Cost to Kitchen Backsplash Installation in Philadelphia, PA (2026)
If you’re budgeting a kitchen backsplash installation in Philadelphia, most projects run $640-$2,666, 7% above the $1,500 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Tile Material. On its own it can swing the cost by $150 - $2,500, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Classic white ceramic subway tile costs as little as $0.15-$0.50 per piece and never goes out of style
In the Northeast (where Philadelphia sits): Higher tile setter labor rates in metro areas.
$640-$2,666 in Philadelphia
7% above the national average · 1.07x cost multiplier
Expect to pay $640-$2,666 for a kitchen backsplash installation in Philadelphia, about 7% above the national benchmark. The Northeast region's contractor market and material costs account for most of this difference. The detailed breakdown below shows how budget, mid-range, and premium projects compare at Philadelphia prices.
Cost Breakdown in Philadelphia
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per sq ft | $11 | $32 | $80 |
| Materials | $277 | $721 | $1,998 |
| Labor | $301 | $703 | $1,206 |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $578+5% vs. national avg | $1,535+6% vs. national avg | $3,537+7% vs. national avg |
Budget
Peel-and-stick tiles or basic ceramic subway tiles, simple grid pattern, standard installation
Mid-Range
Porcelain or glass subway tile, herringbone or stacked pattern, professional installation with quality grout
Premium
Natural stone, hand-made tiles, or mosaic designs with complex patterns, accent features, and premium grout
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Philadelphia may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Subway Tile | $2-$8/sq ft material | Budget and mid-range kitchens, classic or transitional styleVery affordable, timeless look, easy to clean, widely available |
| Porcelain Tile | $5-$20/sq ft material | Mid-range kitchens, areas behind sinks with high moistureMore durable than ceramic, water resistant, many style options |
| Glass Tile | $7-$30/sq ft material | Modern and contemporary kitchens, small spaces needing visual depthReflective quality brightens kitchens, easy to clean, stain proof |
| Natural Stone (Marble/Travertine) | $15-$50/sq ft material | Premium kitchens, traditional or Mediterranean styleLuxury appearance, unique natural patterns, adds significant home value |
| Peel-and-Stick Tile | $3-$15/sq ft material | Rental kitchens, temporary updates, extreme budget projectsNo grout needed, easy DIY install, removable in rentals, quick project |
Other Projects in Philadelphia
Philadelphia Estimate
Typical Range
$640-$2,666
vs. National Average
7% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.07x
Cost Per sq ft
$11-$80
This 1.07x estimate prices Philadelphia 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 →