Average Kitchen Remodel Cost in the Bay Area (2025)

In this article, we will outline average costs based on a variety of factors, provide a cost breakdown to help you create a budget, and discuss tips to help you save money on a kitchen remodel.

With inflation leading to a rise in material costs and a shortage of skilled tradespeople leading to increasing labor rates, it is more important than ever to understand how much kitchen remodeling in the Bay Area costs in 2025 and plan accordingly. 

Please note that the costs outlined in this article are for educational purposes and based on research at the time of writing.

The average kitchen remodel cost ranges between $20,000 to over $150,000 overall with a standard cost of around $250 to $500 per square foot. Typically, the cost of your remodel will depend on whether your changes fall within the low-end (cheapest costs), mid-range, or high-end (most expensive) renovation tiers.

As well, prices can vary based on the region you reside in. For example, it can be more expensive to remodel a kitchen in San Francisco vs. East Bay.

Get a Free Estimate

Kitchen Size

Sq Ft Range

Budget Remodel

Mid-Range

Luxury Remodel

Small

70–100

$15K–$25K

$25K–$40K

$40K–$60K

Medium

100–200

$25K–$40K

$40K–$70K

$70K–$110K

Large

200+

$40K–$70K

$70K–$100K

$100K–$150K+

The size of your kitchen greatly affects your remodel cost, with small kitchens being less expensive while large kitchens are more expensive. This is because kitchen size impacts the layout changes that can be made, materials used, and labor time.


Remodel Type


What It Includes


Avg Cost Range

Minor Refresh

Paint, hardware, basic appliances

$15K–$30K

Mid-Range

Cabinets, countertops, layout adjustments

$40K–$80K

Major Remodel

Custom cabinetry, structural changes

$80K–$150K+

Another major factor that affects kitchen remodeling costs is the scope of the project. A minor refresh, which focuses on cosmetic changes, will be less expensive whereas a major remodel with custom cabinetry and structural changes will be more expensive.


Remodel Type



Avg Cost (Mid-Range)

San Francisco

$80K–$140K

San Jose

$70K–$120K

Oakland

$60K–$100K

Walnut Creek

$55K–$90K

Palo Alto

$100K–$160K+

Depending on the region you live in, remodel costs could vary with the least expensive kitchen remodel occurring in Walnut Creek and the most expensive in Palo Alto. This is largely due to differences in labor costs and material availability.



Category


What It % of Budget


Cost (Est.)

Cabinets

25–35%

$10K–$35K

Labor

20–30%

$8K–$30K

Appliances

10–20%

$4K–$20K

Countertops

10–15%

$4K–$12K

Flooring

5–10%

$2K–$8K

Permits/Other

3–8%

$1K–$6K

When determining your kitchen remodel budget, it’s important to understand exactly where your money is going. 

If you’re doing a full remodel, most of your budget will account for new cabinets and labor costs. Appliances and countertops will take up at least 10% of the budget, with flooring and electrical/plumbing either being the same or a little less. The remainder will go to permits and other miscellaneous items.

Of course, the use of high-end finishes or custom items can shift the costs of different categories, making them more expensive.

Major Factors That Influence Kitchen Remodeling Costs

There are different factors that impact the cost of a kitchen remodel and, depending on what you choose for the space, will either reduce or increase costs. These factors include:


  • Scope of Renovation — If you are only doing a minor update of your kitchen, focusing on cosmetic changes, then the cost will be less expensive in comparison to doing a full gut remodel.
  • Material Choices — Choosing to have custom-made cabinets instead of stock cabinets will raise your kitchen remodel cost. Countertop materials can also greatly affect costs; for example, granite is more expensive than quartz.
  • Layout Changes — Structural work such as removing walls and changing the layout of the room, as well as relocating the plumbing, will increase the cost of remodeling.
  • Appliances — When choosing your appliances, keep your budget in mind and remember that standard brands will be a more affordable option in comparison to luxury brands.
  • Labor Rates in 2025 — Because skilled tradespeople are in short supply, labor rates have increased, with the rate for general contractors being $80-150 per hour and plumbers and electricians being up to $250/hour.
  • Permit Fees — Since every city has their own zoning and building rules and regulations, permit fees tend to vary in amount throughout the Bay Area based on the city you live in.

Get a Free Estimate

How to Save Money on a Kitchen Remodel in the Bay Area

There are many ways that you can go about saving money on a kitchen remodel in the Bay Area. The following are some tips to help you do just that:

  • Reface vs Replace Cabinets — Instead of fully replacing your cabinets, you can simply reface them, which is a cheaper process. In this way, the cabinet structure remains the same, but the appearance is updated.
  • Mix High-End with Budget Fixtures — Mixing and matching high-end fixtures with budget-friendly options allows you to have your desired aesthetic at a more affordable price.
  • Keep Existing Layout — Structural changes can be quite expensive, so to reduce costs, it’s a good idea to keep your kitchen’s existing layout.
  • DIY Demo or Paint — If you have the skills and experience, doing the demolition and/or painting portions of a remodel yourself will help you save on labor costs.
  • Get Multiple Bids — Getting multiple bids from multiple contractors will allow you to see who can do your remodel for the best price.
  • Consider Off-Season Remodeling Discounts — If possible, consider remodeling in the off-season as many companies offer discounts during this time.

Get a Free Estimate

Is a Kitchen Remodel Worth It in the Bay Area?

Kitchen remodeling in the Bay Area is absolutely worth it when you consider it has a typical return on investment (ROI) of around 50% to 80% depending on the scope of the project. 

Overall, a kitchen remodel doesn’t just enhance your home value, which is especially important if you live somewhere with a competitive real estate market like San Francisco or Silicon Valley; it also enhances your own lifestyle, making your home a more comfortable and enjoyable place to live.

FAQs

The most expensive part of a kitchen remodel in the Bay Area is the cabinetry.

The timeline for a kitchen remodel varies depending on the size and scope of the project, though it often takes an average of 6 to 12 weeks once construction begins.

If any structural changes, electrical upgrades, or plumbing relocation is happening, yes, permits are required for your remodel. If it’s only cosmetic changes, then no.

Yes, at Home by Tom, we do offer financing options. Reach out to learn more and see if you qualify.