What a kitchen remodel costs
Quick answer
A kitchen remodel in the US usually costs $75 to $450 per square foot, depending on how much you change and the finishes you choose. For a typical 150-square-foot kitchen, that means about $11,000 to $22,500 for a cosmetic refresh, $22,500 to $37,500 for a mid-range remodel with new cabinets and counters, and $37,500 to $67,500 or more for a high-end kitchen. A small 10-by-10 kitchen done to a mid-range standard comes to about $15,000 to $25,000.
These are national ranges with labor and standard materials included.
| Job | US average (typical range) | Typical |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh, 150 sq ft kitchen | $11,250–$22,500 | $16,500 |
| Mid-range remodel, 150 sq ft kitchen | $22,500–$37,500 | $30,000 |
| High-end remodel, 150 sq ft kitchen | $37,500–$67,500 | $48,750 |
| Small kitchen (10×10 ft), mid-range | $15,000–$25,000 | $20,000 |
| Large kitchen (15×15 ft), mid-range | $33,750–$56,250 | $45,000 |
| Stock cabinets, installed | $100–$400/lin ft | $250/lin ft |
| Semi-custom cabinets, installed | $150–$700/lin ft | $425/lin ft |
| Custom cabinets, installed | $500–$1,200/lin ft | $850/lin ft |
| Appliance package | $2,500–$20,000 | $6,000 |
| Moving plumbing or walls (add-on) | $5,000–$25,000 | $12,000 |
| Permits | $500–$1,500 | $1,000 |
US national averages for 2026, labor and standard materials included, from published cost guides (sources at the end of this page). Local prices differ: see the city table below, or enter your ZIP code in the calculator.
The three levels of remodel
A cosmetic refresh keeps the layout and the cabinet boxes. It usually means painting or refacing the cabinets, new counters, a new sink and faucet, new hardware, lighting and paint. It costs the least and, as the resale numbers below show, it pays back the best.
A mid-range remodel replaces cabinets, countertops, flooring and often the appliances, but keeps the sink, range and refrigerator roughly where they are. Most kitchen remodels in the US fall in this range.
A high-end or major remodel changes the layout: moving the sink or range, removing a wall, adding an island with plumbing, or opening the kitchen to the living area. Custom cabinets, stone counters and professional-grade appliances push the price up, and moving plumbing, gas and electrical lines adds $5,000 to $25,000 on its own.
Find a kitchen remodeler near you
Enter your ZIP code to see what a remodel costs where you live and to get matched with a vetted, licensed kitchen remodeler in your area. GOLDGCP covers every US ZIP code, and local guides add permit rules and prices for the largest metros as they are published.
Kitchen remodel cost by size
Size changes the total more than almost anything else, because cabinets, counters and flooring are all priced by length or area. HomeGuide's cost data gives these national ranges by kitchen size and remodel level:
| Kitchen size | Cosmetic | Mid-range | High-end |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 × 8 ft (64 sq ft) | $3,800 to $9,600 | $9,600 to $16,000 | $16,000 to $22,400 |
| 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | $6,000 to $15,000 | $15,000 to $25,000 | $25,000 to $35,000 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $8,600 to $21,600 | $21,600 to $36,000 | $36,000 to $50,400 |
| 15 × 15 ft (225 sq ft) | $13,500 to $33,800 | $33,800 to $56,300 | $56,300 to $78,800 |
Use the size closest to your kitchen's floor area, then adjust for your metro with the table below or the calculator.
Countertops and appliances
New countertops for an average kitchen cost $1,500 to $6,000, depending on the material and how much custom fabrication is needed. Laminate sits at the low end; quartz and granite in the middle; marble and other premium stone at the top. Seams, cutouts for sinks and cooktops, and edge profiles all add to the price, so ask for an installed quote rather than a price per square foot alone.
A matching appliance package with a refrigerator, range, dishwasher and microwave costs about $2,500 to $6,800 installed. Professional-style ranges and built-in refrigerators can cost that much on their own. If you are keeping your appliances, measure them before the cabinet order goes in, since new cabinets are built around exact openings.
Kitchen remodel costs in 50 US metros
The same mid-range remodel costs very different amounts across the country. This table prices a 150-square-foot mid-range remodel in each of the 50 largest US metros, using each metro's construction cost factor.
| Metro | Cost factor | Mid-range remodel, 150 sq ft kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 1.31 | $29,500–$49,150 |
| San Francisco Bay Area | 1.28 | $28,800–$48,000 |
| San Jose | 1.28 | $28,800–$48,000 |
| Boston | 1.23 | $27,700–$46,150 |
| Chicago | 1.20 | $27,000–$45,000 |
| San Diego | 1.19 | $26,800–$44,650 |
| Sacramento | 1.17 | $26,350–$43,900 |
| Philadelphia | 1.15 | $25,850–$43,150 |
| Seattle | 1.15 | $25,850–$43,150 |
| Providence | 1.15 | $25,850–$43,150 |
| Los Angeles | 1.14 | $25,650–$42,750 |
| Detroit | 1.13 | $25,400–$42,350 |
| Riverside–San Bernardino | 1.11 | $25,000–$41,650 |
| Portland | 1.10 | $24,750–$41,250 |
| Las Vegas | 1.10 | $24,750–$41,250 |
| Milwaukee | 1.10 | $24,750–$41,250 |
| Hartford | 1.10 | $24,750–$41,250 |
| Minneapolis–St. Paul | 1.06 | $23,850–$39,750 |
| Pittsburgh | 1.06 | $23,850–$39,750 |
| Denver | 1.05 | $23,650–$39,400 |
| Washington DC | 1.04 | $23,400–$39,000 |
| St. Louis | 1.04 | $23,400–$39,000 |
| Cincinnati | 1.02 | $22,950–$38,250 |
| Salt Lake City | 0.99 | $22,300–$37,150 |
| Orlando | 0.98 | $22,050–$36,750 |
| Columbus | 0.98 | $22,050–$36,750 |
| Cleveland | 0.98 | $22,050–$36,750 |
| Baltimore | 0.96 | $21,600–$36,000 |
| Kansas City | 0.96 | $21,600–$36,000 |
| Jacksonville | 0.96 | $21,600–$36,000 |
| Virginia Beach–Norfolk | 0.94 | $21,150–$35,250 |
| Miami | 0.93 | $20,950–$34,900 |
| Tampa | 0.93 | $20,950–$34,900 |
| Indianapolis | 0.93 | $20,950–$34,900 |
| Phoenix | 0.90 | $20,250–$33,750 |
| Rochester | 0.90 | $20,250–$33,750 |
| Oklahoma City | 0.89 | $20,050–$33,400 |
| Buffalo | 0.89 | $20,050–$33,400 |
| Nashville | 0.87 | $19,600–$32,650 |
| Memphis | 0.87 | $19,600–$32,650 |
| Richmond | 0.87 | $19,600–$32,650 |
| Louisville | 0.86 | $19,350–$32,250 |
| Birmingham | 0.86 | $19,350–$32,250 |
| Atlanta | 0.85 | $19,150–$31,900 |
| Charlotte | 0.85 | $19,150–$31,900 |
| Raleigh–Durham | 0.85 | $19,150–$31,900 |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | 0.84 | $18,900–$31,500 |
| Houston | 0.82 | $18,450–$30,750 |
| Austin | 0.82 | $18,450–$30,750 |
| San Antonio | 0.80 | $18,000–$30,000 |
Cost factors from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Area Cost Factors (US average = 1.00). Outside these metros, the calculator uses your state's price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Linked metros have a full local guide.
To price your own kitchen, enter its size, finish level and your ZIP code in the calculator. It works for every US ZIP code.
Where the money goes
The National Kitchen and Bath Association publishes a recommended budget split for an average kitchen remodel. Cabinets are the biggest single line:
| Part of the project | Share of the budget |
|---|---|
| Cabinets and hardware | 29% |
| Installation (labor) | 17% |
| Appliances and ventilation | 14% |
| Countertops | 10% |
| Walls and ceilings | 5% |
| Design fees | 4% |
| Flooring, lighting, doors and windows, faucets and plumbing | The rest |
On a $30,000 remodel, that puts about $8,700 into cabinets, $5,100 into installation and $4,200 into appliances. If the budget is tight, cabinets are where a decision makes the biggest difference.
Cabinets: the biggest decision
Cabinets are priced per linear foot of wall they cover, installed:
- Stock cabinets, built in standard sizes: $100 to $400 per linear foot
- Semi-custom cabinets, with more sizes, finishes and options: $150 to $700 per linear foot
- Custom cabinets, built to fit the room: $500 to $1,200 per linear foot
Keeping your cabinet boxes saves the most. Refinishing or repainting existing cabinets usually costs $1,500 to $4,500, and refacing them with new doors, drawer fronts and veneer $5,000 to $13,000, compared with full replacement. Refacing only works if the boxes are solid and the layout already suits you.
Does a kitchen remodel pay for itself?
Partly, and the smaller jobs do best. The 2025 Cost vs. Value report, which tracks what common projects cost and how much they add to a home's sale price, found:
| Project (US average) | Cost | Added resale value | Cost recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor kitchen remodel, midrange | $28,458 | $32,141 | 113% |
| Major kitchen remodel, midrange | $82,793 | $42,130 | 51% |
| Major kitchen remodel, upscale | $164,104 | $58,561 | 36% |
A minor remodel is one of the few home projects that returns more than it costs at sale. Major remodels add more value in dollars, but recover only about half or less of what they cost. If you are remodeling to sell, keep the layout and focus on surfaces, lighting and hardware. If you are remodeling to stay, choose the kitchen you want to live with, since you will get most of the return in daily use, not at resale.
How long a remodel takes
A typical kitchen remodel takes about 6 to 9 weeks of construction once work starts. Large or structural projects, such as moving walls or plumbing, often run 3 to 5 months when you count design, permits and waiting for cabinets. Custom and semi-custom cabinets usually set the schedule, so order them as early as the design allows.
A typical sequence looks like this:
- Design and measurements, then ordering cabinets and counters
- Permits, if the work touches plumbing, electrical, gas or walls
- Demolition and removal of the old kitchen
- Rough plumbing and electrical work, then inspections
- Drywall, flooring and paint
- Cabinet installation, then countertop templating and installation
- Backsplash, fixtures, appliances and final inspection
Plan for a few weeks without a working kitchen. A temporary setup with a microwave, a coffee maker and a utility sink makes it much easier.
Permits
Most cities require permits when a kitchen remodel touches plumbing, electrical, gas or structure, and many require them for any remodel beyond surface changes. Kitchen remodel permits commonly cost $500 to $1,500. A licensed contractor should pull the permits and arrange the inspections. Unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance claims and when you sell.
Ways to save without regretting it
- Keep the sink, dishwasher and range where they are, so plumbing and gas lines don't move.
- Reface or paint solid cabinets instead of replacing them.
- Spend on the surfaces you touch every day, like counters and drawer hardware, and save on less-used areas.
- Choose standard cabinet sizes, which can cost far less than custom work.
- Order cabinets and appliances early, so the crew isn't waiting on deliveries.
How to hire a kitchen remodeler
- Check the contractor's license with your state licensing board.
- Ask to see finished kitchens of a similar size and budget, and call one or two of those clients.
- Get a written, itemized bid that lists cabinets, counters, appliances, labor, permits and an allowance for surprises behind the walls.
- Agree on the schedule, including when cabinets are ordered and who orders them.
- Pay in stages tied to finished work, not a large deposit up front.
Every contractor in the GOLDGCP network passes a license check, insurance verification, a background check and reference calls before getting a job, and you pay in milestones as the work gets done.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
In the US, usually $75 to $450 per square foot. For a 150-square-foot kitchen, that's about $11,000 to $22,500 for a cosmetic refresh, $22,500 to $37,500 for a mid-range remodel, and $37,500 to $67,500 or more for high-end work.
How much should a 10x10 kitchen remodel cost?
A mid-range remodel of a 10-by-10 kitchen costs about $15,000 to $25,000 at national prices. A cosmetic refresh of the same kitchen costs less, and high-end finishes or layout changes cost more.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets. The National Kitchen and Bath Association's budget guide puts cabinets and hardware at about 29% of an average kitchen budget, ahead of installation labor at 17% and appliances at 14%.
How much do kitchen cabinets cost?
Installed, stock cabinets cost about $100 to $400 per linear foot, semi-custom $150 to $700, and custom $500 to $1,200. Refinishing existing cabinets costs $1,500 to $4,500, and refacing $5,000 to $13,000.
Is a kitchen remodel worth it?
A minor midrange remodel returns about 113% of its cost at resale, according to the 2025 Cost vs. Value report. A major midrange remodel recoups about 51%, and an upscale major remodel about 36%.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
About 6 to 9 weeks of construction for a typical remodel. Projects that move walls or plumbing often take 3 to 5 months including design, permits and cabinet delivery.
Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen?
Usually, if the work touches plumbing, electrical, gas or walls. Permits commonly cost $500 to $1,500. Cosmetic work such as painting or replacing a countertop in place often doesn't need one, but check with your city.
How we calculate these prices
GOLDGCP starts from national price ranges for each job, taken from published 2026 cost guides and checked against local price guides where they exist. To get a local price, we multiply the national range by the construction cost factor for the metro from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Area Cost Factors (US average = 1.00). For ZIP codes outside the 50 largest metros, the calculator uses the state's price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities. Ranges include labor and standard materials but not unusual site conditions, so a written quote after an inspection is always the final price.
Sources
- How much does a kitchen remodel cost? · HomeGuide
- Kitchen cabinets cost · HomeGuide
- 2025 Cost vs. Value Report · JLC / Zonda
- Kitchen remodel budget breakdown (NKBA guideline) · CliqStudios
- Area Cost Factors, PAX Newsletter 3.2.1 (2024) · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Regional Price Parities by State · U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
About this guide
Written by the GOLDGCP editorial team. Prices come from national cost guides; rules and statistics come from the agencies and reports linked in the text. We update this page when prices or codes change.