Kitchen cabinets cost in Columbia, SC
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (25 linear ft)
- $3,900 – $12,300
- Per linear ft
- $137 – $436
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −11%
- US $9,150
- Rank of 300 metros
- #242
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to replace kitchen cabinets in Columbia, plan on $3,900 to $12,300 for 25 linear ft, all in. Per linear ft, that is $137 to $436 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 11% lower than the national one. Carpenters earn a median of $23.11 an hour in the Columbia area, 21% below the US median of $29.12.
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Estimated cost for 25 linear ft in Columbia, SC, standard level
$6,400 to $9,800
About $227 to $346 per linear ft before permits. Labor is about 44% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $3,150 | $4,100 |
| Labor | $2,550 | $4,550 |
| Permits and fees | $750 | $1,100 |
| Total | $6,400 | $9,800 |
Cost breakdown for 25 linear ft in Columbia, SC
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $2,400 | $3,600 | $4,800 | 45% |
| Labor | $1,000 | $3,550 | $6,100 | 44% |
| Permits and fees | $470 | $940 | $1,400 | 12% |
| Total | $3,900 | $8,100 | $12,300 | 100% |
Where the Columbia 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, Columbia wages are 0.81 times the national level. Labor makes up about 44% of the midpoint estimate (48% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Columbia metro is 96.3 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 25 linear ft comes to $3,600, compared with $3,750 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (93.7) and land at $470 to $1,400.
Planning more than one job in Columbia?
Because every project leans on different trades, Columbia's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, kitchen remodel runs −7% and shower pan −13%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen remodel | 120 sq ft | $17,300 – $29,400 | −7% |
| Storm door | 1 door | $310 – $870 | −9% |
| Front door | 1 door | $440 – $2,350 | −8% |
| Bathroom remodel | 45 sq ft | $4,200 – $20,700 | −11% |
| Shower pan | 1 pan | $770 – $2,450 | −13% |
| Kitchen backsplash | 30 sq ft | $260 – $1,350 | −11% |
Columbia: what basic, standard and premium work costs
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Columbia 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
$3,900 to $7,250
Stock cabinets, same layout
Standard
$6,400 to $9,800
Semi-custom with upgraded finishes
Premium
$8,950 to $12,300
Custom cabinetry, new layout
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small galley (15 linear ft) | $2,500 – $4,700 | $4,150 – $6,300 | $5,800 – $7,950 |
| 10x10 kitchen (20 linear ft) | $3,200 – $6,000 | $5,300 – $8,050 | $7,350 – $10,100 |
| average kitchen (25 linear ft) | $3,900 – $7,250 | $6,400 – $9,800 | $8,950 – $12,300 |
| large kitchen (40 linear ft) | $5,950 – $11,100 | $9,800 – $15,000 | $13,700 – $18,900 |
Columbia against nearby metros and the rest of South Carolina
Same job, same size (25 linear ft), priced for the nearest metros. Augusta is the priciest of the group at $8,700.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SCthis page | $3,900 – $12,300 | $8,100 | |
| Augusta, GA70 miles | $4,050 – $13,400 | $8,700 | +8% |
| Spartanburg, SC70 miles | $3,950 – $12,700 | $8,300 | +2% |
| Florence, SC70 miles | $3,900 – $12,300 | $8,100 | level |
| Charlotte, NC75 miles | $3,950 – $12,700 | $8,350 | +3% |
| Greenville, SC90 miles | $3,900 – $12,500 | $8,200 | +1% |
| South Carolina (statewide) | $3,950 – $12,600 | $8,250 | +2% |
| United States | $4,250 – $14,000 | $9,150 | +13% |
Across 300 US metros, Columbia comes in at #242 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $12,000; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $7,050 (midpoints, 25 linear ft). Statewide, Columbia is 2% below the South Carolina figure.
Other South Carolina metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville, SC | 434,900 jobs | $3,900 – $12,500 | $8,200 | +1% |
| Charleston, SC | 394,170 jobs | $3,950 – $12,700 | $8,350 | +3% |
| Spartanburg, SC | 165,150 jobs | $3,950 – $12,700 | $8,300 | +2% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | 146,260 jobs | $3,850 – $12,100 | $8,000 | −1% |
| Florence, SC | 89,060 jobs | $3,900 – $12,300 | $8,100 | level |
| Hilton Head, SC | 81,920 jobs | $3,950 – $12,500 | $8,200 | +1% |
Cities with a workforce like Columbia's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Columbia against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Des Moines, IA | 404,130 jobs | $4,100 – $13,800 | $8,950 | +10% |
| Charleston, SC | 394,170 jobs | $3,950 – $12,700 | $8,350 | +3% |
| Bridgeport, CT | 404,180 jobs | $4,300 – $14,600 | $9,450 | +17% |
| Boise, ID | 391,790 jobs | $3,950 – $12,700 | $8,350 | +3% |
Columbia 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 Columbia is 0.81 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 80%) the local median is $23.11 an hour, which is 21% below the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $20.13 and $28.49 an hour. BLS counts 880 of them working in the area, 22.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Electricians (47-2111), 10% of the weighting: a median of $29.03 an hour, 4% below the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $23.59 and $37.27 an hour. About 1,170 work in the metro. That is 29.7 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 $25.04 an hour, which is 18% below the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $22.31 and $30.90 an hour. BLS counts 1,060 of them working in the area, 26.9 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is about average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the carpenters on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($28.49 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $650. At the 25th percentile ($20.13) it shrinks by about $360. The total moves by 8.0% or 4.4%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 394,200 jobs in the Columbia area. That makes it the 65th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.25% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 80% | $20.13 | $23.11 | $28.49 | $29.12 | 0.79 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 10% | $23.59 | $29.03 | $37.27 | $30.38 | 0.96 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 10% | $22.31 | $25.04 | $30.90 | $30.67 | 0.82 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.81 | |||||
Specs and site conditions that change a Columbia bid
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 $9,800 for Columbia, SC is attached.
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Kitchen cabinets in Columbia: your questions
+How much does it cost to replace kitchen cabinets in Columbia?
For 25 linear ft, expect $3,900 to $12,300 in the Columbia area. A standard-spec job lands at $6,400 to $9,800. Small jobs usually cost more per linear ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per linear ft for kitchen cabinets in Columbia?
About $137 to $436 per linear ft for materials and labor, plus $470 to $1,400 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $150 to $500.
+Is kitchen cabinets cheaper in Columbia or Augusta?
Augusta is 70 miles away. The midpoint for 25 linear ft there is $8,700, which is 8% more than Columbia ($8,100). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Columbia?
About 44% at the midpoint, or $3,550 out of $8,100. Materials are 45% and permits 12%. Nationally, labor is 48%.
+What would average kitchen (25 linear ft) cost in Columbia?
$3,900 to $12,300. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does kitchen cabinets need a permit in Columbia?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $470 to $1,400 for fees in the Columbia area (our national range of $500 to $1,500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Columbia expensive for kitchen cabinets compared with the rest of South Carolina?
Columbia is 2% below the South Carolina statewide estimate ($8,250 at the midpoint). We cover 7 metros in South Carolina; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Columbia?
The BLS median is $23.11 an hour in the Columbia area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $20.13 to $28.49.
+What do basic and premium kitchen cabinets work cost in Columbia?
For 25 linear ft, basic work runs $3,900 to $7,250 and premium work $8,950 to $12,300. Basic means: stock cabinets, same layout. Premium means: custom cabinetry, new layout.
Kitchen cabinets near Columbia
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.