Kitchen Remodel Cost Estimator
A kitchen remodel costs $26,000 to $50,000 for a typical 120 sq ft mid-range renovation in 2026 — about $220–$420 per square foot. Budget refreshes start near $14,000, and custom gut renovations reach $100,000+. Use the estimator below to price your own kitchen by size, finish level and city, then get real contractor bids.
Estimate your kitchen
Semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, new appliances, tile floor, some electrical.
Estimated project range
$26,400 – $50,400
Materials, labour and installation. Add 10–15% contingency and permit fees.
Kitchen remodel cost breakdown
| Line item | Share of budget | 2026 pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | 30-35% | Stock $100-$250/lf, semi-custom $250-$500/lf, custom $600+/lf |
| Countertops | 10-12% | Laminate $40-$70/sf, quartz $90-$160/sf, natural stone $120-$250/sf |
| Labour & installation | 17-22% | Carpentry, tile setting, general contractor supervision |
| Appliances | 12-15% | Entry package $3,500, mid $7,000, pro-grade $18,000+ |
| Flooring | 5-8% | LVP $5-$9/sf installed, porcelain tile $12-$22/sf installed |
| Plumbing & electrical | 8-12% | Higher when sinks, gas lines or panels move |
| Backsplash, paint, lighting | 4-6% | Often the fastest way to trim the budget |
| Permits & contingency | 5-10% | Always hold 10-15% for what demo uncovers |
Kitchen remodel cost by city
Toronto, ON
$30,360 – $57,960 · 120 sq ft mid-range
High labour demand, permit fees for plumbing moves
Vancouver, BC
$31,680 – $60,480 · 120 sq ft mid-range
Highest trade rates in Canada
Calgary, AB
$26,400 – $50,400 · 120 sq ft mid-range
Balanced labour market
Ottawa, ON
$26,928 – $51,408 · 120 sq ft mid-range
Steady pricing, shorter lead times
Montreal, QC
$25,080 – $47,880 · 120 sq ft mid-range
Lower labour rates, RBQ-licensed trades
Halifax, NS
$24,288 – $46,368 · 120 sq ft mid-range
Lower rates, longer material lead times
Where the money actually goes
Two kitchens of identical size can differ by $40,000. The swing almost always comes from three decisions: whether cabinets are replaced or refaced, whether plumbing and gas lines move, and whether the counter is laminate, quartz or slab stone. Everything else — paint, backsplash, hardware, lighting — is small money by comparison.
If the budget is tight, keep the existing footprint. Moving a sink six feet triggers plumbing permits, drywall repair, flooring patch-in and an inspection — commonly $3,000–$12,000 for a change most homeowners stop noticing after a month.
Kitchen remodel cost FAQs
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in 2026?
A typical 10x12 ft (120 sq ft) kitchen remodel costs about $26,000-$50,000 for a mid-range renovation, roughly $220-$420 per square foot. Budget refreshes start near $14,000 and high-end gut renovations run $50,000-$100,000+.
What is the biggest cost in a kitchen remodel?
Cabinetry. It usually eats 30-35% of the total budget. Refacing existing boxes instead of replacing them can cut $8,000-$15,000 from a mid-range project.
How much should I budget per square foot?
Plan on $120-$220/sq ft for a budget refresh, $220-$420/sq ft for a mid-range remodel, and $420-$850/sq ft for a custom or gut renovation, before regional adjustments.
Does moving plumbing or walls raise the price?
Yes. Relocating a sink, gas line, or load-bearing wall typically adds $3,000-$12,000 once permits, framing, drywall and inspections are included.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
A cosmetic refresh takes 2-3 weeks. A mid-range remodel runs 6-10 weeks including cabinet lead time. Full gut renovations with layout changes take 3-5 months.
How can I lower my kitchen remodel cost?
Keep the existing layout, reface cabinets, choose quartz remnants, order stock sizes, and do your own demo and painting. Those four moves commonly save 20-30%.
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⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE: For educational purposes only. Not legal advice. Pricing is an estimate based on 2026 market data and varies by scope, site conditions and local trade rates.