Kitchen Remodel Cost

Kitchen remodel cost at a glance

Kitchen remodel costs depend heavily on the scope of the project, the quality of materials, and your geographic location. Here's a quick overview of what to expect:

A cosmetic refresh keeps the existing layout and cabinets, focusing on paint, hardware, a new countertop, and updated fixtures. This is the most common type of kitchen renovation project in our dataset, with a median cost around $12,000. A minor remodel replaces cabinetry and countertops but keeps the footprint. Mid-range and major remodels involve layout changes, new appliances, and premium finishes. For a breakdown of other home improvement projects, see our full list of cost guides.

Cost breakdown by component

The kitchen is often called the most expensive room in the house to renovate. Here's how the typical kitchen remodel budget breaks down:

Cabinets (30–35% of Budget)

Cabinets are the single largest expense in most kitchen remodels. Stock cabinets run $75–$150 per linear foot, semi-custom cabinets $150–$650, and fully custom cabinets $500–$1,200+ per linear foot. Refacing existing cabinets ($4,000–$9,000) is a popular mid-budget alternative.

Countertops (10–15%)

Laminate countertops start at $10–$40 per square foot installed. Butcher block runs $40–$100, quartz $50–$120, granite $50–$200, and marble $75–$250+ per square foot. The average kitchen has 30–50 square feet of countertop surface.

Appliances (15–20%)

A basic appliance package (refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave) runs $2,000–$4,000. Mid-range stainless steel packages cost $4,000–$8,000, while professional-grade appliances can easily reach $15,000–$30,000+ for the full suite.

Labor (20–25%)

Labor costs include demolition, installation, plumbing, electrical, and finishing work. Expect to pay $50–$85 per hour for general contractors, with specialized trades (plumbers, electricians) charging $75–$150 per hour. In high-cost markets, labor can account for 30%+ of the total budget.

Flooring (5–10%)

Kitchen flooring options range from vinyl ($2–$7/sq ft) and laminate ($3–$8/sq ft) to tile ($5–$15/sq ft) and hardwood ($8–$25/sq ft). The average kitchen floor is 100–200 square feet. See our flooring cost guide for a deeper breakdown by material type.

Plumbing (3–5%)

Basic plumbing work (connecting a new sink and dishwasher) runs $500–$1,500. Relocating plumbing lines for a new layout adds $1,500–$4,000. Adding a pot filler or second sink typically costs $300–$1,000 each.

Electrical (3–5%)

Updating electrical to meet current code requirements typically costs $1,000–$3,000. This includes adding GFCI outlets, upgrading the circuit panel for new appliances, and installing under-cabinet and recessed lighting.

Factors affecting your cost

• Kitchen size — Larger kitchens require more materials, more labor, and more time
• Layout changes — Moving walls, plumbing, or gas lines adds $5,000– $15,000+
• Material quality — The gap between builder-grade and luxury materials can be 3–5x on every component
• Geographic location — Labor rates in San Francisco or New York can be double those in mid-size cities
• Structural work — Removing load-bearing walls requires engineering and adds $3,000–$10,000
• Permits — Electrical, plumbing, and structural permits add $500–$2,000

Money-Saving Tips

• Keep the existing layout, avoiding plumbing and electrical relocations saves thousands
• Reface or paint cabinets instead of replacing them, saves $5,000–$15,000
• Choose quartz over natural stone, similar look, lower cost, and no sealing required
• Buy appliances during holiday sales events, save 20–40% on major appliances
• Use stock cabinets with upgraded hardware, high-end pulls and knobs elevate basic cabinets
• Consider luxury vinyl plank over hardwood — 70% cheaper with excellent durability

Typical kitchen remodel timeline

• Minor remodel: 4–6 weeks
• Mid-range remodel: 6–10 weeks
• Major remodel: 10–16 weeks
• Custom/gut renovation: 12–20+ weeks

Plan for an additional 2–4 weeks for design, material selection, and permitting before construction begins. Lead times for custom cabinets and specialty appliances can add 6–12 weeks to the overall timeline. If your kitchen remodel includes repainting walls, check our interior painting cost guide for what to budget separately.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

A kitchen remodel costs $5,000 to $120,000+ depending on scope. A cosmetic refresh averages $10,000, a minor remodel around $22,000, a mid-range remodel $45,000, and a major upscale remodel $85,000.

What is the cheapest way to remodel a kitchen?

The cheapest approach is a cosmetic refresh ($5,000 to $15,000) that keeps the existing layout and cabinets. Refacing cabinets instead of replacing them saves $5,000 to $15,000, and choosing stock cabinets with upgraded hardware further reduces costs.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

A minor kitchen remodel takes 4 to 6 weeks, a mid-range remodel 6 to 10 weeks, and a major remodel 10 to 16 weeks. Add 2 to 4 weeks for design, material selection, and permitting before construction begins.

What percentage of a kitchen remodel cost is labor?

Labor typically accounts for 20 to 25% of a kitchen remodel budget. General contractors charge $50 to $85 per hour, while specialized trades like plumbers and electricians charge $75 to $150 per hour. In high-cost markets, labor can reach 30% or more.

What is the ROI on a kitchen remodel?

A minor kitchen remodel recoups 72 to 78% of its cost at resale, while a major mid-range remodel returns 55 to 65%. Focusing on durable materials, clean layouts, and energy-efficient appliances delivers the best return.