Cost to Full Kitchen Remodel in Chicago, IL (2026)
If you’re budgeting a full kitchen remodel in Chicago, most projects run $16,827-$48,160, 16% above the $27,000 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Cabinet Selection. On its own it can swing the cost by $2,000 - $30,000, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Keep your existing layout. Moving plumbing and electrical is where costs spike - a same-footprint remodel saves $3,000-$10,000.
In the Midwest (where Chicago sits): Lowest costs nationally, good contractor availability.
$16,827-$48,160 in Chicago
16% above the national average · 1.16x cost multiplier
In Chicago, a full kitchen remodel runs $16,827 to $48,160 on average - about 16% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Midwest market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.
Cost Breakdown in Chicago
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $87 | $174 | $290 |
| Materials | $6,540 | $17,440 | $45,780 |
| Labor | $6,966 | $17,732 | $35,464 |
| Permits | $545 | $872 | $1,308 |
| Total | $14,051+17% vs. national avg | $37,352+17% vs. national avg | $86,694+16% vs. national avg |
Budget
Cosmetic refresh - paint cabinets, new hardware, laminate countertops, budget appliances, LVP flooring
Mid-Range
New semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, mid-range appliances, tile backsplash, hardwood flooring
Premium
Custom cabinets, marble or premium quartz countertops, professional-grade appliances, custom lighting, structural changes
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Chicago may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate Countertops | $20-$50/sq ft | Budget remodels, rental propertiesMost affordable, many styles available |
| Granite Countertops | $40-$200/sq ft | Mid-range to premium remodelsNatural stone, heat resistant, high-end look |
| Quartz Countertops | $50-$200/sq ft | Most popular mid-range to premium choiceLow maintenance, consistent color, very durable |
| Marble Countertops | $100-$250/sq ft | Premium remodels, statement piecesLuxury aesthetic, unique veining, high resale value |
| Butcher Block Countertops | $35-$200/sq ft | Farmhouse or traditional kitchen stylesWarm look, food-safe surface, repairable |
Other Projects in Chicago
Chicago Estimate
Typical Range
$16,827-$48,160
vs. National Average
16% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.16x
Cost Per sq ft
$87-$290
This 1.16x estimate prices Chicago labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →