RemodelCostCalcKitchen Remodel Cost per Square Foot
Direct answer: a US kitchen remodel costs roughly $75–$145 per sq ft at budget level, $140–$260 per sq ft mid-range, and $265–$500 per sq ft high-end, materials and labor combined. Regional labor moves those bands from about 15% below (South) to 25% above (Northeast) the national midpoint.
Mini calculator
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.
Cost per square foot by finish level
| Finish level | Per sq ft (low) | Per sq ft (high) | What it usually means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $75 | $145 | Reface or paint cabinets, laminate counters, stock appliances, layout unchanged |
| Mid-range | $140 | $260 | Semi-custom cabinets, quartz or butcher-block counters, quality branded appliances |
| High-end | $265 | $500 | Custom cabinetry, stone counters, pro-style appliances, possible layout changes |
Total cost by kitchen size (mid-range, national midpoint)
| Kitchen size | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft (small) | $14,000 | $26,000 |
| 150 sq ft (typical) | $21,000 | $39,000 |
| 200 sq ft (large) | $28,000 | $52,000 |
| 250 sq ft (very large) | $35,000 | $65,000 |
Why per-square-foot numbers mislead (a little)
Fixed costs do not shrink with the room. A range, a fridge, a sink and the electrician's visit cost about the same in 100 sq ft as in 200. Small kitchens therefore show a higher cost per square foot and large kitchens a lower one, even with identical finishes. That is why the table above is a first-pass budget, not a plan.
For a plan, go itemized. The kitchen remodel cost calculator breaks the same bands into cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, labor and the rest — the format you can hold up next to a contractor's bid. Bathroom project? Start with the bathroom remodel cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average kitchen remodel cost per square foot?
For a mid-range US kitchen remodel, the working average is roughly $140–$260 per square foot, materials and labor combined. Budget refreshes run about $75–$145 per sq ft, and high-end custom kitchens commonly reach $265–$500 per sq ft. Regional labor shifts these bands by about −15% (South) to +25% (Northeast).
Why is cost per square foot only a rough guide?
Because many kitchen costs do not scale with floor area. Appliances, the sink and much of the electrical work cost nearly the same in a 100 sq ft kitchen as in a 200 sq ft one, so small kitchens show a higher per-foot cost and large kitchens a lower one. Use per-square-foot numbers for a first budget, then switch to an itemized calculator for a plan you can act on.