RemodelCostCalcKitchen Remodel Cost Calculator
A mid-range kitchen remodel typically costs about $140–$260 per square foot in the US. Enter your kitchen size, finish level and region below to get an itemized low–high estimate — cabinets, countertops, appliances, labor and all.
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Planning estimate only — not a quote. Figures are built from typical US per-square-foot cost bands for each line item, adjusted for finish level and region. Actual prices vary with layout changes, material choices, permits and local contractor rates.
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Where the money goes in a kitchen remodel
Cabinets are the biggest lever. In the calculator's mid-range bands, cabinets account for roughly a third of the budget, and the finish-level choice multiplies their cost more than any other line — custom inset cabinetry can cost three times a stock refresh before a single counter is cut.
Labor is the second lever, and it is regional. Installation, electrical and plumbing labor rates in the Northeast and West run materially above the South and Midwest, which is why the same 150 sq ft kitchen produces a noticeably different range when you switch the region selector — try it above.
Layout changes are the quiet budget-killer. These estimates assume you keep the existing footprint. Moving a sink, adding a gas line or removing a wall adds plumbing, electrical, structural and permit costs that per-square-foot bands do not capture; budget separately for that work and expect the high end of the range — or beyond it.
Typical kitchen budgets at a glance
For a 150 sq ft kitchen at mid-range finishes, most homeowners plan around $21,000–$39,000 nationally. A budget refresh (paint or reface cabinets, laminate counters, stock appliances) commonly starts near $11,500–$21,500, while a high-end custom kitchen of the same size frequently runs $40,000–$74,000+. Every figure shifts with region — the calculator applies that adjustment for you.
How to use this estimate with real bids
- Get at least three itemized bids, and compare them line by line against the breakdown above — not just the totals.
- Ask any bidder whose line lands far above the high end what drives it: sometimes it is a material upgrade, sometimes it is padding.
- Hold back a contingency of about 10–15% beyond the estimate for surprises behind walls, especially in older homes.
- Considering the per-square-foot view instead? See our kitchen remodel cost per square foot guide.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a kitchen remodel cost?
For a mid-range remodel, plan on roughly $140–$260 per square foot — about $21,000–$39,000 for a typical 150 sq ft kitchen. Budget refreshes can start near $75–$145 per sq ft, while high-end custom kitchens often exceed $265–$500 per sq ft. Regional labor is a major factor: the same kitchen can cost about 25% more in the Northeast than the national midpoint and about 15% less in the South.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets are usually the single biggest line item, commonly 30–40% of the total when labor is counted separately. Labor and installation come next, then countertops and appliances. Keeping stock or semi-custom cabinets and the existing layout is the fastest way to pull a budget down.
How can I lower my kitchen remodel cost?
Keep the same layout so plumbing and electrical stay put, refinish or reface cabinets instead of replacing them, choose stock sizes, and pick durable mid-range materials (quartz-look laminate counters, LVP flooring). Getting three itemized bids and comparing them line by line against a calculator breakdown also exposes padded lines quickly.
Does a kitchen remodel add value to a home?
Often, yes — a well-scoped mid-range kitchen remodel is consistently among the higher-return interior projects in US resale studies, but the return varies by market and by how much you spend relative to the home's value. Overspending far beyond neighborhood norms rarely comes back in full.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A straightforward cosmetic remodel may take 3–5 weeks of on-site work; a full mid-range remodel with new cabinets and counters commonly runs 6–10 weeks, plus lead time for cabinets and stone fabrication. Your estimate range does not change with timeline, but rushed jobs can add cost — plan the budget before you plan the start date.