Average kitchen remodel cost in the United States varies widely, driven by scope, materials, and labor. Buyers typically see total project costs from roughly $25,000 on the low end to $80,000–$120,000 for high-end renovations; mid-range projects commonly fall in the $40,000–$70,000 range. Key cost drivers include cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, electrical and plumbing work, and demolition.
Assumptions: region, scope, labor hours.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Project | $25,000 | $45,000 | $100,000 | All-in range; varies by scope and region. |
| Cabinets | $3,000 | $8,000 | $20,000 | Stock to semi-custom; per linear ft: $120–$900. |
| Countertops | $2,500 | $5,500 | $12,000 | Laminate to quartz; per sq ft: $10–$100 depending on material. |
| Appliances | $2,000 | $6,000 | $15,000 | Package deals possible; per unit varies by brand and features. |
| Flooring | $1,500 | $4,500 | $9,000 | Per sq ft: $3–$12 depending on material. |
| Electrical & Plumbing | $2,000 | $5,000 | $12,000 | Rerouting and updates; permits may apply. |
| Demolition & Disposal | $1,000 | $2,500 | $5,000 | Waste removal and debris handling. |
| Permits & Design | $1,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 | Jurisdiction varies; design fees may apply. |
| Labor & Project Management | $4,000 | $8,000 | $20,000 | General contractor markup; planning and coordination. |
Overview Of Costs
Estimated total project ranges depend on scope, materials, and location. The following figures summarize typical kitchen remodels in the U.S. and include both overall totals and unit-based estimates where relevant. Assumptions: region, scope, and labor hours.
A full remodel can span from a straightforward refresh to a gut renovation. For budgeting, begin with the major cost buckets—cabinets, countertops, appliances, and floorings—and then add electrical, plumbing, and permit-related expenses. Per-unit pricing is helpful for planning decisions: cabinets are often priced by linear foot, countertops by square foot, and appliances by unit. These unit costs shift with material quality, labor availability, and regional market conditions.
Cabinets and countertops typically drive the largest portions of the budget. In many projects, a mid-range kitchen spends more on cabinet upgrades and quartz countertops, while a small, low-cost remodel relies more on laminate surfaces and stock cabinetry. The table below provides a baseline sense of how different components scale with scope, plus rough per-unit ranges used by many contractors.
Cost Breakdown
Labor time and crew composition strongly affect the final price. The following table organizes typical cost components for a mid-sized kitchen remodel and shows how materials, labor, permits, and logistics contribute to the total. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”>
| Item | Materials | Labor | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | $3,000–$8,000 | $2,000–$4,000 | $0–$1,000 | $500–$1,000 | 10–20% |
| Countertops | $2,000–$6,000 | $1,000–$2,000 | $0–$500 | $100–$500 | 10–20% |
| Appliances | $2,000–$8,000 | $0–$1,500 | $0–$500 | $50–$500 | 5–15% |
| Flooring | $1,000–$3,500 | $1,000–$2,000 | $0–$500 | $100–$500 | 5–15% |
| Electrical & Plumbing | $1,500–$4,000 | $2,000–$4,000 | $500–$1,500 | $0–$300 | 10–20% |
| Demolition & Disposal | $0–$0 | $500–$1,200 | $0–$0 | $400–$1,000 | 5–15% |
| Permits & Design | $0–$0 | $0–$1,000 | $500–$2,500 | $0–$0 | 5–15% |
| Total | $12,000–$40,000 | $7,000–$18,000 | $1,000–$5,000 | $1,000–$3,000 | 12–22% |
Factors That Affect Price
Scope, materials, and labor rates are the core price drivers. Size of the kitchen and the complexity of the layout directly increase labor hours and material needs. Regional labor costs and material availability also shift totals.
Cabinets and countertops are the most impactful material decisions. Stock cabinets keep prices lower, while semi-custom and custom cabinetry can raise costs by several tens of thousands. Per linear foot, stock cabinets may run $120–$200, semi-custom $250–$900, and custom $900–$1,500. Countertop options range from $10–$40 per sq ft for laminate to $50–$100+ per sq ft for quartz or granite, with solid surface in between.
Other drivers include permits, design fees, and delivery schedules. Labor rates commonly range from $70–$150 per hour for general contracting work, with specialized trades (electricians, plumbers) often in the $40–$120 per hour range. Regional price differences and the choice of timing (spring/summer vs winter) also influence final numbers.
For kitchens with tricky layouts, such as nonstandard angles or multiple water lines, costs rise quickly. A small but complex project may include additional framing, plumbing reroutes, or venting upgrades that add thousands. In contrast, a straightforward refresh with refaced cabinets and new countertops may stay nearer the lower end of the range.
Ways To Save
Careful planning and phased purchasing can reduce total costs. Some practical approaches include selecting stock or semi-custom cabinetry, choosing solid surface or quartz countertops rather than premium Pel or rare stone, and staging the project to avoid peak-season pricing.
- Reuse or refinish existing cabinets rather than full replacement.
- Choose mid-range materials and standard sizes to reduce waste and customization.
- Limit layout changes to avoid extensive plumbing and electrical work.
- Consolidate tasks with a single contractor to minimize management fees and delays.
- Shop for appliances as a package; look for bundled rebates or promotions.
Regional Price Differences
| Region | Typical Total Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Northeast | $60,000–$140,000 | Higher labor and material costs; premium finishes common. |
| Suburban Midwest | $35,000–$90,000 | Balanced pricing; good value for mid-range upgrades. |
| Rural South | $25,000–$75,000 | Lower labor rates; material access can vary by region. |
| Coast / West | $40,000–$110,000 | Strong demand and material costs influence totals. |
Regional deltas can be substantial. Northeast markets often show higher per-unit costs for cabinets and countertops, while some rural areas benefit from lower installation rates. The national average for a mid-range remodel typically falls near the lower end of the above ranges in regions with aggressive competition and favorable supply chains.
Labor & Installation Time
Time-on-site scales with scope and permitting. Minor refreshes may take 1–2 weeks of active work; mid-range renovations typically span 3–6 weeks; comprehensive gut remodels can require 6–12 weeks or longer, especially when custom cabinetry or complex electrical work is involved.
A typical crew includes cabinetry installers, electricians, plumbers, and a general contractor or project manager. Actual installation times depend on layout changes, material lead times, and scheduling with inspectors. Longer lead times for premium materials can extend the project beyond the initial window.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs often emerge from scheduling, logistics, and change orders. Anticipate delivery fees, waste disposal, additional demolition, backsplash installation, lighting, and venting upgrades. Design fees, if an architect or designer is involved, can add to the budget, as can temporary living arrangements during construction if the kitchen becomes unusable.
- Delivery charges and haul-away fees for heavy materials.
- Change orders after work begins—these can add 10–25% to the total.
- Electrical or plumbing upgrades beyond the original plan.
- Ventilation and exhaust hood upgrades for high-end appliances.
- Temporary relocation costs or extended supply chain delays.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic Scenario
Scope: 10×12 ft kitchen, stock cabinets, laminate countertops, basic stainless appliances, vinyl flooring, standard backsplash. Labor hours: ~60–90; per-unit prices: cabinets $120/linear ft; countertops $15–$25/sq ft; appliances basic package $2,000–$3,000. Estimated total: $20,000–$28,000.
Mid-Range Scenario
Scope: 12×14 ft with semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, mid-range stainless appliances, ceramic tile backsplash, engineered wood flooring. Labor hours: ~120–180; per-unit prices: cabinets $250–$900/linear ft; countertops $50–$90/sq ft; appliances $3,000–$6,000 total. Estimated total: $40,000–$68,000.
Premium Scenario
Scope: Gut renovation in a 15×15 ft kitchen, custom cabinetry, granite or high-end quartz, full-wall backsplash, professional-grade appliances, radiant floor prep. Labor hours: ~200–320; per-unit prices: cabinets $900–$1,500/linear ft; countertops $100–$200/sq ft; appliances $8,000–$20,000; premium finishes. Estimated total: $90,000–$150,000.