A kitchen remodel cost in the United States varies widely depending on scope, layout changes, and material choices. The main cost drivers are cabinets, countertops, appliances, labor, and permits. This guide provides practical price ranges in USD, plus a breakdown of where money goes to help buyers budget accurately.
Prices reflect typical market rates for mid-range projects across regions, with higher costs for custom work or major structural changes. The figures below show low, average, and high ranges to help set expectations and plan contingencies.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | $5,000 | $12,000 | $25,000 | Stock to semi-custom; installation included |
| Countertops | $2,000 | $5,000 | $15,000 | Laminate to granite or quartz; edge profiles vary |
| Appliances | $2,000 | $7,000 | $20,000 | Package of range, refrigerator, dishwasher, hood |
| Flooring | $1,000 | $3,000 | $8,000 | Vinyl, laminate, or tile; install included |
| Plumbing | $1,500 | $5,000 | $12,000 | Fixture changes and piping improvements |
| Electrical | $1,000 | $3,500 | $8,000 | outlets, lighting, and dedicated circuits |
| Demolition/Prep | $1,000 | $3,000 | $6,000 | Wall removal, disposal, site prep |
| Design Fees | $1,000 | $3,500 | $8,000 | Architect or designer if included |
| Permits | $0 | $2,000 | $6,000 | varies by municipality and scope |
| Delivery/Disposal | $500 | $1,500 | $4,000 | Cabinets, countertops, waste removal |
| Contingency | $2,000 | $6,000 | $15,000 | Typically 10–20% of project |
Assumptions: region, project scope, labor hours.
Overview Of Costs
Total project ranges vary by scope, with cosmetic updates at the low end and full gut remodels at the high end. In a typical U.S. market, a modest refresh—new paint, hardware, and fixtures—might land around $15,000 to $25,000. A mid-range remodel that reorganizes the layout, replaces most cabinetry, and upgrades countertops and appliances commonly runs $25,000 to $60,000. High-end or architect-designed kitchens with custom cabinets, premium finishes, and structural changes frequently exceed $60,000 and can reach $150,000 or more.
Per-unit ranges help translate the big totals into component-based planning. Cabinets commonly cost $100 to $900 per linear foot installed, depending on material and finish. Countertops span roughly $50 to $150 per square foot installed, with higher-end materials pushing the top end. Appliances vary widely by brand and features, typically $2,000 to $7,000 for a cohesive package. Floors, plumbing, and electrical work scale with square footage and desired complexity. Labor and demolition dominate the budget in most full remodels, followed by design and permit costs.
Assumptions and context influence these figures. Costs assume standard 100–300 square foot kitchens in metropolitan, suburban, or semi-rural areas. Regions with high labor rates or strong building codes tend to exceed the national averages, while simpler cosmetic updates in low-cost markets may fall below the averages.
Cost Breakdown
Pricing is typically split across materials, labor, and regulatory steps, with contingency pinning the tail end of the budget. The table below uses common cost buckets to show how a project budget is allocated. The columns reflect the most common cost drivers: Materials, Labor, Permits, Delivery/Disposal, Contingency.
| Item | Materials | Labor | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | $5,000–$12,000 | $3,000–$8,000 | $0–$1,000 | $200–$1,000 | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Countertops | $2,000–$6,000 | $1,500–$4,000 | $0–$1,000 | $100–$400 | $500–$1,500 |
| Appliances | $2,000–$7,000 | $300–$1,000 | $0–$500 | $150–$450 | $400–$1,500 |
| Plumbing | $500–$1,500 | $600–$2,500 | $200–$900 | $0–$200 | $200–$800 |
| Electrical | $200–$1,000 | $800–$2,500 | $150–$800 | $0–$150 | $150–$700 |
| Flooring | $600–$2,500 | $1,000–$3,000 | $0–$0 | $100–$300 | $200–$800 |
| Demolition/Prep | $0–$0 | $1,000–$3,000 | $0–$0 | $200–$600 | $200–$600 |
| Design Fees | $0–$0 | $1,000–$4,000 | $0–$0 | $0–$0 | $0–$1,000 |
Assumptions: region, scope, and labor hours.
Factors That Affect Price
Material choices and layout changes are the primary price levers for a kitchen remodel. The level of customization in cabinets, the material category for countertops, and the number of new electrical or plumbing runs all directly shift costs. Structural alterations, such as moving plumbing lines or removing walls, dramatically raise both materials and labor.
Other important drivers include the size of the kitchen, existing condition of plumbing and wiring, and the quality of finishes. Regional wage differences, contractor availability, and permit complexity also push final totals higher or lower. Finally, design complexity and the need for specialty contractors (tile installers, surveyors, or energy efficiency specialists) add layers of cost and scheduling considerations.
Ways To Save
Smart planning and phased implementation can reduce upfront costs while preserving project goals. Consider maintaining the existing layout to avoid wall modifications, refinish rather than replace cabinets, and select mid-range materials that balance durability and price. Scheduling work for off-peak periods can also yield labor discounts, while securing multiple bids ensures competitive pricing. Energy-efficient appliances may save operating costs over time, partially offsetting higher initial outlays.
Other practical savings include purchasing standard sizes for cabinets and countertops, limiting custom backsplashes, and combining work with other home projects to optimize delivery and permit costs. A detailed scope of work with clear milestones helps prevent scope creep, which is a common source of budget overruns. Finally, a realistic contingency of around 10–15% is prudent for unforeseen issues in older homes.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region, with notable gaps between coastal cities, the interior, and rural areas. In general, the Northeast and West Coast show higher labor and material costs, while the Midwest and some Southern markets tend to be closer to or below national averages. Urban cores often command premium pricing for crews and permit processing, whereas suburban and rural markets may offer more competitive bids and shorter lead times.
For three representative regions, approximate ranges relative to national averages are as follows: Northeast typically 5–15% higher, West 10–20% higher, and Midwest around 0–5% lower. These deltas reflect differences in contractor availability, material transport costs, and local building codes. Consumers should factor regional trends into bid comparisons and permit timelines when budgeting.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor costs are a major portion of a kitchen remodel, and installation duration affects total price. Typical labor for a mid-range kitchen spans several weeks, with cabinet removal and assembly, countertop fabrication and installation, and final hookup of plumbing and electrical. A small-to-mid kitchen may require roughly 80–160 hours of skilled labor, while a larger, more complex project can exceed 200 hours when new wiring, plumbing reroutes, and custom cabinetry are involved.
Per-hour rates for installers, carpenters, and finish carpenters commonly range from $50 to $120 depending on region and workmanship. Add in the labor for demolition, cleanup, and final touches, and the total labor budget can shift by ±$10,000 or more. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> Time planning should align with lead times for cabinets and countertops, which often determine the project start date.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three practical scenario snapshots illustrate how choices affect totals.
- Basic Kitchen Remodel — 10–12 ft linear cabinetry, laminate countertops, standard appliances, vinyl plank flooring, no major layout changes. Labor hours: 60–90. Per-unit costs: Cabinets $100–$250/lin ft; Countertops $25–$60/sq ft; Appliances $2,000–$4,000; Flooring $2–$5/sq ft. Totals: roughly $15,000–$28,000 before permits and contingencies.
- Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel — Moderate layout updates, mid-grade cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless appliances, tile backsplash, and updated lighting. Labor hours: 120–180. Per-unit costs: Cabinets $300–$600/lin ft; Countertops $60–$100/sq ft; Appliances $4,000–$9,000; Flooring $4–$8/sq ft. Totals: roughly $40,000–$75,000 plus permits and design fees.
- Premium Kitchen Remodel — Full gut, custom wood cabinetry, premium countertops (granite/quartzite), professional-grade appliances, extensive electrical work, and high-end tile. Labor hours: 200–350. Per-unit costs: Cabinets $800–$1,500/lin ft; Countertops $100–$200/sq ft; Appliances $10,000–$20,000; Flooring $8–$20/sq ft. Totals: typically $100,000–$180,000 or more.
Assumptions: region, scope, and labor hours.
Permits, Codes & Rebates
Permits and rebates can meaningfully influence final pricing and timeline. When changes involve load-bearing walls, plumbing reroutes, or electrical upgrades, permits may add hundreds to thousands of dollars and require inspections. Local building codes, fire codes, and energy-efficiency standards further shape costs and scheduling. Some regions offer rebates or tax credits for energy-efficient appliances or heat pump systems, which can offset initial outlays.
Typical permit costs range from $200 to $2,000 per permit, with larger projects or multiple permits pushing higher. Rebates vary by utility, state, and program; eligibility often hinges on appliance efficiency, sealing measures, or high-efficiency HVAC integration. Contractors can help estimate permit timelines and potential rebates during the bid process, which improves budgeting accuracy and minimizes surprises during construction.