Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown: Complete Guide to Renovation Costs in 2026
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026?
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and remodeling it is one of the most rewarding home improvement projects you can undertake. However, it’s also one of the most complex and expensive. Understanding exactly where your money goes helps you make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises.
Quick Answer: A kitchen remodel in the United States costs between $15,000 and $75,000+ , with the national average around $35,000. Minor updates average $15,000–$25,000 , mid-range renovations run $30,000–$55,000 , and upscale remodels start at $60,000 and can exceed $150,000 .
National Average Cost Breakdown by Scope
| Remodel Scope | Average Cost Range | Typical ROI* | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor Update (Cosmetic only) | $5,000 – $15,000 | 70–80% | 2–4 weeks |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $25,000 – $50,000 | 60–70% | 4–8 weeks |
| Major Upscale Renovation | $60,000 – $150,000+ | 50–60% | 8–16 weeks |
*Return on investment varies by region and market conditions
Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown by Category
Here’s where your kitchen renovation budget typically goes:
| Cost Category | Percentage of Budget | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry and Hardware | 25–30% | $6,000 – $30,000 |
| Installation Labor | 15–20% | $4,000 – $18,000 |
| Countertops | 10–15% | $3,000 – $15,000 |
| Appliances | 10–15% | $3,000 – $20,000 |
| Flooring | 5–10% | $1,500 – $8,000 |
| Lighting and Electrical | 5–7% | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| Plumbing | 4–6% | $1,200 – $5,000 |
| Backsplash and Tile | 4–6% | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Sink and Faucet | 3–5% | $800 – $3,500 |
| Design and Permits | 3–5% | $800 – $5,000 |
| Windows and Doors | 2–4% | $600 – $4,000 |
| Painting and Finishing | 2–4% | $500 – $3,000 |
| Contingency Fund (Recommended) | 10–15% | $2,000 – $15,000+ |
Detailed Cost Breakdown by Component
1. Cabinetry and Hardware ($5,000 – $30,000+)
Cabinets are typically the largest expense in a kitchen remodel, accounting for 25–30% of your total budget.
| Cabinet Type | Average Cost (Materials Only) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock (Ready-Made) | $100 – $300 per linear foot | Affordable, immediate availability | Limited sizes/styles, lower quality |
| Semi-Custom | $300 – $800 per linear foot | More options, better quality | 4–8 week lead time |
| Custom | $800 – $2,000+ per linear foot | Unlimited options, highest quality | Expensive, 8–16 week lead time |
| RTA (Ready-to-Assemble) | $80 – $250 per linear foot | Budget-friendly, DIY option | Assembly required, variable quality |
Additional cabinet costs:
- Hardware (knobs, pulls): $2 – $20 each
- Pull-out shelves and organizers: $100 – $500 per cabinet
- Crown molding and trim: $500 – $2,000
- Under-cabinet lighting: $200 – $800
2. Countertops ($3,000 – $15,000+)
| Material | Average Cost (Installed per sq ft) | Durability | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $20 – $50 | Moderate | Low |
| Tile | $15 – $50 | Moderate | High (grout cleaning) |
| Butcher Block | $30 – $80 | Moderate | High (oiling required) |
| Solid Surface (Corian) | $50 – $100 | Good | Low |
| Quartz | $60 – $150 | Excellent | Very Low |
| Granite | $60 – $200 | Excellent | Moderate (sealing) |
| Marble | $100 – $250 | Moderate | High (stains easily) |
| Concrete | $100 – $250 | Good | Moderate |
| Soapstone | $100 – $250 | Good | Moderate |
| Stainless Steel | $150 – $300 | Excellent | Moderate |
3. Appliances ($3,000 – $20,000+)
| Appliance | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $600 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $10,000+ |
| Range/Cooktop | $500 – $1,000 | $1,000 – $2,500 | $2,500 – $8,000+ |
| Dishwasher | $400 – $800 | $800 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $3,000+ |
| Microwave | $150 – $300 | $300 – $600 | $600 – $1,500+ |
| Range Hood | $200 – $500 | $500 – $1,200 | $1,200 – $3,000+ |
| Wine Cooler | $300 – $800 | $800 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $5,000+ |
Pro tip: Appliance packages from the same brand often save 10–20% compared to buying individually.
4. Flooring ($1,500 – $8,000)
| Flooring Type | Average Cost (Installed per sq ft) | Durability | Water Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vinyl Sheet | $2 – $5 | Moderate | Excellent |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | $4 – $12 | Good | Excellent |
| Ceramic/ Porcelain Tile | $5 – $20 | Excellent | Excellent |
| Laminate | $3 – $10 | Moderate | Moderate |
| Hardwood | $8 – $25 | Good | Poor (water sensitive) |
| Engineered Wood | $6 – $18 | Good | Moderate |
| Cork | $5 – $15 | Moderate | Moderate |
| Bamboo | $5 – $15 | Good | Moderate |
5. Lighting and Electrical ($1,500 – $6,000)
| Lighting Type | Average Cost (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Recessed Can Lights (each) | $150 – $300 |
| Pendant Lights (each) | $200 – $600 |
| Under-Cabinet Lighting | $200 – $800 |
| Chandelier | $500 – $2,000+ |
| Track Lighting | $300 – $1,000 |
| Electrical Panel Upgrade | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| New Circuits/Outlet Additions | $200 – $500 each |
6. Plumbing ($1,200 – $5,000)
| Item | Average Cost (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Kitchen Sink | $200 – $1,000 |
| Faucet | $150 – $800 |
| Garbage Disposal | $200 – $500 |
| Pot Filler Faucet | $300 – $800 |
| Water Filtration System | $500 – $2,000 |
| Relocating Plumbing Lines | $1,000 – $3,000 |
A quality sink and faucet combination combines function with style
7. Backsplash and Tile ($1,000 – $5,000)
| Backsplash Material | Average Cost (Installed per sq ft) |
|---|---|
| Ceramic Tile | $10 – $25 |
| Porcelain Tile | $15 – $35 |
| Glass Tile | $20 – $50 |
| Natural Stone | $25 – $60 |
| Metal Tile | $30 – $70 |
| Subway Tile | $12 – $30 |
| Mosaic Tile | $20 – $60 |
8. Labor Costs ($4,000 – $18,000)
Professional labor typically accounts for 15–20% of total project cost. Hourly rates vary by trade and region:
| Trade | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| General Contractor | $50 – $150 |
| Carpenter | $40 – $100 |
| Electrician | $50 – $120 |
| Plumber | $60 – $130 |
| Tile Installer | $40 – $90 |
| Painter | $30 – $70 |
| Cabinet Installer | $40 – $100 |
Kitchen Remodel Costs by Size and Scope
Small Kitchen (Under 100 sq ft)
| Project Scope | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Minor Update (new doors, hardware, paint) | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Full Upscale Renovation | $30,000 – $60,000 |
Medium Kitchen (100–200 sq ft)
| Project Scope | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Minor Update | $8,000 – $15,000 |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $25,000 – $40,000 |
| Full Upscale Renovation | $50,000 – $100,000 |
Large Kitchen (200+ sq ft)
| Project Scope | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Minor Update | $12,000 – $20,000 |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $40,000 – $60,000 |
| Full Upscale Renovation | $75,000 – $150,000+ |
Regional Cost Variations Across the United States
Kitchen remodel costs vary significantly by region due to labor rates and material availability:
| Region | Average Cost (Mid-Range Remodel) |
|---|---|
| Northeast | $35,000 – $60,000 |
| South | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| Midwest | $25,000 – $45,000 |
| West Coast | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Mountain States | $30,000 – $55,000 |
Major metropolitan area variations:
- New York City: $45,000 – $85,000
- Los Angeles: $40,000 – $80,000
- Chicago: $35,000 – $65,000
- Houston: $28,000 – $50,000
- Miami: $30,000 – $55,000
- Denver: $32,000 – $60,000
- Seattle: $38,000 – $70,000
Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown by Project Type
Minor Kitchen Remodel (Budget-Friendly Updates)
Average Cost: $5,000 – $15,000
Typical inclusions:
- Refinish or paint existing cabinets ($500 – $2,000)
- Replace cabinet hardware ($100 – $300)
- New sink and faucet ($400 – $1,200)
- Mid-range appliances ($2,000 – $4,000)
- New countertops (laminate or budget quartz) ($1,500 – $3,000)
- Paint walls and ceiling ($300 – $800)
- New light fixtures ($300 – $800)
- Backsplash refresh ($300 – $1,000)
Ideal for: Homeowners preparing to sell or those with functional but dated kitchens
Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel
Average Cost: $25,000 – $50,000
Typical inclusions:
- New semi-custom cabinets ($8,000 – $15,000)
- Mid-range countertops (granite or quartz) ($3,000 – $6,000)
- New mid-range appliances ($4,000 – $8,000)
- New sink and faucet ($500 – $1,500)
- New flooring (ceramic tile or LVP) ($2,000 – $4,000)
- New lighting package ($1,500 – $3,000)
- Full backsplash ($1,000 – $2,500)
- Plumbing updates as needed ($800 – $2,000)
- Minor electrical updates ($500 – $1,500)
Ideal for: Homeowners planning to stay 5–10 years who want significant improvement
Major Upscale Kitchen Renovation
Average Cost: $60,000 – $150,000+
Typical inclusions:
- Custom cabinetry with premium features ($15,000 – $30,000+)
- High-end countertops (marble, quartzite, specialty) ($8,000 – $15,000+)
- Professional-grade appliances ($10,000 – $30,000+)
- Custom range hood ($1,500 – $4,000)
- Specialty sinks and pot filler ($1,000 – $2,500)
- Premium flooring (hardwood, stone, heated) ($4,000 – $10,000)
- Architectural changes (wall removal, additions) ($5,000 – $20,000+)
- Designer lighting and controls ($3,000 – $8,000+)
- Custom backsplash and tile work ($2,000 – $6,000+)
- Structural and MEP updates (electrical, plumbing) ($5,000 – $15,000+)
- Professional design services ($2,000 – $10,000)
Ideal for: High-end homes, serious cooks, and homeowners planning to stay 15+ years
https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1556911220-e15b29be8c8f?ixlib=rb-4.0.3&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1350&q=80
Upscale kitchens feature premium appliances, custom cabinetry, and luxury materials
Hidden Costs to Anticipate
Smart homeowners budget an extra 10–20% for unexpected expenses:
| Potential Hidden Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Structural issues (rotted subfloor, wall repairs) | $500 – $5,000 |
| Electrical upgrades (outdated wiring) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Plumbing surprises (old pipes) | $800 – $4,000 |
| Asbestos testing/removal (homes pre-1980) | $500 – $3,000 |
| Lead paint remediation (homes pre-1978) | $500 – $3,000 |
| Permit fees (if not included) | $500 – $2,000 |
| Mold remediation | $500 – $5,000 |
| Temporary kitchen setup | $300 – $1,000 |
| Eating out more during renovation | $500 – $2,000 |
Return on Investment: What Adds Most Value?
According to the 2024 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, minor kitchen remodels recoup about 70–80% of costs, while major upscale renovations average 50–60% ROI .
Best Value-Upgrading Investments
- Cabinet refacing vs. full replacement (60–80% ROI)
- Mid-range countertops (quartz or granite)
- Energy-efficient appliances
- New hardware and fixtures
- Fresh paint and lighting
Improvements with Lower ROI
- High-end custom appliances (if neighborhood doesn’t support)
- Structural changes (wall removal)
- Premium materials in modest homes
Kitchen Remodel Timeline: What to Expect
| Phase | Duration | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Planning and Design | 2–8 weeks | Consultations, measurements, material selection, permits |
| Demolition | 2–5 days | Remove old cabinets, appliances, flooring |
| Rough-In Work | 1–2 weeks | Electrical, plumbing, HVAC modifications |
| Structural Work | 1–3 weeks | Wall changes, window/door installation |
| Drywall and Paint | 1–2 weeks | Repair walls, prime, paint |
| Flooring | 2–5 days | Install new flooring |
| Cabinet Installation | 3–7 days | Install cabinets, hardware |
| Countertop Installation | 1–3 days | Template, fabrication, installation |
| Backsplash and Tile | 2–5 days | Install backsplash |
| Appliance Installation | 1–2 days | Deliver and install appliances |
| Final Touches | 2–5 days | Lighting, trim, final cleanup |
Total timeline: 6–16 weeks depending on scope, product availability, and contractor schedule.
How to Finance Your Kitchen Remodel
| Financing Option | Typical APR | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Home Equity Loan | 6.0–9.0% | Homeowners with significant equity |
| HELOC | 7.0–10.0% | Flexible borrowing needs |
| Cash-Out Refinance | 6.0–8.0% | Major renovations, lower rates |
| Personal Loan | 8.0–15.0% | Quick funding, no home equity |
| Credit Cards | 15–25% | Small purchases only |
| 0% Promo Financing | 0% intro | Short-term payoff with excellent credit |
Kitchen Remodel Checklist: 10 Steps to Success
- Set your budget – Determine total spending including contingency
- Define your scope – What’s changing? Layout, cabinets, appliances?
- Research styles – Gather inspiration (Pinterest, Houzz, magazines)
- Hire professionals – Interview 3–5 contractors, check references
- Select materials – Choose cabinets, countertops, flooring, fixtures
- Order early – Lead times can be 4–16 weeks for some items
- Obtain permits – Ensure contractor handles this
- Prepare for disruption – Set up temporary kitchen
- Monitor progress – Stay in communication with contractor
- Final walkthrough – Inspect everything before final payment
Questions to Ask Before Starting
- Do I need a designer, architect, or just a contractor?
- What permits are required in my city?
- How long will materials take to arrive?
- What’s the payment schedule?
- How are change orders handled?
- What warranty do you offer on workmanship?
- Can you provide references from similar projects?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a 10×10 kitchen remodel cost?
A standard 10×10 kitchen (100 sq ft) typically costs $15,000–$30,000 for a mid-range remodel, or $30,000–$60,000 for upscale .
Should I remodel my kitchen before selling?
Minor updates (painting, hardware, light fixtures) often help sell. Major remodels rarely recoup full cost—consult a local realtor first .
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Most projects take 6–12 weeks. Delays are common due to material availability and unexpected issues .
Can I live in my home during renovation?
Yes, but prepare for dust, noise, and limited kitchen access. Set up a temporary kitchen with microwave, coffee maker, and mini-fridge .
What adds the most value to a kitchen?
New cabinets, quality countertops, and updated appliances provide the best return .
Is Your Kitchen Remodel Worth It?
A kitchen remodel is one of the most personal home improvement decisions. Consider:
Remodel if:
- Your kitchen is outdated or dysfunctional
- You plan to stay 5+ years
- You have the budget for quality materials
- It will improve your daily quality of life
Delay if:
- You’re selling within 2–3 years (minor updates only)
- Your budget forces major compromises
- You’re not prepared for the disruption
Final Thoughts
A kitchen remodel is a significant investment, but when done right, it transforms how you live in your home. By understanding the detailed cost breakdown—from cabinets to countertops, labor to lighting—you can make informed decisions that balance your dreams with your budget.
Remember to:
- Get multiple quotes (3–5 contractors)
- Build in contingency (10–20% for surprises)
- Focus on quality where it counts (cabinets, countertops)
- Don’t over-improve for your neighborhood
- Enjoy the process—your dream kitchen awaits!
