Quick answer: A kitchen remodel in 2026 typically costs $75 to $250 per square foot, with a national average of about $26,945 and most projects between $14,589 and $41,559, according to Angi’s 2026 project data. A minor cosmetic refresh of a 150 sq ft kitchen runs roughly $11,000 to $22,500, while a full high-end remodel can pass $65,000. Cabinets are the largest single cost at about 25 to 35% of the budget.
Kitchen remodel cost by finish level
| Finish level | Per sq ft | 100 sq ft kitchen | 150 sq ft kitchen | 200 sq ft kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minor or cosmetic | $75 – $150 | $7,500 – $15,000 | $11,250 – $22,500 | $15,000 – $30,000 |
| Mid-range | $150 – $250 | $15,000 – $25,000 | $22,500 – $37,500 | $30,000 – $50,000 |
| High-end | $300 – $450 | $30,000 – $45,000 | $45,000 – $67,500 | $60,000 – $90,000 |
These are the same ranges the kitchen remodel cost calculator uses. Small kitchens hit a cost floor, because a new sink, appliances and permits cost roughly the same whatever the room size.
Where the money goes
| Component | Share of budget | On a $30,000 remodel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinets and hardware | 25 – 35% | $7,500 – $10,500 | Stock, semi-custom or custom is the biggest lever |
| Labor and installation | 20 – 35% | $6,000 – $10,500 | Higher when walls, plumbing or wiring move |
| Countertops | 10 – 15% | $3,000 – $4,500 | Quartz is often $75 – $150 per sq ft installed |
| Appliances | 10 – 20% | $3,000 – $6,000 | Range, fridge, dishwasher, hood, microwave |
| Flooring, lighting, backsplash, paint | 10 – 15% | $3,000 – $4,500 | Finishes that change the look most cheaply |
| Permits, design, contingency | 10 – 15% | $3,000 – $4,500 | Keep 10 to 15% back for surprises |
Cost by project scope
| Scope | What it includes | Typical cost (Angi 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Minor | Paint, cabinet refacing or new doors, hardware, some appliances, lighting | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Major | New cabinets and counters, new appliances, flooring, same layout | $20,000 – $65,000 |
| Complete | Layout change, moved plumbing and gas, custom cabinets, structural work | $65,000 – $130,000+ |
What pays back when you sell
The 2025 Cost vs. Value report found that a minor mid-range kitchen remodel recouped about 107% of its cost at resale nationally, while a major mid-range remodel recouped about 49% and a major upscale remodel about 35%. A modest refresh usually adds more resale value per dollar than a luxury rebuild.
Worked budget: a 150 sq ft mid-range remodel
Same layout, new cabinets and quartz
- Base: 150 sq ft × $200 mid-range rate = $30,000.
- Cabinets (30%): $9,000. Labor (27%): $8,100.
- Counters and finishes (28%): $8,400. Appliances (15%): $4,500.
- Add a 15% contingency: $30,000 × 1.15 = $34,500 total budget.
Result: Plan for about $34,500
Eight ways to cut the cost
- Keep the layout. Moving the sink, range or gas line adds plumbing, electrical and permit costs.
- Reface instead of replace cabinets that are structurally sound.
- Choose stock or semi-custom cabinet sizes.
- Mix countertop materials: quartz on the island, laminate or butcher block on the perimeter.
- Buy appliances in a package during holiday sales.
- Do the demolition and painting yourself if the contractor agrees.
- Order everything before demolition so the kitchen is not out of use while you wait.
- Get three itemized quotes and compare line by line, not just the total.
Budget checklist before you call contractors
- Measure the floor area with the square footage calculator.
- Decide finish level: minor, mid-range or high-end.
- Decide whether the layout moves.
- List appliances you keep and replace.
- Set a total including 10 to 15% contingency.
- Check local permit requirements.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in 2026?
Most kitchen remodels cost $75 to $250 per square foot. Angi’s 2026 data puts the national average at $26,945, with most projects between $14,589 and $41,559.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets, at about 25 to 35% of the budget, followed by labor at 20 to 35%.
How much does a 10×10 kitchen remodel cost?
A 100 sq ft kitchen costs about $7,500 to $15,000 for a minor refresh, $15,000 to $25,000 mid-range and $30,000 to $45,000 high-end.
Does a kitchen remodel add value?
A minor mid-range remodel recouped about 107% of its cost in the 2025 Cost vs. Value report, far more than major or upscale remodels.
How much contingency should I budget?
Keep 10 to 15% of the total aside for hidden damage, code updates and changes.
Is it cheaper to reface or replace cabinets?
Refacing is usually much cheaper when the cabinet boxes are sound, because only doors, drawer fronts and veneers change.
Keep going
Cost figures are national planning ranges from published 2025 and 2026 sources and our calculator’s assumptions. Local labor rates and material choices change the price, so get itemized quotes before committing.
Content Lead, Anchor AI Tools, California, USA. Spotted an error? Email hello@anchoraitools.com and it will be checked and corrected. See our editorial standards.