How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
A kitchen remodel typically costs about $27,000 in 2026, with most homeowners spending $14,600–$41,500 depending on scope, size and finishes.
Key takeaways
- A typical kitchen remodel averages about $27,000, with most homeowners spending $14,600–$41,500.
- Small cosmetic refreshes start around $10,000–$20,000.
- Midrange remodels run $20,000–$65,000; large or upscale projects reach $65,000–$130,000, and NerdWallet cites upscale jobs above $160,000.
- Budget roughly $75–$250 per square foot depending on materials and labor.
- Cabinets take about 40% of the budget ($2,000–$28,000); labor is roughly 25%.
A kitchen remodel typically costs about $27,000 in the US in 2026, and most homeowners spend between $14,600 and $41,500. A cosmetic refresh can start near $10,000, while a large custom kitchen with layout changes and luxury finishes can run $65,000 to well over $130,000. Plan on roughly $75–$250 per square foot, according to Bob Vila and NerdWallet cost data.
What a kitchen remodel costs in 2026
Bob Vila’s 2026 data puts a typical remodel between $14,589 and $41,538, averaging about $26,974. The single biggest variable is scope: are you refacing what you have, or gutting the room and moving walls, plumbing and electrical? NerdWallet, citing remodeling market data, notes minor remodels around $28,500 while major upscale projects can exceed $160,000. Where you land depends on kitchen size, material tier and how much of the layout you change.
Cost by remodel tier
| Tier | Typical range | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Small / cosmetic | $10,000–$20,000 | Paint, hardware, cabinet refacing, minor upgrades |
| Midrange (typical) | $20,000–$65,000 | New cabinets, countertops, flooring and appliances |
| Large / upscale | $65,000–$130,000+ | Custom cabinetry, luxury finishes, layout changes |
Ranges above are from Bob Vila; NerdWallet reports that high-end, upscale kitchens in major metros can climb past $160,000. On a per-area basis, expect about $75–$250 per square foot.
Where the money goes
| Line item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Cabinetry & hardware (~40% of budget) | $2,000–$28,000 |
| Countertops (installed) | $1,870–$4,400 |
| Appliances | $1,200–$2,100 basic; $13,000+ high-end |
| Flooring | $1,000–$4,000 |
| Labor | ~25% of total budget |
What moves the price
- Scope: Cosmetic refresh vs. full gut renovation is the biggest driver.
- Cabinets: The largest single line item at about 40% of the budget.
- Layout changes: Moving plumbing, gas or electrical adds significant labor and permit cost.
- Material tier: Stock vs. semi-custom vs. custom cabinets, and laminate vs. stone countertops.
- Kitchen size: More square footage means more cabinets, counters and flooring.
- Location and labor market: Contractor rates vary widely by region.
How to keep costs down
The cheapest path is to keep the existing layout so plumbing and electrical stay put, reface rather than replace sound cabinet boxes, and choose mid-tier finishes over luxury lines. Cabinets and appliances offer the most room to trade down. Get itemized bids from at least three contractors. Prices here are current as of the verified date and vary by your location and provider.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel in 2026?
About $27,000, with most homeowners spending between $14,600 and $41,500, according to Bob Vila. Scope, size and finish level determine where you land.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost per square foot?
Roughly $75–$250 per square foot, depending on material choices and labor complexity in your area.
What is the cheapest way to remodel a kitchen?
Keep the existing layout, reface cabinets instead of replacing them, and choose mid-tier finishes. Cosmetic refreshes typically run $10,000–$20,000.
What part of a kitchen remodel costs the most?
Cabinetry and hardware, at roughly 40% of the budget ($2,000–$28,000). Countertops, appliances and labor make up most of the rest.
How much does a high-end kitchen remodel cost?
Large and upscale remodels with custom cabinetry and layout changes run $65,000–$130,000, and NerdWallet cites upscale metro projects above $160,000.
Do layout changes really add that much?
Yes. Relocating plumbing, gas or electrical requires additional trades, permits and labor, which can add thousands beyond the cost of the fixtures themselves.
