Kitchen remodel cost is the first number most homeowners try to pin down before they call a single contractor, and the honest answer depends on size, scope, and where you live. Angi’s 2026 data, drawn from more than 13,100 verified professional projects, puts the national average at $26,945, with most homeowners spending between $14,588 and $41,559. A small galley update can cost a fraction of that average. A gut renovation with a moved wall and custom cabinetry can cost more than $130,000. Prices shift by region, by material choice, and by how much labor you take on yourself. This guide breaks the numbers down by kitchen size, by category, and by scope, using current industry data, so you can build a realistic budget before signing anything.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in 2026?
The national average kitchen remodel cost is $26,945 in 2026, according to Angi’s analysis of more than 13,100 verified professional projects. Most homeowners land between $14,588 and $41,559, and per-square-foot pricing runs from $75 to $250 depending on materials and local labor rates (Angi, 2026). HomeAdvisor’s 2025 figures land in almost the same range, at $14,588 to $41,555 nationally, which suggests the two datasets are tracking similar real-world spending.
Region matters more than most first-time renovators expect. HomeAdvisor’s 2025 regional breakdown shows the Northwest averaging $25,600 to $61,100 per project, while the Mountain Prairie region comes in at $6,000 to $37,400 (HomeAdvisor, 2025). That means a kitchen remodel in the Pacific Northwest can cost roughly ten times as much as one in parts of the Mountain Prairie region, purely because of labor rates, permit fees, and material availability. Always treat national averages as a starting point, not a quote, and get local bids before you commit to a number.
Worth knowing up front
- The 2026 national average kitchen remodel cost is $26,945, ranging from $14,588 to $41,559, per Angi.
- Per-square-foot pricing runs $75 to $250, so a 200-square-foot kitchen can cost $15,000 to $50,000.
- Cabinets typically absorb 40% or more of the budget, running $100 to $1,200 per linear foot.
- A minor kitchen remodel recouped about 112.9% of its cost at resale in the 2025 Cost vs. Value report.
- Costs vary widely by region: HomeAdvisor puts the Northwest at $25,600 to $61,100 and the Mountain Prairie region at $6,000 to $37,400.
Kitchen remodel cost by size
Square footage is the single biggest driver of total cost, since more floor area means more cabinetry, more countertop, and more flooring to buy. The table below uses Angi’s 2026 size-based cost data.
| Kitchen size | Typical cost range | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 75 sq ft (small galley) | $5,600–$17,500 | Apartments, small ranch homes |
| 100 sq ft (small) | $7,500–$25,000 | Starter homes, condos |
| 150 sq ft (medium) | $11,250–$37,500 | Standard 3-bedroom homes |
| 200 sq ft (large) | $15,000–$50,000 | Larger homes, open-concept layouts |
Notice the ranges overlap heavily. A 100-square-foot kitchen with stock cabinets and laminate counters can cost less than a 75-square-foot kitchen finished with custom cabinetry and quartz. Size sets the floor for cost, but material choice sets the ceiling.
Where your money goes: cost breakdown by category
Big-ticket items like cabinets, countertops, and appliances make up most of a kitchen budget, but labor and permits add up fast too. Here is what Angi’s 2026 data shows for each major line item.
Cabinets
Cabinets run $2,000 to $28,000 total and typically make up 40% or more of the whole project (Angi, 2026). Stock cabinets cost $100 to $300 per linear foot, while custom cabinetry runs $500 to $1,200 per linear foot. If you like a classic look at a moderate price point, our guide to shaker cabinet styles covers stock and semi-custom options that land in the middle of that range.
Countertops
Countertops average $1,800 to $4,400, with premium stone or specialty materials pushing past $10,000 (Angi, 2026). Before you pick a material, it helps to know what questions to ask; our kitchen countertop FAQ walks through durability, sealing, and maintenance by material type.
Flooring and backsplash
Flooring costs $1,000 to $5,000 depending on material, and backsplash tile runs $500 to $1,500, or $15 to $40 per square foot installed (Angi, 2026). See our kitchen flooring ideas for options that hold up well in high-traffic families with kids and pets.
Appliances, labor, and permits
Appliances range from under $100 for a basic range hood to $5,000 or more for a full high-end suite (Angi, 2026). Labor typically consumes about 25% of the total budget, and permits run $460 to $2,770 depending on your municipality and the scope of electrical or plumbing work involved (Angi, 2026).
Minor, major, and complete remodels compared
Contractors generally sort kitchen projects into three tiers based on how much of the kitchen actually changes. A minor remodel keeps the layout and swaps finishes; a major remodel replaces cabinets and countertops and may move a few fixtures; a complete remodel changes the floor plan and often touches plumbing and electrical.
| Scope | Cost range | What’s included |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | $10,000–$20,000 | Refinish or reface cabinets, new countertop, updated hardware and lighting |
| Major | $20,000–$65,000 | New cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, some layout changes |
| Complete/gut | $65,000–$130,000+ | New floor plan, structural changes, full plumbing and electrical rework |
Minor remodels also tend to pay back the best. According to Zonda’s 2025 Cost vs. Value report, a minor kitchen remodel cost $28,458 on average nationally and added $32,141 in resale value, a recoup rate of 112.9% (Zonda, 2025). That figure applies to minor remodels specifically; larger projects rarely recoup their full cost at resale, even though they improve daily livability. If resale value is your main goal, our breakdown of whether a kitchen renovation is worth it digs into that trade-off in more detail.
How to budget for your kitchen remodel
A workable budget starts with a ceiling number and works backward from there. Follow these steps before you get quotes.
- Set a total spending cap. A common industry guideline is to spend no more than 10% to 15% of your home’s current value on a kitchen remodel, so you don’t over-improve for your neighborhood (FastExpert, 2026).
- Get at least three itemized bids. Compare cabinet, countertop, and labor line items separately, not just the bottom-line total.
- Build in room for surprises. Avoid budgeting down to the exact dollar of your quote; older homes especially tend to reveal wiring, plumbing, or subfloor issues once demolition starts.
- Decide on scope before you shop finishes. If you’re adding seating or reworking the footprint, plan the layout first; our kitchen island with seating guide is a useful starting point for that decision.
- Sequence your spending. Cabinets get ordered first because lead times run 4 to 12 weeks, then countertops are templated, then flooring and appliances go in last.
Mistakes that blow the budget
Most cost overruns trace back to a handful of repeatable errors, not bad luck. Watch for these before you sign a contract.
- Skipping the contingency fund. Homeowners who budget the exact quoted amount, with nothing extra, are the ones who stall mid-project when a hidden issue turns up.
- Changing the layout after demolition starts. Moving a sink or range mid-project means re-routing plumbing or electrical, which adds both cost and delay.
- Buying appliances before finalizing cabinet dimensions. A refrigerator or range that’s a half-inch too wide can force a costly cabinet redesign.
- Underestimating labor for older homes. Knob-and-tube wiring, galvanized plumbing, or asbestos flooring in pre-1980s homes can add thousands once uncovered.
- Skipping permits to save money. Unpermitted electrical or plumbing work can complicate a future home sale and may not be covered by insurance if something fails.
DIY vs. hiring a contractor
Some kitchen remodel tasks are genuinely DIY-friendly. Painting cabinets, installing a backsplash, swapping hardware, and even laying click-together flooring are within reach for a patient, moderately handy homeowner, and skipping the labor markup on those tasks can meaningfully lower total cost. Demolition of old cabinets and countertops is also commonly done by homeowners to save on labor.
Structural, electrical, gas, and plumbing work is a different matter. Moving a wall, rerouting a gas line for a range, or adding a new circuit for a double oven requires licensed trades in most jurisdictions, and doing that work yourself can void your homeowner’s insurance or create a safety hazard. If you’re weighing which parts of the project to hand off, our tips for hiring home remodeling contractors covers how to vet bids and avoid scope creep once a pro is on site.
What to leave to a licensed contractor
Most municipalities require a permit for any kitchen remodel that touches electrical circuits, gas lines, plumbing relocation, or load-bearing walls, and permit costs run $460 to $2,770 depending on the scope and your local fees (Angi, 2026). Always check with your local building department before work starts, since requirements vary by city and county.
Never attempt gas line or main electrical panel work yourself. A licensed plumber should handle any gas range hookup, and a licensed electrician should handle new circuits, panel upgrades, or under-cabinet lighting that ties into your home’s wiring. If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save time or money, treat that as a warning sign rather than a convenience.
Questions worth asking first
How much should a 10×10 kitchen remodel cost?
A 10×10 kitchen (100 square feet) typically costs $7,500 to $25,000, according to Angi’s 2026 size-based cost data. Where you land in that range depends on whether you choose stock or custom cabinets, laminate or stone counters, and how much of the layout stays the same. Getting local quotes is the only way to narrow it further.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Minor remodels that keep the existing layout typically take 3 to 7 weeks, according to renovation platform Sweeten. A major remodel that changes cabinets, counters, and some fixtures usually runs 3 weeks to 4 months, while a full gut renovation with a new floor plan can take several months once permits and inspections are factored in.
Is a kitchen remodel worth the investment?
It depends on scope. Minor kitchen remodels recouped about 112.9% of their cost at resale in the 2025 Cost vs. Value report, making them one of the better-performing projects tracked. Larger, full-gut remodels tend to improve daily livability more than resale value, so weigh how long you plan to stay in the home before committing to a complete overhaul.
What percentage of my home’s value should I spend on a kitchen remodel?
A common guideline is 10% to 15% of your home’s current market value, which helps you avoid over-improving relative to your neighborhood. Multiply your home’s value by that range to get a reasonable spending ceiling, though your actual number should also reflect how long you plan to stay.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel?
You generally need a permit if the project touches electrical circuits, gas lines, plumbing relocation, or structural walls. Permit costs run $460 to $2,770 depending on your municipality and project scope. Cosmetic-only work, like painting cabinets or swapping a faucet in the same location, usually does not require one, but local rules vary, so check with your building department first.
Start by measuring your kitchen’s square footage and matching it against the size table above to get a rough ceiling for your budget. From there, collect three itemized bids, leave extra room in your budget for the unexpected, and decide up front which parts of the project you can handle yourself versus which need a licensed electrician or plumber. Costs and timelines shift by region and by contractor availability, so treat every figure here as a planning tool rather than a fixed quote, and confirm current pricing with local pros before you finalize a scope.
