Average Kitchen Remodel Cost Calculator: 2026 US Numbers by Size

The 'average kitchen remodel' is a moving target — a 60 sq ft galley refresh looks nothing like a 250 sq ft open-plan gut. This calculator segments the average by size class and quality tier so the number actually applies to your kitchen.

2026 Average Kitchen Remodel Cost by Size

• Small (under 70 sq ft): $8,000 – $28,000
• Midsize (70–150 sq ft): $14,000 – $48,000
• Large (150–250 sq ft): $28,000 – $90,000
• Extra large (250+ sq ft): $45,000 – $170,000+

2026 Cost per Square Foot by Quality Tier

• Minor refresh (paint, hardware, appliances): $90 – $175/sq ft
• Midrange (new cabinets, quartz, LVP): $180 – $310/sq ft
• Upscale (custom cabinets, stone, high-end appliances): $340 – $600/sq ft
• Luxury (designer, chef-grade, layout change): $620 – $1,050/sq ft

The Formula

Average total = Kitchen sq ft × Quality-tier $/sq ft × Regional cost index

Resale ROI Reality

The 2026 Remodeling Cost vs. Value benchmark still shows midrange kitchens returning about 55% at resale, and upscale kitchens closer to 40%. Minor refreshes remain the ROI winner at 70-80%. The calculator shows the expected resale return alongside the total.

Why the National Average Misleads

A $45k 'average' includes New York gut jobs and Texas cabinet swaps in the same bucket. The regional cost index in the calculator strips out that averaging so you see the number for your ZIP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the true US average in 2026?

Midrange, midsize kitchen: about $32,000 nationally. Add 25-35% for the coasts, subtract 15-20% for the Sun Belt and Midwest.

Should I match the tier of comps in my neighborhood?

Yes — going one tier above resale comps returns cents on the dollar. Match or under-shoot for max ROI.