Kitchen Remodel Costs in 2026
Average cost: $28,000 (typical range $12,000 – $60,000) — based on BLS hourly wage data for Carpenters (47-2031). Updated 2026-01-15.
Quick answer: Most U.S. homeowners spend $12,000–$60,000 on a kitchen remodel in 2026. The national midpoint is about $28,000. Minor refreshes often stay under $15,000; mid-range cabinet and counter projects run $20,000–$40,000; full gut luxury jobs can exceed $60,000–$100,000 in high-cost metros.
Estimates combine BLS labor data for carpenters and related trades with typical material baskets. Use the free kitchen remodel calculator for a quick personalized range. Compare wet-area trade costs with our bathroom remodel cost guide when planning a multi-room renovation.
Kitchen remodel cost by project scope
| Scope | Typical range | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | $5,000–$15,000 | Paint, hardware, faucet, lighting, minor backsplash |
| Minor remodel | $12,000–$25,000 | Countertops, sink, appliances, limited cabinet refacing |
| Mid-range remodel | $25,000–$45,000 | New cabinets, counters, flooring, appliances, electrical updates |
| Major / luxury | $50,000–$100,000+ | Layout change, island, custom cabinets, high-end appliances |
Line-item cost breakdown (typical mid-range kitchen)
On a mid-range same-layout remodel (~$28,000 midpoint), plan around these shares so quotes are comparable:
| Line item | Share of budget | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets (boxes + install) | 30–40% | Stock vs semi-custom vs custom; soft-close hardware |
| Countertops + sink | 10–18% | Quartz/stone install and edge profiles |
| Appliances | 10–20% | Easy to blow the budget—set a hard cap early |
| Flooring | 5–12% | Subfloor repair under old vinyl/tile is a common surprise |
| Electrical / lighting / hood circuit | 6–12% | GFCI, dedicated circuits, under-cabinet lighting |
| Plumbing (sink, disposal, filter) | 4–10% | Moving the sink or adding an island sink multiplies cost |
| Backsplash, paint, hardware | 4–8% | Tile labor hours beat material sticker price |
| Demo, haul-away, permits, contingency | 8–15% | Hold 10–15% for hidden issues |
People-first tip: cabinet lead times (often 4–12 weeks for semi-custom) dictate the real schedule more than the installer calendar. Order cabinets before demo whenever possible.
What drives kitchen remodel prices
- Cabinets — often 30–40% of budget (stock vs semi-custom vs custom).
- Countertops — laminate is cheapest; quartz and stone cost more installed.
- Labor market — coastal and large metros pay higher trade wages (BLS).
- Layout changes — moving plumbing, gas, or electrical multiplies cost and permits.
- Appliances & finishes — easy to under-budget; set a hard cap early.
- Island / peninsula work — structure, outlets, and sometimes gas/water runs add line items.
Labor vs materials
A useful planning split for mid-range projects is roughly 40–50% labor / 50–60% materials, plus 5–10% for permits, haul-away, and contingency. Custom cabinetry flips the mix toward materials; heavy electrical/plumbing layout work flips it toward labor.
Permits, inspections, and timeline
- Permits: electrical, plumbing, and gas changes commonly need permits. Full gut remodels may need a building permit and plan review.
- Timeline: cosmetic 1–2 weeks; mid-range 4–8 weeks after materials arrive; major layout changes 2–4+ months including design and ordering.
- Living through it: budget a temporary kitchen (microwave, mini-fridge, dish station) if you stay in the home—overlooked soft cost that reduces pressure to rush installers.
Regional cost index
- Lower-cost regions: ~0.80–0.90× national
- National-average metros: ~1.0×
- Large coastal metros: ~1.15–1.40×
DIY vs hire a pro
DIY paint, hardware, and simple backsplash can save money. Cabinet install, gas lines, electrical, and structural changes belong with licensed pros. A crooked cabinet run cascades into counter and appliance fit issues that cost more than the DIY “savings.”
Red flags when hiring
- No itemized cabinet package (door style, box construction, soft-close, install labor separate).
- Appliance package quoted without delivery, haul-away, or install fees.
- Skipping permits on gas or electrical work.
- Very low bid that assumes you “supply everything” without a written material schedule.
- No proof of insurance or inability to name recent local kitchen references.
How to save without wrecking resale
- Keep the existing layout (biggest savings lever).
- Reface or paint solid cabinet boxes instead of full replacement.
- Mix materials strategically (e.g. premium on island only).
- Get 3 written quotes with the same scope sheet.
- Hold 10–15% contingency for hidden issues.
- Decide appliance package early—late upgrades force electrical rework.
Related: bathroom remodel cost · kitchen calculator · cabinet installation costs · methodology
What this $28,000 midpoint leaves out
Cabinet refacing vs. full box replacement, moving the sink, and moving gas or electrical are the three swings that blow a “typical kitchen” number. Our figure is a BLS labor + common material basket, not a turnkey bid for a 1998 galley in a high-cost metro.
Use the kitchen calculator for size/finish, then compare wet-area trades with the bathroom remodel guide if you are doing both rooms. We would rather you have two honest ranges than one page that pretends every ZIP code costs the same.
🧮 Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator
Get a personalized estimate based on your project size, complexity, and location. Our calculator uses BLS labor rate data ($$26.40/hr median) combined with material cost ranges.
💡 Based on BLS wage data + national material cost averages. Get 3 local quotes to verify.
Free tools: Kitchen remodel calculator · All tools · How we calculate prices
Kitchen Remodel labor by state (BLS-based)
Figures below live on this national hub. We do not publish a landing page per city. Local bids still vary by metro, permits, and scope — get three quotes.
Top Kitchen Remodel Brands
Kitchen remodel cost FAQs
What is the average kitchen remodel cost in 2026?
About $28,000 midpoint; most projects fall between $12,000 and $60,000. High-cost metros and full gut luxury jobs run higher.
How much does a minor kitchen remodel cost?
Often $5,000–$20,000 when you keep the layout and focus on surfaces, paint, hardware, and fixtures.
Does a kitchen remodel increase home value?
Minor remodels often recoup a high share of cost; luxury gut jobs recoup less percentage-wise but can help sellability when finishes match the neighborhood.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Cosmetic: 1–2 weeks. Mid-range: 4–8 weeks after cabinets/materials arrive. Major layout changes: 2–4+ months including design and ordering.
What costs the most in a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets usually dominate (often 30–40%), followed by counters, appliances, and any plumbing/electrical layout moves.
How much do new kitchen cabinets cost?
Stock cabinets often land roughly $100–$300 per linear foot installed; semi-custom and custom rise steeply. Always separate box cost from install labor in quotes.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel?
Usually yes for electrical, plumbing, or gas changes. Pure cosmetic work may not. Confirm with your local building department before demo.
How can I remodel a kitchen on a budget?
Keep the layout, reface or paint solid boxes, mix counter materials, set a hard appliance cap, and compare three itemized quotes with identical scope.
Related Home Repair Services
Comparing costs across different services helps you budget your renovation project: