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Kitchen remodel cost by tier (2026)

National average ranges for a 200 sq ft mid-size kitchen. Local labor and material costs cause meaningful regional swings.

Tier Total cost Cost per sq ft What you get
Minor cosmetic$5,000–$15,000$25–$75Paint, hardware, mid-grade appliances, no layout change
Mid-range remodel$25,000–$60,000$125–$300Stock-to-semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, name-brand appliances
Major remodel$60,000–$120,000$300–$600Full custom cabinets, layout change, all-new appliances, possibly wall removal
Luxury / high-end$120,000–$250,000+$600–$1,250+Designer custom, premium appliances (Sub-Zero, Wolf), high-end materials

Where the kitchen remodel budget goes

Typical kitchen remodel cost breakdown:

  • Cabinets & hardware: 25–35% of budget (often the biggest line item)
  • Labor & installation: 20–30%
  • Appliances: 12–18%
  • Countertops: 8–15%
  • Flooring: 5–10%
  • Plumbing & electrical: 4–8% (more if relocating)
  • Lighting: 3–5%
  • Backsplash & paint: 2–5%
  • Permit + design fees: 1–3%

Cabinet cost (the biggest variable)

For a typical 10x10 kitchen layout (most common reference size):

  • Stock cabinets (Home Depot, Lowes, IKEA): $2,500–$8,000
  • Semi-custom (KraftMaid, Diamond, Schrock): $7,500–$18,000
  • Custom (local cabinetmaker): $15,000–$50,000+

Refacing cabinets (replacing doors and drawer fronts only) costs 30–50% less than new cabinets — usually $4,000–$10,000 for a 10x10 kitchen. Painting cabinets is even cheaper at $1,500–$4,500.

Countertop cost by material

For 30 sq ft of countertop (typical mid-size kitchen), installed:

  • Laminate: $600–$1,500 ($20–$50/sq ft)
  • Butcher block: $900–$3,000
  • Tile: $750–$2,250
  • Solid surface (Corian): $1,800–$3,600
  • Granite: $1,800–$5,400
  • Quartz (most popular today): $2,400–$6,000
  • Marble: $3,000–$7,500
  • Concrete: $2,250–$5,250

Kitchen remodel cost factors

Layout change

Moving plumbing or gas lines adds $1,500–$8,000. Removing a wall: $3,000–$15,000 (more if load-bearing).

Appliances

Mid-range package (range, fridge, dishwasher, microwave) runs $3,500–$9,000. Premium (Wolf, Sub-Zero) runs $15,000–$50,000.

Electrical updates

Older homes often need 100A→200A panel upgrade ($1,500–$4,000) plus new 20A circuits for modern appliances.

Structural surprises

Old wiring, water damage, asbestos, lead paint, or out-of-square walls can add $2,000–$15,000 mid-project.

Permits + inspections

$200–$1,500 depending on scope and city. Required for any plumbing, electrical, gas, or structural work.

Designer / architect

Kitchen designer: $50–$200/hour or 8–15% of project. Architect (for layout changes or additions): 5–20% of project.

Kitchen remodel cost by city

Local pricing benchmarks across major US metros.

New York, NY Los Angeles, CA Chicago, IL Houston, TX Phoenix, AZ Dallas, TX Atlanta, GA Miami, FL Charlotte, NC Seattle, WA Denver, CO Boston, MA Austin, TX San Francisco, CA Columbus, OH Indianapolis, IN Philadelphia, PA Nashville, TN Portland, OR Minneapolis, MN Raleigh, NC Tampa, FL Jacksonville, FL Sacramento, CA

Frequently asked questions about kitchen remodel cost

How much does an average kitchen remodel cost?
A typical mid-range kitchen remodel for a 200 sq ft kitchen runs $25,000–$60,000 ($125–$300 per sq ft). This includes semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, mid-tier appliances, and standard layout. Minor cosmetic refreshes start at $5,000; major renovations with layout changes can hit $120,000+.
What ROI does a kitchen remodel return?
Per Remodeling Magazine’s annual Cost vs Value report, minor kitchen remodels typically return 70–85% at resale. Mid-range remodels return 55–70%. Major luxury remodels often return only 50–55% — you’re unlikely to recoup spending past mid-range unless your home value warrants it.
Should I refinish cabinets or buy new?
Refacing cabinets (new doors + drawer fronts on existing boxes) costs 30–50% less than new and works well if your existing cabinet boxes are solid wood or quality plywood. If your cabinets are particle board or have water damage/swelling, replacement is the better long-term call.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Minor cosmetic remodels: 1–3 weeks. Mid-range remodels (no layout change): 3–6 weeks. Major remodels with layout changes: 8–14 weeks. Custom luxury: 4–8 months. Plan to be without a usable kitchen for at least 2–3 weeks for any meaningful remodel.
Do I need permits for a kitchen remodel?
Cosmetic-only updates (paint, hardware, swapping appliances in place) usually don’t need permits. Any plumbing relocation, electrical work beyond replacing fixtures, gas line work, or structural changes (wall removal) require permits. Skipping required permits can cause issues at resale and may void homeowner insurance for related damage.