How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
What a kitchen remodel really costs in 2026 — from a cosmetic refresh to a full gut — and where the money actually goes.
A typical kitchen remodel runs $15,000–$45,000, or about $100–$250 / sq ft. The national average is around $27,000. Your final price depends most on the size of the project, the materials you choose, and local labor rates.
A kitchen is the most-used and most-remodeled room in the house, and the price swings enormously with scope. The short answer: most kitchen remodels run $15,000–$45,000, averaging about $27,000, or roughly $100–$250 per square foot. Cabinets and labor usually eat the biggest share.
Cost breakdown
What drives the cost
Usually the single largest line — stock is cheapest, semi-custom mid, and custom the priciest.
Laminate is budget; quartz and granite cost more but define the room and last for decades.
Moving plumbing, gas, or walls adds permits and trades and can quickly double a budget.
Local labor rates and permit fees swing the total by 20–30% between metros.
Cost by region
Common mistakes to avoid
Labor is often 20–35% of a kitchen. A cabinet quote alone is not the project total.
Change orders after demo are the fastest way to blow past budget. Finalize decisions first.
Old kitchens hide surprises behind the walls. Hold back 10–15% for the unexpected.
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Frequently asked questions
Most fall between $15,000 and $45,000, averaging around $27,000. A cosmetic refresh can be under $10,000; a high-end gut can top $80,000.
Cabinets typically cost the most, followed by labor and countertops. Together they often make up over half the budget.
Yes — kitchens are a top resale driver. Midrange remodels tend to recoup a larger share of their cost than luxury ones.
A cosmetic refresh can take 1–2 weeks; a full remodel usually runs 6–12 weeks depending on scope and permits.
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