A brand-new kitchen typically costs $25,000-$75,000 in the U.S., with smaller cosmetic projects below that range and custom, high-end remodels exceeding $100,000. The final kitchen cost depends most on room size, cabinet and countertop choices, labor, and whether plumbing or electrical systems need to move.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete kitchen remodel | $15,000 | $45,000 | $100,000+ | Existing layout retained at low end; custom finishes at high end |
| Cost per square foot | $75 | $150 | $300+ | Includes typical materials and contractor labor |
| Cabinetry | $4,000 | $12,000 | $30,000+ | Stock through custom cabinetry |
| Labor | $5,000 | $15,000 | $30,000+ | Varies with scope, location, and trade work |
Typical prices for a new 100- to 200-square-foot kitchen
A standard full remodel often lands between $25,000 and $75,000 for a 100- to 200-square-foot kitchen, assuming midrange cabinets, durable counters, new appliances, and no major structural work. Smaller kitchens can cost $15,000-$30,000 when the layout stays in place and finishes are economical. A premium remodel with custom cabinetry, stone counters, and upgraded systems can reach $100,000-$150,000 or more.
For a practical budget, plan around $150 per square foot for a midrange project. That is a planning figure, not a fixed quote: local labor, material availability, and hidden damage can shift the total substantially.
Cabinets, counters, appliances, and labor in the quote
Cabinetry and installation commonly take the largest share of the budget. Contractor quotes may also include demolition, disposal, electrical and plumbing work, flooring, permits, and project management. The ranges below describe common installed or project costs and may overlap when a contractor bundles work.
| Quote component | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets and installation | $4,000 | $12,000 | $30,000+ |
| Countertops installed | $1,500 | $4,000 | $10,000+ |
| Appliances | $2,000 | $6,000 | $15,000+ |
| Labor and trade work | $5,000 | $15,000 | $30,000+ |
| Flooring, lighting, and finish materials | $2,000 | $6,000 | $15,000+ |
| Demolition, disposal, and permits | $500 | $2,000 | $6,000 |
Assumptions: Typical U.S. pricing, standard access, and no major structural repairs.
Check whether each quote includes installation, delivery, disposal, and finish work before comparing totals. Labor charges vary by task and market; a broad planning rate is $50-$125 per hour for skilled trades, though contractors commonly price the project as a whole.
How kitchen size and layout changes raise the estimate
Room size affects flooring, cabinets, counters, and labor, but layout changes can matter more than square footage. Moving a sink or dishwasher may add $1,000-$4,000 for plumbing changes; relocating a range or adding circuits can add $500-$2,500 or more. Removing a load-bearing wall may require engineering and structural work costing several thousand dollars beyond the kitchen finishes.
Cabinet grade also creates a wide spread. Stock cabinets may cost roughly $100-$300 per linear foot before installation, while semi-custom options often run $150-$650 and custom work can exceed $800 per linear foot. Countertops range from about $20-$50 per square foot for basic laminate to $50-$150 for common stone, before unusual edge details or complex cutouts.
Keeping plumbing, gas, and electrical connections in their current locations is one of the strongest ways to contain cost. A 10-by-10-foot kitchen with stock cabinets and modest finishes may stay near $15,000-$30,000; a 200-square-foot room with custom storage and relocated services can pass $80,000.
Which choices can reduce a kitchen remodel bill?
Retaining the existing footprint avoids much of the added trade work. Refacing sound cabinet boxes, rather than replacing them, may cost $4,000-$10,000 compared with $8,000-$25,000 or more for new cabinets and installation. That option is less suitable when boxes are damaged, poorly configured, or too small for the needed storage.
Choose standard cabinet sizes, straightforward countertop edges, and midrange appliances before paying for custom dimensions or premium features. Complete demolition and painting only when the contractor confirms the work is safe and excluded from the contract; poor preparation can create delays or rework.
Compare at least three itemized bids using the same appliance list, material allowances, and work scope. A low total may omit disposal, permits, backsplash, or electrical upgrades, while a higher quote may include those items. Keep a 10%-15% contingency for concealed water damage or outdated wiring.
Regional kitchen prices from rural areas to major metros
Contractor labor and permitting generally push prices higher in expensive coastal and major-city markets. As a broad comparison, a similar project may cost 15%-30% more in high-cost metros than in lower-cost rural or Midwestern markets; nearby suburbs often fall between those extremes. Material shipping, local building rules, and contractor availability can change the comparison.
Use local bids rather than a national average to set the final budget. For instance, a $45,000 midrange plan in a lower-cost market could approach $52,000-$58,500 in a market priced 15%-30% higher, before unusual site conditions or premium selections.
How long kitchen labor and installation usually take
A typical full remodel takes about 6-12 weeks of on-site work after materials arrive, while planning, ordering, and permit review can add several weeks beforehand. A small project with no layout changes may take 3-6 weeks. Custom cabinets, inspections, delayed appliances, or structural changes can extend the schedule.
Ask the contractor to separate active workdays from calendar time in the schedule. Demolition and rough-ins come first, followed by inspections, drywall or floor preparation, cabinets, counters, fixtures, and appliance installation. Countertop measurement often happens after cabinets are installed, adding a wait between phases.
Three kitchen remodel budgets with different scopes
A budget refresh for a 100-square-foot kitchen might include cabinet refacing, laminate counters, basic appliances, and new lighting for about $18,000-$28,000. A 150-square-foot midrange remodel with stock cabinets, stone counters, new flooring, and standard appliances may total $40,000-$60,000.
A 200-square-foot project with semi-custom cabinets, premium counters, upgraded appliances, and some plumbing or electrical relocation may cost $75,000-$110,000. These examples assume ordinary access and no major structural repair; labor hours and material allowances should be itemized to make bids comparable.
The most reliable estimate specifies room dimensions, cabinet footage, appliance models, and every included trade task. Written allowances for selections that are not yet final help prevent surprise charges when the project begins.