Written by
Dan Simms
The average cost of a kitchen remodel in Pennsylvania is $21,353. Click below to connect with a certified contractor and receive an accurate estimate for your project.
The average kitchen remodel cost in Pennsylvania is $21,353, with prices ranging from $7,592 for a simple update to $189,800 for a luxury renovation. Your kitchen remodel cost will vary based on the materials you select, the need for structural changes, and local labor rates.
Quick Takeaways
The average kitchen remodel in Pennsylvania costs around $21,353.
Cut costs by keeping your existing kitchen layout, updating fixtures with refacing or refinishing instead of replacing them, and tackling any DIY projects you're confident with.
To maximize value, choose durable materials that can withstand Pennsylvania's humid climate.
Kitchen remodels in Pennsylvania can range from $7,592 to $189,800. With such a broad price range, estimating your total cost requires careful planning and comparing material prices. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that will impact your kitchen remodel budget in PA.
The average kitchen in Pennsylvania measures between 160 and 240 square feet. With an average remodeling cost of $109 per square foot, the total average cost for a kitchen remodel in PA comes to $21,353. If your kitchen is larger or smaller, you can estimate your cost based on this per-square-foot rate.
Updating or adding utility lines is another significant expense to factor in. This includes work like relocating a kitchen sink, installing a gas line for a new stove, or adding electrical wiring for a built-in microwave. Here’s a look at the average rates for certified plumbers and electricians in PA.
Professional | Hourly Cost in Pennsylvania |
---|---|
Plumber | $114 |
Electrician | $71 |
Most Pennsylvanians pay between $949 and $3,796 to replace electrical fixtures, reroute plumbing, and run a new gas line for a stove.
In Pennsylvania, new kitchen cabinets cost an average of $7,592, but the material you choose will impact the final price. The four main options are solid wood, plywood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and particle board.
Nearly all of Pennsylvania falls in either a humid subtropical or a wam-summer humid continental climate, both of which see high humidity levels that can cause swelling and warping in lower-quality cabinet materials, like MDF and particleboard. Plywood is the most common option and the best for resisting the humid summers without damage.
Replacing appliances will cost you an average of $4,745 in Pennsylvania. The actual pricing will depend on the type and quality of appliances you choose.
Pennsylvania sees humid summers that put extra pressure on your refrigerator. You can save money on appliances by buying budget brands, but you'll get more value and life out of a high-end fridge that costs more but can stand up to the added pressure.
New kitchen countertops cost an average of $3,796 to install in PA, but as with other aspects of a remodel, this varies depending on the material you choose.
Quartz and granite are the most popular kitchen countertop materials in Pennsylvania. Quartz is more affordable, while granite is considered a higher-end, luxury option.
You do have other options, though, which you can price out based on the table below.
Material | Cost per Square Foot |
---|---|
Granite | $70 to $140 |
Marble | $70 to $190 |
Quartzite | $60 to $100 |
Quartz | $50 to $75 |
Stainless | $50 to $150 |
Butcher block | $50 to $150 |
Laminate | $8 to $30 |
Kitchen flooring costs in Pennsylvania can range from $3 per square foot for sheet vinyl and laminate to $25 per square foot for premium hardwood. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is a popular choice in PA, with prices between $4 and $16 per square foot.
Here are a few other popular options and their cost ranges:
Material | Cost per Square Foot |
---|---|
Hardwood | $7 to $25 |
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) | $4 to $16 |
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) | $4 to $16 |
Sheet vinyl | $3 to $10 |
Ceramic tile | $15 to $20 |
Laminate | $3 to $11 |
Labor typically makes up 50% to 60% of the total cost for a kitchen remodel, which amounts to around $5,000 to $17,100 in Pennsylvania. Costs are generally higher in major cities with a higher cost of living, so expect to pay toward the higher end of that range for a kitchen remodel in Philadelphia, Pittsburg, or Allentown.
While your kitchen’s size and material choices will have the biggest impact on your Pennsylvania kitchen remodel cost, here are some factors that will be included in an estimate.
Since remodeling a kitchen is a major project, many PA homeowners take the opportunity to include extra upgrades while the work is underway.
Here are some popular add-ons that can enhance the value, functionality, and convenience of your kitchen:
Garbage disposal: $300 to $600
Trash compactor: $1,400
Custom backsplash: $800 to $1,500
Wine cooler: $500 to $1,500
In Pennsylvania, most kitchen remodels require building permits, and you may also need separate plumbing and electrical permits, depending on the scope of your renovation. The average cost for building permits for a full kitchen remodel is $1,000 in Pennsylvania, but this can vary depending on your local municipality.
With a major kitchen remodel, you'll need to budget for the removal and proper disposal of old materials. In Pennsylvania, the average cost for hauling away materials is $380.
Dumping fees may be higher in more remote or more congested areas due to the distance from disposal sites.
Kitchen remodels in Pennsylvania can exceed $189,800 for a full luxury upgrade, but even with more affordable remodels, many homeowners may not be able to pay the full cost upfront. If that’s the case for you, here are some key financing options to help fund your dream kitchen:
Home improvement loan: These loans typically offer lower rates than personal loans, providing you with the cash needed to complete your kitchen remodel.
HELOC: A home equity line of credit is a second mortgage that leverages your home’s equity as collateral, allowing you to use your equity to build more through the remodel.
FHA 203k loan: If you’re purchasing a home, this loan allows you to finance additional repairs. While your principal will be higher, it can help you gain immediate equity through the remodel.
The cost of a kitchen remodel can be overwhelming. To keep your estimate within budget, consider these money-saving tips and strategies to help you achieve your ideal remodel cost.
Choosing low-quality materials for flooring, countertops, and cabinets can bring your kitchen makeover costs down significantly, but be wary of overly cheap options that may require replacement or refinishing every few years. These will likely cost you more over time.
You don’t need to invest in the highest-end materials, but it’s important to consider more than just the sticker price. Mid-range materials often strike a good balance between quality and affordability.
Changing your kitchen layout by relocating plumbing, electrical, and gas lines can quickly increase your costs by $1,200 or more. To avoid these extra expenses, keep your existing floor plan.
If you’re adding an island, consider leaving the sink and appliances in their current spots and using the island for additional storage and workspace. You might be able to handle the plumbing and electrical fixture changes yourself, which could save you around $114 per hour for plumbers and $71 per hour for electricians in Pennsylvania.
If you have plywood or hardwood cabinets, you could save a few thousand dollars by refinishing or refacing your cabinets rather than replacing them.
Along with typical wear and steam resistance, make sure to factor in Pennsylvania's high summer humidity when selecting a new finish. A high-gloss polyurethane or polyaspartic coating would be a good choice for durability.
The average labor cost for a kitchen remodel in Pennsylvania is $10,676, but you can reduce that amount by handling some tasks yourself. While it's best to leave cabinet and countertop installation to the professionals, you could save money by taking on projects like laying new flooring, installing plumbing and electrical fixtures, and painting the walls and ceiling.
When upgrading electrical fixtures, plumbing, or appliances to more energy-efficient models, you might be eligible for grants, rebates, and other incentives.
Look into federal programs, like the Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit, to see if you can save with energy-efficient appliances or fixtures. Also, check for savings from the Energy, Efficiency & Conservation (EE&C) Programs of the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission (PAPUC).
Even without incentives, opting for Energy Star-certified appliances is always a more eco-friendly choice.
The first step in researching kitchen remodeling companies is to ensure they are properly licensed in the state. In PA, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General issues and manages contractor licenses. You can visit the Attorney General's website to verify that the contractor you're considering is licensed.
If your remodel involves plumbing or electrical work, make sure the contractor holds the appropriate licenses for those services as well.
Next, it's important to interview potential contractors. Ask about pricing and timelines, request references, and review their previous work to ensure they’re a good fit for your project. If something feels off, move on — there are plenty of contractors to choose from.
When in doubt, or to save time, you can the tool below to find certified and pre-qualified professionals to get your project underway in Pennsylvania.
A kitchen remodel in Philadelphia costs an average of $22,950. This is slightly higher than the state average of $21,353. Disparities are mostly due to higher labor costs, which scale to account for the higher cost of living in more densely populated areas.
Cabinets, countertops, and a backsplash typically make up the largest part of your kitchen remodel costs, often ranging from $8,000 to $12,000 or more. Next, an appliance package is usually the second-largest expense, typically costing between $2,500 and $7,000.
Winter is the off-season for kitchen remodelers in PA, so scheduling your project during this time can help you save money. Since most Penn. homeowners begin their kitchen remodels in the summer, you may face 1% to 5% higher costs during this period due to increased demand.
Dan was a property manager from 2015 to 2020, during which time he managed and oversaw the upkeep and repairs of over 2,000 residential properties. He uses that experience, as well as his extensive DIY knowledge, to bring reliable information to homeowners about renovations and home-related projects. Since 2020, he has been using his experience to write about home improvement, and his work has appeared on sites like USA Today, CNN, Angi, and Today’s Homeowner.