Kitchen remodel costs vary so much because no two kitchens are alike. Scope is one of the biggest reasons kitchen remodelling costs vary. If you make only minor changes, such as updating cabinets and countertops, you can keep the cost low. But if you change the layout of the walls, plumbing and gas lines, then costs will skyrocket.
Materials play another crucial role in cost variance. For example, if you buy a stock cabinet, the cost is low, but if you switch to premium cabinets, the cost will increase. The same goes for countertops; butcher blocks cost less, granite, quartz and marble cost more.
Labour costs also add to the expense. Approximately 15% to 30% of your budget will go to labour. If you live in a major city where the cost of living is higher, your labour costs will increase even more.
Kitchen square footage is another factor to consider. A larger kitchen will cost more to remodel compared to a smaller one. This article will explain the average kitchen remodel cost in the USA in detail.
National Average Pricing
The average US kitchen remodelling can cost $14,000 to $41,000. The expenses depend on the size of your kitchen, the materials you use and your location.
Minor remodels:
If you make only minor changes like painting cabinets & updating lighting, it can cost between $7,000 and $20,000.
Mid-range remodels:
If you replace surfaces and fixtures and use better quality material, then it can cost you $20,000 to $50,000.
Major remodels:
If you change the complete layout, use premium quality cabinets and countertops and imstall high end kitchen appliances, then it can cost you $65,000 to $100,000+.
What Does Kitchen Remodelling Mean?
Kitchen remodelling means changing your kitchen in a way that not just looks good but also functions better. It becomes easier for you to move around and access the appliances. You no longer have to stand on your toes to reach the cabinets. You access the items at the back of the cabinet with ease.
The changes can be small or big; maybe you just need to readjust the height of cabinentes or maybe you need to completely change the layout of your kitchen.
Common Kitchen Remodel Upgrades
Here are the upgrades that fall under kitchen remodelling
Cabinets
Installing new cabinets or cabinet doors, or investing in pull-out shelves & pantries.
Countertops
Installing new quartz, granite, or marble countertops.
Appliances
Installing new energy-efficient stoves, ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers
Lighting
Installing Brighter LED lights for cooking
Flooring
Investing in new tiles, vinyl, hardwood, or other durable flooring.
Layout and workflow
Changing the layout of the sink, stove, or fridge to improve the kitchen flow
Not every remodel includes all of these. The mix depends on your budget & goals.
Difference Between Minor and Full Kitchen Remodels
Here are the differences between minor and full kitchen remodels.
| Feature | Minor (Cosmetic) Kitchen Remodel | Full Kitchen Remodel |
| Involves | Improves only appearance, not structure | Completely redesigns the kitchen for optimal performance |
| Layout changes | No major layout changes | Layout is changed entirely |
| Structural work | Doesn’t disturb the walls, plumbing, or electrical lines | Plumbing, electrical, and walls are modified |
| Scope | Surface-level upgrades | Replacing Cabinets, flooring, countertops, and appliances |
| Time | Faster & more affordable | Requires more time, and budget |
| Best for | Homeowners who like their current layout but want a fresher, cleaner, more modern look | Outdated kitchens, poor layouts, limited storage, or homeowners seeking a long-term solution |
Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown by Category
Kitchen Cabinet Costs
Cabinets will probably eat most of your budget.
Stock Cabinets:
Their usual rate is $100–$300 per linear foot (installed). They are best for homeowners with tight budgets. The downside is that you only have access to limited styles and finishes.
Custom cabinets
Costs about $500–$1,200 per linear foot. They are best suited for kitchens with unique layouts. They are beautiful, but they can double your cabinet budget.
Countertop Costs
Countertops will cost you 10–15% of your total kitchen budget. Prices depend on material & durability.
Quartz
Quartz is non-porous, stain-resistant & very durable. It is low-maintenance and one of the most popular long-term choices. Its usual rates are around $70–$150 per sq. ft.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone and very heat resistant. The downside is that it needs sealing. Price varies a lot depending on slab quality. You can get a good slab for $50–$200 per sq. ft.
Marble
Marble is Gorgeous, but scratches and stains easily. It is more aesthetic than practical. The usual slab rate falls between $100 and $300 per sq. ft.
Flooring Costs
Around 7–10% of your remodelling budget goes to flooring. If your kitchen is small, you can save a lot of money because there is less square footage. Invest in vinyl or tile; it’s cheaper and has longer durability
Vinyl
Vinyl is waterproof & budget-friendly. It’s great for busy households and rental apartments. It costs $3–$10 per sq. ft installation of vinyl.
Tile
Tile is durable and water-resistant, but it feels cold and hard underfoot. By spending $6–$20 you can get one sq. ft. of tile flooring.
Hardwood
Hardwood is the premium flooring. It’s very expensive; the downside is it is sensitive to moisture. It cost $14–$30 per sq. ft. of hardwood flooring.
Labor Costs
Labour costs about 20–30% of the total cost. It includes the cost of installing cabinets, countertops, flooring and plumbing work.
It can cost $3,000 to $9,000+ for standard remodels. The costs climb higher if you add wall, plumbing annd electrical work.
Small vs Medium vs Large Kitchen Remodel Costs
Small kitchen: $10,000 – $20,000
Medium kitchen: $20,000 – $65,000
Large kitchen: $65,000 – $130,000+
Small Kitchen Remodel Cost
If your kitchen area is 70–100 square feet, then you have a small kitchen. The typical remodel cost range is $10,000 to $20,000.
If you stick to small upgrades like stock cabinets and low-cost countertops & don’t mess with the layout, then you can reduce the cost to $3,500–$8,000.
Medium Kitchen Remodel Cost
A 70-150 square foot kitchen is considered a medium-sized kitchen. If you stick with the existing layout, you can save thousands. If you move plumbing, gas, or electrical lines, the cost will go up fast.
Typical remodel cost range for medium kitchens is $20,000 to $65,000. But you can do a decent remodelling for your medium-sized kitchen for $25,000–$40,000.
- Use semi-custom cabinets and quartz countertops.
- Invest in flooring like ceramic tile or engineered wood.
- Add an island or peninsula to your kitchen layout.
Large Kitchen Remodel Cost
A kitchen that is 150 or more square feet is considered a large kitchen. If you have a large kitchen, you will need more materials, more cabinets, more flooring, and more labour.
It costs around $65,000 to $130,000 to remodel a large kitchen. In this budget, you get custom cabinets and high-end stone countertops. Plus Professional appliances, layout reconfiguration, Luxury flooring and Designer lighting.
Average Kitchen Remodel Cost Table
| Kitchen Size | Average Cost Range | Major Cost Drivers | Typical Remodel Type |
| Small (under 70–100 sq. ft.) | $10,000–$20,000 | Stock Cabinets, low-budget countertops | Basic to light mid-range |
| Medium (70–150 sq. ft.) | $20,000–$65,000 | Semi-custom cabinets, mid-range countertops, and layout tweaks | Mid-range |
| Large (150+ sq. ft.) | $65,000–$130,000+ | Custom cabinetry, structural changes, luxury appliances, and flooring | Luxury |
Money-Saving Tips for Kitchen Remodelling
1. Keep Existing Layout
Shifting sinks, stoves, or dishwashers means new plumbing and electrical work, which adds up fast. If your current layout works, keep it.
2. Repaint/Refinish Cabinets
If your cabinets are still working, just repaint or refinish them. Another thing you can do to save money is to replace only the cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
3. Repaint
Repaint the walls and cabinets.
4. Choose Cost-Effective Flooring
Hardwood looks great, but isn’t always budget-friendly. Instead use
- Luxury vinyl plank flooring
- Laminate flooring
- Porcelain tiles that look like wood
4. Shop Around for Materials
Material prices vary from store to store. Shopping around cuts material costs in half
5. Avoid Piecemeal Renovations
Doing your kitchen in stages costs more. Labour gets repeated, materials get reworked, and nothing is fully finished.
6. Set a Realistic Budget
Set aside 10–20% of your total budget for unexpected issues like plumbing or electrical.
7. DIY Isn’t Always Cheaper
Hiring a professional saves money. They finish the job faster, and you get a discount on materials.
8. Plan Everything
A clear design, defined budget, and detailed scope of work help prevent overspending.
FAQs About Average Kitchen Remodel Cost in the USA
What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel in the USA?
The average kitchen remodel in the USA costs $14,000 to $41,000 because the price depends on kitchen size, materials, labour rates, and whether the layout is changed.
Why do kitchen remodel costs vary so much?
The average kitchen remodel in the USA costs $14,000 to $41,000 because the price depends on kitchen size, materials, labour rates, and whether the layout is changed.
How much does a minor kitchen remodel cost?
A minor kitchen remodel costs $7,000 to $20,000. It includes cosmetic updates like painting cabinets, new lighting, and surface upgrades.
What is a full kitchen remodel?
A full kitchen remodel includes layout changes, new cabinets, countertops, flooring, and plumbing. It usually costs $65,000 to $100,000+.
How much of a kitchen remodel budget goes to labour?
Labour costs usually account for 20% to 30% of the total kitchen remodel budget. It covers installation, plumbing, electrical, and structural work.
Are cabinets the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Yes, kitchen cabinets are often the highest cost. They range from $100–$300 per linear foot for stock cabinets to $500–$1,200 per linear foot for custom cabinets.
How much do kitchen countertops cost per square foot?
Kitchen countertop costs range from $50 to $300 per sq. ft., depending on material: quartz ($70–$150), granite ($50–$200), and marble ($100–$300).
What is the cheapest kitchen flooring option?
Vinyl flooring is the cheapest kitchen flooring option, costing $3 to $10 per sq. ft., and is waterproof and low maintenance.
How much does it cost to remodel a small kitchen?
A small kitchen remodel costs $10,000 to $20,000 on average. Budget remodels with minimal upgrades can cost as little as $3,500 to $8,000.
What is the average cost to remodel a medium-sized kitchen?
A medium kitchen remodel costs $20,000 to $65,000, with most homeowners spending $25,000 to $40,000 for a mid-range upgrade.
How much does a large kitchen remodel cost?
A large kitchen remodel usually costs $65,000 to $130,000+. Especially when using custom cabinets, luxury appliances, and structural changes.
Does changing the kitchen layout increase remodel costs?
Yes, changing the kitchen layout increases costs. Because it requires plumbing, electrical, and structural work, which adds significant labour expenses
How can I reduce kitchen remodel costs?
You can reduce kitchen remodel costs by keeping the existing layout. Refinishing cabinets, choosing budget-friendly flooring, and planning the project upfront.
Is DIY kitchen remodelling cheaper than hiring a contractor?
DIY kitchen remodelling is not always cheaper. Hiring professionals reduces mistakes, saves time, and lowers material costs through contractor discounts.
How much extra money should I budget for unexpected kitchen remodel costs?
Homeowners should budget 10% to 20% of the total kitchen remodel cost for unexpected issues.
