Average Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026 (By Size, Tier and State)

National averages mix a $16,000 cabinet swap in Ohio with a $190,000 gut in Manhattan and hand you a number in the middle. Useful for headlines, useless for a budget. The 2026 US average kitchen remodel is roughly $45,000, and this guide breaks that into the three variables that actually move it: size, tier and where you live.

Average by Kitchen Size (2026)

• Small, under 100 sq ft: average $24,000 (range $14,000–$38,000)
• Midsize, 100–180 sq ft: average $45,000 (range $30,000–$66,000)
• Large, 180–280 sq ft: average $79,000 (range $55,000–$118,000)
• Extra large, 280+ sq ft: average $124,000 (range $85,000–$200,000+)

Average by Quality Tier

• Refresh tier: $95–$170 per square foot
• Midrange tier: $185–$320 per square foot
• Upscale tier: $340–$610 per square foot
• Luxury tier: $620–$1,050 per square foot

Average Kitchen Remodel Cost by State

• California: $58,000–$72,000 midsize midrange
• New York: $56,000–$70,000
• Washington: $52,000–$64,000
• Illinois: $46,000–$56,000
• Florida: $40,000–$50,000
• Georgia: $38,000–$47,000
• Texas: $36,000–$46,000
• Ohio and the Midwest generally: $33,000–$42,000

Why Your Quote May Beat the Average

Averages assume new cabinets. If yours are solid wood boxes in good shape, refacing them drops you $10,000–$20,000 below the average for the same visual result. Averages also assume the layout stays. Move the sink and you'll clear the average even with modest finishes.

Average ROI at Resale

Minor midrange kitchen remodels recoup roughly 70–80% nationally in 2026, midrange full remodels 50–55%, and upscale remodels 38–42%. The smaller the intervention, the better the return — which is why an average-priced refresh often beats an above-average rebuild on paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average kitchen remodel cost in 2026?

About $45,000 for a midsize midrange kitchen in the US, with most projects falling between $26,000 and $78,000.

Is $30,000 a reasonable kitchen budget?

Yes for a small to midsize kitchen with stock or semi-custom cabinets and no layout change, especially outside high-cost metros.

Why is my quote double the average?

Usually custom cabinetry, a layout or structural change, or a high-cost coastal labor market — often all three together.