Steel is the most widely used cable tray material due to its balance of cost-effectiveness and strength. Cable tray pricing depends on materials, coatings, size, supplier margins, and order quantity —plus hidden costs like shipping and installation. The average cable tray price per meter ranges from $2 to. Cable trays are vital in electrical installations, providing secure pathways for power, communication, and control cables across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. 2 Why is Conduit So Expensive? 8.