Kitchen Remodel Cost in California (2026)
Kitchen remodels are priced by size and finish level. This page adjusts the national kitchen remodel range for California labor costs, using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for carpenters.
In California, most homeowners pay $26,200 to $50,400 for 150 sq ft, midrange, compared with $23,000 to $44,250 nationally.14% above national
- California typical total$26,200 to $50,400
- National typical total$23,000 to $44,250
- CA carpenters median wage$75,920/yr
- vs. national median25% above
Your California estimate
- Materials and labor
- Add-ons
- Permits and design
California prices: national installed ranges adjusted for California trade wages. Your local quotes may differ.
California kitchen remodel cost by option
Installed totals for 150 sq ft, standard conditions and permits and design included.
| Option | California | National | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor or cosmetic | $13,400 to $29,050 | $11,750 to $25,500 | |
| Midrange | $26,200 to $50,400 | $23,000 to $44,250 | |
| Upscale | $47,550 to $88,850 | $41,750 to $78,000 |
What's different in California
- California has the highest carpenter wages of these ten states, so labor-heavy kitchens cost far more than the national figure.
- Title 24 energy rules require high-efficacy lighting and other measures in remodels that touch lighting or appliances.
- Permits are enforced closely and can add weeks to a project.
How the California figure is calculated
Labor is roughly 55% of an installed kitchen remodel job. The median wage for carpenters in California is $75,920 a year, against a national median of $60,580 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025). We apply that 25% above-national difference to the labor share only, which moves the whole installed range by about 14% up. Materials are priced nationally, since they vary far less by state than labor does. Prices inside California still vary by metro area and by contractor. Read the full method.
Sources and method
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release, SOC 47-2031 (Carpenters), state and national median annual wages. National installed price ranges: HouseMath editorial team, reviewed September 2026.