Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator
Estimate kitchen renovation cost by scope, cabinets, countertops, and appliances
Total floor area (typical: 100-200 sq ft)
Cosmetic, mid-grade, full gut, or luxury
Biggest single cost driver in a kitchen
Cost per sq ft varies widely
Refrigerator, range, dishwasher, etc.
Moving plumbing, electrical, or walls
Labor and material costs vary by region
Estimated Total Cost
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Cost per Sq Ft
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Low Estimate
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High Estimate
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Cabinets (est.)
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Countertops (est.)
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Appliances (est.)
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Labor & Install (est.)
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Other (flooring, electrical, permits)
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Disclaimer: Results are estimates based on 2026 national averages and may vary significantly by contractor, material choices, and site conditions. Always get multiple quotes from licensed contractors.
How to Use This Calculator
Kitchen remodels are the most expensive room renovation per square foot due to cabinets, countertops, and appliances. This calculator uses 2026 national cost data and adjusts for cabinet quality, countertop material, and appliance grade.
- Enter the kitchen's total square footage
- Select the remodel scope (cosmetic to luxury)
- Choose your cabinet quality level
- Pick the countertop material
- Select the appliance grade
- Indicate whether you plan to change the kitchen layout
- Choose your regional cost factor
Expert Insights
Smart analysis for your kitchen budget
Cabinets Drive the Budget
Cabinets account for 30-40% of a kitchen remodel. Semi-custom cabinets offer the best value — they look custom but cost 30-50% less than fully custom.
Kitchen ROI
A mid-range kitchen remodel returns about 60-70% of cost at resale. Upscale remodels return closer to 50-60%. Quartz countertops and stainless appliances are buyer favorites.
Layout = Hidden Costs
Moving plumbing and electrical adds $5,000-$15,000. Keeping the sink and range in place is the biggest way to save. Open-concept wall removals require structural engineering.
Calculation Methodology
Base Cost = Kitchen Size x Cost per Sq Ft (by scope)
Cabinet Multiplier: Stock x1.0, Semi-Custom x1.2, Custom x1.6
Countertop Multiplier: Laminate x0.85, Butcher x1.0, Quartz x1.15, Granite x1.1, Marble x1.35
Appliance Multiplier: Budget x0.85, Mid x1.0, Luxury x1.4
Layout Factor: None x1.0, Minor x1.1, Major x1.25
Adjusted = Base x Cabinet x Countertop x Appliance x Layout x Location
Breakdown: Cabinets 35%, Countertops 12%, Appliances 18%, Labor 25%, Other 10%
Average Kitchen Remodel Costs by Scope (2026)
| Scope | Cost / Sq Ft | Typical 10'x15' Kitchen |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | $75 - $125 | $5,000 - $15,000 |
| Mid-Grade Remodel | $150 - $350 | $20,000 - $50,000 |
| Full Gut & Reno | $300 - $500 | $40,000 - $80,000 |
| Luxury | $500 - $800+ | $75,000 - $130,000+ |
Authority References
- NKBA — National Kitchen & Bath Association. Learn more
- Remodeling Magazine — Cost vs. Value Report 2026. Learn more
- RSMeans — Construction Cost Database 2026. Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
The national average kitchen remodel costs $20,000-$50,000 for a mid-grade renovation. Minor/cosmetic updates cost $5,000-$15,000, while full gut renovations cost $40,000-$80,000+. Luxury kitchens with custom cabinets and high-end appliances can exceed $100,000.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost per square foot?
Cosmetic refresh: $75-$125 per sq ft. Mid-grade remodel: $150-$350 per sq ft. Full gut renovation: $300-$500 per sq ft. Luxury: $500-$800+ per sq ft. Custom cabinets and premium countertops drive up the per-sq-ft cost significantly.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets are typically the largest expense at 30-40% of the total budget. Appliances account for 15-20%, countertops 10-15%, labor 25-35%, and flooring/lighting/electrical/plumbing 10-15%.