Kitchen refit costs in the United States vary widely by scope, materials, and labor. This guide provides practical cost ranges in USD, explains key cost drivers, and offers budgeting tips to help homeowners plan effectively.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets & Hardware | $4,000 | $12,000 | $40,000 | Stock to semi-custom cabinetry; layout flexibility |
| Countertops | $2,500 | $5,000 | $15,000 | Laminate to quartz/granite; edge details |
| Appliances | $2,000 | $6,000 | $25,000 | Basic package to luxury appliances |
| Plumbing & Fixtures | $1,000 | $4,000 | $12,000 | Sinks, faucets, reconfigurations |
| Flooring & Finishes | $1,500 | $4,000 | $10,000 | Tile, wood, or vinyl options |
| Electrical & Lighting | $1,000 | $5,000 | $12,000 | New outlets, wiring, lighting plan |
| Labor & Installation | $6,000 | $14,000 | $40,000 | Crew time and on-site work |
| Permits & Inspections | $100 | $1,200 | $3,000 | Local rules and inspections |
| Delivery & Disposal | $300 | $1,000 | $3,000 | Material delivery and debris removal |
Overview Of Costs
Typical kitchen refits in the U.S. run from roughly $20,000 to $60,000 in total, with about $125–$350 per square foot depending on scope and materials.
For budgeting clarity, the total is influenced by cabinet quality, countertop material, appliance package, and the extent of layout changes. Assumptions: mid-size kitchen, standard cabinetry, mid-range countertops, and a moderate level of electrical or plumbing upgrades.
In addition to the core cabinet, countertop, and appliance costs, homeowners should anticipate minor changes to plumbing, lighting, and flooring. Where money goes most often is materials and labor, with labor typically comprising the largest share of the total.
Cost Breakdown
Breaking down costs helps identify where the largest spend occurs: cabinets, countertops, and labor.
| Item | Materials | Labor | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Contingency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets & Hardware | $4,000–$12,000 | $2,000–$6,000 | $0–$800 | $300–$1,200 | $1,000–$3,500 |
| Countertops | $2,000–$7,000 | $1,000–$2,500 | $0–$200 | $100–$300 | $600–$2,000 |
| Appliances | $2,000–$14,000 | $500–$2,500 | $0–$200 | $100–$300 | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Plumbing & Fixtures | $800–$3,500 | $1,000–$2,500 | $0–$200 | $0–$200 | $300–$1,200 |
| Electrical & Lighting | $500–$2,500 | $1,200–$3,500 | $50–$500 | $0–$100 | $300–$1,500 |
| Flooring & Finishes | $800–$4,000 | $1,000–$3,000 | $0–$100 | $100–$500 | $200–$1,000 |
| General Labor & Overheads | $0 | $5,000–$14,000 | $0–$1,000 | $0–$500 | $2,000–$6,000 |
Factors That Affect Price
Scope and material choices are the primary price levers.
Kitchen size directly impacts costs: larger footprints increase cabinet runs, counter space, and labor hours. A standard 10×12 kitchen can differ meaningfully from a 12×15 or larger layout. Cabinet quality matters: stock cabinetry starts lower, semi-custom adds flexibility, and fully custom work carries a premium. Countertop selection is another major driver; quartz and granite cost more per square foot than laminate or tile. Assumptions: mid-range finishes and typical layout changes.
Other significant drivers include appliance package tier, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and floor or backsplash material. Regional labor rates also vary, with urban markets often at the high end. Two niche thresholds to watch: cabinet cost per linear foot by material and countertop installed cost per square foot by material.
Ways To Save
Strategic planning can reduce project costs without sacrificing essential quality.
- Keep existing plumbing and relocation minimal to cut piping and permit complexity.
- Choose standard cabinet sizes and finishes to reduce fabrication time.
- Bundle purchases (cabinetry, countertops, and appliances) with a single supplier to secure discounts.
- Schedule work in off-peak seasons to lower labor rates and avoid demand-driven surcharges.
- Do partial demolition or phased remodels to spread out costs and financing needs.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region and urban vs. rural markets.
Urban and coastal regions typically command higher labor and material premiums. In the Northeast and West Coast, expect +10% to +25% compared with national averages for similar scopes. The Midwest often aligns with national averages, while Southern and rural areas can be 5% to 20% lower depending on local supply and labor pools. Assumptions: three representative market archetypes—urban/coastal, suburban/midwest, rural/small-town.
Labor & Installation Time
Labor hours and on-site time are a major cost driver.
Estimated labor hours for a mid-size kitchen refit typically range from 120 to 200 hours for standard scope, with 250 to 400 hours for a full-layout, wall removal, or major rerouting. Hourly rates often fall between $50 and $150, influenced by local demand and crew experience. data-formula=”labor_hours × hourly_rate”> A rough rule of thumb is that labor can account for 40%–60% of the total project cost in mid-range projects.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs can surprise unprepared homeowners if not anticipated.
Common extras include demo and disposal fees beyond standard removal, structural or HVAC modifications, and unforeseen electrical reconfigurations. Drywall patching, painting, and backsplash installation may appear as separate line items. Permit escalations, inspections, and potential design fees add to the bottom line. Contingencies of 5%–15% are often prudent for mid-range projects, especially when layout changes occur. Assumptions: no major structural work beyond code-compliant upgrades.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic Scenario
Small cosmetic refresh with stock cabinets and laminate countertops.
Cabinets & hardware: $4,000–$6,000; Countertops: $2,000–$2,500; Appliances: $2,000–$3,000; Plumbing & fixtures: $1,000–$1,500; Electrical & lighting: $1,000–$1,500; Labor: $8,000–$12,000; Permits/Delivery: $300–$700; Contingency: $1,000–$2,000. Total: roughly $20,800–$38,200. This assumes no major wall changes and a straightforward install.
Total range example shows what a basic upgrade typically costs.
Mid-Range Scenario
Mid-size kitchen with semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, and mid-tier appliances.
Cabinets & hardware: $8,000–$16,000; Countertops: $3,000–$7,000; Appliances: $6,000–$12,000; Plumbing & fixtures: $2,000–$4,000; Electrical & lighting: $2,000–$4,000; Labor: $12,000–$20,000; Permits/Delivery: $500–$1,000; Contingency: $3,000–$6,000. Total: about $36,500–$70,000.
Expect higher labor hours and material costs with mid-range selections.
Premium Scenario
Large kitchen with custom cabinetry, premium countertops, and integrated appliances.
Cabinets & hardware: $20,000–$40,000; Countertops: $8,000–$15,000; Appliances: $15,000–$30,000; Plumbing & fixtures: $4,000–$8,000; Electrical & lighting: $4,000–$8,000; Labor: $25,000–$60,000; Permits/Delivery: $1,000–$2,500; Contingency: $6,000–$12,000. Total: roughly $93,000–$185,000.
Premium projects reflect high-end materials, custom work, and extensive layout changes.