Independent Australian Cost Guides
Updated February 2026
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Kitchen Renovation Cost Australia 2026

A kitchen renovation is one of the biggest home improvement investments Australians make. Costs range dramatically based on size, materials, and whether you're doing a cosmetic refresh or a full gut-and-rebuild.

Choose Your City

Location pin — Sydney
Sydney
From $40,250 total
+6.1%
Location pin — Melbourne
Melbourne
From $36,750 total
+1.5%
Location pin — Brisbane
Brisbane
From $35,000 total
+3.3%
Location pin — Perth
Perth
From $36,750 total
+1.8%
Location pin — Adelaide
Adelaide
From $32,200 total
+3.0%
Location pin — Gold Coast
Gold Coast
From $34,300 total
Stable
Location pin — Canberra
Canberra
From $38,500 total
+5.9%
Location pin — Hobart
Hobart
From $31,500 total
+2.4%
Location pin — Darwin
Darwin
From $40,250 total
+3.3%
Location pin — Newcastle
Newcastle
From $33,250 total
+3.2%
Location pin — Geelong
Geelong
From $32,550 total
-0.4%
Location pin — Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast
From $33,950 total
+6.2%

National Pricing Overview

ServiceLowHighAverage
Cosmetic refresh (reface + paint)$8,000$20,000$14,000 total
Budget renovation (flat-pack)$12,000$25,000$18,000 total
Mid-range renovation$25,000$45,000$35,000 total
Premium renovation$45,000$80,000$60,000 total
Luxury / high-end$80,000$150,000$100,000 total
Custom cabinetry$8,000$25,000$15,000 total
Benchtop — laminate$800$2,000$1,200 total
Benchtop — stone$2,000$6,000$3,500 total
Splashback (tiled)$800$2,500$1,500 total
Splashback (glass)$1,500$4,000$2,500 total
Plumbing rough-in$2,000$5,000$3,000 total
Electrical rough-in$1,500$4,000$2,500 total
Flooring (per sqm)$40$120$70 /sqm
Demolition & disposal$1,500$4,000$2,500 total

National average prices. Select a city above for location-specific pricing.

A kitchen renovation is one of the most impactful — and expensive — home improvements you can undertake. In Australia, a mid-range kitchen renovation typically costs $25,000 to $55,000, while high-end fitouts can exceed $80,000. The national average sits around $38,000 for a complete renovation including cabinetry, benchtops, appliances, and installation.

Kitchen costs are driven primarily by the size of the space, the quality of materials, and whether you're changing the layout (which requires plumbing and electrical relocation). A cosmetic refresh — new doors, benchtops, and a splashback — can be done for $10,000–$20,000.

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What Affects Kitchen Renovation Costs

Layout changes

Keeping the existing layout saves thousands. Moving plumbing, gas, or electrical points adds $2,000–$8,000+ to the project before any finishes are installed.

Cabinetry quality

Flat-pack cabinets start around $3,000–$6,000. Custom cabinetry from a local joiner runs $12,000–$30,000+. This is usually the single largest line item.

Benchtop material

Laminate benchtops cost $500–$2,000. Engineered stone (Caesarstone, etc.) runs $2,500–$6,000. Natural stone and porcelain can exceed $8,000.

Appliances

A basic appliance package (oven, cooktop, rangehood, dishwasher) costs $2,000–$5,000. Premium brands push this to $8,000–$20,000+.

Size of kitchen

A small galley kitchen is significantly cheaper than a large open-plan kitchen with an island. Every extra linear metre of cabinetry adds cost.

Trades involved

A full kitchen reno typically requires a builder, plumber, electrician, tiler, and sometimes a gas fitter. Each trade adds to the total.

How to Save Money on Kitchen Renovation Costs

1
Keep the existing layout where possible — moving plumbing and electrical is the biggest hidden cost
2
Get an itemised quote, not a lump sum, so you can see where the money goes
3
Consider a cosmetic refresh (new doors, benchtops, splashback) instead of a full gut if the layout works
4
Set aside 10–15% of your budget as a contingency for unexpected issues
5
Visit kitchen showrooms to get a realistic sense of pricing before committing
6
Check that your builder or kitchen company holds the appropriate licence for your state
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Australia?
A mid-range kitchen renovation in Australia typically costs $25,000–$55,000. Budget renovations start around $10,000–$20,000 for cosmetic updates, while high-end custom kitchens can exceed $80,000.
How long does a kitchen renovation take?
A standard kitchen renovation takes 4–8 weeks from demolition to completion. Custom cabinetry may add 4–6 weeks of lead time. Allow extra time for council approvals if you're changing the layout.
What adds the most value in a kitchen renovation?
Quality cabinetry, stone benchtops, and good lighting offer the best return. Layout improvements that open up the space also add significant value. Over-capitalising on luxury appliances rarely pays back at resale.
Do I need council approval for a kitchen renovation?
Generally no, if you're working within the existing footprint and layout. However, if you're changing structural walls, moving gas lines, or altering plumbing significantly, you may need approval. Check with your local council.
Should I use a builder or a kitchen company?
Kitchen companies handle everything as a package, which is simpler but sometimes more expensive. A builder gives you more control over individual trades and materials. For complex renovations involving structural work, a licensed builder is recommended.

About This Guide

Our kitchen renovation cost guides cover 12 major Australian cities with location-adjusted pricing. Updated quarterly — last reviewed February 2026.