How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2025?
By: Andrew Saladino | 
10 min
Last Updated: May 8th, 2025
Our kitchen is often the epicenter of our home — it's where we cook, eat, clean, socialize, and entertain. That's why kitchen remodels are one of the most popular home renovations. A fresh, updated kitchen design can improve flow and functionality, not to mention increase your home's resale value. But just how much does a kitchen remodel cost?
A kitchen renovation typically costs anywhere between $18,000 and $55,000, but the price will depend on a variety of factors. In this article, we'll break down the average kitchen renovation cost, as well as things to consider when setting your kitchen remodeling budget.
Table of Contents
Median Kitchen Remodel Costs in 2025
| Project Scope | Median Cost |
|---|---|
| Minor Remodel | $18,000 |
| Major Remodel | $55,000 |
According to the 2024 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, the median cost for a minor kitchen remodel is $18,000, while the median cost for a major remodel — when at least all the cabinets and appliances are replaced — is $55,000. Those amounts are up by 19% and 22%, respectively, since 2022.
The national average cost to remodel a kitchen is $36,500. However, the amount you spend will depend on:
- The location of your home
- The size of your kitchen
- The scale of the remodel
- The quality of the features you plan to incorporate into your design
While minor projects for a small kitchen likely won't exceed $30,000, it's not unheard of to spend upwards of $200,000 renovating a large, upscale kitchen.
Average Remodel Costs for Smaller Kitchens (<250 sq. ft.)
Expect to spend anywhere from $13,000 to $50,000 when renovating a kitchen under 250 square feet. Small kitchen remodels require fewer materials and less labor, so you'll be saving money and time.
Average Remodel Costs for Larger Kitchens (250+ sq. ft.)
It'll cost between $20,000 and $66,000 to remodel a large kitchen, depending on the scope and quality of the materials you choose. You'll need to spend more on materials and labor, and with added structural changes the cost can add up quickly.
Kitchen Remodel Cost Breakdown
The standard recommendation is to spend approximately 15% of your home's total value on your kitchen remodel. For example, if your home is valued at $175,000, your max renovation budget would be $26,250.
When planning your kitchen remodel, aim to spend 10% of your home value on the remodel while setting 5% aside for overages and unexpected costs.
According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, a good breakdown of your overall budget looks like this:
- Cabinetry: 29%
- Labor: 17%
- Appliances: 14%
- Countertops: 10%
- Flooring: 7%
- Lighting (fixtures, installation, etc.): 5%
- Walls and ceilings: 5%
- Doors and windows: 4%
- Plumbing (sinks, faucets, etc.): 4%
- Other (design fees, accessories, etc.): 5%
Pro Tip: Use our kitchen remodel cost estimator for a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to spend on your renovation.
Cabinetry
| Cabinet Type | Price per linear foot (installed) |
|---|---|
| Stock | $100-$300 |
| Semi-custom | $150-$650 |
| Custom | $500-$1,200 |
Updated kitchen cabinets will likely make up the bulk of your renovation costs. According to the national average, expect to spend between $2,000 and $28,000 on your cupboards.
As one of the most critical elements of your kitchen, the cost of your cabinets will depend on the cabinet style, quantity, and quality of the materials. The size of the job matters as well — contractors often quote prices ranging from $100 to $1,200 per linear foot.
You can save money on new kitchen cabinets by opting for stock, ready-to-assemble, or pre-assembled kitchen cabinets. These are great options for DIY projects on a budget.
For an in-depth price breakdown, check out our guide on kitchen cabinet costs.
Labor
The amount you spend on labor will largely depend on which projects you're able to do yourself. Typically, the labor cost to remodel a kitchen will range between $3,000 and $9,350. This includes contractor and installation costs.
That said, DIY kitchen remodels cost significantly less. Many projects, such as painting, tiling your backsplash, and installing your kitchen sink and faucet, can be completed even if you lack handyworker experience.
Appliances
54% of homeowners choose to replace all their appliances during a renovation, and nearly half of them are opting for high-tech units with features like Wi-Fi connectivity and touch-screen displays. If you decide to embrace this new wave of tech vs. sticking to simpler styles, prices per appliance can inflate wildly from the national average of $5,110 to upwards of $20,000!
Let's compare the average prices of both high-end and low-end common kitchen appliances for a better idea of how these luxury features can impact your remodeling cost.
| Appliance Type | Low End | High End |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | $500 | $8,000+ |
| Range | $650 | $5,000+ |
| Cooktop | $600 | $2,000+ |
| Wall Oven | $1,000 | $6,000+ |
| Dishwasher | $300 | $5,000 |
Countertops
A clean, updated kitchen countertop can instantly give your kitchen a much-needed facelift. The national average for countertops is about $3,700, but the cost will depend on your choice of material and the total square footage of the countertop needed for your design.
| Countertop type | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Laminate | $25-$70 |
| Granite | $50-$200 |
| Quartz | $70-$150 |
| Marble | $100-$300 |
| Soapstone | $150-$250 |
| Butcher block | $75-$200 |
| Concrete | $100-$250 |
| Stainless steel | $150-$400 |
Flooring
Like cabinets and countertops, the size of your kitchen and the type of material you select will be the largest drivers of your kitchen flooring budget.
Linoleum and vinyl are the least expensive options, which cost approximately $3-$10 per square foot (including installation). Laminate and tiled flooring tend to fall in the middle range, with an average cost of $6-$20 per square foot. New hardwood floors — the higher end of flooring options — cost $14-$30 per square foot, depending on the wood species.
| Flooring Type | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Linoleum/Vinyl | $3-$10 |
| Laminate/Tile | $6-$20 |
| Hardwood | $14-$30 |
Lighting
Updating your kitchen lighting can significantly enhance both form and function. The cost depends on the scope of your project and the type of lights you choose.
For a basic refresh, expect to spend $1,500 to $2,500 for a kitchen under 250 square feet. This could include swapping out old fixtures for new pendant lights, adding under cabinet lighting, or installing recessed can lights.
However, for a more elaborate remodel with high-end fixtures or extensive rewiring, the cost can climb above $4,000. It's always a good idea to discuss your lighting goals with a contractor or electrician to get a more accurate estimate for your specific kitchen.
Walls and Ceiling
Don't forget to factor in your wall and ceiling treatments when planning your renovation budget. These upgrades can be as simple as a fresh coat of paint, but replacing old drywall with new safety-conscious materials like fire- and moisture-resistant drywall may be worth the additional cost and labor.
About 5% of your renovation budget will go toward updating the walls and ceilings, which translates to an average of $1,825.
Doors and Windows
The cost to replace your doors and windows will depend on the layout of your kitchen. On average, these upgrades cost about $1,500. However, kitchens with large windows or those that open to a deck will have a larger door and window budget, while open-concept kitchens with no windows may be able to reallocate this portion of the budget elsewhere.
Plumbing
In addition to updating your sink and faucet hardware, you may need to adjust your plumbing if you're planning on changing the layout of your kitchen. Though it's best to avoid plumbing work as it can be quite costly, it may be required if you plan to move the location of your sink or dishwasher.
The national average for plumbing work for a kitchen remodel — including sink and faucet, dishwasher, instant hot water tap, disposal, and ice maker installation — costs an average of $1,460. However, prices can quickly climb if you plan on changing the layout of your kitchen.
What To Consider Before Renovating Your Kitchen
Kitchen remodels can take a good chunk of time and money to complete, which is why most homeowners will only renovate their kitchen every 10 to 15 years. In most cases, your goal should be to design a space that not only meets your current needs and desires but will continue to serve you and your family for the next decade — all while staying within budget.
However, these additional factors may also influence how much you decide to set aside for your remodel.
The Value of Your Home
Having a solid understanding of your home's current value will help you decide how much to spend on your kitchen remodel. The higher the value of your home, the higher your project budget will likely be.
Remember that your renovation budget should be approximately 15% of your home value — giving you the best chance of recouping the cost at the time of sale. To determine the value of your home, you'll need an unbiased assessment. Here are a few options to evaluate your home's worth:
- Compare your home to similar properties in your neighborhood that have been sold recently. Consider their sale price, size, and features.
- Enlist a real estate agent or home appraiser to inspect your home, taking into account special features and its price in today's market.
- Utilize an online home estimator tool that uses both public and user-reported information. An online tool will provide you with an estimated market value but is not an official appraisal.
Remodeling for Listing vs. Keeping
Are you planning to stay in your home or put it up for sale after your kitchen renovation?
How you approach your remodel project will depend on whether you plan to list your home in the next three years or continue to live in it:
- If you're planning to stay: Don't be afraid to add some personal style and function to your design! Opt for bold colors, unique textures and patterns, and accessories that spark joy. The goal in this case is to end up with a kitchen you love while still maintaining resale value.
- If you're planning to list: A smaller remodel — which can include painting or refacing your kitchen cabinets, updating outdated appliances, and replacing your countertops — may be more suitable and cost-effective. This will allow potential buyers to easily envision adding their own style to the space.
Cost of a Remodeling Contractor
If you aren't comfortable undertaking your kitchen remodel yourself, you may want to hire a remodeling contractor to help guide your vision to reality.
A professional contractor can help:
- Coordinate your renovation based on your style, needs, and budget
- Obtain all the necessary permits for your remodel
- Locate construction materials
- Recruit subcontractors for plumbing, electrical, installation, and other needs
The cost of a contractor will vary based on your location and the scope of your project. The markup of a remodeling contractor ranges from 30% to as high as 85% of your remodeling costs, though a typical markup is around 50%. For instance, if your kitchen remodel costs $10,000, a contractor's price for the project, including their fees, might be $15,000.
Your contractor should provide you with an estimate before beginning work on your project. Find contractors by searching reputable websites and asking family and friends for recommendations. Make sure your contractor is licensed and insured and provides you with reliable references.
Longevity of the Design and Style
With an undertaking as large as a kitchen remodel, you want to make sure the style doesn't look dated in a few years. By choosing timeless kitchen staples like shaker cabinets or a neutral color scheme, your kitchen is more likely to stay on trend for years to come.
Your Kitchen's Functionality
Does your kitchen layout assist the flow of your cooking, baking, and preparing meals? Is there ample space to chop vegetables and lay clean dishes to dry?
Consider your counter space, the placement of your appliances, and the arrangement of your island and cabinets to ensure optimal workflow. Research the best functional kitchen layouts and browse other home designs to help revamp the functionality and flow of your new kitchen.
Kitchen Remodeling Costs FAQs
Still having trouble calculating your optimal kitchen remodel budget? We gathered a few of the most frequently asked questions to help you financially prepare for your next kitchen renovation.
What is a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel?
Setting a realistic budget for a kitchen remodel will depend on many factors, like the size of the kitchen, the scope of the project, and the location of the home. On average, a full kitchen remodel will cost around $36,500.
What is the most expensive cost of a kitchen remodel?
The most expensive cost of a kitchen remodel is new kitchen cabinets, which typically make up around 29% of the total remodel cost, followed by labor (17%) and appliances (14%).
How can I save money on a kitchen remodel?
When it comes to any home renovation, it's important to compromise early on the things you want vs. the things you actually need. Oftentimes, there's a cheaper alternative available with a similar look and feel as its high-end counterpart. Some of the best ways you can save money on your kitchen remodel include:
- Doing some (or all) of the work yourself
- Refinishing or refacing your current kitchen cabinets
- Installing RTA or pre-assembled stock cabinets
- Buying floor model appliances
- Using your existing layout
- Opting for cheaper countertop materials
- Limiting optional features and add-ons
Whether you're planning a minor kitchen facelift or a major rehaul, researching your kitchen remodel costs beforehand will help you stay within the budget and scope of your project.
Ready to start planning for the kitchen of your dreams? Our NKBA-certified designers can help you create the perfect 3D kitchen design for free. Send in your measurements and favorite cabinet door style, and we'll work with you to create a custom layout, item list, and price quote.
