A kitchen remodel typically costs about $14,500 to $41,500 for a standard project in the U.S., with an average around $26,945 in 2026. However, a small cosmetic update can cost around $10,000, while a major or upscale remodel can reach $65,000–$130,000 or more. Your kitchen size, layout changes, cabinets, countertops, appliances, labor, and location all affect the final price.
If you’re planning a kitchen renovation, the best place to start is with a realistic budget. A beautiful kitchen doesn’t necessarily require the most expensive materials, but major changes to the layout, plumbing, electrical system, cabinets, and appliances can quickly increase the total.
Use our Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator to get a quick starting estimate based on your project before you start comparing materials or requesting contractor quotes.
Kitchen Remodel Cost at a Glance
| Kitchen remodel type | Typical 2026 cost |
| Small/minor remodel | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Standard/major remodel | $20,000–$65,000 |
| Complete remodel | $65,000–$130,000+ |
| Upscale remodel | $100,000+ |
These ranges are broad because a “kitchen remodel” can mean anything from repainting cabinets and replacing countertops to completely gutting the room and moving plumbing and electrical lines.
For example, Angi’s 2026 data puts the average professional kitchen remodel at $26,945, while Home Depot’s national estimates for a 200-square-foot kitchen are approximately $24,000 for a minor remodel, $69,000 for a major remodel, and $136,000 for an upscale remodel.
The takeaway: don’t choose a remodeling budget based on one national average. Define what you want to change first, then estimate the individual components.
What Is the Average Cost to Remodel a Kitchen?
In 2026, the average professional kitchen remodel costs about $26,945, according to Angi’s data from more than 13,000 verified projects. Most homeowners in its dataset spend between $14,588 and $41,559.
That number is useful as a starting point, but it shouldn’t be treated as a quote.
A kitchen remodel can vary dramatically depending on whether you’re:
- Keeping the existing layout
- Replacing or refacing cabinets
- Installing new countertops
- Replacing appliances
- Changing flooring
- Adding an island
- Moving plumbing
- Moving electrical outlets
- Removing walls
- Changing the kitchen’s footprint
- Using stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinets
A simple cosmetic update might stay near the lower end of the range, while a full renovation can move well beyond the national average.
How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost by Project Size?
One of the easiest ways to think about your budget is to divide the project into three levels.
1. Minor Kitchen Remodel: $10,000–$20,000
A minor remodel focuses on improving the appearance and functionality of the existing kitchen without changing its basic layout.
Typical projects include:
- Painting walls
- Painting or refacing cabinets
- Replacing cabinet hardware
- Installing new countertops
- Replacing the backsplash
- Updating a sink and faucet
- Replacing flooring
- Upgrading one or two appliances
- Improving lighting
Angi currently estimates minor kitchen remodels at around $10,000–$20,000. Its small-kitchen data also places many 70–100-square-foot remodels in roughly the $10,500–$20,000 range.
Best way to save
Keep the existing kitchen layout.
Moving a sink, dishwasher, range, gas line, or major electrical connections can add substantial labor and installation costs.
2. Major Kitchen Remodel: $20,000–$65,000
A major remodel replaces several major components while substantially upgrading the kitchen.
It may include:
- New cabinets
- New countertops
- New appliances
- New flooring
- New lighting
- New sink and faucet
- New backsplash
- A kitchen island
- Improved storage
- Semi-custom cabinetry
Angi estimates a major kitchen remodel at approximately $20,000–$65,000 in 2026.
Home Depot’s scope-based guide gives a higher average of about $69,000 for its major-remodel example, which illustrates why published averages can differ significantly depending on project assumptions.
3. Complete or Upscale Kitchen Remodel: $65,000–$130,000+
A complete remodel can involve removing most or all of the existing kitchen and rebuilding it around a new design.
This may include:
- Custom cabinets
- Premium countertops
- High-end appliances
- New flooring
- New lighting
- New plumbing
- New electrical work
- Gas-line changes
- Structural changes
- Moving walls
- Changing the kitchen footprint
- Custom storage
- Large islands
Angi currently places complete kitchen remodels at approximately $65,000–$130,000 or more.
Home Depot’s upscale example is approximately $136,000 for a 200-square-foot kitchen.
At this level, the cost is driven as much by the materials and construction work as by the size of the room.
Kitchen Remodel Cost by Kitchen Size
Kitchen size matters, but it doesn’t determine the final price by itself.
According to current Angi estimates, kitchen remodeling can range from approximately $75 to $250 per square foot, depending on the scope, materials, and labor. Smaller kitchens can have a higher cost per square foot because fixed expenses are spread across a smaller area.
| Kitchen size | Approximate remodeling range |
| 75 sq. ft. | $5,600–$17,500 |
| 100 sq. ft. | $7,500–$25,000 |
| 150 sq. ft. | $11,250–$37,500 |
| 200 sq. ft. | $15,000–$50,000 |
These figures are broad planning ranges rather than contractor quotes.
What Costs the Most in a Kitchen Remodel?
Several components can consume a large portion of your budget.
Cabinets
Cabinetry is often one of the largest expenses because it combines materials, hardware, design, delivery, and installation.
Your cost can vary substantially between:
- Stock cabinets
- Semi-custom cabinets
- Custom cabinets
If your existing cabinet boxes are in good condition, refacing or refinishing can sometimes cost substantially less than replacing the entire cabinet system. Home Depot’s current cabinet-refacing estimates range from approximately $7,600 to more than $23,000 depending on the scope.
You can also use our Kitchen Cabinet Calculator when planning the number of cabinets your kitchen may require.
Countertops
Countertop costs depend on:
- Material
- Square footage
- Thickness
- Edge profile
- Cutouts
- Installation
- Sink configuration
Common choices include:
- Laminate
- Butcher block
- Quartz
- Granite
- Marble
- Porcelain
If you’re comparing materials, first determine how much countertop surface you actually need.
Our Kitchen Countertop Calculator can help you estimate the countertop area before you start comparing material prices.
Appliances
Appliances can represent a relatively small part of a budget or become a major expense in a high-end remodel.
A basic appliance upgrade might include:
- Refrigerator
- Range
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
A premium remodel may add:
- Built-in refrigerator
- Wall ovens
- Induction cooktop
- Range hood
- Wine refrigerator
- Specialty appliances
If you’re trying to control your budget, decide your appliance requirements early rather than choosing them after the cabinets and countertops have already been ordered.
Labor
Labor costs depend heavily on location and project complexity.
A kitchen that keeps its existing layout generally requires less specialized work than one where you move:
- Plumbing
- Gas lines
- Electrical outlets
- Lighting
- Walls
- Windows or doors
This is one reason two kitchens with similar dimensions can have very different remodeling costs.
Permits and Professional Fees
Depending on where you live and what you’re changing, you may need permits for electrical, plumbing, structural, or other work.
You may also have expenses for:
- Kitchen design
- Architectural plans
- Engineering
- Contractor management
- Inspections
These costs should be included in your budget before construction begins.
How Much Does a 10×10 Kitchen Remodel Cost?
A 10×10 kitchen has approximately 100 square feet of floor area.
Using current national cost-per-square-foot estimates, a 100-square-foot kitchen could fall roughly within the $7,500–$25,000 range for a remodel.
However, a 10×10 kitchen isn’t automatically a $10,000, $15,000, or $25,000 project.
For example:
Budget 10×10 remodel
You might:
- Keep the layout
- Refinish cabinets
- Replace hardware
- Install affordable countertops
- Update lighting
- Paint the walls
Mid-range 10×10 remodel
You might:
- Install new cabinets
- Replace countertops
- Add a backsplash
- Upgrade appliances
- Replace flooring
- Improve lighting
High-end 10×10 remodel
You might:
- Install custom cabinetry
- Use premium stone countertops
- Upgrade all appliances
- Add specialty storage
- Replace plumbing and electrical
- Use premium finishes
The room’s size is only one piece of the calculation.
Kitchen Remodel Cost by Region
Where you live can significantly change the cost of a kitchen remodel.
Labor rates, material availability, contractor demand, permits, and local cost of living all influence prices.
Angi’s 2026 regional estimates illustrate the variation:
| U.S. region | Approximate remodel range |
| Northwest | $25,600–$61,100 |
| Rocky Mountains | $12,700–$39,600 |
| Southwest | $12,350–$33,950 |
| Midwest | $10,300–$34,300 |
| Southeast | $12,000–$32,200 |
| Mideast | $13,600–$37,650 |
| Northeast | $10,800–$40,400 |
These are broad regional estimates, not prices for every city.
Home Depot also reports substantial differences between individual markets; its example of a major remodel ranges from about $56,639 in Titusville, Florida, to $77,460 in San Francisco, California.
That’s why you should use a national average only for initial planning.
What Makes a Kitchen Remodel More Expensive?
The biggest cost increases usually come from increasing the scope of the project.
1. Changing the layout
Moving appliances, sinks, plumbing, gas lines, or electrical systems can add labor and material costs.
2. Choosing custom cabinets
Custom cabinets provide more design flexibility but generally cost more than stock options.
3. Using premium materials
Quartz, natural stone, custom millwork, specialty tile, and premium hardware can raise the material budget quickly.
4. Adding an island
An island can require additional cabinetry, countertop material, electrical work, lighting, and sometimes plumbing.
Before designing one, check the available clearance with our Kitchen Island Size Calculator.
5. Expanding the kitchen
Removing walls or changing the footprint can introduce structural, electrical, plumbing, and permit costs.
6. Upgrading everything at once
Replacing cabinets, appliances, flooring, countertops, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and electrical systems simultaneously creates a much larger project than simply refreshing the kitchen.
How to Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel
You don’t necessarily need to cut quality everywhere to reduce your remodeling budget.
Instead, focus your money on the changes that matter most to how you use the kitchen.
Keep the existing layout
This is one of the simplest ways to control costs. Moving plumbing and electrical connections can turn a relatively straightforward remodel into a much larger construction project.
Reface cabinets instead of replacing them
If the cabinet boxes are structurally sound, refacing or refinishing may give you a significant visual change without a complete cabinet replacement.
Mix expensive and affordable materials
You could spend more on a countertop while choosing standard cabinets, or invest in better appliances while keeping the backsplash relatively simple.
Choose practical finishes
A durable, easy-to-maintain material isn’t necessarily the most expensive option.
Plan before demolition
Changing your mind after construction begins can be expensive.
Before ordering materials, finalize:
- Layout
- Cabinet dimensions
- Appliance locations
- Countertop measurements
- Lighting
- Plumbing locations
- Storage requirements
Our Kitchen Layout Plan can help you explore the basic arrangement before committing to a design.
How Much Should You Budget for Unexpected Costs?
Even a carefully planned remodel can uncover unexpected problems.
Older homes may have:
- Outdated wiring
- Plumbing issues
- Uneven floors
- Damaged walls
- Water damage
- Structural problems
- Code-related issues
For that reason, don’t plan to spend every dollar of your available budget on visible finishes.
A contingency amount gives you room to handle unexpected work without having to compromise the rest of the project.
The exact amount depends on the age and condition of the home and the scope of the renovation. A contractor can provide a more appropriate contingency recommendation after inspecting the space.
Is It Cheaper to Remodel a Kitchen Yourself?
DIY work can reduce labor costs, but it depends heavily on what you’re comfortable doing.
Some homeowners may handle tasks such as:
- Painting
- Cabinet hardware
- Simple decorating
- Some demolition
- Certain backsplash projects
More complex work involving electrical wiring, gas lines, plumbing, structural changes, or other regulated work should be handled according to local requirements and, where required, by qualified professionals.
Saving money on labor isn’t helpful if a mistake creates a larger repair bill later.
How to Create a Kitchen Remodeling Budget
Before requesting quotes, divide your project into categories.
Step 1: Define the scope
Decide whether you want:
A refresh
or
A partial remodel
or
A complete remodel
Step 2: Measure the kitchen
Record:
- Room length
- Room width
- Ceiling height
- Door locations
- Window locations
- Existing appliances
- Cabinet runs
- Countertop areas
Step 3: Decide what stays
Keeping existing appliances, cabinets, flooring, or the current layout can significantly change your budget.
Step 4: Prioritize
Separate your list into:
Must-have
Nice-to-have
Luxury
This makes it much easier to cut costs if your initial estimate is higher than expected.
Step 5: Calculate your starting budget
Use our Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator to create an initial estimate.
Then get local contractor quotes before making a final financial decision.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator
Want a quicker way to estimate your project?
Our Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator provides a simple starting estimate based on your kitchen size and remodeling choices.
It is designed for early planning, not as a replacement for a contractor’s quote.
Use the calculator to:
- Estimate a potential remodeling budget
- Compare different project sizes
- Understand how kitchen size affects cost
- Get a starting point before requesting quotes
- Plan your renovation more confidently
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel in 2026?
The average professional kitchen remodel is about $26,945 in 2026, according to Angi’s data, with most projects falling between approximately $14,588 and $41,559. Actual costs vary significantly based on project scope, materials, labor, and location.
Can you remodel a kitchen for $10,000?
Yes, a smaller or primarily cosmetic kitchen remodel can sometimes fit a $10,000 budget, particularly if you keep the existing layout and choose budget-conscious materials. A full replacement of cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, and systems is unlikely to fit comfortably within that budget.
Can I remodel a kitchen for $20,000?
A $20,000 budget can work for a smaller or carefully planned remodel. Keeping the existing layout, choosing stock cabinets, limiting structural changes, and prioritizing the most important upgrades can help keep the project within that range.
How much does a 10×10 kitchen remodel cost?
A 10×10 kitchen has approximately 100 square feet. Current national estimates put a 100-square-foot remodel at roughly $7,500–$25,000, although the actual project price can be considerably higher or lower depending on scope and materials.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets, labor, appliances, countertops, and structural or layout changes can all represent major expenses. There isn’t one universal most expensive component because the answer changes with the project’s scope and material choices.
Is it cheaper to remodel or replace a kitchen?
If the existing layout and major systems are in good condition, remodeling selectively can be less expensive than completely rebuilding the kitchen. Keeping the footprint and reusing components where practical can reduce labor and installation costs.
Does a kitchen island increase remodeling costs?
Usually, yes. An island may require additional cabinets, countertop material, electrical work, lighting, and sometimes plumbing. Its cost depends on its size, design, and features.
How can I reduce kitchen remodeling costs?
Keeping the existing layout, comparing cabinet options, avoiding unnecessary structural changes, choosing durable mid-range materials, and deciding on the design before construction begins can all help control costs.
Final Takeaway
There isn’t one price that applies to every kitchen remodel.
For 2026, a reasonable starting point is around $14,500–$41,500 for many standard professional remodels, but smaller projects can cost around $10,000 while complete or upscale renovations can reach $65,000–$130,000+.
The most useful way to estimate your budget is to start with the size of your kitchen, the work you want done, the materials you want, and whether you’re changing the existing layout.
Try our free Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator
Cost figures in this guide are planning estimates based on published 2026 U.S. cost data. Actual prices vary by location, contractor, project scope, materials, and site conditions. Get local quotes before committing to a remodeling budget.