What artificial turf costs, with sources.

Small areas cost more per square foot than large ones, because setup, base delivery, cutting and seaming do not shrink with the job. Pet turf and putting greens cost more per square foot than a standard lawn, because the drainage, the infill and the contouring are different.

Standard turf, installed

$10 to $25 per square foot, and $5,000 to $12,500 for a 500 square foot project. The same guide cites Angi data with an average completed project of $5,783, and most reported jobs between $3,244 and $8,716. Source: The Pricer.

$6 to $17 per square foot, and $3,000 to $8,500 for a 500 square foot lawn, with materials at $2 to $8 and labor at $4 to $9 per square foot. Source: HomeGuide.

Turf material alone $2 to $6 per square foot. Installed: about $8 to $12 for a large open yard, $10 to $15 for a mid size yard, and $12 to $18 or more for a small or tight yard. Source: LawnGuru.

Pet turf, installed

$8 to $18 per square foot for a complete pet friendly project. Pet add ons such as antimicrobial infill, a drainage base and deodorizing treatment add $1 to $3 or more per square foot. Source: Paw and Patio.

$8.90 to $9.90 per square foot for most residential dog areas of 400 to 1,000 square feet, or $4,450 to $4,950 for a 500 square foot dog run. Source: Magnolia Turf.

Putting greens, installed

$11 to $30 per square foot: $5,500 to $15,000 for a 500 square foot green and $11,000 to $30,000 for 1,000 square feet. Source: Yelp.

$15 to $22 per square foot, with most backyard projects at $4,000 to $15,000 depending on size, base prep and turf grade. Source: RAA Construction Group.

$15 to $25 per square foot, depending on the design and materials. Source: Southern Turf Co..

What moves a quote up or down

Access is a big one. A narrow gate, a steep slope or a long carry for base material costs more to work in than an open, flat yard. Tree roots, irrigation lines, and old concrete or rock that must come out add work. Drainage changes, such as regrading or adding a drain, add work that a simple turf swap does not. A heavier, denser turf with a higher pile costs more than a lighter one.

How to compare two quotes

Compare the written scope, not just the total. Ask for the product name, pile height, backing, infill type and amount, base material and depth, edge treatment, and what is left out. A quote that lists those items can be compared with another quote for the same yard. A lower total that leaves out base work or drainage is not the same job as a higher one that includes them.