The short answer
Angi and HomeAdvisor report a 2026 national average kitchen remodel cost of about $26,990, with most homeowners spending about $14,592 to $41,619, or roughly $75 to $250 per square foot. A minor refresh typically runs about $10,000 to $20,000, a major remodel about $20,000 to $65,000, and a complete remodel that moves walls and utilities about $65,000 to $130,000 or more.
The biggest single decision is whether you keep the existing layout. Leaving the sink, range and walls where they are keeps plumbing, electrical and drywall work down; moving them is where budgets climb. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Typical kitchen remodel costs by scope
National ranges from Angi and HomeAdvisor 2026 data.
| Scope | Typical cost | What it usually includes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor refresh | $10,000–$20,000 | Paint, cabinet refacing or stock cabinets, new counters or flooring, sink and faucet; same layout |
| Major remodel | $20,000–$65,000 | New semi-custom cabinets, counters, flooring, appliances, lighting, possibly an island |
| Complete remodel | $65,000–$130,000+ | Full gut, layout changes, moved plumbing and electrical, high-end finishes |
| By size | $75–$250 per sq ft | A 150 sq ft kitchen works out to about $11,250–$37,500 |
| National average | About $26,990 | Most projects $14,592–$41,619 |
The per-square-foot example is simple multiplication. Finish level and layout changes move real projects anywhere within or beyond these ranges.
What drives the price
- Cabinets: Stock, semi-custom and custom cabinets differ a lot in price, and cabinets are usually one of the largest line items.
- Countertops: Laminate is the budget option; quartz and granite cost more, and edge details and cutouts add labor.
- Layout changes: Moving the sink, range, gas line or a wall adds plumbing, electrical, framing and drywall work.
- Appliances: Keeping working appliances saves money; a full premium package can add many thousands.
- Kitchen size: More cabinet runs, counter area and flooring mean more material and labor.
- Electrical and lighting: Added circuits, under-cabinet lighting and recessed lights add cost and usually need permits.
- Permits, design and surprises: Permit fees, design time and hidden issues behind walls should be in the budget.
Meridian and Treasure Valley considerations
Permits: Meridian's Building Services handles structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits as well as remodel permits inside city limits. Cosmetic work such as paint or swapping a countertop in place is generally simpler, but adding circuits, moving plumbing or removing a wall typically needs permits and inspections. Homes outside city limits fall under Ada County or another jurisdiction, so check with the one that covers your address.
Many Meridian homes were built during the city's recent decades of growth, so a lot of kitchens are already open to the family room. That often makes a keep-the-layout remodel (new cabinets, quartz counters, lighting and flooring) a practical middle option before committing to a full gut.
Lead times matter in a busy market. Cabinets and countertops are often ordered after measurements are final, so ask each contractor for a realistic schedule and what the kitchen will look like during the weeks you're without it.
Ways to save on a kitchen remodel
- Keep the sink, range and dishwasher where they are.
- Reface or paint solid cabinet boxes instead of replacing them.
- Choose stock or semi-custom cabinets and spend more on the pieces you touch every day, like drawers and hardware.
- Keep appliances that still work well and replace them later.
- Pick a popular quartz or granite color from a slab yard's in-stock selection.
- Set aside a contingency, often 10 to 20 percent, so surprises don't force last-minute downgrades.
Call (208) 565-3089 for a free estimate
Sources checked 2026-10-29: Angi: kitchen remodel cost (2026); HomeAdvisor: kitchen remodel cost; City of Meridian Building Services. National figures are adjusted by local labor, materials and site conditions; treat every number here as a planning range, not a quote.