The complete guide to kitchen remodel costs in 2024, including labor

A kitchen renovation is one of the most popular home remodeling projects out there. Remodeling your kitchen enhances the utility of your kitchen and typically boosts the resale value of your entire house. The cost of remodeling a kitchen, however, can sometimes be expensive, so it’s always a good idea to chart out your costs before you start renovating.

A full kitchen remodel for a modestly sized home can cost anywhere between $30,000 and $75,000 depending on size, location and the type of home that's being renovated. Here, we give you a comprehensive breakdown of this total figure.

Kitchen Remodeling Costs by City

Labor rates for kitchen remodeling can vary significantly based on geographic location due to factors such as the cost of living, local economic conditions, and availability of skilled labor. For instance, in major metropolitan areas where the cost of living is higher, labor rates tend to be more expensive. To give you a clearer idea of these variations, let's look at the median expenses for kitchen remodels in several key cities, including labor and materials: In San Francisco, the median cost is $40,000–$72,000, while Los Angeles sees a median expense of $24,000–$43,000. In Boston, it's $32,000–$56,000. New York City rounds out the list with a median cost of $35,000–$63,000 for kitchen remodel labor and materials. These figures highlight the importance of considering location when budgeting for a kitchen remodel.

Labor and Contractor Fees

Generally, laborers and contractors charge between $15,000 to $60,000 for completely remodeling an average-sized kitchen. You may also want an interior designer to help decide on the look and feel of your new kitchen. A designer can charge anywhere between $65-$250 per hour for a project.

A good benchmark to keep in mind is that labor typically accounts for 60% of your kitchen renovation budget.

New Appliance Costs

New appliances are a crucial component of any modern kitchen. Refrigerators can cost anywhere between $500 (for basic models) to around $50,000 (for high-end designer pieces). For an average kitchen that is being renovated under a budget of $45,000, typically $5,000 to $10,000 is spent on kitchen appliances.

Backsplashes and Lighting

On average, installing a new backsplash and updating your lighting costs $1,500 for a kitchen with a floor area up to 120 square feet. High-end upgrades can cost upwards of $2,500. Lighting fixtures can range from $50 (for off-the-shelf options) to $2,000 (for designer pieces). Lighting highlights, such as an under-cabinet lighting system, typically start at around $2,000. Of course, if making these changes means changing your lighting layout or add new lighting options expect to incur some additional electrical costs to achieve your desired setup.

Cost to Install Cabinetry and Countertops

On average, kitchen cabinets for an average-sized kitchen cost around $25,000. The expense, however, can vary greatly depending on the quality and finish being used. Similarly, countertop prices tend to depend on the type of material required. Caesarstone counters cost start at around $500 for an average kitchen, and go up from there depending on the number of linear feet required. On average, a sum of $3,000 to $5,500 should be allocated for countertops.

Flooring Costs

An average kitchen flooring tiling job costs around $20-$30 per square foot. This, too, can go up to as much as $50 if you choose high-end materials. To start, it costs around $3,500 to refloor a kitchen that is being renovated at a budget of $45,000.

Plumbing and Electrical

Plumbing costs vary depending on the type of work that is being done. This is because different categories of plumbing renovations require different legal permits (this also varies by location). These permits can cost anywhere from $2,000-$5,000 per permit. Other costs, such as base materials or additional fixtures, can total up to around $3,500.

On average, new wiring materials for a kitchen remodel cost around $454 for an average-sized kitchen. With labor, the complete rewiring costs can cost approximately $1,854.

Paint and Fixtures

A proper full paint job for an average kitchen starts at roughly $3,000, including labor and materials. While some homeowners opt to DIY their paint job in an attempt to save on labor costs, there's no replacement of a proper level 4 finish. This professional process includes skim coating, caulking and touch ups of the ceiling, walls and corners, all done by an expert hand. 

Cost Benefits of Working With A Pro

Working with a professional for your kitchen remodel offers significant cost benefits, particularly in terms of long-term return on investment (ROI) and increased home value. A professionally remodeled kitchen not only appeals more to potential buyers, enhancing the overall marketability of your home, but it also ensures that the job is done right the first time. This expertise reduces the likelihood of costly mistakes or the need for future corrections, which can accumulate expenses over time. Additionally, professionals often have access to high-quality materials at lower costs through industry contacts and can implement energy-efficient solutions that reduce utility bills. Ultimately, investing in professional help can maximize the financial returns of your remodel, both immediately and in the future.