Kitchen Remodel Cost: Typical Prices and Ranges
Angi lists a minor kitchen remodel at $10,000 to $20,000 and gives a 2026 national average of $26,990 for the whole project. Those figures are installed prices, so they are the numbers to compare when you collect bids. This guide is for US homeowners who want a realistic budget before calling contractors.
Kitchen remodel cost breakdown
Forbes Home calls cabinets the largest cost in a remodel. The table below lists other items with the source for each figure.
| Item | Basis | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Countertops | Installed, average kitchen, typical range | $1,500 to $6,000 | HomeGuide |
| Kitchen sink | Installed, materials and labor included | $330 to $1,300 | HomeGuide |
| Cabinets | Installed, average in a remodel | $8,200 | Forbes Home |
| Cabinet painting | Existing cabinets, typical total | $2,500 to $6,500 | Fixr |
| Backsplash | Installed, average remodel | $500 to $1,700 | Bob Vila |
| Flooring | Installed, depends on material and square footage | $1,000 to $4,000 | Bob Vila |
| Lighting | Installed, average for a remodel | $1,350 | Fixr |
| Kitchen island | Installed, average | $5,000 | Fixr |
| New pantry | Installed, typical range | $1,100 to $2,900 | Bob Vila |
If you plan to add ceiling lights, see the recessed lighting installation cost guide for that work.
Cost by remodel size
Forbes Home puts a small kitchen remodel at $12,000 to $22,000, which overlaps with Angi’s minor range. This Old House gives a median of about $26,000 for a mid-range remodel, a figure that sits above Angi’s minor range and below its national average.
Labor vs. materials
The sources disagree on the labor share. Forbes Home says labor is 18% to 25% of the total project cost and ties that share to project scope. This Old House puts labor at 15% to 30% of the remodel, a wider span than Forbes Home’s. Bob Vila says installation and labor make up 25 percent of the budget, so that single figure covers two costs together.
Hourly rates offer another view. HomeGuide puts a general contractor at $50 to $150 per hour to run the project, hire subcontractors, and coordinate orders.
Gas, electrical and structural work
Some kitchen changes fall into categories where a licensed pro and a permit may be required:
- New gas line: HomeGuide puts installation at $350 to $2,000 installed.
- Structural changes: Fixr puts removing or altering load-bearing walls at $1,400 to $11,500 on top of the rest of the remodel.
- Electrical work: Angi puts electricians at $50 to $100 per hour for kitchen electrical work, which can include new outlets, moved wires, and upgrades for appliance power.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Cosmetic tasks such as painting existing cabinets or installing a backsplash are jobs some homeowners handle themselves. They still call for the right tools, steady hands, and enough time to finish cleanly.
Gas, electrical and structural work carry real safety risk. Do not attempt those without the training and permits they require, and plan to hire a licensed pro for them.
Ways to save
- Paint existing cabinets instead of replacing them. Fixr calls painting a lower-cost alternative, and the kitchen cabinet painting cost guide covers the details.
- Compare stock and custom cabinets. This Old House says stock options can cost as little as $120 per linear foot, while custom can reach $1,425 per linear foot.
- Keep the oven and stove where they are. Moving them brings in gas line work.
- Leave load-bearing walls in place when your layout allows. Changing them is the structural work Fixr lists.
- Get itemized quotes from several contractors and compare them line by line.
- Clear cabinets, décor, and small appliances out of the room before crews arrive so they can reach the work.
How to get an accurate quote
Ask each contractor for a written quote that lists materials, labor, permits, and any design fees on separate lines. Separate lines make bids easier to compare side by side.
If a general contractor will oversee the job, ask for the hourly rate and a list of what it covers. Ask who handles gas and electrical work, and whether the bid includes the permits for it. Confirm the cabinet, countertop, and flooring grades in each bid so you compare the same materials.
More pricing guides are in the kitchen and bath section.
What changes the price
- Countertop material and level of customization
- Cabinets, from stock to custom
- Flooring material and square footage
- New gas lines and moved appliances
- Electrical work such as added outlets
- Structural changes to load-bearing walls
- Number of permits the project needs
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost per square foot?
Bob Vila gives a typical range of $75 to $250 per square foot for a kitchen remodel.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel?
Angi says most kitchen remodels need more than one permit, and permits average $460 to $2,770.
What does kitchen design help cost?
Independent design specialists charge $1,500 to $2,500 for full service, according to This Old House. That package can include 3D drawings and help choosing materials.
Does moving the stove add to the cost?
Yes. Angi lists relocating a gas line for an oven or stove at $375 to $750, and that charge applies any time the appliance moves.
Sources
Related cost guides
Figures are estimates based on the sources above and vary by region, home and contractor. Get at least three written quotes before you hire. See our disclaimer and how we research.