2026-02-10
How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Canada? (2026)
Kitchen Renovation Cost Overview
A kitchen renovation in Canada typically costs between $15,000 and $100,000+ in 2026, depending on the scope, quality of materials, labour costs in your region, and the overall size of your kitchen. The kitchen remains the single most impactful room to renovate, both for daily living and resale value.
Whether you're updating worn countertops and cabinet fronts or gutting the entire space for a custom layout, understanding realistic price ranges is essential before you sign a contract. Use our kitchen renovation calculator for a personalized estimate based on your city and preferences.
Cost by Quality Level
Kitchen renovation costs fall into three broad tiers. The quality of materials and finishes is the primary driver of cost, even more than kitchen size.
| Quality Level | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $15,000 - $30,000 | Cabinet refacing, laminate countertops, basic appliances, vinyl or laminate flooring, fresh paint |
| Standard | $30,000 - $55,000 | New semi-custom cabinets, quartz countertops, mid-range appliances, tile backsplash, hardwood or LVP flooring |
| Premium | $55,000 - $100,000+ | Custom cabinetry, marble or granite countertops, premium appliances (Wolf, Sub-Zero), hardwood floors, pot filler, under-cabinet lighting |
Most Canadian homeowners spend between $35,000 and $50,000 on a mid-range kitchen renovation. This sweet spot delivers a modern, functional kitchen without the luxury price tag.
Where Your Money Goes
Understanding cost allocation helps you decide where to splurge and where to save. Here's how a typical standard kitchen renovation breaks down:
| Category | % of Budget | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinets | 30-40% | $10,000 - $22,000 |
| Countertops | 10-15% | $3,500 - $8,000 |
| Labour | 20-35% | $8,000 - $18,000 |
| Appliances | 15-20% | $5,000 - $12,000 |
| Flooring | 5-10% | $2,000 - $5,000 |
| Backsplash | 3-5% | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Plumbing & Electrical | 5-10% | $2,000 - $5,000 |
Cabinets are consistently the largest expense. If you're on a tight budget, consider refacing existing cabinets instead of replacing them—you can save 40-60% on that line item alone.
Cost by Canadian City
Location significantly impacts renovation costs due to differences in labour rates, material availability, and local demand. Here's how major Canadian cities compare:
| City | Cost Index | Standard Kitchen Range |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 1.20x | $36,000 - $66,000 |
| Vancouver | 1.25x | $37,500 - $68,750 |
| Montreal | 1.05x | $31,500 - $57,750 |
| Calgary | 1.10x | $33,000 - $60,500 |
| Ottawa | 1.10x | $33,000 - $60,500 |
| Winnipeg | 0.90x | $27,000 - $49,500 |
| Halifax | 0.95x | $28,500 - $52,250 |
For a complete cost breakdown in your city, visit our renovation costs by city page covering 30+ Canadian cities.
Cost by Kitchen Size
Kitchen size is measured in linear feet of countertop and cabinetry. Larger kitchens require more materials and labour.
| Kitchen Size | Linear Feet | Standard Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small (Galley) | 10-15 ft | $20,000 - $35,000 |
| Medium (L-shape) | 15-25 ft | $30,000 - $55,000 |
| Large (U-shape/Island) | 25-35 ft | $45,000 - $80,000 |
Typical Renovation Timeline
Plan for your kitchen to be out of commission for 6 to 12 weeks depending on scope:
- Budget refresh (cosmetic): 2-4 weeks
- Standard renovation: 6-8 weeks
- Premium gut renovation: 10-16 weeks
Factor in an additional 2-4 weeks for design, permits, and material ordering before work begins. If you're moving plumbing or electrical, add time for permit inspections.
Tips to Save Money on Your Kitchen Renovation
- Keep the existing layout: Moving plumbing and gas lines can add $3,000-$8,000. If your current layout works, keep it.
- Reface cabinets: Save 40-60% versus full replacement. New doors and hardware can transform the look.
- Choose quartz over marble: Quartz offers a similar premium look at 30-50% less cost, with better durability and zero sealing required.
- Buy appliances during sales: Black Friday, Boxing Day, and holiday weekends offer 20-40% discounts on major appliances.
- Get 3+ quotes: Always compare at least three contractors. Prices can vary 20-40% for identical scope.
- Do demolition yourself: Removing old cabinets, flooring, and backsplash is straightforward and can save $1,000-$2,000 in labour.
- Skip the pot filler: Trendy but adds $500-$1,500 for a fixture most homeowners rarely use.
Return on Investment
A kitchen renovation typically returns 75-100% of its cost at resale, making it the highest-ROI renovation project. A minor kitchen remodel (under $30,000) often returns more than a major one because the cost-to-value ratio is better.
If you're renovating primarily for resale, stick to the standard tier and focus on universally appealing finishes: white or gray cabinets, quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Learn more about which renovation projects add the most value.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a kitchen renovation take in Canada?
A standard kitchen renovation takes 6-8 weeks of active construction. Including design, permits, and material lead times, plan for 3-4 months from start to finish.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen renovation?
Cosmetic updates (paint, countertops, flooring) don't require permits. However, if you're moving plumbing, electrical, gas lines, or removing walls, you'll need building permits. Costs are typically $200-$500. See our renovation permits guide for details.
Should I renovate my kitchen before selling?
Yes, if your kitchen is dated. A minor kitchen remodel returns 75-100% of its cost. Focus on cosmetic upgrades: new countertops, cabinet refacing, modern fixtures, and fresh paint. Avoid over-improving for your neighbourhood.
What is the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation?
Cabinets are the most expensive single component, accounting for 30-40% of total cost. Custom cabinets can cost $15,000-$30,000 alone, while semi-custom options run $8,000-$15,000.
Can I renovate a kitchen for under $20,000?
Yes, with a budget approach: reface cabinets, install laminate countertops, keep existing layout, paint walls, and update hardware and fixtures. Use our kitchen calculator to see what fits your budget.