How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost?

Last updated: August 2026

The quick answer: The national average kitchen remodel in 2026 runs $25,000–$60,000 for a typical 150 sq ft kitchen. Minor refreshes start around $10,000, while upscale remodels run $60,000–$120,000. Enter your details below for an exact range.

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How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026?

The national average kitchen remodel in 2026 runs $25,000–$60,000 for a mid-range renovation of a typical 150 sq ft kitchen. Minor refreshes start around $10,000 — refacing cabinets, new countertops, painting, and upgraded hardware. Full upscale remodels with custom cabinetry, quartz or marble counters, and premium appliances typically run $60,000–$120,000. The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) advises budgeting 5–15% of your home's value for a kitchen renovation.

Kitchen Remodel Cost by Scope

Remodel TypeTypical CostCost per sq ftTypical Payback (ROI)
Minor / Cosmetic$10,000–$25,000$50–$10070–75%
Mid-Range$25,000–$60,000$100–$17555–65%
Major / Upscale$60,000–$120,000$175–$30050–55%
Luxury Designer$120,000+$300+45–50%

Where Your Budget Goes (NKBA Breakdown)

Understanding the cost split helps you decide where to splurge and where to save. According to NKBA industry benchmarks, a typical kitchen budget breaks down as follows: cabinets and hardware (29%), labor and installation (17%), appliances and ventilation (14%), countertops (10%), flooring (7%), backsplash and walls (5%), lighting and electrical (5%), plumbing (4%), design and permits (4%), with the remainder held as contingency. Since cabinets dominate, refacing instead of replacing can cut the single biggest line item by 50–70%.

What Drives the Cost Up or Down

Cabinet quality is the single biggest variable: stock cabinets cost $100–$250 per linear foot, semi-custom $300–$600, and custom $1,000+. Countertops range from $20/sq ft laminate to $150+/sq ft quartzite. Layout changes that move plumbing, gas lines, or walls add roughly 20% to the total. Appliance grade can add $5,000–$20,000 on its own. Regional labor rates swing totals by 15–30% — a mid-range remodel in San Francisco can cost double the same project in Columbus, Ohio. Compare related projects with our home renovation cost calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a kitchen remodel a good investment?
A minor kitchen remodel recoups 70–75% of its cost at resale, making it one of the best-returning home projects. Mid-range remodels average 55–65% and luxury remodels 45–50%. The tax-free gain on resale plus years of daily enjoyment usually justifies the spend.
How much does a small kitchen remodel cost?
A small kitchen (under 100 sq ft) runs $8,000–$20,000 for a minor refresh and $20,000–$45,000 for a full mid-range remodel. Costs do not scale linearly with size — most fixed costs like permits, appliances, and labor call-out fees stay the same regardless of kitchen size.
Should I reface or replace my kitchen cabinets?
Refacing costs 30–50% less than replacement ($100–$300 per door vs. $300–$600+ per cabinet) and is a great option if your cabinet boxes are structurally sound. Replace cabinets if the layout is changing, boxes are water-damaged, or you want a fundamentally different configuration.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel?
Permits are required when work touches electrical circuits, plumbing, gas lines, or structure — the three most common triggers in kitchens. Cosmetic work (paint, hardware, refacing in place) usually does not need one. Check with your local building department; unpermitted work can create insurance and resale problems.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Minor refreshes take 2–4 weeks. A mid-range remodel averages 6–10 weeks. Major remodels with layout changes or custom cabinetry run 12–16+ weeks. Custom cabinets alone have a 6–10 week lead time, so order early to avoid sitting without a kitchen.

Data sources: NKBA 2026 Design Trends & Budget Benchmarks, Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report 2026, HomeAdvisor True Cost Guide 2026, Angi 2026 Remodeling Data.

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Kitchen Remodel Quick Facts

  • Average mid-range remodel: $25K–$60K
  • Cabinets are 29% of the budget — the biggest line item
  • Minor remodel recoups 70–75% at resale
  • Budget 5–15% of home value (NKBA rule)
  • Layout changes add ~20% to the total