Billboard advertising continues to be one of the most impactful ways to reach a wide, diverse audience in the real world. But as media landscapes evolve and costs fluctuate, staying informed about pricing is key to getting the best return on investment. Whether you’re planning a local Wild Posting® campaign or locking in a Times Square spectacular, here’s what you should know about billboard pricing in 2025.
1. Major Cities Still Command Top Dollar
Urban areas are where competition is highest—and so are the prices. Here are examples of current costs in some top-tier markets:
- Los Angeles: Billboard campaigns typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 per 4-week cycle for standard bulletins. However, premium locations like the Sunset Strip or Hollywood Boulevard can cost anywhere from $35,000 to $100,000 per month, depending on timing and traffic exposure.
- New York City: Times Square remains one of the most iconic and expensive billboard locations in the world. Pricing for digital billboards ranges between $10,000 and $22,000 for a 2-week rotation, but prime placements during major events like New Year’s Eve can skyrocket into the hundreds of thousands.
Outside the top 10 DMAs, prices drop significantly, but keep in mind that local reach can still deliver high value in secondary or tertiary markets.
2. Digital Billboards Cost More—But Offer More Flexibility
Digital billboards allow brands to rotate multiple messages, change content in real time, and even geo-target their creative. That flexibility comes at a cost. In 2025, digital billboard rates are generally 30–50% higher than static options. Expect to pay:
- $1,200 to $15,000 per month depending on location, duration, and time of day.
- Higher rates for dynamic features like triggered creative based on weather, traffic, or live data feeds.
Programmatic DOOH (digital out-of-home) buys are becoming more mainstream, helping advertisers buy by audience rather than location, which can optimize spend—but it’s still a premium channel compared to traditional media.
3. What Influences Billboard Pricing?
Several key factors determine how much you’ll pay for billboard space:
- Location: High-traffic highways, urban cores, and tourist zones will always cost more.
- Size & Format: Bulletins (14×48 feet) cost more than posters (10×22 feet). Digital and 3D extensions increase cost.
- Visibility: Lighting, obstruction, elevation, and proximity to intersections or exits all play into pricing.
- Duration: Longer runs often bring the CPM down—many vendors offer volume or term discounts.
- Seasonality: Expect to pay more in Q4 and during major events like the Super Bowl or Coachella.
4. Budgeting for More Than Just Rent
The billboard rental cost is only part of your total spend. Don’t forget these additional budget items:
- Design: Great creative makes or breaks a campaign. A professionally designed board might cost $500–$2,500, depending on complexity.
- Production: For vinyl static boards, printing costs typically run $1.50–$3.00 per square foot.
- Installation: Standard install costs range from $200–$1,000, depending on market.
- Creative Rotation: For digital boards, multiple creative versions may carry extra costs.
If you’re using non-traditional media like Wild Posting®, expect significantly lower media and production costs but higher installation labor if campaigns run in multiple markets.
5. ROI: Static Still Delivers the Goods
While digital gets a lot of buzz, static billboards still deliver outstanding ROI. Industry research shows:
- Static billboard ROI averages 40%, slightly higher than digital’s 38%.
- Outdoor advertising consistently drives top-of-funnel awareness and helps reinforce brand recall.
The value is often strongest when OOH is paired with digital media campaigns, thanks to synergy between real-world presence and online engagement.
Add a custom landing page, QR code, or short URL to track engagement and gather campaign metrics.
6. Trends That Are Changing Billboard Costs in 2025
A few macro trends are reshaping the billboard pricing landscape:
- Sustainability: Vendors are investing in recycled vinyl and LED boards powered by solar. These upgrades may bump up costs slightly but align with ESG goals.
- AI & Data Analytics: More media buyers are using AI tools to optimize placements. This often increases demand—and prices—for proven high-ROI units.
- Programmatic Buying: Buying impressions instead of fixed placements gives more flexibility but can reduce negotiating power on large buys.
7. High-Profile Billboard Locations Still Reign Supreme
If you want prestige and PR buzz, iconic locations are worth the investment:
- Times Square: The most-watched billboard space in the world, especially on NYE.
- Sunset Strip: A favorite among music, fashion, and entertainment brands.
- The Las Vegas Strip: A go-to for high-visibility campaigns tied to entertainment, tech, and tourism.
- SoFi Stadium (Inglewood, CA): A rising hotspot for campaign extensions tied to sports or music events.
Keep in mind that exclusive, high-demand spaces often require planning 3–6 months in advance.
Final Thoughts: Billboard Pricing in 2025
Outdoor advertising remains one of the most trusted and cost-effective ways to make an impact in public space. While prices have risen since 2019, the performance and versatility of OOH—especially when paired with smart strategy—still makes it a solid investment.
If you’re wondering what kind of campaign you can run with your budget—or want help identifying high-ROI placements—get in touch with DASH TWO. We’ll help you make every dollar count.