$ Home Project Cost Guide
Modern kitchen remodel with updated cabinets, countertops, and stainless steel appliances
Kitchen Cost Guide

Kitchen remodel cost guide for U.S. homeowners.

Use this page to estimate kitchen remodel costs, compare scope levels and material options, and understand the factors that affect your final quote. Built for planning and research before speaking with contractors.

Last updated: April 2026

Kitchen remodel calculator

Enter a few project details to generate a simple planning estimate.

This tool is for planning only. Final quotes depend on cabinet brand, appliance selection, tile work, plumbing scope, and contractor pricing.

Want to understand how these estimates are built? See our methodology.

Quick kitchen remodel cost overview

These planning ranges help you understand where many projects may fall before you start collecting quotes.

Lower range
$15,000–$25,000

Smaller kitchens with cosmetic updates and budget-friendly materials

Typical mid-range
$25,000–$55,000

Common remodel range with new cabinets, countertops, and appliances

Higher range
$55,000–$100,000+

Larger kitchens, premium materials, layout changes, or structural work

Typical planning rate
$75–$250+ / sq ft

Varies by scope, finish level, layout changes, and labor market

What affects kitchen remodel cost

  • Kitchen size and total square footage
  • Cabinet style, material, and configuration
  • Countertop material (laminate, quartz, granite, marble)
  • Appliance quality and brand selection
  • Flooring type and installation
  • Plumbing and electrical modifications
  • Layout changes and structural work
  • Permits, labor rates, and regional market conditions

Kitchen remodel cost by project scope

Cosmetic refresh

Painting cabinets, updating hardware, new backsplash, and minor fixture swaps without changing the layout.

Mid-range remodel

New cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, and updated lighting with the same basic layout.

Major remodel

Full gut renovation with new cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, plumbing updates, and possible layout changes.

Premium renovation

Custom cabinetry, premium countertops, high-end appliances, structural modifications, and designer finishes.

Kitchen remodel cost comparison by scope

Option Low Range Mid Range High Range Lifespan Best For
Cosmetic Refresh $5,000 $10,000 $18,000 5–10 yrs Quick visual update
Standard Remodel $15,000 $30,000 $50,000 10–20 yrs Most homeowners
Premium Remodel $35,000 $55,000 $80,000 15–25 yrs Quality materials
Full Custom Renovation $60,000 $85,000 $150,000+ 20+ yrs High-end design

Ranges are approximate and intended for planning only. Actual quotes may differ based on project scope and local market.

Kitchen remodel cost breakdown

Understanding where your money goes can help you make better budgeting decisions and compare contractor quotes more effectively.

Cabinets & hardware 30%
$9,000–$24,000
Labor (installation, plumbing, electrical) 25%
$7,500–$20,000
Countertops & backsplash 15%
$4,500–$12,000
Appliances 15%
$4,500–$12,000
Flooring, lighting & misc. 10%
$3,000–$8,000
Permits & contingency 5%
$1,500–$4,000

Based on a typical mid-range kitchen remodel ($30,000–$80,000). Cabinets are the largest single expense.

Average kitchen remodel cost by city

Costs vary by location due to labor rates, permit requirements, and market demand. These estimates adjust national averages for each metro area.

New York, NY
$19,200 – $70,400
Avg: $44,800
High
Los Angeles, CA
$18,300 – $67,100
Avg: $42,700
High
Chicago, IL
$16,800 – $61,600
Avg: $39,200
Above avg
Houston, TX
$14,550 – $53,350
Avg: $33,950
Average
Phoenix, AZ
$14,400 – $52,800
Avg: $33,600
Average
Philadelphia, PA
$16,200 – $59,400
Avg: $37,800
Above avg
Dallas, TX
$14,700 – $53,900
Avg: $34,300
Average
Atlanta, GA
$14,850 – $54,450
Avg: $34,650
Average
Miami, FL
$17,250 – $63,250
Avg: $40,250
High
Denver, CO
$16,500 – $60,500
Avg: $38,500
Above avg

City estimates are based on regional cost adjustments and are intended for planning only.

📊 Visual Cost Summary

Kitchen Remodel Cost Guide — visual cost overview

This visual cost summary covers the main factors that affect kitchen remodel costs, including cabinets, countertops, appliances, and scope level.

Lower range $15,000–$30,000 Budget projects
Mid-range $30,000–$55,000 Most common
Higher range $55,000+ Premium scope

Planning a remodel? Use our calculator for a personalized estimate based on your home.

Get Your Estimate →

How to compare kitchen remodel quotes

  • Ask for a line-item breakdown of cabinets, countertops, appliances, labor, and permits.
  • Confirm whether plumbing, electrical, and structural work are included in the estimate.
  • Compare cabinet quality, construction method, and warranty across bids.
  • Check if appliance delivery, installation, and hookup fees are included.
  • Ask how change orders and unexpected issues would be priced.
  • Review the project timeline and payment schedule before signing.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

Kitchen remodel costs range widely from $15,000 for cosmetic updates to $100,000+ for major renovations. The final cost depends on kitchen size, scope, materials, and your local labor market.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

Cabinets and countertops typically account for the largest portion of a kitchen remodel budget, often 40–50% of total costs.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

A typical kitchen remodel takes 6–12 weeks depending on scope. Cosmetic refreshes may take 2–4 weeks, while major renovations with layout changes can take 3–5 months.

Is it worth remodeling a kitchen before selling?

A mid-range kitchen remodel can improve home value and appeal to buyers. However, over-improving beyond neighborhood standards may not provide a full return on investment.

Should I get multiple kitchen remodel quotes?

Yes. Comparing at least 3 detailed quotes helps you understand pricing differences, scope inclusions, and contractor quality.

Can I save money by keeping the same kitchen layout?

Yes. Keeping the existing layout avoids costly plumbing and electrical relocations, which can save $5,000–$15,000 or more.

Methodology

The estimates on this page are intended for planning purposes only. They are based on common project variables such as kitchen size, scope level, countertop material, layout changes, and regional labor adjustment.

Actual contractor pricing may differ based on cabinet brand, appliance selection, tile work, permit requirements, hidden issues, and installation details discovered on site.

HP
Home Project Cost Guide Editorial Team Research & Cost Analysis

Our editorial team researches and compiles home improvement cost data from contractor pricing surveys, manufacturer specifications, permit databases, and regional labor rate benchmarks to create practical planning estimates for U.S. homeowners.

✓ Published 200+ cost guides and calculators✓ Covers 25 U.S. states with localized pricing✓ Data sourced from contractor and industry benchmarks
Last reviewed: April 2026