The average kitchen remodel cost is about $27,000, and most homeowners spend between $14,600 and $41,600. A cosmetic refresh can stay under $20,000. Full gut renovations with custom cabinets often pass $80,000, and luxury kitchens in coastal cities can exceed $150,000. Scope, cabinet choice and whether you move plumbing or walls decide where you land.
Kitchen remodel cost by scope
National remodeling surveys track three standard projects:
| Project type | National average cost | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Minor remodel | $28,458 | Refinished cabinets, new countertops and flooring, a couple of updated appliances; same layout |
| Major midrange | $82,793 | New cabinets and all new appliances, plus countertops, flooring and lighting |
| Major upscale | $164,104 | Custom cabinetry, stone counters, premium appliances, high-end lighting and finishes |
The same national data found a minor kitchen remodel recouped essentially all of its cost at resale. A major midrange remodel returned about half.
Kitchen remodel cost by size
Size changes the quantity of cabinets, counters and flooring. Typical national ranges:
| Kitchen size | Cosmetic refresh | Mid-range remodel | Gut renovation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (under 100 sq ft) | $12K–$20K | $25K–$40K | $50K–$80K |
| Medium (100–200 sq ft) | $18K–$30K | $35K–$65K | $75K–$130K |
| Large (200+ sq ft) | $25K–$45K | $55K–$100K | $120K–$250K+ |
Different cost surveys define scope differently, which is why published averages vary. Compare quotes on the same scope, not on headline averages.
Where your kitchen budget goes
Cabinets
Cabinets are usually the single biggest expense. Your options, from cheapest to most expensive:
- Refinishing or painting existing boxes
- Refacing with new doors and drawer fronts
- Stock cabinets in standard sizes
- Semi-custom cabinets with more sizes and finishes
- Custom cabinets built to fit
Countertops
Laminate is the budget choice. Quartz and granite are the mid-range standards. Marble and specialty stones cost more and need more care.
Appliances
Appliance packages range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands for professional-style ranges and built-in refrigeration.
Labor and trades
Demolition, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, tile and painting all need skilled labor. Moving a sink, range or gas line adds plumbing, electrical and permit work.
Flooring, lighting and finishes
See our flooring installation cost guide for per-square-foot prices. Use the Tile Calculator to estimate backsplash and floor tile.
Kitchen remodel cost in New York City
Coastal metros, NYC included, generally run 15–35% above national averages. Extra NYC costs include:
- Permits and filings: about $3,000–$5,000 in NYC and San Francisco, compared with $500–$1,500 in most markets
- Co-op and condo requirements: alteration agreements, insurance certificates, restricted work hours and board review, which add time and fees
- Logistics: elevator bookings, protecting hallways, parking and debris removal in tight buildings
- Licensing: contractors doing residential home improvement in NYC need a DCWP Home Improvement Contractor license
NYC's Department of Buildings lists installing new cabinets as minor work that doesn't need a DOB permit. Moving gas, plumbing, walls or the layout usually does. Our NYC building permits guide explains the rules.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
- Cosmetic refresh: a few weeks
- Midrange remodel: often 6–12 weeks of construction
- Gut renovation: several months, plus design, permitting and cabinet lead times
In co-ops and condos, add time for board approval before work starts.
Ways to save on a kitchen remodel
- Keep the layout. Leaving the sink, range and dishwasher in place avoids most plumbing and gas work.
- Refinish or reface cabinets if the boxes are sound.
- Mix finishes. Splurge on the island top and save on perimeter counters.
- Buy appliances during sales, but confirm dimensions before cabinets are ordered.
- Hold a 10–15% contingency for surprises behind walls.
How to build your budget
- Decide your scope: refresh, midrange or gut.
- Measure the room and count linear feet of cabinets.
- Price your must-haves first: cabinets, counters and appliances.
- Add labor, permits and contingency.
The Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator lets you enter your own line-item prices and regional multiplier.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a small kitchen remodel cost?
A cosmetic refresh of a kitchen under 100 sq ft is often $12,000–$20,000. A mid-range remodel runs about $25,000–$40,000.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinetry is usually the largest single cost, followed by labor, countertops and appliances.
Does a kitchen remodel add value?
Minor remodels have recouped close to their full cost at resale in recent national data. Major remodels recoup a smaller share, around half for a major midrange project.
Do I need a permit to remodel my kitchen?
Cosmetic updates often don't. Changes to plumbing, gas, electrical, walls or layout usually do. In NYC, check DOB rules and your building's alteration agreement.
National figures for planning only.
