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Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026: The Full Breakdown
By size, by scope, by square foot, and by component — plus the itemized breakdown that shows where every dollar goes and six honest ways to spend less.
The short answer
Most kitchen remodels run $30,000 – $50,000 (mid-range). The full spread by scope:
• Minor / cosmetic (refacing, hardware, paint, some appliances): $15,000 – $25,000
• Mid-range (new cabinets, counters, flooring, appliances): $30,000 – $50,000
• High-end (custom cabinetry, luxury finishes, layout changes): $60,000 – $100,000+
Per square foot: $75–$150 basic · $150–$250 mid · $250–$400+ high-end. Two line items dominate: cabinets (29–40%) and labor (40–60%).
Cost by scope — what you're actually buying
| Scope | What's included | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Minor / cosmetic | Cabinet refacing, new hardware, paint, backsplash, some appliances | $15,000 – $25,000 |
| Mid-range | New cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, lighting | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| High-end | Custom cabinetry, stone, premium appliances, layout changes | $60,000 – $100,000+ |
Cost by kitchen size
| Size | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Small (under 100 sq ft) | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Medium (100 – 200 sq ft) | $30,000 – $55,000 |
| Large (200 – 350 sq ft) | $60,000 – $120,000+ |
Ranges vary widely by finish level and metro — high-cost cities can add 30%–60%.
Cost per square foot
- Basic / cosmetic: $75 – $150/sq ft
- Mid-range: $150 – $250/sq ft
- High-end: $250 – $400+/sq ft
Where the money actually goes
| Component | Share of budget | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | 29% – 40% | Stock is cheapest; semi-custom is the value sweet spot; custom is $500 – $1,200/linear ft installed |
| Labor | 40% – 60% | Often more than the materials; gut jobs (plumbing, electrical, drywall) push it higher |
| Countertops | 10% – 15% | $1,800 – $4,400 typical; quartz & specialty stone run higher |
| Appliances | 10% – 15% | Wide range depending on brand tier |
| Flooring, backsplash, lighting, paint | Remainder | Where you can trim without it showing |
A real mid-range remodel, itemized
Medium kitchen (~150 sq ft), mid-range, layout kept
- Semi-custom cabinets: $16,000
- Quartz countertops: $4,000
- Appliances: $5,500
- Flooring: $3,000
- Backsplash & paint: $2,000
- Lighting & electrical: $2,500
- Plumbing: $2,000
- Labor, install & project management: $9,000
Total: ~$44,000
Change the cabinets to custom and the counters to specialty stone and the same kitchen crosses $70,000. Keep stock cabinets and the layout and it drops toward $28,000. Your cabinet choice and whether you move anything are the two biggest levers.
Hidden costs to budget for
- Moving plumbing, gas or electrical. Relocating the sink, range or island adds thousands fast.
- Permits & inspections: $200 – $1,500 depending on scope and city.
- Behind-the-walls surprises: old wiring, water damage, out-of-level floors — budget a 10%–20% contingency.
- Eating out / temporary kitchen during a multi-week job.
- Long lead times on custom cabinets and specialty stone can stall the whole project.
See the new kitchen before you commit
Upload a photo and preview cabinet colors, counters, backsplash and finishes on your actual kitchen — free, no signup. Decide the look before you spend $40k.
✨ Redesign My Kitchen — Free6 ways to spend less
- Keep the layout. Don't move the sink, range or island — relocating utilities is the priciest change.
- Reface, don't replace. If cabinet boxes are sound, new doors + paint saves the biggest line item.
- Go semi-custom, not custom. 80% of the look for a fraction of custom cabinetry pricing.
- Choose a quartz look-alike or a mid-tier stone instead of premium slabs.
- Mix appliance tiers. Splurge on the range you'll notice; save on the ones you won't.
- Lock the design before demo. Mid-project changes are the most expensive kind — decide finishes first.
Previewing the finished look on your real kitchen first — with DecorIn, free — is the cheapest insurance against a $5,000 change of heart halfway through.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in 2026?
Most run $30,000 – $50,000 mid-range. Minor cosmetic updates are $15,000 – $25,000; high-end with custom cabinetry and layout changes runs $60,000 – $100,000+.
What's the biggest cost?
Cabinets are the largest material cost (29%–40%), and labor typically eats 40%–60% of the total. Countertops are 10%–15%.
What's the cost per square foot?
$75–$150 basic, $150–$250 mid-range, $250–$400+ high-end. A rule of thumb is square footage × $400 for mid-range all-in.
How can I save money?
Keep the layout, reface cabinets, choose semi-custom, pick a quartz look-alike, and lock the design before demo to avoid mid-project changes.
Sources
- Angi — How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? [2026 Data]
- Block Renovation — How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Kitchen in 2026?
- Highland Cabinetry — Kitchen Remodeling Cost Breakdown for 2026
Prices are 2026 U.S. estimates and vary by location, size, finish level and existing conditions. Get written quotes with a stated contingency before you commit.