Kitchen remodel cost in New Orleans, LA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (120 sq ft)
- $17,100 – $29,100
- Per sq ft
- $139 – $231
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −8%
- US $25,000
- Rank of 300 metros
- #268
- 1 = most expensive
Local price for a kitchen remodel in the New Orleans area: $17,100 to $29,100 for 120 sq ft. The low end is a basic job on easy ground; the high end is a premium spec with harder access. The midpoint runs 8% lower than the US figure. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 93.7).
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Estimated cost for 120 sq ft in New Orleans, LA, standard level
$20,700 to $25,500
About $166 to $203 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 19% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $16,000 | $19,600 |
| Labor | $3,950 | $4,800 |
| Permits and fees | $740 | $1,100 |
| Total | $20,700 | $25,500 |
Cost breakdown for 120 sq ft in New Orleans, LA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $13,400 | $17,800 | $22,300 | 77% |
| Labor | $3,300 | $4,350 | $5,450 | 19% |
| Permits and fees | $460 | $930 | $1,400 | 4% |
| Total | $17,100 | $23,100 | $29,100 | 100% |
What is behind the New Orleans number
The wage side of the estimate leans on carpenters, who do 45% of the hours on a typical job. Their local median is $24.10 an hour. Add the other trades involved and the blended wage index for New Orleans is 0.88 (US = 1.00), which puts labor at 19% of the total.
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. New Orleans is at 93.7 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $19,000 nationally becomes $17,800 here (midpoint, 120 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 92.6: $460 to $1,400.
Who does the work: New Orleans trade wages
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 6 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For New Orleans the blend is 0.88.
Carpenters (47-2031), 45% of the weighting: a median of $24.10 an hour, 17% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $21.55 and $29.75 an hour. About 1,390 work in the metro. That is 31.2 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 43.1 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For electricians (47-2111, weighted 15%) the local median is $30.04 an hour, which is in line with the national $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $23.35 and $35.56 an hour. BLS counts 2,240 of them working in the area, 50.3 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 48.7), so the local bench is about average.
Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152), 15% of the weighting: a median of $30.03 an hour, in line with the US median of $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $24.43 and $36.43 an hour. About 1,510 work in the metro. That is 33.9 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 30.0 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
Tile and stone setters (47-2044), 10% of the weighting: a median of $21.22 an hour, 21% below the US median of $26.77. The middle half of them earn between $19.20 and $22.99 an hour. About 50 work in the metro. That is 1.1 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 2.3 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081, weighted 10%) the local median is $23.67 an hour, which is 16% below the national $28.33. The middle half of them earn between $16.90 and $25.47 an hour. BLS counts 50 of them working in the area, 1.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 5.3), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141), 5% of the weighting: a median of $22.11 an hour, 7% below the US median of $23.75. The middle half of them earn between $18.96 and $23.81 an hour. About 700 work in the metro. That is 15.7 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 14.5 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (carpenters) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $430 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $200. That is a swing of roughly 0.8% to 1.9% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
New Orleans-Metairie has 445,550 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 57th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $21.55 | $24.10 | $29.75 | $29.12 | 0.83 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 15% | $23.35 | $30.04 | $35.56 | $30.38 | 0.99 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 15% | $24.43 | $30.03 | $36.43 | $30.67 | 0.98 | metro |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | 10% | $19.20 | $21.22 | $22.99 | $26.77 | 0.79 | metro |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | 10% | $16.90 | $23.67 | $25.47 | $28.33 | 0.84 | metro |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | 5% | $18.96 | $22.11 | $23.81 | $23.75 | 0.93 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.88 | |||||
Specs and site conditions that change a New Orleans bid
Scope
A full kitchen update is $15,000-$50,000, a large remodel $50,000-$70,000+, and a partial refresh $60-$150 per square foot (HomeGuide).
Cabinets
In a 10x10 kitchen, cabinets alone are $3,000-$11,000 for stock or semi-custom and up to $26,500 for fully custom.
Counters
New countertops are $50-$150 per square foot installed; HomeGuide gives $1,500-$6,000 for an average kitchen.
What nearby projects cost in New Orleans
Jobs that often go together with kitchen remodel are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same New Orleans wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, window replacement comes out highest (−9%) and kitchen backsplash lowest (−12%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen cabinets | 25 linear ft | $3,900 – $12,500 | −10% |
| Bathroom remodel | 45 sq ft | $4,250 – $21,200 | −9% |
| Window replacement | 10 windows | $4,050 – $13,700 | −9% |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $33,800 – $68,500 | −11% |
| Shower pan | 1 pan | $830 – $2,550 | −9% |
| Kitchen backsplash | 30 sq ft | $260 – $1,300 | −12% |
Is New Orleans cheap or dear? The local comparison
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 120 sq ft range from $22,800 to $23,500 across New Orleans and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans, LAthis page | $17,100 – $29,100 | $23,100 | |
| Houma, LA75 miles | $16,900 – $28,700 | $22,800 | −1% |
| Slidell, LA80 miles | $17,000 – $28,900 | $22,900 | −1% |
| Gulfport, MS90 miles | $17,300 – $29,500 | $23,400 | +1% |
| Baton Rouge, LA125 miles | $17,400 – $29,600 | $23,500 | +2% |
| Mobile, AL125 miles | $17,400 – $29,600 | $23,500 | +2% |
| Louisiana (statewide) | $17,100 – $29,000 | $23,100 | level |
| United States | $18,500 – $31,500 | $25,000 | +8% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, New Orleans ranks #268 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, New Orleans is 0% above the Louisiana figure.
Elsewhere in Louisiana
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | 409,690 jobs | $17,400 – $29,600 | $23,500 | +2% |
| Lafayette, LA | 179,570 jobs | $16,900 – $28,700 | $22,800 | −1% |
| Shreveport, LA | 162,750 jobs | $16,900 – $28,800 | $22,800 | −1% |
| Lake Charles, LA | 101,690 jobs | $17,000 – $28,900 | $23,000 | −1% |
| Slidell, LA | 98,240 jobs | $17,000 – $28,900 | $22,900 | −1% |
| Monroe, LA | 87,500 jobs | $16,900 – $28,700 | $22,800 | −1% |
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is New Orleans against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu, HI | 446,380 jobs | $22,200 – $37,700 | $30,000 | +30% |
| Greenville, SC | 434,900 jobs | $17,300 – $29,500 | $23,400 | +1% |
| Albany, NY | 449,410 jobs | $18,700 – $31,800 | $25,300 | +9% |
| Knoxville, TN | 424,600 jobs | $17,400 – $29,600 | $23,500 | +2% |
New Orleans: what basic, standard and premium work costs
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to New Orleans. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from small kitchen (100 sq ft) to large kitchen (300 sq ft).
Basic
$17,100 to $21,900
Update: cabinets, counters, flooring and lighting; same layout
Standard
$20,700 to $25,500
Full remodel, mid-range finishes, some layout changes
Premium
$24,300 to $29,100
Large or custom remodel, high-end finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small kitchen (100 sq ft) | $14,300 – $18,400 | $17,400 – $21,400 | $20,400 – $24,500 |
| 10x12 kitchen (120 sq ft) | $17,100 – $21,900 | $20,700 – $25,500 | $24,300 – $29,100 |
| average kitchen (200 sq ft) | $28,200 – $36,000 | $34,000 – $41,800 | $39,800 – $47,600 |
| large kitchen (300 sq ft) | $42,100 – $53,500 | $50,700 – $62,100 | $59,300 – $70,700 |
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Kitchen remodel in New Orleans: your questions
+How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen in New Orleans?
For 120 sq ft, expect $17,100 to $29,100 in the New Orleans area. A standard-spec job lands at $20,700 to $25,500. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for kitchen remodel in New Orleans?
About $139 to $231 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $460 to $1,400 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $150 to $250.
+Is kitchen remodel cheaper in New Orleans or Houma?
Houma is 75 miles away. The midpoint for 120 sq ft there is $22,800, which is 1% less than New Orleans ($23,100). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in New Orleans?
About 19% at the midpoint, or $4,350 out of $23,100. Materials are 77% and permits 4%. Nationally, labor is 20%.
+What would average kitchen (200 sq ft) cost in New Orleans?
$28,200 to $47,600. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does kitchen remodel need a permit in New Orleans?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $460 to $1,400 for fees in the New Orleans area (our national range of $500 to $1,500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is New Orleans expensive for kitchen remodel compared with the rest of Louisiana?
New Orleans is 0% above the Louisiana statewide estimate ($23,100 at the midpoint). We cover 9 metros in Louisiana; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in New Orleans?
The BLS median is $24.10 an hour in the New Orleans area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $21.55 to $29.75.
+What do basic and premium kitchen remodel work cost in New Orleans?
For 120 sq ft, basic work runs $17,100 to $21,900 and premium work $24,300 to $29,100. Basic means: update: cabinets, counters, flooring and lighting; same layout. Premium means: large or custom remodel, high-end finishes.
Kitchen remodel near New Orleans
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 Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- Cost to Renovate: Renovation Labor Report 2026: Where the Money Goes (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
Note on derived figures: Materials = 70% of the low installed price and 85% of the high one, from HomeGuide's statement that professional labor is 15-30% of a kitchen remodeling budget. Cost to Renovate's mid-range kitchen split (45% labor, 50% materials) sits inside that band.