How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

A kitchen remodel costs between $10,000 and $75,000+ in 2026. Minor updates (paint, hardware, lighting) run $5,000–$15,000. A mid-range remodel with new cabinets and countertops averages $25,000–$45,000. A full high-end gut remodel runs $50,000–$100,000+.

What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel in the US?

The national average kitchen remodel cost in 2026 is approximately $27,000–$40,000 for a mid-range project in a typical single-family home. High cost-of-living markets like New York, San Francisco, and Boston run 30–50% higher. Southern and Midwestern markets run 10–25% below national averages.

How can I reduce kitchen remodel cost?

Keep the existing layout (avoid moving plumbing or electrical), reface cabinets instead of replacing, choose stock or semi-custom cabinets, select laminate or quartz countertops instead of natural stone, and phase work over time. Getting multiple contractor quotes through ProjectPrice helps ensure you pay a fair market rate.

Kitchen Remodel Cost 2026: What to Expect

Q: What costs the most in a kitchen remodel?

Cabinets are the single largest cost in most kitchen remodels, representing 30–40% of total project cost. Custom cabinets alone can run $15,000–$30,000 for an average kitchen. Countertops (especially quartz or marble) add $3,000–$12,000. Appliance packages add $3,000–$20,000 depending on brand and configuration.

Updated May 2026 · Based on US regional contractor pricing data

Quick Answer: $10,000 – $75,000+ The average US kitchen remodel runs $25,000–$45,000 for a mid-range project. Costs vary dramatically by scope, materials, and your local market.

Kitchen Remodel Cost by Scope

Scope	What's Included	Typical Cost
Minor Refresh	Paint, hardware, lighting fixtures, minor repairs	$5,000–$15,000
Mid-Range Update	New cabinets, countertops, sink, faucet, flooring — keep layout	$20,000–$45,000
Full Remodel	All of above + appliances, backsplash, recessed lighting	$35,000–$65,000
High-End / Gut Remodel	Layout changes, custom cabinets, luxury countertops, premium appliances	$60,000–$100,000+

Cost by Component

Component	Low	Mid	High
Cabinets (stock)	$3,000	$8,000	$15,000+
Cabinets (custom)	$10,000	$20,000	$40,000+
Countertops (quartz)	$2,500	$5,000	$12,000+
Appliances (package)	$3,000	$7,000	$20,000+
Flooring	$1,500	$4,000	$10,000+
Plumbing (sink/faucet)	$800	$2,000	$5,000+
Electrical / Lighting	$500	$2,500	$6,000+
Labor (total)	$4,000	$12,000	$25,000+

Regional Cost Differences

Labor costs vary significantly by region. The same mid-range kitchen remodel that costs $30,000 in a Midwestern city might run $45,000 in a major coastal metro. Below are typical multipliers relative to the national average:

Region	vs. National Average
New York City metro	+40–60%
San Francisco / Bay Area	+35–55%
Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles	+25–45%
Chicago, Denver, Phoenix	±10%
Southeast (Atlanta, Charlotte)	−10–20%
Midwest / rural markets	−15–30%

Frequently Asked Questions

What costs the most in a kitchen remodel?

Cabinets represent 30–40% of total kitchen remodel cost. In a $40,000 project, expect $12,000–$16,000 for cabinetry alone. The next biggest cost centers are appliances (15–20%), countertops (10–15%), and labor markup from a general contractor if used.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Minor updates take 1–2 weeks. A mid-range remodel runs 3–6 weeks. Full gut remodels with layout changes typically take 8–16 weeks including permit wait times.

Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel?

Permits are typically required if you're moving plumbing, changing electrical service, or altering structural walls. Cosmetic updates (paint, countertops, cabinet refacing) generally do not require permits. Your contractor should handle permit applications.

What's the ROI on a kitchen remodel?

Mid-range kitchen remodels recoup roughly 60–75% of cost at resale according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report. A $40,000 remodel might add $25,000–$30,000 in home value. High-end remodels in ordinary neighborhoods often recoup less.

Real Project Examples

These are actual kitchen refresh projects estimated through ProjectPrice. Photos show the space before work began and the completed result.

Project Example 1 — Cabinet & Countertop Refresh

Before

After

Project Example 2 — Cabinet & Countertop Upgrade