Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator
Estimate what a kitchen remodel might cost based on the room size, cabinet footage, how much you're changing, and the finish level you want. Toggle an island or plumbing relocation to see the impact instantly.
Estimates use US customary units (square feet, linear feet) and USD.
Estimated project cost
$29,800
Typical. Range $14,300 – $54,800
- Materials
- $19,900
- Labor
- $5,900
- Contingency
- +12%
Main cost drivers
- Appliances allowance (mid-range)$7,500
- Cabinets (mid-range / semi-custom)$7,000
- Countertops — quartz / granite (mid-range)$3,250
Illustrative estimate — not verified market pricing
These figures are planning estimates for demonstration, not current verified prices. Actual costs vary by region, materials, and contractor. Always get written quotes. See the methodology and sources below.
Want real numbers for your project? Compare written quotes from local pros.
Request contractor quotesWhat drives kitchen remodel cost
Four levers move a kitchen budget the most: cabinet quality (stock vs. semi-custom vs. full custom), scope (cosmetic refresh vs. full gut), appliances (entry-level vs. professional-grade), and whether you change the layout. Relocating a sink or gas line requires a permit and licensed tradespeople, which adds cost that can easily exceed the price of the fixtures themselves.
Cosmetic vs. standard vs. full gut
- Cosmetic refresh: new appliances, hardware, paint, and lighting. Keeps the cabinets, countertops, and layout intact. The lowest-cost path.
- Standard remodel: new cabinets, countertops, backsplash, flooring, and appliances in the same footprint. The most common approach.
- Full gut: everything removed down to the studs, often with a new layout. The highest cost because it combines maximum labor with possible structural and plumbing changes.
Cabinets and countertops: where the money goes
Cabinetry alone often accounts for 30–40% of a mid-range kitchen budget. Stock cabinets (off the shelf from a home center) are the most affordable; semi-custom cabinets offer more sizes and finishes; fully custom cabinets are built to order and carry a steep premium. Countertops follow a similar tiered logic — laminate at the low end, quartz or granite in the middle, and exotic stone or concrete at the top.
How to get the most accurate estimate
Use this calculator to set a realistic budget range before meeting with contractors. When you get quotes, ask each contractor to break out cabinets, countertops, appliances, labor, and permits separately so you can compare apples to apples. A mid-range kitchen remodel in a high-cost metro can run significantly higher than the national illustrative figures here — always weight local quotes more heavily than any online estimate.
Pricing methodology & assumptions
Estimates multiply quantities derived from your inputs by the illustrative unit costs below, apply a state-level regional factor, then add a 12% contingency allowance. Dataset kitchen-remodel-cost v2026.1-illustrative · confidence: illustrative · not independently verified.
| Line item | Type | Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets (budget / stock) | Material | lin ft | $60 | $120 | $200 |
| Cabinets (mid-range / semi-custom) | Material | lin ft | $180 | $350 | $600 |
| Cabinets (luxury / custom) | Material | lin ft | $500 | $900 | $1,800 |
| Countertops — laminate / tile (budget) | Material | sq ft | $5.00 | $12 | $20 |
| Countertops — quartz / granite (mid-range) | Material | sq ft | $30 | $65 | $110 |
| Countertops — stone / custom (luxury) | Material | sq ft | $80 | $150 | $280 |
| Backsplash tile & materials | Material | sq ft | $3.00 | $9.00 | $22 |
| Appliances allowance (budget) | Material | set | $1,500 | $2,800 | $4,500 |
| Appliances allowance (mid-range) | Material | set | $4,000 | $7,500 | $12,000 |
| Appliances allowance (luxury) | Material | set | $10,000 | $18,000 | $35,000 |
| Sink & faucet | Material | each | $150 | $400 | $1,200 |
| Kitchen flooring & underlayment | Material | sq ft | $2.00 | $6.00 | $14 |
| Lighting fixtures | Material | set | $200 | $600 | $2,000 |
| Demolition labor | Labor | sq ft | $4.00 | $9.00 | $18 |
| Cabinet installation labor | Labor | lin ft | $40 | $90 | $160 |
| Countertop fabrication & install | Labor | sq ft | $10 | $22 | $45 |
| Plumbing labor (sink hookup) | Labor | job | $300 | $700 | $1,400 |
| Plumbing / gas relocation | Labor | job | $800 | $1,800 | $4,000 |
| Electrical labor (circuits, hood) | Labor | job | $400 | $900 | $2,200 |
| Backsplash tile installation labor | Labor | sq ft | $8.00 | $15 | $28 |
| Permit | Fee | job | $75 | $350 | $900 |
| Dumpster / disposal | Fee | job | $200 | $450 | $800 |
What’s excluded
- Structural, mold, asbestos, or code-upgrade surprises found after demolition.
- Design fees, financing costs, and sales tax (varies by state).
- Premium brand upgrades beyond the selected finish level.
Source
Illustrative planning figures compiled by HomeFixHelper for demonstration. Not verified current market pricing — confirm with local contractor quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen?
Kitchen remodel costs vary widely with scope and finishes. A cosmetic refresh replacing appliances and hardware costs far less than a full gut with custom cabinetry and relocated plumbing. Use the calculator above to get an illustrative range for your choices, then confirm with local contractor quotes.
What is the biggest cost in a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets, countertops, and appliances are typically the largest material costs. Labor — including cabinet installation, countertop fabrication, and electrical — often rivals or exceeds materials. Moving the sink or gas line to a new layout adds meaningful plumbing and permitting expense.
Does this tool provide verified prices?
No. All figures are illustrative planning estimates for demonstration purposes, not verified current market pricing. Use the result as a rough starting point and always get written quotes from licensed local contractors before budgeting.
Does a kitchen island add a lot to the cost?
A basic island with stock cabinets and a countertop is a moderate addition. The cost rises significantly if you add plumbing (prep sink) or electrical (outlets, pendant lights), which is captured by also toggling the new-layout option.
How can I reduce kitchen remodel costs?
Keep the existing layout to avoid plumbing and electrical relocation costs. Choose semi-custom over fully custom cabinets, opt for quartz over natural stone countertops, and phase appliance upgrades over time. Getting three competitive quotes also helps benchmark fair pricing.