Budgeting Basics

How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost? What’s the Average Price Tag of A New Kitchen?

You’re ready to remodel your kitchen. If you’re like most people, you’re wondering, “How much does a new kitchen cost anyway?” Dozens of variables will influence your bottom line cost – including the particular kitchen cabinets, layout, appliances and countertops you choose – but the average prices below can give you a frame of reference to help you budget for your kitchen remodeling project:

Basic Kitchen

Cost: $7,000-$20,000

$75/sq. ft.

What you get for your money:

Keep existing layout
No “behind-the-wall” work
Laminate or tile countertops
Replace appliances
Keep existing flooring
New central light fixture

Mid-range Kitchen

Cost: $15,000-$35,000

$150/sq. ft.

What you get for your money:

Modify layout (reconfigure shape, add kitchen island)
Some new drywall with plumbing and electrical upgrades
Solid-surface countertops (Corian®, Wilsonart)
Appliance upgrades (stainless steel finish, add a wine cooler)
Replace floor using vinyl or laminate
Add recessed and undercabinet lights

High-End Kitchen

Cost: $30,000+

$250/sq. ft.

What you get for your money:

Expand the kitchen size, add windows
All new walls, wiring, plumbing and insulation
Stone countertops (e.g., granite, marble, quartz)
Professional-grade appliances (e.g., built-in refrigerator, six-burner range)
Replace floor using tile or hardwood
Add recessed, undercabinet and decorative pendant lighting

Basic Kitchen

Cost: $7,000-$20,000

$75/sq. ft.

What you get for your money:

Keep existing layout
No “behind-the-wall” work
Laminate or tile countertops
Replace appliances
Keep existing flooring
New central light fixture

Mid-range Kitchen

Cost: $15,000-$35,000

$150/sq. ft.

What you get for your money:

Modify layout (reconfigure shape, add kitchen island)
Some new drywall with plumbing and electrical upgrades
Solid-surface countertops (Corian®, Wilsonart)
Appliance upgrades (stainless steel finish, add a wine cooler)
Replace floor using vinyl or laminate
Add recessed and undercabinet lights

High-End Kitchen

Cost: $30,000+

$250/sq. ft.

What you get for your money:

Expand the kitchen size, add windows
All new walls, wiring, plumbing and insulation
Stone countertops (e.g., granite, marble, quartz)
Professional-grade appliances (e.g., built-in refrigerator, six-burner range)
Replace floor using tile or hardwood

Why the different price ranges?

Keep in mind, these illustrations are based on national averages for a kitchen remodel.

According to a 2021 report by HomeAdvisor®, the range for a kitchen remodel is between $13,356 and $37,715.
Remodeling magazine Cost vs. Value Report lists the national average to remodel a 200-square-foot kitchen with mid-range materials between $28,300 and $80,800 – with the low end being a minor refresh and the upper end being a more major remodel.

Something as simple as where you live can make a big difference in what your kitchen will cost. Remember that $80,800 average for a major kitchen remodel listed in the Cost vs. Value Report? It costs 14% less to complete that project in the North Central region ($75,700) than it does on the Pacific coast ($88,200).

Is it worth it?

Absolutely! A kitchen remodel can be a smart home improvement. Payback begins immediately when you see how a new kitchen makes your home more enjoyable. In the long run, it can also boost the value of your home. The Cost vs. Value Report estimates homeowners have recouped up to 57% of their kitchen investment in improved resale value.