Kitchen Renovation Cost in 2026

The kitchen is the most expensive room to renovation and the one buyers judge hardest — which is why it’s both a great investment and an easy place to blow a budget. In 2026, a mid-range kitchen renovation typically runs A$39,000–A$77,500 with small refreshes starting near A$23,500 and high-end gut jobs passing A$116,500.

This guide shows where the money actually goes, what each budget tier realistically buys, and how to scope the project so you get the kitchen you want without a runaway bill.

Cost by renovation tier

A useful way to budget is by tier — roughly what you get at each level:

• Minor / cosmetic (A$23,500–A$39,000): new countertops, backsplash, paint, hardware, refaced or repainted cabinets, maybe new appliances.
• Mid-range (A$39,000–A$77,500): new semi-custom cabinets, quartz counters, new appliances, flooring, lighting, and some layout tweaks.
• Upscale / full gut (A$77,500–A$155,000+): custom cabinetry, premium appliances, moved walls or plumbing, new windows, high-end finishes.

Where the money goes

A typical kitchen budget splits roughly like this — cabinets are almost always the biggest line:

• Cabinets: ~30% — the single largest cost; stock vs. semi-custom vs. custom swings this a lot.
• Labour / installation: ~20–25%.
• Appliances: ~15%.
• Countertops: ~10%.
• Flooring, lighting, plumbing fixtures, paint and hardware: the remaining ~20–25%.

What drives the price up

These are the decisions that quietly add thousands:

• Moving plumbing, gas or walls — changing the layout is far pricier than keeping it.
• Custom vs. stock cabinets — custom can cost 2–3× stock.
• Premium counters and appliances.
• Structural surprises found during demo (old wiring, water damage, non-level floors).
• Permits and, for layout changes, design fees.

How to budget smart

Decide your total number first, then set aside a 10–20% contingency for surprises before you spend a dollar on finishes — older kitchens almost always hide something. Keeping the existing layout is the biggest single way to save. If the budget is tight, phase it: do the high-impact, hard-to-redo work now (cabinets, counters, layout) and defer easy cosmetic swaps.

Get at least three itemized bids from licensed contractors and make sure each covers the same scope, allowances (e.g., a dollar figure budgeted for tile or fixtures), and who handles permits. Our contractor-hiring checklist below is worth reading before you sign.

What’s different in Australia

Prices on this page are in Australian dollars and reflect typical national ranges; your state and city matter a lot. Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and remote/regional areas sit at the higher end, and northern zones add cyclone and heat considerations.

By law, electrical and plumbing work must be carried out by a licensed tradesperson — unlicensed DIY on these is illegal and voids insurance. Most building work follows the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards, needs council/private-certifier approval, and attracts 10% GST. In homes built before the late 1980s, assume asbestos may be present and test before disturbing materials.

Frequently asked questions