Key takeaways
- Typical cost in Philadelphia: $10,400–$72,800 (for a minor to major remodel); national range $10,000–$70,000.
- Biggest local factors: hard water, high humidity and flooding.
- How long it takes: Minor remodels take 3–6 weeks.
- Permits: Electrical, plumbing, gas and wall changes need permits.
- Best timing: Interior remodels work year-round; book contractors for winter for better availability.
- Before you hire: get at least three written, itemized quotes from licensed, insured Pennsylvania contractors.
What Philadelphia homeowners should know
Philadelphia is a city of rowhouses, many more than a century old, with flat roofs, shared walls and stone or brick basements. Freeze-thaw cycles, nor'easters and summer thunderstorms test aging roofs and masonry, and basement seepage is common.
Many older homes still have galvanized or cast-iron plumbing and original electrical systems, which can turn a simple remodel into a larger project once walls are opened.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Philadelphia, PA?
Kitchen remodels typically cost $10,000–$20,000 for a minor refresh and $20,000–$70,000 for a major remodel. Full-gut upscale projects can reach $100,000–$130,000+. Cabinets and countertops are usually the largest line items. Pennsylvania prices run 4% above the U.S. average, so a typical Philadelphia job lands around $10,400–$72,800. Local labor rates, permit fees and your home's specifics move the final number.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor remodel | $10,000–$20,000 | Refaced/painted cabinets, counters, fixtures, paint |
| Major remodel | $20,000–$70,000 | New cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring |
| Full-gut, midrange | $30,000–$80,000 | Layout changes, new plumbing/electrical |
| Full-gut, upscale | $100,000–$130,000+ | Custom cabinetry, premium appliances |
| Stock cabinets | $100–$300 per linear ft | Installed |
| Semi-custom cabinets | $200–$650 per linear ft | Installed |
| Custom cabinets | $500–$1,200 per linear ft | Installed |
As a large city, Philadelphia has plenty of contractors competing for work, which helps on price, but busy seasons can mean longer waits. Book early after major storms.
How we calculate costs
National ranges come from published cost surveys (cited below). Local estimates apply an approximate state cost index. Read our methodology.
Kitchen Remodeling cost questions for Philadelphia, PA
- What is the cost of minor remodel in Philadelphia, PA? The typical cost of minor remodel in Philadelphia, PA is $10,400–$20,800, adjusted for Pennsylvania prices (national $10,000–$20,000). Refaced/painted cabinets, counters, fixtures, paint.
- What is the cost of major remodel in Philadelphia, PA? The typical cost of major remodel in Philadelphia, PA is $20,800–$72,800, adjusted for Pennsylvania prices (national $20,000–$70,000). New cabinets, counters, appliances, flooring.
- What is the cost of full-gut, midrange in Philadelphia, PA? The typical cost of full-gut, midrange in Philadelphia, PA is $31,200–$83,200, adjusted for Pennsylvania prices (national $30,000–$80,000). Layout changes, new plumbing/electrical.
- What is the cost of full-gut, upscale in Philadelphia, PA? The typical cost of full-gut, upscale in Philadelphia, PA is $104,000–$135,200+, adjusted for Pennsylvania prices (national $100,000–$130,000+). Custom cabinetry, premium appliances.
- What is the cost of stock cabinets in Philadelphia, PA? The typical cost of stock cabinets in Philadelphia, PA is $100–$310 per linear ft, adjusted for Pennsylvania prices (national $100–$300 per linear ft). Installed.
- What is the cost of semi-custom cabinets in Philadelphia, PA? The typical cost of semi-custom cabinets in Philadelphia, PA is $210–$680 per linear ft, adjusted for Pennsylvania prices (national $200–$650 per linear ft). Installed.
- What is the cost of custom cabinets in Philadelphia, PA? The typical cost of custom cabinets in Philadelphia, PA is $520–$1,200 per linear ft, adjusted for Pennsylvania prices (national $500–$1,200 per linear ft). Installed.
- What is the cost of granite countertops in Philadelphia, PA? The typical cost of granite countertops in Philadelphia, PA is $40–$100 per sq ft, adjusted for Pennsylvania prices (national $40–$100 per sq ft). About $2,000–$4,000 typical.
- What is the cost of quartz countertops in Philadelphia, PA? The typical cost of quartz countertops in Philadelphia, PA is $50–$210 per sq ft, adjusted for Pennsylvania prices (national $50–$200 per sq ft). About $1,500–$8,000 typical.
What affects a kitchen remodel in Philadelphia
Philadelphia has cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Interior remodels work year-round; book contractors for winter for better availability.
Common questions about a kitchen remodel in Philadelphia
How much does a small kitchen remodel cost in Philadelphia, PA?
A minor or small kitchen remodel typically costs $10,000–$20,000 nationally. The full range, from minor updates to a major remodel, is about $10,400–$72,800 in Philadelphia, PA.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?
Cabinets are usually the largest single line item, often around 30% of the budget, followed by labor, countertops and appliances. Moving plumbing, gas or walls adds the most unexpected cost.
How can I remodel a kitchen on a budget?
Keep the existing layout, paint or reface cabinets instead of replacing them, choose mid-range counters and do the painting and demolition yourself. Moving sinks and ranges is what blows budgets.
Which kitchen upgrades add the most value?
National cost-versus-value studies consistently show minor, mid-range kitchen updates recouping a larger share of their cost than major upscale remodels.
Quartz or granite: which countertop is better?
Quartz is nonporous and never needs sealing. Granite handles heat well but should be sealed periodically. Prices overlap, so choose on look and maintenance.
What order is a kitchen remodel done in?
Design and order materials, then demolition, plumbing and electrical rough-in, inspections, drywall, flooring, cabinets, countertop templating and install, backsplash, appliances and final inspection.
How do I live without a kitchen during a remodel?
Set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, coffee maker, fridge and a folding table, and plan simple meals. Minor remodels take 3–6 weeks; major ones 2–4 months.
Do I need a designer for a kitchen remodel?
Not for a like-for-like refresh. A designer or design-build firm earns their fee when you change the layout, and removing a load-bearing wall needs an engineer.
Timeline, permits and DIY in Philadelphia
How long it takes
Minor remodels take 3–6 weeks. Major remodels with layout changes take 2–4 months.
Permits
Electrical, plumbing, gas and wall changes need permits. Purely cosmetic updates usually don't. Check with the Philadelphia building department for local rules.
DIY or hire a pro?
Painting, hardware, backsplash tile and demolition are realistic DIY jobs. Electrical, plumbing and gas work need licensed trades.
Questions to ask Philadelphia contractors
Ask every bidder the same questions so you can compare quotes apples to apples.
- Is this a fixed-price or cost-plus contract?
- What allowances are included for cabinets, counters and fixtures?
- Who orders materials, and what happens if items are back-ordered?
- What milestones is the payment schedule tied to?
Maintenance that prevents costly repairs
- Reseal natural stone counters once a year
- Check under-sink connections for drips twice a year
- Clean range hood filters monthly
How to hire for a kitchen remodel in Philadelphia
- Check the contractor's license and insurance where Pennsylvania requires them.
- Ask for photos and references from kitchen projects of similar size.
- Get fixed-price written bids with a clear scope and allowance list.
- Confirm who pulls permits and schedules inspections.
- Tie payments to milestones, not dates.
Kitchen Remodeling in Philadelphia: FAQs
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Philadelphia, PA?
Most Philadelphia homeowners spend $10,000–$20,000 on a minor kitchen remodel and $20,000–$70,000 on a major one. Local labor rates, permits and finishes decide where you land.
Do I need a permit to remodel a kitchen in Philadelphia?
In Philadelphia, as in most cities, permits are typically required for plumbing, electrical, gas or wall changes. Contact the Philadelphia building department or have your contractor pull permits.
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Philadelphia?
Plan on 2–6 weeks for a minor remodel and 2–4+ months for a major one, including permit review and cabinet lead times.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Philadelphia compared to the national average?
With Pennsylvania's regional cost index of 1.04, expect roughly $10,400–$72,800 in Philadelphia, versus $10,000–$70,000 nationally.
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Philadelphia?
Minor remodels take 3–6 weeks. Major remodels with layout changes take 2–4 months. Permit and inspection scheduling in Philadelphia can add a few days.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Philadelphia?
Electrical, plumbing, gas and wall changes need permits. Purely cosmetic updates usually don't. Confirm with the Philadelphia or county building department.
Which Philadelphia ZIP codes does this guide cover?
This guide applies to Philadelphia ZIP codes 19019, 19092, 19093, 19099, 19101, 19102, 19103, 19104, 19105, 19106, 19107, 19108, 19109, 19110, 19111, 19112, 19113, 19114, 19115, 19116, 19118, 19119, 19120, 19121, 19122 and more, plus the surrounding area.
Kitchen Remodeling near Philadelphia
3 mi away · pop. 76,119Wood-Lynne, NJ
4 mi away · pop. 2,978Millbourne, PA
5 mi away · pop. 1,162Gloucester City, NJ
5 mi away · pop. 11,329Yeadon, PA
5 mi away · pop. 11,523Merchantville, NJ
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5 mi away · pop. 2,665Bala-Cynwyd, PA
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5 mi away · pop. 14,000
Other home services in Philadelphia
Sources: HomeLight — Kitchen remodel cost (compiles Angi, HomeGuide, Fixr, JLC Cost vs. Value). Ranges are rounded estimates; see our editorial policy.
Local risk factors reflect general Pennsylvania climate patterns; check FEMA's National Risk Index for county-level ratings. Local estimates apply an approximate regional cost index to national ranges.