Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator
* Estimates for budgeting purposes. Get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown
| Remodel Level | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | $40 – $70 | $35 – $60 | $75 – $130 |
| Mid-Range | $80 – $140 | $70 – $120 | $150 – $260 |
| High-End | $140 – $240 | $120 – $200 | $260 – $440 |
| Luxury | $240 – $400 | $200 – $350 | $440 – $750 |
* Costs shown for medium kitchens (100–200 sq ft). Small kitchens cost 10% more per sq ft.
Average Kitchen Remodel Cost by Size (Mid-Range)
| Kitchen Size | Area | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|
| Small Galley | 80 sq ft | $12,000 – $20,800 |
| Medium Kitchen | 150 sq ft | $22,500 – $39,000 |
| Large Kitchen | 200 sq ft | $28,500 – $49,400 |
| XL Kitchen | 250 sq ft | $33,750 – $58,500 |
How We Calculate
Our kitchen remodel calculator estimates project costs based on kitchen area, remodel level, and kitchen size. The formula is: total cost = area × per-square-foot cost × size multiplier.
How the math works: Material cost = area × material rate per sq ft. Labor cost = area × labor rate per sq ft × size multiplier. Total = material + labor. The size multiplier adjusts for efficiency: small kitchens (1.1×) have tighter spaces and less efficiency, medium (1.0×) is baseline, large (0.95×) gains slight efficiency, and XL (0.9×) has best labor efficiency.
Remodel Level Comparison
Cosmetic Refresh ($75–$130/sq ft) keeps existing layout. Includes cabinet painting or refacing, new hardware, countertop refinishing or laminate replacement, peel-and-stick or basic tile backsplash, updated lighting, and fresh paint. No plumbing or electrical relocation. Takes 1–2 weeks.
Mid-Range Remodel ($150–$260/sq ft) replaces cabinets (stock or semi-custom), installs mid-grade countertops (quartz or granite), adds tile or glass backsplash, upgrades to mid-range appliances, installs new sink and faucet, and may relocate some fixtures. Most popular remodel level. Takes 6–10 weeks.
High-End Remodel ($260–$440/sq ft) features custom or semi-custom cabinets, premium countertops (quartz, marble, or exotic granite), designer tile or stone backsplash, high-end appliances (Sub-Zero, Wolf), farmhouse or undermount sink, pot filler, and often includes layout changes. Takes 10–14 weeks.
Luxury Kitchen ($440–$750/sq ft) includes full custom cabinetry with specialty finishes, premium natural stone countertops, imported tile or slab backsplash, professional-grade appliances, custom hood, wine fridge, dual islands, and architectural changes (removing walls, adding skylights). Takes 12–16 weeks plus 4–8 weeks for custom cabinetry.
Kitchen Size Adjustments
Small kitchens (< 100 sq ft, 1.1× labor) have higher per-square-foot costs due to tight working conditions and fixed minimums for appliances, sinks, and countertop fabrication. Medium kitchens (100–200 sq ft, 1.0×) are baseline. Large kitchens (200–300 sq ft, 0.95×) gain slight efficiency. XL kitchens (300+ sq ft, 0.9×) have best labor efficiency but total cost is highest.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover cabinetry, countertops, backsplash, sink, faucet, basic appliances, and labor. Not included: structural changes ($5,000–$20,000 if removing walls), flooring ($3–$15/sq ft), electrical panel upgrade ($1,000–$3,000 if needed), plumbing rough-in ($2,000–$5,000 if major relocation), permits ($200–$1,000), appliances beyond basic package (add $2,000–$15,000+ for upgrades), and design fees (10–15% of project cost for high-end remodels).
Cabinet Cost Breakdown
Cabinet refacing: $4,000–$10,000. Stock cabinets: $3,000–$8,000. Semi-custom: $8,000–$20,000. Custom: $20,000–$50,000+. Stock cabinets ship in 2 weeks, semi-custom in 6–8 weeks, custom in 8–16 weeks. Cabinet quality dramatically affects durability and resale value.
Countertop Options
Laminate: $15–$40/sq ft installed. Butcher block: $40–$80/sq ft. Quartz: $50–$120/sq ft. Granite: $40–$100/sq ft. Marble: $75–$200/sq ft. Quartzite: $80–$150/sq ft. Quartz is most popular for durability, low maintenance, and consistent appearance.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report, NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association), and verified contractor estimates. We review and update this data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-09
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost? +
A kitchen remodel costs $75–$750 per square foot depending on scope. Cosmetic refresh runs $75–$130/sq ft, mid-range remodel $150–$260/sq ft, high-end $260–$440/sq ft, and luxury $440–$750/sq ft. A 150 sq ft mid-range kitchen averages $22,500–$39,000.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost by size? +
Small kitchen (80 sq ft) mid-range: $12,000–$20,800. Medium kitchen (150 sq ft): $22,500–$39,000. Large kitchen (200 sq ft): $28,500–$49,400. XL kitchen (250 sq ft): $33,750–$58,500. Small kitchens have higher per-square-foot costs due to fixed minimums for appliances and plumbing.
What is the cheapest way to remodel a kitchen? +
A cosmetic refresh at $75–$130/sq ft keeps existing layout and plumbing. Paint cabinets instead of replacing ($800–$3,000 vs $3,000–$15,000), install new hardware ($100–$500), update lighting ($500–$2,000), add peel-and-stick backsplash ($200–$800), and refinish countertops ($500–$1,500). Avoid moving plumbing or walls.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel? +
Cabinets typically account for 30–40% of total cost ($8,000–$30,000 for mid-range kitchen). Next most expensive: countertops ($2,000–$8,000), labor (25–35% of total), appliances ($2,500–$10,000+), and plumbing/electrical rough-in if relocating fixtures ($3,000–$8,000).
Should I reface or replace kitchen cabinets? +
Refacing cabinets costs $4,000–$10,000 (50–70% less than replacement) and takes 3–5 days vs 2–4 weeks. Good if boxes are solid and you like the layout. Replace if boxes are damaged, layout is inefficient, or you want full design flexibility. New cabinets add more resale value.
How long does a kitchen remodel take? +
Cosmetic refresh: 1–2 weeks. Mid-range remodel: 6–10 weeks. High-end or layout change: 10–16 weeks. Add 2–4 weeks for custom cabinetry lead time and 1–2 weeks for permits. Plan to have no working kitchen for 4–12 weeks — budget $500–$1,500 for eating out or set up temporary kitchen.
Does a kitchen remodel increase home value? +
A mid-range kitchen remodel recoups 50–70% of cost at resale. A $35,000 remodel adds roughly $17,500–$24,500 in value. Minor updates (under $20,000) recoup 75–85%. High-end remodels recoup 50–60%. ROI is highest when kitchen matches neighborhood standards — over-improving reduces returns.
Can I live in my home during a kitchen remodel? +
Yes, but challenging. Set up temporary kitchen in another room with microwave, toaster oven, mini fridge, and cooler. Use disposable plates. Seal kitchen from dust with plastic sheeting. Expect mess, noise 8am–5pm, and limited water access if plumbing is updated. Some homeowners rent AirBnB for 2–4 weeks during peak demolition/installation.
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