How much does a kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne?
Kitchen renovation in Melbourne costs $8,400–$21,000 for a cosmetic refresh, $12,600–$26,250 for a budget renovation with flat-pack cabinetry, $26,250–$47,250 for mid-range, and $47,250–$84,000 for premium with custom joinery. The final price depends on kitchen size, materials, appliances, and whether layout changes are involved.
We've compiled pricing from kitchen renovators across Melbourne, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026. All prices include GST.
Detailed Pricing — Melbourne 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh (reface + paint) | $8,400total | $14,700 | $21,000 |
| Budget renovation (flat-pack) | $12,600total | $18,900 | $26,250 |
| Mid-range renovation | $26,250total | $36,750 | $47,250 |
| Premium renovation | $47,250total | $63,000 | $84,000 |
| Luxury / high-end | $84,000total | $105,000 | $157,500 |
| Custom cabinetry | $8,400total | $15,750 | $26,250 |
| Benchtop — laminate | $840total | $1,250 | $2,100 |
| Benchtop — stone | $2,100total | $3,675 | $6,300 |
| Splashback (tiled) | $840total | $1,575 | $2,625 |
| Splashback (glass) | $1,575total | $2,625 | $4,200 |
| Plumbing rough-in | $2,100total | $3,150 | $5,250 |
| Electrical rough-in | $1,575total | $2,625 | $4,200 |
| Flooring (per sqm) | $42/sqm | $74 | $125 |
| Demolition & disposal | $1,575total | $2,625 | $4,200 |
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Get Melbourne quotes →Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
Bayside & Mornington Peninsula
Brighton, Sandringham, Frankston, Mornington. Coastal environment means moisture-resistant materials are advisable (marine-grade hardware, sealed MDF). Higher-end demographic means premium finishes are expected. Longer travel times for city-based trades push costs up slightly. Sand-belt areas can have challenging foundations that affect under-floor plumbing access.
Mid-Range Renovation — $35,000–$55,000
The sweet spot for most Melbourne homeowners. This tier includes new custom or semi-custom cabinetry (30–40% of budget), engineered stone benchtops like Caesarstone or Essastone ($2,500–$5,500 installed), quality mid-range appliances ($3,000–$8,000 for oven, cooktop, rangehood, and dishwasher), new tiled splashback, LED lighting, and moderate layout tweaks. At this level, you can typically relocate the sink or add an island bench, though moving gas lines adds $800–$2,500. Labour and trades account for 35–45% of total cost. The HIA reports this is the most common renovation bracket in Melbourne, and it offers the best return on investment at resale.
Premium Renovation — $55,000–$90,000+
Full-scale transformation with structural changes: walls removed to create open-plan living, bespoke joinery with soft-close everything, natural stone or porcelain slab benchtops ($5,000–$12,000), integrated European appliances (Miele, Fisher & Paykel, orDERA), butler's pantry fit-out, and designer lighting. At the top end, Melbourne homeowners are increasingly adding walk-in pantries ($8,000–$15,000), wine fridges, and boiling water taps (Zip HydroTap from $2,500 installed). Projects above $80,000 often involve architect or kitchen designer fees ($3,000–$8,000), structural engineer sign-off for wall removal ($600–$1,500), and building permits from local council ($500–$1,200).
Moving a sink to a new position requires extending water supply and waste lines. If you're on a concrete slab (common in Melbourne's west and north), cutting into the slab for drainage relocation costs significantly more than timber-floor homes. Gas line extension for a relocated cooktop adds $800–$2,500. A dishwasher in a new position needs both plumbing and electrical, typically $500–$1,000 combined.
Structural work for wall removal
Creating that open-plan kitchen-living flow often means removing a load-bearing wall. A structural engineer's report ($600–$1,500) determines what steel beam is needed. The beam, installation, and make-good typically runs $3,000–$8,000 for a standard opening. If the wall contains plumbing stacks or electrical mains, costs can reach $12,000+. A building permit from council ($500–$1,200) is mandatory for structural changes.
Make-good and finishing
Painting walls and ceilings around the new kitchen ($800–$2,000), new flooring transitions ($300–$1,200), patching where old cabinets were removed, and connecting to existing cornices. These costs are frequently left out of renovation quotes but add up quickly. Also budget for temporary cooking arrangements — a microwave, electric frypan, and portable cooktop setup for 6–10 weeks.
Prices by area
Prices vary across the city by area. Select your area for more specific pricing.
Inner Melbourne →Eastern Suburbs Melbourne →South East Melbourne →What Affects Kitchen Renovation Costs in Melbourne
Cabinetry type
Flat-pack (DIY or assembled) is cheapest. Custom joinery in Melbourne costs 2–3x more but offers design flexibility and better quality. Semi-custom sits in between.
Benchtop material
Laminate benchtops ($8,400–$26,250 in Melbourne) are budget-friendly. Engineered stone ($840–$2,100) is the most popular mid-range choice. Natural stone and solid-surface cost more.
Layout changes
Keeping the existing layout is much cheaper than moving plumbing and electrical. Relocating a sink or stove in a Melbourne home can add $3,000–$8,000 in plumbing and electrical work.
Appliances
A mid-range appliance package ($840–$2,625 in Melbourne) covers oven, cooktop, rangehood, and dishwasher. Premium European brands (Miele, Fisher & Paykel) can double this.
Splashback
Tile splashbacks are the most affordable option for Melbourne kitchens. Glass splashbacks cost $800–$2,500 depending on size. Stone or mirror splashbacks are premium.
Project management
A Melbourne builder managing all trades (plumber, electrician, tiler, joiner) adds 15–25% overhead but saves significant coordination effort. Whether you're searching for budget kitchen renovations melbourne or cost of kitchen renovation melbourne, the pricing above is based on verified 2026 data. We also cover and kitchen renovations melbourne cost.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, leading tradie marketplaces, peak industry body data, and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no commercial relationship with any service provider. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed April 2026. Read our full methodology →