2026 Kitchen Remodel Cost Overview
| Scope | Small Kitchen | Average Kitchen | Large Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor Refresh | $5,000 - $10,000 | $8,000 - $15,000 | $12,000 - $20,000 |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $15,000 - $25,000 | $20,000 - $40,000 | $30,000 - $55,000 |
| Major Remodel | $30,000 - $50,000 | $40,000 - $75,000 | $55,000 - $100,000 |
| Luxury Renovation | $60,000 - $100,000 | $80,000 - $150,000 | $100,000 - $200,000+ |
What Drives Kitchen Remodel Costs?
Cabinets are the single largest expense in most kitchen remodels, typically accounting for 30-40% of the total budget. Stock cabinets from big-box stores cost $100-$300 per linear foot, semi-custom cabinets run $200-$600 per linear foot, and fully custom cabinetry starts at $500-$1,200+ per linear foot. Refacing existing cabinets ($150-$300/lf) can save 40-60% compared to full replacement.
Countertops are the second biggest line item. Laminate countertops cost $15-$40 per square foot installed. Granite and quartz run $50-$120 per square foot. Marble and quartzite range from $80-$200+ per square foot. An average kitchen has 30-50 square feet of countertop surface.
Layout changes significantly increase costs. Moving a sink, gas line, or adding an island requires plumbing and electrical work that can add $3,000-$10,000 or more. The most cost-effective remodels keep the existing layout (known as "same footprint" remodels) and focus on upgrading surfaces and appliances.
Appliances range widely, from $3,000-$5,000 for a basic mid-range package to $15,000-$30,000+ for professional-grade brands like Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Thermador. A practical approach is to invest heavily in the appliances you use daily (range and refrigerator) and choose mid-range options for the dishwasher and microwave.
Get Your Personalized Kitchen Estimate
Mid-Range Remodel — Average Kitchen
Kitchen Size
~120 sq ft
Cabinet Run
~20 linear ft
Estimated Total Cost
$14,880.00 – $37,100.00
| Line Item | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Demo & Disposal | $1,000.00 | $3,000.00 |
| Cabinets (Stock/Semi-Custom) | $4,000.00 | $10,000.00 |
| Countertops (Granite/Quartz) | $1,200.00 | $2,400.00 |
| Tile Backsplash | $800.00 | $2,500.00 |
| Flooring | $480.00 | $1,200.00 |
| Appliances (Mid-Range) | $3,000.00 | $6,000.00 |
| Plumbing (Fixture Swap) | $500.00 | $1,500.00 |
| Electrical (New Outlets/Lighting) | $500.00 | $1,500.00 |
| Paint & Trim | $400.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Labor & Installation | $3,000.00 | $8,000.00 |
| Total | $14,880.00 | $37,100.00 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Reface cabinets instead of replacing them to save 40-60% on the biggest line item
- Keep the sink, dishwasher, and stove in their current locations to avoid costly plumbing and gas rerouting
- Choose quartz over marble for countertops - similar look, 30-50% less cost, zero maintenance
- Buy appliances during holiday sales (Memorial Day, Black Friday) for 20-40% off
- Use stock cabinets with custom hardware for a semi-custom look at stock prices
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Kitchen Remodel Planning Guide
Cost drivers, countertop comparisons, and money-saving strategies for kitchen remodels.
What Are the Most Expensive Parts of a Kitchen Remodel?
Custom cabinets, countertops, and layout changes are the three biggest cost drivers in any kitchen remodel.
- Stock cabinets: $100–$300 per linear foot (basic box-store quality)
- Semi-custom cabinets: $200–$600 per linear foot
- Custom cabinets: $500–$1,200+ per linear foot
- Moving plumbing (island sink): $2,000–$5,000
- Moving electrical/gas: $500–$3,000 per relocation
The biggest cost saver: keep the existing layout. Moving a sink or stove requires rerouting plumbing, electrical, and sometimes gas lines.
Key Takeaways
- Custom cabinets: $500–$1,200+/linear foot
- Moving plumbing: $2,000–$5,000
- Keeping layout saves 30–50% on total cost
Kitchen Countertop Options & Pricing
Quartz has overtaken granite as the most popular countertop, offering consistent patterns and zero maintenance at $50–$120 per square foot installed.
- Laminate: $15–$40/sq ft installed (most affordable)
- Butcher block: $25–$65/sq ft installed
- Granite: $40–$100/sq ft installed
- Quartz: $50–$120/sq ft installed (most popular)
- Marble: $75–$200/sq ft installed (luxury tier)
- Average kitchen (30 sq ft of counter): $1,500–$6,000
Key Takeaways
- Quartz: $50–$120/sq ft (most popular, zero maintenance)
- Granite: $40–$100/sq ft (natural stone, needs sealing)
- Average kitchen counters: $1,500–$6,000
How to Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel
Refacing cabinets instead of replacing saves $5,000–$15,000 and achieves 80% of the visual impact of new cabinets.
- Reface cabinets: $4,000–$12,000 vs. $10,000–$25,000 for new
- Keep existing layout: Saves $5,000–$15,000 in plumbing/electrical relocation
- Appliance packages: Buying a full suite saves 15–25% vs. individual purchases
- Shop remnant countertops: Granite/quartz remnants are 30–50% off standard pricing
- DIY demo: Save $500–$2,000 by demoing the old kitchen yourself
Key Takeaways
- Cabinet refacing saves $5,000–$15,000
- Appliance packages save 15–25%
- Countertop remnants: 30–50% off
Complete Guide to Kitchen Remodel Costs in 2026
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it is consistently the renovation that delivers the most satisfaction and best return on investment. Whether you are planning a simple cosmetic refresh or a full gut renovation, understanding where costs come from helps you make smarter spending decisions and avoid the budget overruns that plague so many kitchen projects.
Cabinets: The 30-40% Budget Driver
Cabinetry is the single largest expense in almost every kitchen remodel. The decision between refacing existing cabinets ($150-$300 per linear foot) versus replacing with stock ($100-$300/lf), semi-custom ($200-$600/lf), or custom ($500-$1,200+/lf) cabinetry is the most impactful choice you will make. If your existing cabinet boxes are structurally sound, refacing with new doors and drawer fronts can save 40-60% compared to full replacement while delivering a completely new look.
Countertops: Choosing the Right Material
Countertop costs range from $15-$40 per square foot for laminate up to $100-$200+ per square foot for exotic natural stones. Quartz has become the most popular countertop material in 2026 because it combines the beauty of natural stone with zero maintenance. A 30-square-foot countertop in quartz runs $2,000-$4,500 installed, compared to $1,500-$3,000 for granite and $3,000-$6,000 for marble.
Layout Changes: The Hidden Cost Multiplier
Moving plumbing, gas lines, or electrical circuits is one of the fastest ways to escalate your kitchen remodel budget. Relocating a sink costs $1,500-$4,000 for the plumbing work alone. Moving a gas range requires a licensed plumber and can add $500-$2,000. The most cost-effective approach is a "same footprint" remodel where appliances and the sink stay in their current positions, allowing you to invest the savings in higher-quality finishes.
Appliance Packages: Budget to Professional
A basic appliance package (refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave) from brands like GE, Whirlpool, or Samsung costs $3,000-$5,000. Mid-range packages from KitchenAid or Bosch run $5,000-$10,000. Professional-grade appliances from Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Thermador cost $15,000-$30,000 or more for a full suite. The best value strategy is to invest in the range and refrigerator, which are the workhorses of the kitchen, and choose mid-range options for the dishwasher and microwave.
Regional Cost Variations
Kitchen remodel costs vary by 30-50% depending on your location. Major metro areas like New York, San Francisco, and Boston average 25-40% above the national average. Southern and Midwestern states tend to be 10-20% below average. Labor rates are the primary driver of regional differences, as material costs are relatively consistent nationwide.
How to Use This Calculator
Review the cost overview table
Start by scanning the 2026 cost overview table to understand typical ranges for your kitchen size and remodel scope. This gives you a quick ballpark before selecting specific options.
Select your kitchen size and scope
Use the interactive calculator to choose your kitchen size (small galley to gourmet) and remodel scope (minor refresh to luxury renovation) for a detailed line-item estimate.
Review the line-item breakdown
See exactly where your budget goes with individual cost estimates for cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, plumbing, electrical, and labor at your selected scope level.
Read the cost driver analysis
Understand which decisions have the biggest impact on total cost - cabinets (30-40% of budget), layout changes, and appliance tier - so you can prioritize spending wisely.
Apply the money-saving tips
Use the practical tips to identify where you can cut costs without sacrificing the areas that matter most to you, such as refacing cabinets or keeping the existing layout.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Formulas
Total Cost = Cabinets + Countertops + Flooring + Appliances + Plumbing + Electrical + Labor
Cabinets = Linear Feet × Cost per LF ($100-$1,200 depending on quality)
Countertops = Square Feet × Cost per SF ($15-$200 depending on material)Where:
- Cabinets
- = 30-40% of total budget ($100-$1,200 per linear foot)
- Countertops
- = 10-15% of total budget ($15-$200 per square foot)
- Appliances
- = 15-20% of total budget ($3,000-$30,000 per package)
- Labor
- = 25-35% of total budget
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Frequently Asked Questions
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