy, what “hidden” costs to expect, and how to avoid overpaying for something you don’t need.
And hey — if you’re more of a visual learner, I’ve got a video version of this guide coming soon.
What’s the Short Answer?
The cost of an LED wall in Canada can range from around $1,800 to $6,000+ per day for rentals, and from $20,000 to over $100,000 if you’re buying a high-resolution display. That’s a wide range, I know — but it depends on a few key variables that I’ll break down for you below.
Rental vs. Purchase: Which Makes Sense?
Renting an LED Wall
Renting is ideal for:
- Events, conferences, festivals
- Short-term use (1–7 days)
- Clients who need full service: delivery, setup, and operation
Rental pricing depends on size and location. For example:
- 10’ x 6’ P3.9 wall (outdoor): ~$2,400/day installed
- 15’ x 9’ P2.6 wall (indoor): ~$3,900/day with crew and controller
You might also see weekly or weekend package deals — especially if you’re flexible with setup days.
Buying an LED Wall
If you need a permanent or frequently-used setup — like LED screens for churches, studios, or public displays — buying makes more sense.
Here’s what that might look like:
- Small indoor screen (P2.9, 9’x5’): from ~$25,000 CAD
- Medium wall (P2.5, 12’x7’): ~$40,000–$60,000 CAD
- Large outdoor setup (P3.9, 20’x10’): $75,000 and up
💡Bonus tip:The higher the pixel pitch (like P5 or P6), the lower the price — but the image won’t be as crisp up close.
What Really Affects the Price?
There are a few main factors that determine video wall cost. Here’s how I explain it to clients:
1. Pixel Pitch
This refers to the distance between each pixel. The smaller the pitch (like P1.9 or P2.6), the sharper the image — and the more expensive the panel.
For example:
- P2.6 indoor wall: more expensive, sharp up close (good for lobbies, stages, studios)
- P4.8 outdoor wall: cheaper, visible from 20+ feet away (ideal for concerts or sports)
2. Size
This one’s obvious — the bigger the wall, the higher the cost. LED pricing is usually calculated per square foot or per square meter.
Rule of thumb:
- Indoor screens: ~$1,000–$1,800 CAD/m²
- Outdoor screens: ~$1,200–$2,000 CAD/m²
3. Indoor vs Outdoor
Outdoor LED walls need to be brighter, weatherproof, and better ventilated. That means:
- Higher power requirements
- Extra protective casings
- More expensive structure and hardware
So even the same size wall might cost 15–25% more for outdoor use.
4. Installation & Setup
Some clients already have a fixed truss or wall mount — others need our crew to bring in everything: structure, rigging, power supply, processors, and safety compliance.
Setup costs can range from $800 (simple) to $4,000+ (complex multi-day installs).
Hidden Costs You Should Know About
🧰 Controllers & Processors
Every LED wall needs a brain — a processor or video controller that turns your content into a displayable signal. Basic Novastar units start at ~$600. High-end 4K processors with scaling and layering? Think $3,000+.
🧑🔧 Labor & Transport
Most clients forget to budget for:
- Delivery (especially across provinces)
- Setup crew (at least 2 certified techs for large jobs)
- Takedown and repacking
We always include this in quotes, but if you’re shopping around — double-check whether it’s part of the package.
🔌 Power & Cabling
Big LED displays pull serious power. For outdoor screens, you may need a generator or three-phase connection. We calculate this during planning so there are no surprises.
LED Walls: An Investment That Pays Off
I’ve worked on events where a well-placed LED wall tripled foot traffic to a vendor booth. I’ve seen churches move from old projectors to vibrant LED displays and tell me, “It’s like the whole congregation woke up.”
Why? Because LED displays are:
- Brighter than projection
- Seamless (no bezels or shadows)
- Scalable (modular panels = flexible layouts)
- Durable (50,000–100,000 hours lifespan)
Yes, the upfront cost may be high. But if you’re using it regularly — even once a week — it can pay for itself quickly.
Choosing the Right LED Wall Panels
Here’s what I recommend based on my experience:| Use Case | Pixel Pitch | Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|
| Corporate Event | P2.6–P3.9 | 12’x7’ or larger |
| Church Sanctuary | P2.9 | 15’x9’ (center stage) |
| Trade Show Booth | P2.6–P3.9 | 10’x6’ |
| Outdoor Festival | P3.9–P6 | 20’x10’ or more |
Why Work with Canadian LED?
At Canadian LED, we don’t just drop off equipment. We help you plan, build, and operate the right solution for your space, timeline, and audience. We deliver across Canada, from Vancouver to Halifax. We’ve worked in convention centres, historic churches, sports arenas, and everything in between. And most importantly — we’re not pushy. If renting makes more sense than buying, we’ll say so. If a smaller screen will do the job, we won’t sell you a massive one.
Get Your Complimentary Quote
Still determining your budget? We’re here to simplify the process:- Free professional consultation
- Transparent pricing in CAD, inclusive of shipping and setup
- Expert guidance from seasoned professionals with hundreds of successful projects
