Kitchen Remodeling Cost in NJ (2025): Complete Price Guide
Planning a kitchen remodel in New Jersey? Understanding costs upfront helps you budget effectively and avoid surprises. This guide provides actual 2025 pricing based on hundreds of projects we've completed throughout the Garden State.
Whether you're updating a galley kitchen in Freehold, transforming a colonial kitchen in Rumson, or creating a chef's kitchen in Colts Neck, this guide covers what you can expect to invest.
Quick Cost Summary: Kitchen Remodeling in NJ
| Kitchen Size/Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium | Luxury |
|-------------------|--------|-----------|---------|--------|
| Galley Kitchen (under 100 sq ft) | $20K-$30K | $30K-$45K | $45K-$65K | $65K-$90K+ |
| Standard Kitchen (100-150 sq ft) | $30K-$45K | $45K-$65K | $65K-$100K | $100K-$150K+ |
| Large Kitchen (150-200 sq ft) | $40K-$60K | $60K-$90K | $90K-$130K | $130K-$200K+ |
| Chef's Kitchen (200+ sq ft) | $50K-$75K | $75K-$120K | $120K-$180K | $180K-$300K+ |
Note: New Jersey costs run 10-20% above national averages due to higher labor costs and material pricing in the tri-state area.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Understanding where your money goes helps prioritize your budget. Here's how a typical NJ kitchen remodel budget breaks down:
Cabinetry: 30-40% of Budget
| Cabinet Type | Price Range | Best For |
|--------------|-------------|----------|
| Stock Cabinets | $5,000-$15,000 | Budget-conscious renovations |
| Semi-Custom | $15,000-$30,000 | Balance of quality and value |
| Custom Cabinets | $30,000-$75,000+ | Unique spaces, specific requirements |
| Luxury Custom | $75,000-$150,000+ | High-end homes, premium materials |
Pro tip: Cabinet refacing ($8,000-$15,000) is a cost-effective alternative if your cabinet boxes are in good condition.
Countertops: 10-15% of Budget
| Material | Price per Sq Ft | 40 Sq Ft Kitchen |
|----------|-----------------|------------------|
| Laminate | $25-$50 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Quartz | $65-$150 | $2,600-$6,000 |
| Granite | $50-$200 | $2,000-$8,000 |
| Quartzite | $100-$250 | $4,000-$10,000 |
| Marble | $100-$300 | $4,000-$12,000 |
Appliances: 15-20% of Budget
| Tier | Package Cost | Brands |
|------|--------------|--------|
| Budget | $3,000-$6,000 | GE, Frigidaire, Whirlpool |
| Mid-Range | $6,000-$12,000 | KitchenAid, Samsung, LG |
| Premium | $12,000-$25,000 | Bosch, Jenn-Air, GE Profile |
| Luxury | $25,000-$60,000+ | Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, Thermador |
Labor: 20-35% of Budget
New Jersey labor rates are among the highest in the country:
| Trade | Hourly Rate | Typical Cost |
|-------|-------------|--------------|
| General Contractor | $75-$150/hr | Project management |
| Electrician | $85-$150/hr | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Plumber | $85-$150/hr | $1,500-$4,000 |
| Tile Installer | $65-$100/hr | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Painter | $45-$85/hr | $800-$2,500 |
Additional Costs
| Item | Cost Range |
|------|------------|
| Design Services | $2,000-$10,000 |
| Permits | $200-$500 |
| Dumpster Rental | $400-$800 |
| Temporary Kitchen Setup | $500-$1,500 |
| Flooring | $2,000-$8,000 |
| Lighting | $1,000-$5,000 |
| Backsplash | $1,000-$4,000 |
Kitchen Remodel Costs by NJ Region
Costs vary across New Jersey based on local labor markets and cost of living:
Monmouth County (Shore Area)
Kitchen remodeling in Monmouth County tends toward the higher end:
- Average project: $55,000-$85,000
- Luxury projects: $100,000-$250,000+
- Hot markets: Rumson, Colts Neck, Spring Lake, Deal
- Why higher: Affluent demographics, larger homes, coastal premium
Ocean County
- Average project: $45,000-$70,000
- Luxury projects: $85,000-$175,000+
- Hot markets: Mantoloking, Bay Head, Point Pleasant Beach
- Consideration: Salt air requires humidity-resistant materials
Central Jersey (Middlesex County)
- Average project: $40,000-$65,000
- Luxury projects: $75,000-$150,000
- Markets: Old Bridge, Monroe, East Brunswick
What Affects Kitchen Remodeling Costs in NJ?
1. Kitchen Size and Layout Changes
| Change Type | Added Cost |
|-------------|------------|
| Same footprint | Baseline |
| Wall removal | +$3,000-$10,000 |
| Moving plumbing | +$2,000-$8,000 |
| Moving gas lines | +$1,500-$4,000 |
| Adding island | +$3,000-$15,000 |
| Expanding square footage | +$200-$400/sq ft |
2. Material Quality
The difference between budget and luxury materials can triple your total cost:
- Budget finishes: Laminate, stock cabinets, builder-grade appliances
- Mid-range: Quartz counters, semi-custom cabinets, mid-tier appliances
- Premium: Natural stone, custom cabinets, professional-grade appliances
- Luxury: Exotic materials, bespoke cabinetry, integrated high-end appliances
3. Home Age and Condition
Older New Jersey homes often require:
- Electrical upgrades: $3,000-$8,000 (bringing up to code)
- Plumbing updates: $2,000-$6,000
- Asbestos abatement: $1,500-$5,000 (pre-1980s homes)
- Lead paint remediation: $1,000-$3,000
- Structural repairs: Variable
4. Timeline
Rush projects cost more. Standard timeline vs. expedited:
| Timeline | Cost Impact |
|----------|-------------|
| Standard (12-16 weeks) | Baseline |
| Expedited (8-10 weeks) | +10-15% |
| Rush (6-8 weeks) | +20-30% |
How to Budget for Your NJ Kitchen Remodel
The 5-10-15 Rule
A good guideline for kitchen remodel budgets:
- Basic refresh: 5% of home value
- Mid-range remodel: 10% of home value
- Major renovation: 15%+ of home value
For a $500,000 NJ home:
- Basic: $25,000
- Mid-range: $50,000
- Major: $75,000+
Budget Allocation
| Category | Percentage | $50K Budget |
|----------|------------|---------------|
| Cabinetry | 30-35% | $15,000-$17,500 |
| Labor | 20-25% | $10,000-$12,500 |
| Appliances | 15-20% | $7,500-$10,000 |
| Countertops | 10-15% | $5,000-$7,500 |
| Flooring | 5-7% | $2,500-$3,500 |
| Lighting | 3-5% | $1,500-$2,500 |
| Backsplash | 3-5% | $1,500-$2,500 |
| Contingency | 10-15% | $5,000-$7,500 |
Always include a 10-15% contingency for unexpected issues, especially in older homes.
Financing Your Kitchen Remodel
Popular Options in NJ
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|--------|------|------|
| Home Equity Loan | Low rates, tax-deductible | Uses home as collateral |
| HELOC | Flexible, pay as you go | Variable rates |
| Personal Loan | No collateral needed | Higher rates |
| Cash-Out Refi | Low rates, combines debt | Closing costs |
| Contractor Financing | Convenient, promotional rates | May have higher long-term rates |
Current NJ Market (2025)
With interest rates stabilizing, many homeowners are choosing to remodel rather than move. A well-executed kitchen remodel can add 60-80% of its cost to your home's value.
Tips to Save Money on Your NJ Kitchen Remodel
Do's
- Keep plumbing in place - Moving sinks saves $2,000-$5,000
- Reface vs. replace cabinets - Save 30-50% on cabinetry
- Choose quartz over natural stone - Similar look, lower cost, less maintenance
- Buy floor models - Appliance discounts of 20-40%
- Time your project right - Late fall/winter may offer better pricing
Don'ts
- Don't skip permits - Fines and resale issues cost more
- Don't hire unlicensed contractors - Risk outweighs savings
- Don't buy the cheapest materials - They won't last
- Don't change your mind mid-project - Change orders add up fast
Why Choose a Licensed NJ Kitchen Contractor?
Working with a licensed kitchen remodeling contractor in New Jersey protects your investment:
- License verification: NJ License #13VH04175700
- Insurance: Full liability and workers' comp coverage
- Permit handling: We manage all applications and inspections
- Warranty: Written workmanship guarantees
- References: Verifiable local projects
At Custom Kitchens by Lopez, we've completed 500+ kitchen renovations across Monmouth and Ocean Counties with a 5.0 Google rating from 127+ reviews.
Get Your Free Kitchen Remodel Estimate
Ready to transform your New Jersey kitchen? Schedule a free in-home consultation where we'll:
- Assess your current kitchen and discuss your vision
- Provide a detailed, itemized estimate
- Show you material samples and design options
- Answer all your questions with no pressure
Contact us today:
- Phone: 732.984.1043
- Online: Schedule Consultation