Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026
Average cost: $75 - $250 per square foot
A typical average kitchen (150 sq ft) costs $11,250 - $37,500
Includes materials and professional labor.
A kitchen remodel transforms your cooking space with new cabinets, countertops, appliances, and finishes. A mid-range 150 sq ft kitchen remodel costs $18,000-25,000 nationally in 2026, including cabinet refacing, new countertops, updated appliances, and fresh flooring.
Calculate Your Cost
Your Estimated Cost
$11,250 - $37,500
Based on 150 square foots in National Average
Prices updated March 2026
Cost Breakdown
What This Means
For 150 square foots in National Average, expect to pay $11,250-$37,500 with mid-range materials that balance quality and cost.
About $9,750 goes to materials and $8,531 covers labor. At $163 per square foot, your project is right at the national average.
This is a significant home investment. Most homeowners use home equity loans, refinancing, or save up over 1-2 years for projects in this range.
Tips for your project:
- •A smaller 105 square foot project would run about $17,063.
- •Always get 3 quotes—prices can vary 20-30% between contractors.
What If...
Budget materials
Use builder-grade or economy materials
$8,438 - $28,125
-$7,500 (-31%)
Premium materials
Upgrade to high-end finishes
$15,188 - $50,625
+$6,000 (25%)
Smaller (113 square foots)
Reduce project scope by 25%
$8,475 - $28,250
-$7,425 (-30%)
Larger (188 square foots)
Expand project scope by 25%
$14,100 - $47,000
+$3,825 (16%)
DIY installation
Do the work yourself (materials only)
$15,539 - $21,023
-$6,094 (-25%)
What to Ask Your Contractor
1Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
Why ask: Protects you from liability if someone gets hurt on your property.
Red flag: Hesitation or claims that insurance "isn't necessary" for this job.
2Can I see references from similar projects?
Can I see references from similar projects?
Why ask: Kitchen Remodel requires specific experience. Past work shows capability.
Red flag: Unable to provide any references or only has very old ones.
3What's included in your $24,375 quote—and what's not?
What's included in your $24,375 quote—and what's not?
Why ask: Prevents surprise charges for permits, disposal, or finishing work.
Red flag: Vague answers or unwillingness to put details in writing.
4How do you handle unexpected issues like mold or water damage behind walls?
How do you handle unexpected issues like mold or water damage behind walls?
Why ask: Remodels often uncover hidden problems. Know the process upfront.
Red flag: Claims they "never encounter issues" or won't discuss change orders.
5Who handles the permit application and inspection scheduling?
Who handles the permit application and inspection scheduling?
Why ask: Permits ensure work meets code and protect your home's resale value.
Red flag: Resistance to pulling permits or suggesting you "don't need one."
Show 2 more questions
6What's your payment schedule, and what triggers each payment?
What's your payment schedule, and what triggers each payment?
Why ask: Standard is a small deposit, then payments tied to milestones.
Red flag: Demanding 50%+ upfront or full payment before work begins.
7What's the realistic timeline, and what could cause delays?
What's the realistic timeline, and what could cause delays?
Why ask: Honest contractors set expectations. Weather, material backorders, and inspections cause delays.
Red flag: Unrealistically short timelines or guarantees of "no delays."
Cost Breakdown
| Component | Percentage | Cost Range* |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | 40% | $4,500 - $15,000 |
| Labor | 35% | $3,937 - $13,125 |
| Cabinets, appliances & permits | 25% | $2,813 - $9,375 |
| Total | 100% | $11,250 - $37,500 |
*Based on average kitchen (150 sq ft) at national average prices.
What Affects the Cost
Cabinet quality
Stock cabinets cost $100-300/LF vs custom at $500-1,500/LF
Countertop material
Laminate runs $10-40/sf while quartz costs $50-150/sf installed
Layout changes
Moving plumbing or walls adds $3,000-10,000 to the project
Appliance tier
Builder-grade appliances cost $2,000-4,000 vs premium at $10,000-25,000
Flooring choice
Vinyl costs $3-7/sf installed while hardwood runs $8-15/sf
Impact: H = High, M = Medium, L = Low
DIY vs. Hire a Contractor
🔨 DIY
Risk: High — plumbing, electrical, and structural work requires permits
👷 Hire a ProRecommended
Includes: Professional installation, cleanup, warranty, and permit handling.
Cost by State
| State | Cost Range (per square foot) | vs. National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $61 - $205 | -18% |
| Alaska | $103 - $345 | +38% |
| Arizona | $77 - $255 | +2% |
| Arkansas | $60 - $200 | -20% |
| California | $101 - $338 | +35% |
| Colorado | $89 - $295 | +18% |
| Connecticut | $94 - $313 | +25% |
| Delaware | $83 - $275 | +10% |
| Florida | $78 - $260 | +4% |
| Georgia | $74 - $245 | -2% |
| Hawaii | $109 - $363 | +45% |
| Idaho | $74 - $245 | -2% |
| Illinois | $84 - $280 | +12% |
| Indiana | $71 - $238 | -5% |
| Iowa | $69 - $230 | -8% |
| Kansas | $68 - $225 | -10% |
| Kentucky | $66 - $220 | -12% |
| Louisiana | $68 - $225 | -10% |
| Maine | $81 - $270 | +8% |
| Maryland | $90 - $300 | +20% |
| Massachusetts | $96 - $320 | +28% |
| Michigan | $74 - $245 | -2% |
| Minnesota | $83 - $275 | +10% |
| Mississippi | $59 - $195 | -22% |
| Missouri | $69 - $230 | -8% |
| Montana | $75 - $250 | Avg |
| Nebraska | $68 - $225 | -10% |
| Nevada | $77 - $255 | +2% |
| New Hampshire | $86 - $288 | +15% |
| New Jersey | $93 - $310 | +24% |
| New Mexico | $64 - $213 | -15% |
| New York | $99 - $330 | +32% |
| North Carolina | $74 - $245 | -2% |
| North Dakota | $63 - $210 | -16% |
| Ohio | $72 - $240 | -4% |
| Oklahoma | $66 - $220 | -12% |
| Oregon | $90 - $300 | +20% |
| Pennsylvania | $80 - $265 | +6% |
| Rhode Island | $89 - $295 | +18% |
| South Carolina | $68 - $225 | -10% |
| South Dakota | $63 - $210 | -16% |
| Tennessee | $69 - $230 | -8% |
| Texas | $71 - $235 | -6% |
| Utah | $75 - $250 | Avg |
| Vermont | $84 - $280 | +12% |
| Virginia | $81 - $270 | +8% |
| Washington | $92 - $305 | +22% |
| West Virginia | $61 - $205 | -18% |
| Wisconsin | $77 - $255 | +2% |
| Wyoming | $63 - $210 | -16% |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to remodel a 10x10 kitchen?
A 10x10 (100 sq ft) kitchen remodel costs $7,500-$25,000 depending on materials. Budget remodels with stock cabinets and laminate counters run $7,500-$12,000. Mid-range with semi-custom cabinets and quartz costs $15,000-$20,000. High-end with custom cabinets and premium finishes reaches $20,000-$25,000.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets typically consume 30-40% of your kitchen remodel budget, making them the largest single expense. For a $25,000 remodel, expect to spend $7,500-$10,000 on cabinets alone. Countertops and appliances are the next biggest costs at 10-15% each.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A minor kitchen remodel takes 4-6 weeks. A major remodel with layout changes takes 8-12 weeks. Full gut renovations can take 3-6 months. Add 2-4 weeks for permit approval if required in your area.
Can I remodel my kitchen for $20,000?
Yes, $20,000 covers a solid mid-range remodel for an average-sized kitchen. This budget allows for refaced or new stock cabinets ($4,000-6,000), laminate or lower-end quartz counters ($2,000-4,000), new appliances ($3,000-5,000), and professional installation.
Is a kitchen remodel worth it?
Kitchen remodels recoup 50-80% of costs at resale, with minor remodels returning more than major ones. Beyond ROI, kitchens are high-use spaces where upgrades directly improve daily life. A well-done remodel also makes homes sell faster.
Should I remodel my kitchen or move?
Remodel if you love your neighborhood and the total cost is under 10-15% of your home value. Moving costs 8-10% of your home price in transaction fees alone. Compare your remodel quote to the price difference between your current home and one with your ideal kitchen.
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Need to calculate materials for your project? Try our sister site CalcOnce.com for concrete, lumber, paint, and more calculators.
Return on Investment
Recoups 50-80% at resale; minor remodels return more