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Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026: Budget, Mid-Range & Luxury
The average kitchen remodel costs about $27,000, with most between $15,000 and $42,000. See 2026 costs by budget level, where the money goes, ROI and ways to save.
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The kitchen is the heart of the home, and usually the most expensive room to remodel. Between cabinets, countertops, appliances, plumbing and electrical work, costs add up fast.
The good news: there's a kitchen remodel for almost every budget. Here's what homeowners are spending in 2026, where the money goes, and how to get the kitchen you want without blowing your budget.
Quick answer: how much does a kitchen remodel cost?
The national average kitchen remodel costs about $27,000, and most homeowners spend between $15,000 and $42,000, according to Angi. Houzz reports a median spend of about $20,000 for a minor remodel and $55,000 for a major remodel (where cabinets and appliances are replaced).
| Remodel level | What it usually includes | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Budget / cosmetic refresh | Paint, cabinet refacing or painting, new hardware, faucet, lighting, backsplash | $5,000 to $15,000 |
| Minor / mid-range remodel | New countertops, some new cabinets or doors, mid-range appliances, flooring, sink | $15,000 to $40,000 |
| Major mid-range remodel | All-new cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, lighting; layout mostly the same | $40,000 to $85,000 |
| Upscale / luxury remodel | Custom cabinets, high-end stone, pro appliances, layout changes, moving walls or plumbing | $85,000 to $165,000+ |
Ranges based on Angi and Houzz 2026 data and the Remodeling Cost vs. Value report (2025 edition: minor midrange ≈ $28,458; major midrange ≈ $82,793; major upscale ≈ $164,104). Costs vary widely by region and kitchen size. Get several quotes.
Where does the money go?
A rough breakdown of a typical mid-range kitchen remodel:
| Category | Share of budget |
|---|---|
| Cabinets & hardware | ~25 to 35% |
| Labor & installation | ~15 to 25% |
| Appliances | ~10 to 15% |
| Countertops | ~10% |
| Flooring | ~5 to 7% |
| Plumbing & fixtures | ~4 to 5% |
| Lighting & electrical | ~5% |
| Backsplash, paint, walls | ~5% |
| Design, permits, contingency | ~5 to 10% |
Approximate shares. Your mix will vary. Cabinets are almost always the biggest single cost.
Cost by component
| Item | Typical cost range |
|---|---|
| Cabinet painting | $1,500 to $5,000 |
| Cabinet refacing | $5,000 to $12,000 |
| New stock cabinets | $4,000 to $15,000 |
| Semi-custom cabinets | $10,000 to $30,000 |
| Custom cabinets | $20,000 to $50,000+ |
| Laminate countertops | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Quartz or granite countertops | $3,000 to $8,000+ |
| Appliance package (mid-range) | $4,000 to $10,000 |
| Tile backsplash | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Flooring | $1,500 to $6,000 |
| New sink & faucet | $500 to $2,000 |
| Lighting upgrade | $500 to $3,000 |
Typical ranges for an average-size kitchen, installed. Prices vary with size, materials and location.
What makes a kitchen remodel more expensive?
- Changing the layout. Moving the sink, stove or dishwasher means moving plumbing, gas and electrical, one of the biggest cost jumps.
- Removing walls. Especially load-bearing walls, which need structural work and permits.
- Custom cabinets. Beautiful but expensive.
- Premium countertops like marble or high-end quartz.
- Professional-grade appliances.
- Older homes. Outdated wiring or plumbing often must be brought up to code once walls are opened.
- Where you live. Labor in big coastal cities can cost far more than the national average.
Is a kitchen remodel worth it? (ROI)
According to the Remodeling Cost vs. Value report (2025 edition), a minor mid-range kitchen remodel recouped more than 100% of its cost in added resale value nationally. One of the best-returning projects on the list. Major remodels return much less: about 51% for a major mid-range remodel and about 36% for upscale.
The lesson: If you're remodeling to sell, a smart minor remodel usually pays off best. If you're staying for years, remodel for how you want to live.
10 ways to save on a kitchen remodel
- Keep the same layout. Leaving plumbing and gas where they are saves thousands.
- Paint or reface cabinets instead of replacing them, if the boxes are in good shape.
- Choose stock or semi-custom cabinets over fully custom.
- Mix materials: splurge on a small island top, save on the perimeter countertops.
- Shop appliance sales: major holiday weekends often bring big discounts.
- Do the demo and painting yourself (if you're comfortable).
- Consider quartz remnants for small areas.
- Buy floor models or open-box appliances.
- Get at least three detailed quotes.
- Set aside a 10 to 20% contingency for surprises behind the walls. Then you won't panic when they happen.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
| Project | Typical timeline |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Minor / mid-range remodel | 4 to 8 weeks |
| Major remodel | 2 to 4+ months |
Planning, design and ordering cabinets can add weeks (or months) before construction even starts. Plan for a temporary kitchen: a microwave, coffee maker and fridge in another room helps a lot.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of a kitchen remodel in 2026? About $27,000 nationally, with most projects between $15,000 and $42,000.
How much does a small kitchen remodel cost? A small kitchen can often be refreshed for $10,000 to $25,000, depending on whether you replace cabinets and appliances.
What's the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel? Cabinets: usually around a quarter to a third of the total budget.
Can I remodel a kitchen for $10,000? Yes, if you keep the layout, paint or reface the cabinets, choose budget-friendly countertops and do some of the work yourself.
Does a kitchen remodel add value to my home? Yes, especially minor remodels, which have recouped close to or more than their full cost at resale in recent Cost vs. Value reports. Major luxury remodels return a smaller share of their cost.
The bottom line
Most kitchen remodels cost $15,000 to $42,000, with the average around $27,000. Keep your layout, put cabinets at the center of your budget planning, set aside a contingency and get several quotes. A smart, focused remodel can make your kitchen feel brand new, and add real value to your home.
Sources: Angi and Houzz 2026 kitchen remodel cost data; Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report (2025 edition).
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