Planning
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026?
Real 2026 kitchen remodel costs for a refresh, mid-range remodel, and high-end redesign, with costs by item and kitchen size, hidden costs, and ways to save.
By the AI Kitchen Design editorial team · Updated November 10, 2026 · 5 min read
The honest answer to “how much does a kitchen remodel cost?” is: it depends almost entirely on how much you change. A kitchen where you paint the cabinets and swap the countertops costs a fraction of one that's gutted and re-planned. So instead of one misleading average, this guide breaks costs down by the three kinds of project most kitchens fall into, by item, and by kitchen size, all shown on the same real kitchen.
The three kinds of kitchen project
A refresh keeps the cabinet boxes, layout, and usually the appliances and floor. You change what you see: paint or new doors, countertops, backsplash, hardware, and light fixtures. It's the best value if your cabinets are solid and the layout works.
A remodel replaces cabinets and finishes but keeps the sink, range, and refrigerator where they are, so plumbing, gas, and electrical stay put. This is one of the most common projects and usually the best long-term value for a dated kitchen.
A redesign changes the layout itself: an island where there wasn't one, appliances moved, full-height storage, sometimes walls opened. It's the most expensive and disruptive, and it's worth it when the kitchen doesn't work for how you cook and live.
Kitchen remodel cost by item
These are typical 2026 US installed prices, meaning materials plus labor. Use the low end for basic materials in lower-cost areas and the high end for premium materials in expensive metros.
| Item | Budget | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets (per linear foot) | $80–$160 paint/refinish | $400–$750 new stock/semi-custom | $800–$1,500 custom |
| Countertops (per sq ft) | $25–$50 laminate | $60–$120 quartz | $90–$220 marble/quartzite |
| Backsplash (per sq ft) | $15–$30 ceramic | $35–$75 handmade/zellige | $80–$160 full slab |
| Flooring (per sq ft) | $5–$9 LVP | $10–$22 tile | $11–$20+ hardwood |
| Appliance package | Keep existing | $4k–$9k | $12k–$30k |
| Lighting & electrical | $600–$2k fixtures | $2.5k–$6.5k new plan | $6.5k+ |
| Sink, faucet & plumbing | $800–$1.5k | $1.5k–$2.5k | $2.5k+ |
Kitchen remodel cost by size
Most of the cost scales with how much cabinetry and counter you have, which scales with the size of the room. Here's how the three levels typically land for small, average, and large kitchens:
| Kitchen size | Refresh | Remodel | Redesign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (≈70 sq ft, galley or one-wall) | $5k–$12k | $15k–$35k | $40k+ |
| Average (≈150 sq ft, L or U) | $8k–$20k | $25k–$60k | $70k+ |
| Large (≈250 sq ft, with island) | $14k–$32k | $45k–$95k | $110k+ |
Try it: your kitchen
Refresh
$7,676–18,849
Remodel
$24,179–53,070
Redesign
$55,631–130,266
Where the money actually goes
In a typical mid-range remodel, the budget splits roughly like this. It varies with your choices, but the order rarely changes:
- Cabinets and hardware: the largest share, often around a third of the budget.
- Labor and installation: frequently a fifth to a third, more in high-cost areas.
- Appliances: 10–20%, depending on whether you keep any.
- Countertops: around 10%.
- Flooring, lighting, plumbing, backsplash, paint: the remainder, each in single digits.
This is why a refresh saves so much: it removes the biggest line item. And it's why layout matters: as long as water, gas, and power stay where they are, labor stays predictable.
Hidden costs to budget for
- Permits and inspections: usually needed when plumbing, electrical, gas, or walls change.
- Electrical upgrades: older homes often need new circuits for modern appliances and lighting.
- Subfloor and wall repairs: water damage or uneven floors show up once cabinets come out.
- Venting: a new range hood may need ductwork to the outside.
- Living without a kitchen: takeout and a temporary kitchen setup add up over 6–10 weeks.
- Disposal and protection: dumpster, dust barriers, and floor protection in other rooms.
A 10–15% contingency covers most of these. If you don't use it, it pays for nicer lighting at the end.
How long a kitchen remodel takes
| Project | Planning & ordering | Construction |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | 1–3 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Remodel (same layout) | 4–8 weeks (cabinet lead times) | 6–10 weeks |
| Redesign | 2–3 months (design, permits) | 8–14 weeks |
8 ways to lower your kitchen remodel cost
- Keep the layout. Moving the sink, range, or walls is the fastest way to double a budget.
- Paint or reface solid cabinets instead of replacing them.
- Choose quartz over natural stone. It looks similar, costs less, and needs no sealing.
- Save statement tile for one wall, usually behind the range, and use simple tile elsewhere.
- Keep appliances that work and replace them later, one at a time.
- Buy lighting and hardware yourself. They're easy for an installer to fit and have an outsized visual impact.
- Order everything before demolition so the crew isn't waiting on deliveries.
- Decide before you start. Changes mid-project are the most expensive kind.
How to get accurate quotes
Get at least three itemized quotes for the same scope. Itemized means cabinets, counters, labor, electrical, plumbing, and allowances are listed separately, so you can compare like for like. Ask what's excluded, what the allowances are for fixtures and tile, and how change orders are priced. A clear picture of the finished kitchen speeds this up: contractors quote faster and more accurately when they know exactly what you want.
Costs are typical 2026 US installed ranges and planning guidelines follow common NKBA recommendations. They're for planning only; confirm prices, measurements, and local codes with a licensed contractor. How we create our content.
Sources & further reading
- Remodeling magazine, Cost vs. Value report — annual data on how much of a remodel’s cost is recouped at resale
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) — kitchen planning guidelines for clearances, work triangle, and landing space
Frequently asked questions
- What is a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel?
- For an average 150 sq ft kitchen in 2026, plan on roughly $8k–$20k for a cosmetic refresh, $25k–$60k for a mid-range remodel, and $70k or more for a high-end redesign. High-cost metro areas run about 25% higher.
- What takes up most of a kitchen remodel budget?
- Cabinets typically take the largest share, followed by labor, appliances, and countertops. Moving plumbing, gas, or walls adds the most unexpected cost.
- How long does a kitchen remodel take?
- A refresh usually takes 2–4 weeks, a remodel in the same layout 6–10 weeks of construction, and a full redesign 3–6 months including design, permits, and ordering.
- Is it cheaper to reface or replace kitchen cabinets?
- Refacing (new doors and drawer fronts on existing boxes) usually costs about half as much as replacing with new stock or semi-custom cabinets, as long as the boxes are solid.
- Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel?
- Cosmetic work like painting and new counters usually doesn't. Moving plumbing, electrical, gas, or walls almost always does. Check with your local building department.
