How much does kitchen remodel cost in Chicago, IL?

Most Chicago homeowners spend between $20,500 – $108,300 on kitchen remodel, with an average around $31,900. Local labor prices 14% above the national average, so Chicago quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

Why is kitchen remodel more or less expensive in Chicago than elsewhere?

Chicago is a union-heavy market, so licensed trade labor prices well above average. Freeze-thaw, ice dams and lake-effect snow drive roofing and masonry spend.

Do I need a permit for kitchen remodel in Chicago, Illinois?

City permits, licensed-contractor registration and inspections are strictly enforced. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in Chicago?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Illinois contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Chicago market.

How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

$18,000 to $95,000, averaging about $28,000. That equals $75 to $250 per square foot of kitchen.

What is the most expensive part of a kitchen remodel?

Cabinets, at roughly 30% of the budget, followed by labor at about 22%.

How long does a kitchen remodel take?

Six to twelve weeks for a typical midrange remodel, longer if you move plumbing or wait on custom cabinets.

Does a kitchen remodel pay for itself?

A minor midrange remodel returns roughly 70–85% of its cost at resale; an upscale gut renovation returns closer to 50%.

Yes if you move plumbing, add circuits or change walls. Cosmetic swaps usually do not require one.

Home/Cost guides/Kitchen Remodel/Chicago, IL

Chicago · Illinois

Kitchen Remodel cost in Chicago, IL

Chicago homeowners typically pay $20,500 – $108,300 for kitchen remodel. Local labor and materials price 14% above the national average.

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Chicago average

$31,900

Typical low

$20,500

Typical high

$108,300

Per square foot of kitchen

$85 – $285

Sample ZIP

60601

What drives Chicago pricing

Local labor

Chicago is a union-heavy market, so licensed trade labor prices well above average.

Permits & code

City permits, licensed-contractor registration and inspections are strictly enforced.

Climate & conditions

Freeze-thaw, ice dams and lake-effect snow drive roofing and masonry spend.

Instant cost calculator

Adjust the inputs to see live pricing

Kitchen size175 square feet

Remodel level

Layout change

Structural work

Countertop

Home age

Estimated project cost

$13,685 – $20,125

Most homeowners pay around $16,905

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Cost by material in Chicago

Installed Chicago pricing per square foot of kitchen.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Stock cabinets	$115 – $340	In stock and fast to install.	Fixed sizes leave filler gaps.
Semi-custom cabinets	$170 – $740	Sized to your kitchen with real finish options.	6–10 week lead time.
Custom cabinets	$570 – $1,700	Any size, any material.	Highest cost and longest lead time.
Laminate countertop	$23 – $57	Cheapest surface available.	Damaged by heat, cannot be repaired.
Granite countertop	$46 – $115	Heat-proof and durable.	Needs periodic sealing.
Quartz countertop	$57 – $170	Non-porous and maintenance-free.	Can scorch under hot pans.

Where the money goes in Chicago

A typical $31,900 Chicago project, broken down by line item.

Cabinets & hardware30% · $9,570
Labor & installation22% · $7,018
Appliances14% · $4,466
Countertops11% · $3,509
Flooring7% · $2,233
Plumbing & electrical9% · $2,871
Lighting, paint & finishes7% · $2,233

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on Chicago quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Kitchen island (new)

$3,400 – $13,700

Relocate plumbing

$1,150 – $4,550

New electrical circuits & panel work

$1,350 – $5,700

Range hood venting to exterior

$685 – $2,850

Tile backsplash

$910 – $2,850

Hardwood flooring

Per square foot installed

$7 – $21

Permits

$340 – $1,700

Ways to save in Chicago

Keep the plumbing and range where they are — moving them is the single biggest hidden cost.
Reface or paint solid cabinet boxes instead of replacing: saves 60–70% of the cabinet line.
Buy appliances during Black Friday or Memorial Day sales and store them until install week.
Choose quartz remnants for small counters and islands.
Order everything before demo day — delays are what turn a 6-week job into a 4-month job.

Chicago FAQs

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More Chicago research

Best kitchen remodel companies in Chicago Kitchen Remodel permits in Illinois Kitchen Remodel near me All Illinois prices

Kitchen Remodel cost near Chicago

Kitchen Remodel cost in Naperville, IL

$20,140 – $106,400

Kitchen Remodel cost in Aurora, IL

$19,061 – $100,700

Kitchen Remodel cost in Evanston, IL

$20,860 – $110,200

Kitchen Remodel cost in Schaumburg, IL

$19,601 – $103,550

Kitchen Remodel cost in Joliet, IL

$18,702 – $98,800

Kitchen Remodel cost in Elgin, IL

$18,882 – $99,750

More Illinois cities

Cicero Springfield Peoria Rockford Champaign

Other project costs in Chicago

Fence Installation in Chicago

$1,710 – $4,560

Roof Replacement in Chicago

$9,690 – $38,760

HVAC Replacement in Chicago

$6,270 – $20,520

Deck Building in Chicago

$5,016 – $13,680

Window Replacement in Chicago

$513 – $1,710

Bathroom Remodel in Chicago

$7,410 – $43,320

See every Chicago cost guide