Cost to Kitchen Cabinet Painting in New York City, NY (2026)
If you’re budgeting a kitchen cabinet painting in New York City, most projects run $1,497-$8,735, 25% above the $3,800 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Number of Cabinet Doors and Drawers. On its own it can swing the cost by $50-$100 per door, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Paint only the cabinet faces and leave the cabinet boxes their original color - this cuts labor by 30-40% and isn't noticeable once hardware is back on.
In the Northeast (where New York City sits): Higher painter labor rates in Boston, NYC, DC corridor.
$1,497-$8,735 in New York City
25% above the national average · 1.25x cost multiplier
Homeowners in New York City typically spend $1,497-$8,735 on a kitchen cabinet painting, about 25% above the national average. Labor rates and contractor availability in the Northeast region drive much of the price difference. Permit requirements and material delivery costs also play a role. See the full tier-by-tier breakdown below before requesting bids.
Cost Breakdown in New York City
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $363 | $1,089 | $2,420 |
| Labor | $883 | $3,660 | $6,310 |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total | $1,246+25% vs. national avg | $4,749+25% vs. national avg | $8,730+25% vs. national avg |
Budget
DIY-friendly or basic contractor repaint on a small kitchen (10-15 cabinets). Brush-and-roll application, one coat of primer and one coat of paint using mid-grade cabinet paint. No hardware replacement, no repairs.
Mid-Range
Professional spray finish on a standard 30-linear-foot kitchen. Includes full prep (cleaning, degreasing, light sanding), oil-based primer, two coats of premium cabinet paint, and hardware reinstall. Doors painted off-site for best finish.
Premium
Full professional refinish on a large kitchen (50+ linear feet). Spray-applied factory-like finish, conversion varnish or lacquer topcoat, new hardware, any repairs to door faces or drawer fronts included. Best possible durability.
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in New York City may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Latex Cabinet Paint (Water-Based) | $50-$80/gallon | Low-traffic kitchens, DIY projects, budget jobsLow VOCs, easy cleanup, dries quickly, wide color selection |
| Alkyd/Oil-Based Cabinet Paint | $60-$90/gallon | High-traffic kitchens where durability matters mostExtremely hard finish, self-levels well (fewer brush marks), excellent durability |
| Conversion Varnish | $80-$120/gallon (contractor supply only) | Premium results, heavy-use kitchens, when you want a true factory finishHardest finish available, resists water and household chemicals, professional-grade durability |
| Lacquer | $70-$110/gallon (contractor supply) | Cabinetry shops and professional painters working off-siteFast drying, smooth finish, re-coats easily, very durable when cured |
| Chalk Paint | $40-$60/gallon | DIY projects, farmhouse aesthetic, lower-use kitchensMinimal prep required, matte vintage look, easy DIY application |
Other Projects in New York City
New York City Estimate
Typical Range
$1,497-$8,735
vs. National Average
25% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.25x
This 1.25x estimate prices New York City 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 →