How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? (2026)
Quick answer: a mid-range kitchen remodel in 2026 runs about $25,000–$50,000, with budget jobs from $10,000–$25,000 and high-end at $60,000+. Cabinets are the biggest single cost — often 30–40% of the budget.
- Cost ranges by scope
- Cost by kitchen size
- Where the money goes
- Budget vs high-end choices
- Worked example
- Ways to save
- FAQ
Cost ranges by scope
| Scope | Typical cost | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Budget refresh | $10,000–$25,000 | Reface/paint cabinets, new counters, appliances on sale, keep layout |
| Mid-range remodel | $25,000–$50,000 | New cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring, backsplash, lighting |
| High-end remodel | $60,000–$120,000+ | Custom cabinetry, stone counters, premium appliances, moving walls/plumbing |
These are 2026 planning ranges and vary by region, kitchen size, and material quality.
Cost by kitchen size
| Kitchen size | Budget | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|
| Galley / small (under 100 sq ft) | $8,000–$20,000 | $18,000–$35,000 |
| Standard (100–150 sq ft) | $12,000–$25,000 | $25,000–$50,000 |
| Large (150+ sq ft) | $20,000–$40,000 | $40,000–$80,000 |
Where the money goes
For a mid-range remodel, expect roughly:
- Cabinets: 30–40% of the budget — the biggest line item.
- Countertops: 10–20% — laminate is cheapest, stone the priciest.
- Appliances: 15–25% depending on brand and whether you buy all-new.
- Labor: 20–30% — electrician, plumber, cabinet and counter installers.
- Flooring, backsplash, lighting, fixtures: the remaining 15–20%.
Budget vs high-end choices
The material choices do most of the work in the price swing. Laminate countertops run $15–$40 per square foot installed; quartz or granite $60–$150+. Stock cabinets are the cheapest and install fast; semi-custom add flexibility; custom are the most expensive. On appliances, a full set of mid-range brands (fridge, range, dishwasher) can run $3,000–$6,000, while premium lines double that.
Worked example: a standard 12×12 kitchen
- Floor = 12 × 12 = 144 sq ft
- Cabinets (stock, refaced look) ≈ $9,000
- Countertops (laminate) ≈ $2,500
- Appliances (mid-range set) ≈ $4,500
- Flooring, backsplash, lighting ≈ $4,000
- Labor & permits ≈ $8,000
- Total ≈ $28,000 for a solid mid-range job
Ways to save
- Keep the layout. Moving plumbing or walls is the fastest budget-breaker.
- Reface instead of replace. Refacing cabinets can cost a third of new ones.
- Laminate counters. Modern laminates look good and are a fraction of stone.
- Buy appliances on sale. Big-box sales save hundreds per appliance.
- DIY paint and hardware. Paint and new pulls are cheap, high-impact updates.
FAQ
A mid-range kitchen remodel runs $25,000–$50,000 in 2026, with budget renovations from $10,000–$25,000 and high-end jobs $60,000+. Cabinet replacement is the single biggest line item, often 30–40% of the budget.
Cabinets are usually the biggest cost — custom cabinetry can run $15,000–$30,000 alone. Appliances and countertops follow, then labor (electrician, plumber, cabinet installer).
Yes — a $10,000–$20,000 budget kitchen is achievable by refacing or painting cabinets, keeping the existing layout, choosing laminate countertops, and shopping appliance sales. Refacing can cost a third of full replacement.
Avoid moving plumbing and walls if you can. Re-routing plumbing and removing load-bearing walls are the fastest ways to double your budget and add permitting. Keeping the layout saves thousands.