Cost by scope
| Scope | Typical cost | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh / partial | $4,000 – $12,000 | Cabinet refacing or paint, new countertop or backsplash, appliance swaps — layout and cabinets stay |
| Midrange remodel | $12,000 – $35,000 | New stock/semi-custom cabinets, mid-tier counters and appliances, same layout — the most common full remodel |
| Major / high-end | $60,000+ | Custom cabinets, layout changes, premium appliances and stone, structural work |
Where the money goes
| Part of the job | Share | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | 30–40% of total | The largest single line item in most kitchen budgets — stock vs custom is the biggest lever you control |
| Labor (install, electrical, plumbing, flooring) | 20–35% | Layout changes push this to the top of the range |
| Appliances | 10–20% | A pro range and built-in refrigeration change everything |
| Countertops | 10–15% | Laminate to quartz to natural stone spans the whole range |
What moves the price most
Cabinets decide the budget. They are the largest line item and the widest price spread — refacing sound cabinets, or choosing stock over custom, routinely saves five figures. Layout is the second cliff: moving the sink, range or walls adds plumbing, gas, electrical and permit cost to nearly every trade. Appliance tier is the third — a standard suite and a professional suite can differ by more than the entire refresh tier costs.
Costs in your city
Local labor moves a remodel price more than almost anything else, so we are publishing city-adjusted ranges metro by metro — each with its own local cost index, permit notes and climate factors, not a find-and-replace of this page. Wave 1 cities: Houston, Dallas–Fort Worth, Phoenix, Atlanta, Miami–South Florida, Orlando, Tampa, Charlotte, Austin and San Antonio. Until your city's page is live, use the national range here and weight it: Sun Belt labor often prices near or below the national middle; coastal California and the Northeast metros often price well above it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a realistic budget for a midrange kitchen remodel?
Most midrange, same-layout remodels land in the $12,000–$35,000 band, with a common middle around $22,000 — cabinets and appliances decide where in that band you fall.
Is refacing cabinets worth it?
If the cabinet boxes are solid and the layout works, refacing (new doors, drawer fronts and veneer) delivers most of the visual change for a fraction of replacement cost, and it is the backbone of the refresh tier.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A midrange remodel typically runs 4–8 weeks of work, plus cabinet lead time before it starts — order cabinets early; they set the schedule for every other trade.
What kitchen work gives the best resale return?
Cost vs. Value data consistently favors modest, midrange kitchen remodels over upscale ones for percentage recouped. A 'minor' midrange remodel has repeatedly ranked near the top of all projects nationally.