How Much Does a New Kitchen Cost? A Realistic Breakdown for Homeowners

Kitchen Remodel Piggy Bank

How much does a new kitchen actually cost? We're going to try to answer the most burning question homeowners have before they start their projects. And the simple answer is....it depends. A variety of factors will change the answer, but across the U.S., most full kitchen renovations fall between $20,000 and $120,000. A big range, but understanding the factors driving these numbers can help you plan realistically and avoid surprises along the way.

Why Kitchen Remodel Costs Vary So Widely

No two kitchens are exactly alike, and neither are homeowner goals. Some homeowners want the renovation to result in a refreshed look with minimal disruption, while others are ready for a complete transformation and a kitchen that will last decades. Cost differences typically come down to:

• The size of the kitchen

• Keeping or changing the layout

• Cabinet types and quality

• Countertop materials

• Appliance selection

• Labor, design, and permitting

• Regional labor and material costs

Even kitchens of similar size can land in very different price ranges depending on these choices.

Before we dive in, keep in mind the following: YES, you can do a kitchen for less if it is very small, you're keeping existing countertops, and/or you're sticking with stock cabinet lines. There is no shortage of colors and styles in basic cabinet lines that offer the ability to flip or update a kitchen with minimized costs. For the majority of homeowners who are looking to maximize updates, especially when the kitchen is significantly dated - the following ranges are more applicable:

Basic Kitchen Remodels: $20,000–$35,000

A basic kitchen remodel starts around $20,000, and focuses on updates without structural changes. These projects typically control costs by keeping the current footprint intact.

Common features at this level include:

• Stock cabinetry or cabinet refacing - often builder grade or cabinet lines that offer minimized options (cabinet sizes, colors)

• Laminate or entry-level granite or quartz countertops

• Standard appliance replacements or keeping existing appliances

• Basic lighting and fixture updates

• Very basic tile backsplash or 4" countertop backsplash with painted walls

• Zero to minimal plumbing or electrical changes

• Limited cabinetry conveniences - usually in this range there can be a pullout wastebin, corner lazy susan, and maybe a spice rack or pantry rollouts depending on the size of the kitchen

• No flooring changes or less expensive flooring updates (e.g. LVP)

This type of remodel works well for homeowners who want a new kitchen without moving walls or reworking systems behind the walls. While finishes may be simpler, thoughtful selections can still result in a polished, functional space.

Mid-Range Kitchen Remodels: $35,000–$70,000

Many homeowners fall into the mid-range category, balancing design flexibility and budget management through smart decisions and maybe a few smart trade-offs to manage costs. At this level, kitchens feel more personalized and tailored to how the space is actually used, often involving footprint changes to make the flow more practical, removing non load bearing walls and increasing the size of the kitchen.

A mid-range kitchen remodel often includes:

• New semi-custom cabinetry

• Entry to mid-level Quartz or granite countertops

• Tile backsplash

• Flooring updates - LVP, basic tile, or wood

• New lighting layout - recessed lighting and some under cabinet lighting

• Adding ducting to replace hood microwaves or circulated air

• Mid-range appliances (or minimal new appliances)

• Improved organizational and cabinetry conveniences such as pantry rollouts, more pullout storage

• Minor electrical updates - often to add power to the island

You may also see modest layout adjustments, such as widening an opening or adding an island, depending on the home. This range allows for higher-quality materials, semi-custom cabinetry, and improved storage solutions while staying mindful of overall budget. We work with many clients who would like to stay in this range and it's completely doable - understanding trade-offs and making decisions based on priority is key.

Upper Mid-Range Kitchen Remodels: $70,000–$120,000

At the higher end, a kitchen remodel becomes a paint to permit project. Budgets in this range are often driven by premium materials, advanced layouts, added organizational features, high-performance appliances, and the labor costs that come with these features. This range may have added design fees, inspection fees for structural changes

Upper mid-range kitchen remodels frequently include:

• Semi-custom cabinetry with specialized storage or pocket doors, paneled ends for fully finished looks, stacked crown molding and other features including cabinetry conveniences

• Upper end to professional appliances

• Higher levels of natural stone countertops such as quartzite or higher end quartz

• Designed lighting such as in-cabinet for glass cabinets, under cabinet lighting, updated recessed lighting and feature lighting

• Seamless backsplashes

• Structural changes, including wall removal and/or updated windows

• Electrical updates including upgraded hidden outlets, additional island outlets, added electric for appliance garages or coffee bars

• Added costs such as permit fees and architectural drawings

Projects in this range often exceed $100,000, especially in larger homes or open kitchens with large islands. These kitchens are designed not just for looks, but for long-term use, entertaining, and resale value.

High End Kitchen Remodels: $120,000+

A high end kitchen remodel is a fully custom project. Selections consist of premium materials, involve modern statement features and custom cabinetry with all the conveniences.

• Custom cabinetry with specialized storage in a large footprint, often with added butler's pantries or wet kitchens

• Professional-grade, invisible or built-in appliances with paneled overlays

• Stone countertops such as quartzite, marble or branded high quality quartz (Dekton, Cambria)

• Built-in stove coves or plaster range hoods

• Designer lighting and cabinetry features with high end or automated hardware

• Statement tile, mitered countertops, seamless or custom designed slab backsplashes

• Larger format, stone or heated floors

• Structural changes, including wall removal - especially load bearing walls and changes requiring architectural drawings and permits

• Extensive electrical and plumbing updates

Projects in this range are for more discriminating homeowners who are looking for high quality, white glove service and top notch labor and design.

Kitchen Remodel Budget Allocation

Understanding how kitchen budgets are allocated helps explain how costs can quickly rise as projects become more complex.

On average:

• Cabinetry: ~30% of the total budget

• Labor and installation: 15–30%

• Appliances: 10–20%

• Countertops and backsplash: 10–15%

• Flooring, lighting, and fixtures: 5–10%

• Design, permits, and planning: varies by project

Cabinetry is often the single largest expense, followed closely by labor, especially when layout changes are involved.

Cost Per Linear Foot as a Planning Tool (Typical 10-25 linear foot kitchen)

Linear foot = base + wall cabinetry runs only

Keep in mind that appliances, islands, pantries, and old houses can shift numbers fast

Remodel Level	Total Budget Range	Typical Cost per Linear Foot	What’s Included
Low-End / Cabinet Refresh	Under $20K	$300–$500	Cabinet replacement only (stock), reuse existing layout, inexpensive countertops or keeping existing (laminate / entry butcher block), minimal hardware, no lighting changes, appliances stay
Basic Kitchen Remodel	$20K–$35K	$500–$800	Stock cabinetry, basic backsplash, entry-level granite or quartz, new faucet, basic appliance package, LVP flooring updates, mid-range hardware, limited glass doors
Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel	$35K–$70K	$800–$1,400	Stock to semi-custom cabinetry, quartz or mid-range stone, tile backsplash, under-cabinet lighting, new recessed lighting, mid-range appliances, upgraded hardware, tile or upgraded LVP flooring
Upper Mid-Range Kitchen Remodel	$70K–$120K	$1,400–$2,400	Semi-custom to custom-leaning cabinetry, footprint changes or wall removal, natural stone or premium quartz, seamless or decorative backsplash, professional or near-pro appliances, layered lighting, wood or tile flooring, statement hardware
High-End / Custom Kitchen	$120K+	$2,400–$4,000+	Fully custom cabinetry, built-in or panel-ready appliances, plaster or custom wood range hoods, stove coves, specialty storage, premium stone, architectural lighting, significant layout changes

How to Control Costs Without Cutting Corners

Staying on budget should not mean sacrificing quality. Smart planning makes a significant difference. Contrary to common beliefs, working with a design professional early in the process can prevent costly changes later in the project. Make sure you also look at the outcomes of kitchens from the contractors you are interviewing. A really beautiful outcome doesn't just involve putting up cabinets - it means high quality installation that extends into carpentry talent for a professionally finished look.

Ways to manage costs include:

• Keeping the existing layout

• Choosing stock or semi-custom cabinets instead of full custom or blending lines for access to unique design features or colors (but be prepared to have a noticeable difference in quality between two lines)

• Prioritizing form vs. function upgrades that impact daily use or maximize visual impact

• Selecting durable, mid-range finishes

• Manage the snowball effect - sometimes "all new" feels lackluster if you still have old doors and old windows. Prioritization is key and not everything has to be done at once, but some things are easier when they are. If you want to make sure these are covered, weigh your tradeoff options with a professional.

• Doing work yourself - do you have skills to do the paint or tile yourself without compromising the quality but couldn't undertake a full kitchen remodel - this is a great way to blend expertise where it matters with your own abilities! When it comes down to it, this can add time and stress though, so consider weighing quality of life vs. that extra $1500 you might save - happy wife, happy life!

  
  

  Setting aside a contingency fund of 10–15% is always a great idea. If it's not used in the remodel itself, it may be used for the accents - new rugs, new barstools or dining tables.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are planning a simple refresh or a full transformation, understanding these ranges helps you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions before you ever think about cabinet materials and color schemes! The most successful kitchen remodels are not defined by price alone, but by how well the space supports your lifestyle, adds value to your home, and stands up to everyday use for years to come.