Kitchen cabinets cost in Santa Cruz, CA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (25 linear ft)
- $4,750 – $16,300
- Per linear ft
- $168 – $587
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +15%
- US $9,150
- Rank of 300 metros
- #12
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to replace kitchen cabinets in Santa Cruz, plan on $4,750 to $16,300 for 25 linear ft, all in. Per linear ft, that is $168 to $587 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 15% higher than the national one. Carpenters earn a median of $37.35 an hour in the Santa Cruz area, 28% above the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 25 linear ft in Santa Cruz, CA, standard level
$8,200 to $12,800
About $293 to $461 per linear ft before permits. Labor is about 52% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3,400 | $4,450 |
| Labor | $3,900 | $7,050 |
| Permits and fees | $880 | $1,300 |
| Total | $8,200 | $12,800 |
Cost breakdown for 25 linear ft in Santa Cruz, CA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,650 | $3,950 | $5,250 | 37% |
| Labor | $1,550 | $5,500 | $9,400 | 52% |
| Permits and fees | $550 | $1,100 | $1,650 | 10% |
| Total | $4,750 | $10,500 | $16,300 | 100% |
Where the Santa Cruz price comes from
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 3 trades: carpenters at 80%, electricians at 10%, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters at 10%. Weighted together, Santa Cruz wages are 1.25 times the national level. Labor makes up about 52% of the midpoint estimate (48% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Santa Cruz metro is 105.2 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 25 linear ft comes to $3,950, compared with $3,750 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (109.9) and land at $550 to $1,650.
Pick a size, pick a tier: kitchen cabinets pricing in Santa Cruz
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Santa Cruz wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 4 common sizes.
Basic
$4,750 to $9,350
Stock cabinets, same layout
Standard
$8,200 to $12,800
Semi-custom with upgraded finishes
Premium
$11,700 to $16,300
Custom cabinetry, new layout
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small galley (15 linear ft) | $3,050 – $6,000 | $5,300 – $8,250 | $7,500 – $10,400 |
| 10x10 kitchen (20 linear ft) | $3,900 – $7,700 | $6,750 – $10,500 | $9,600 – $13,400 |
| average kitchen (25 linear ft) | $4,750 – $9,350 | $8,200 – $12,800 | $11,700 – $16,300 |
| large kitchen (40 linear ft) | $7,250 – $14,400 | $12,600 – $19,800 | $18,000 – $25,100 |
Santa Cruz against nearby metros and the rest of California
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 25 linear ft range from $9,900 to $11,600 across Santa Cruz and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santa Cruz, CAthis page | $4,750 – $16,300 | $10,500 | |
| San Jose, CA35 miles | $4,900 – $17,200 | $11,000 | +5% |
| San Francisco, CA55 miles | $5,100 – $18,000 | $11,600 | +10% |
| Salinas, CA65 miles | $4,550 – $15,300 | $9,900 | −6% |
| Modesto, CA65 miles | $4,650 – $15,800 | $10,200 | −3% |
| Merced, CA70 miles | $4,600 – $15,700 | $10,200 | −3% |
| California (statewide) | $4,750 – $16,200 | $10,500 | level |
| United States | $4,250 – $14,000 | $9,150 | −13% |
Across 300 US metros, Santa Cruz comes in at #12 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $12,000; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $7,050 (midpoints, 25 linear ft). Statewide, Santa Cruz is 0% above the California figure.
Other California metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles, CA | 6,271,560 jobs | $4,750 – $16,200 | $10,500 | level |
| San Francisco, CA | 2,373,920 jobs | $5,100 – $18,000 | $11,600 | +10% |
| Riverside, CA | 1,716,760 jobs | $4,500 – $15,300 | $9,900 | −6% |
| San Diego, CA | 1,538,060 jobs | $4,750 – $16,100 | $10,400 | −1% |
| San Jose, CA | 1,134,970 jobs | $4,900 – $17,200 | $11,000 | +5% |
| Sacramento, CA | 1,080,590 jobs | $4,650 – $15,900 | $10,300 | −2% |
Cities with a workforce like Santa Cruz's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Santa Cruz against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield, IL | 100,810 jobs | $4,450 – $15,800 | $10,100 | −4% |
| Slidell, LA | 98,240 jobs | $3,850 – $12,200 | $8,050 | −24% |
| Lake Charles, LA | 101,690 jobs | $3,800 – $12,100 | $7,950 | −25% |
| Lynchburg, VA | 97,190 jobs | $3,900 – $12,300 | $8,100 | −23% |
Santa Cruz labor market for kitchen cabinets
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 3 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Santa Cruz is 1.25 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 80%) the local median is $37.35 an hour, which is 28% above the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $29.80 and $44.34 an hour. BLS counts 700 of them working in the area, 71.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Electricians (47-2111), 10% of the weighting: a median of $36.83 an hour, 21% above the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $29.55 and $46.35 an hour. About 330 work in the metro. That is 33.5 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 48.7 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152, weighted 10%) the local median is $32.75 an hour, which is 7% above the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $29.11 and $46.02 an hour. BLS counts 350 of them working in the area, 35.5 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the carpenters on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($44.34 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $840. At the 25th percentile ($29.80) it shrinks by about $910. The total moves by 8.0% or 8.6%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 98,500 jobs in the Santa Cruz-Watsonville area. That makes it the 204th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.06% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 80% | $29.80 | $37.35 | $44.34 | $29.12 | 1.28 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $29.55 | $36.83 | $46.35 | $30.38 | 1.21 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $29.11 | $32.75 | $46.02 | $30.67 | 1.07 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.25 | |||||
Why two Santa Cruz quotes can differ
Stock, semi-custom or custom
Stock cabinets run $100-$400 per linear foot installed, semi-custom $150-$700, and custom $500-$1,200 (HomeGuide).
Layout changes
Keeping the plumbing and wiring where it is saves real money. Moving them brings in plumbers and electricians.
Removal
Taking out the old cabinets is $300-$600, though many installers fold it into their labor price.
What nearby projects cost in Santa Cruz
Because every project leans on different trades, Santa Cruz's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, storm door runs +12% and shower pan +7%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | 120 sq ft | $20,100 – $34,200 | +9% |
| Storm door | 1 door | $400 – $1,050 | +12% |
| Front door | 1 door | $580 – $2,700 | +10% |
| Bathroom remodel | 45 sq ft | $5,250 – $26,000 | +11% |
| Shower pan | 1 pan | $990 – $3,000 | +7% |
| Kitchen backsplash | 30 sq ft | $320 – $1,600 | +7% |
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $8,200 to $12,800 for Santa Cruz, CA is attached.
Detailed kitchen cabinets report for Santa Cruz, CA, $9
Multi-page report for Santa Cruz, CA: low, typical and high cost, a line-item breakdown of materials and labor by trade, permit notes, the best months to schedule, a quote comparison sheet, red flags, questions for contractors, checklists and every source. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Kitchen cabinets in Santa Cruz: your questions
+How much does it cost to replace kitchen cabinets in Santa Cruz?
For 25 linear ft, expect $4,750 to $16,300 in the Santa Cruz area. A standard-spec job lands at $8,200 to $12,800. Small jobs usually cost more per linear ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per linear ft for kitchen cabinets in Santa Cruz?
About $168 to $587 per linear ft for materials and labor, plus $550 to $1,650 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $150 to $500.
+Is kitchen cabinets cheaper in Santa Cruz or San Jose?
San Jose is 35 miles away. The midpoint for 25 linear ft there is $11,000, which is 5% more than Santa Cruz ($10,500). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Santa Cruz?
About 52% at the midpoint, or $5,500 out of $10,500. Materials are 37% and permits 10%. Nationally, labor is 48%.
+What would average kitchen (25 linear ft) cost in Santa Cruz?
$4,750 to $16,300. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does kitchen cabinets need a permit in Santa Cruz?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $550 to $1,650 for fees in the Santa Cruz area (our national range of $500 to $1,500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Santa Cruz expensive for kitchen cabinets compared with the rest of California?
Santa Cruz is 0% above the California statewide estimate ($10,500 at the midpoint). We cover 23 metros in California; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Santa Cruz?
The BLS median is $37.35 an hour in the Santa Cruz area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $29.80 to $44.34.
+What do basic and premium kitchen cabinets work cost in Santa Cruz?
For 25 linear ft, basic work runs $4,750 to $9,350 and premium work $11,700 to $16,300. Basic means: stock cabinets, same layout. Premium means: custom cabinetry, new layout.
Kitchen cabinets near Santa Cruz
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: How Much Do Kitchen Cabinets Cost? (2026 Prices) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Cabinet Installation Cost? (New 2026 Prices) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
Note on derived figures: Materials = installed price minus HomeGuide's labor figure of $50-$300 per linear foot, matched low-to-low and high-to-high. Treat the split as a rough guide: labor swings with the cabinet type.