Kitchen cabinets cost in Iowa City, IA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (25 linear ft)
- $3,850 – $12,400
- Per linear ft
- $136 – $441
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −11%
- US $9,150
- Rank of 300 metros
- #235
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to replace kitchen cabinets in Iowa City, plan on $3,850 to $12,400 for 25 linear ft, all in. Per linear ft, that is $136 to $441 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 11% lower than the national one. Carpenters earn a median of $23.89 an hour in the Iowa City area, 18% below the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 25 linear ft in Iowa City, IA, standard level
$6,400 to $9,850
About $228 to $350 per linear ft before permits. Labor is about 46% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3,050 | $4,000 |
| Labor | $2,650 | $4,750 |
| Permits and fees | $730 | $1,100 |
| Total | $6,400 | $9,850 |
Cost breakdown for 25 linear ft in Iowa City, IA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,350 | $3,500 | $4,700 | 43% |
| Labor | $1,050 | $3,700 | $6,350 | 46% |
| Permits and fees | $460 | $920 | $1,350 | 11% |
| Total | $3,850 | $8,150 | $12,400 | 100% |
Where the Iowa City 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, Iowa City wages are 0.85 times the national level. Labor makes up about 46% of the midpoint estimate (48% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Iowa City metro is 93.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 25 linear ft comes to $3,500, compared with $3,750 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (91.5) and land at $460 to $1,350.
Iowa City 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 Iowa City is 0.85 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 80%) the local median is $23.89 an hour, which is 18% below the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $21.98 and $29.70 an hour. BLS counts 360 of them working in the area, 38.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is about average.
Electricians (47-2111), 10% of the weighting: a median of $28.61 an hour, 6% below the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $21.93 and $34.19 an hour. About 370 work in the metro. That is 39.5 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 $29.49 an hour, which is 4% below the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $23.29 and $36.43 an hour. BLS counts 190 of them working in the area, 20.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the carpenters on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($29.70 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $700. At the 25th percentile ($21.98) it shrinks by about $230. The total moves by 8.6% or 2.8%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 93,760 jobs in the Iowa City area. That makes it the 214th 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% | $21.98 | $23.89 | $29.70 | $29.12 | 0.82 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $21.93 | $28.61 | $34.19 | $30.38 | 0.94 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $23.29 | $29.49 | $36.43 | $30.67 | 0.96 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.85 | |||||
Iowa City against nearby metros and the rest of Iowa
Of the five closest metros, none is cheaper than Iowa City. Waterloo comes closest at about $8,500.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa City, IAthis page | $3,850 – $12,400 | $8,150 | |
| Cedar Rapids, IA40 miles | $4,000 – $13,400 | $8,750 | +7% |
| Davenport, IA60 miles | $4,100 – $13,800 | $8,950 | +10% |
| Dubuque, IA75 miles | $4,000 – $13,400 | $8,700 | +7% |
| Waterloo, IA80 miles | $3,950 – $13,000 | $8,500 | +4% |
| Des Moines, IA110 miles | $4,100 – $13,800 | $8,950 | +10% |
| Iowa (statewide) | $4,000 – $13,200 | $8,600 | +6% |
| United States | $4,250 – $14,000 | $9,150 | +12% |
Across 300 US metros, Iowa City comes in at #235 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $12,000; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $7,050 (midpoints, 25 linear ft). Statewide, Iowa City is 5% below the Iowa figure.
Other Iowa metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | 404,130 jobs | $4,100 – $13,800 | $8,950 | +10% |
| Davenport, IA | 180,450 jobs | $4,100 – $13,800 | $8,950 | +10% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 139,260 jobs | $4,000 – $13,400 | $8,750 | +7% |
| Waterloo, IA | 84,260 jobs | $3,950 – $13,000 | $8,500 | +4% |
| Sioux City, IA | 75,010 jobs | $3,900 – $12,700 | $8,250 | +2% |
| Dubuque, IA | 58,470 jobs | $4,000 – $13,400 | $8,700 | +7% |
Cities with a workforce like Iowa City's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Iowa City against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 93,800 jobs | $4,150 – $14,000 | $9,050 | +11% |
| Oshkosh, WI | 93,750 jobs | $4,500 – $16,400 | $10,500 | +28% |
| Barnstable, MA | 94,110 jobs | $4,400 – $15,100 | $9,750 | +20% |
| Bremerton, WA | 93,740 jobs | $4,550 – $15,200 | $9,900 | +21% |
What nearby projects cost in Iowa City
Because every project leans on different trades, Iowa City's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, shower pan runs −5% and storm door −10%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | 120 sq ft | $17,100 – $29,200 | −7% |
| Storm door | 1 door | $310 – $860 | −10% |
| Front door | 1 door | $440 – $2,300 | −9% |
| Bathroom remodel | 45 sq ft | $4,350 – $21,600 | −7% |
| Shower pan | 1 pan | $890 – $2,650 | −5% |
| Kitchen backsplash | 30 sq ft | $280 – $1,400 | −5% |
Iowa City: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Iowa City 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
$3,850 to $7,300
Stock cabinets, same layout
Standard
$6,400 to $9,850
Semi-custom with upgraded finishes
Premium
$9,000 to $12,400
Custom cabinetry, new layout
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small galley (15 linear ft) | $2,500 – $4,700 | $4,150 – $6,350 | $5,800 – $8,000 |
| 10x10 kitchen (20 linear ft) | $3,200 – $6,000 | $5,300 – $8,100 | $7,400 – $10,200 |
| average kitchen (25 linear ft) | $3,850 – $7,300 | $6,400 – $9,850 | $9,000 – $12,400 |
| large kitchen (40 linear ft) | $5,900 – $11,200 | $9,850 – $15,100 | $13,800 – $19,000 |
Why two Iowa City quotes can differ
Removal
Taking out the old cabinets is $300-$600, though many installers fold it into their labor price.
Permit
Kitchen remodeling permits are $500-$1,500 where one is needed, usually when you change layout, plumbing or wiring.
Stock, semi-custom or custom
Stock cabinets run $100-$400 per linear foot installed, semi-custom $150-$700, and custom $500-$1,200 (HomeGuide).
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 $6,400 to $9,850 for Iowa City, IA is attached.
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Kitchen cabinets in Iowa City: your questions
+How much does it cost to replace kitchen cabinets in Iowa City?
For 25 linear ft, expect $3,850 to $12,400 in the Iowa City area. A standard-spec job lands at $6,400 to $9,850. Small jobs usually cost more per linear ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per linear ft for kitchen cabinets in Iowa City?
About $136 to $441 per linear ft for materials and labor, plus $460 to $1,350 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $150 to $500.
+Is kitchen cabinets cheaper in Iowa City or Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is 40 miles away. The midpoint for 25 linear ft there is $8,750, which is 7% more than Iowa City ($8,150). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Iowa City?
About 46% at the midpoint, or $3,700 out of $8,150. Materials are 43% and permits 11%. Nationally, labor is 48%.
+What would average kitchen (25 linear ft) cost in Iowa City?
$3,850 to $12,400. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does kitchen cabinets need a permit in Iowa City?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $460 to $1,350 for fees in the Iowa City area (our national range of $500 to $1,500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Iowa City expensive for kitchen cabinets compared with the rest of Iowa?
Iowa City is 5% below the Iowa statewide estimate ($8,600 at the midpoint). We cover 7 metros in Iowa; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Iowa City?
The BLS median is $23.89 an hour in the Iowa City area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $21.98 to $29.70.
+What do basic and premium kitchen cabinets work cost in Iowa City?
For 25 linear ft, basic work runs $3,850 to $7,300 and premium work $9,000 to $12,400. Basic means: stock cabinets, same layout. Premium means: custom cabinetry, new layout.
Kitchen cabinets near Iowa City
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.