Kitchen remodel cost in North Carolina
Statewide estimate from BLS wages and BEA prices. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Statewide range (120 sq ft)
- $17,400 – $29,600
- Per sq ft
- $141 – $235
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −6%
- US $25,000
- Metros covered
- 11
What does it cost to remodel a kitchen in North Carolina? Plan on $17,400 to $29,600 for 120 sq ft. Wages (0.84x the US blend), materials (price index 96.6) and permit costs (94.3) put the state below the national midpoint by 6%.
Inside North Carolina, the metros we cover range from $23,300 (Hickory) to $23,700 (Durham) at the midpoint. Pick your closest city in the table for a tighter number.
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Estimated cost for 120 sq ft in North Carolina (statewide), standard level
$21,000 to $25,900
About $169 to $207 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 18% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $16,500 | $20,200 |
| Labor | $3,750 | $4,600 |
| Permits and fees | $750 | $1,150 |
| Total | $21,000 | $25,900 |
Cost breakdown for 120 sq ft in North Carolina
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $13,800 | $18,400 | $23,000 | 78% |
| Labor | $3,100 | $4,150 | $5,200 | 18% |
| Permits and fees | $470 | $940 | $1,400 | 4% |
| Total | $17,400 | $23,500 | $29,600 | 100% |
North Carolina labor market for kitchen remodel
North Carolina's labor line is priced from 6 trades, each compared with its US median wage. After weighting by each trade's share of the work, the state comes out at 0.84 times the national level.
Carpenters (47-2031), 45% of the weighting: a median of $23.61 an hour, 19% below the US median of $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $20.27 and $28.27 an hour. About 13,480 work in the state. That is 27.3 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 $27.31 an hour, which is 10% below the national $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $22.63 and $29.77 an hour. BLS counts 21,640 of them working in the state, 43.8 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 $27.44 an hour, 11% below the US median of $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $22.38 and $30.43 an hour. About 14,510 work in the state. That is 29.4 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 $21.47 an hour, 20% below the US median of $26.77. The middle half of them earn between $19.02 and $24.36 an hour. About 680 work in the state. That is 1.4 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 $21.67 an hour, which is 24% below the national $28.33. The middle half of them earn between $17.43 and $24.29 an hour. BLS counts 1,520 of them working in the state, 3.1 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 $21.21 an hour, 11% below the US median of $23.75. The middle half of them earn between $17.83 and $23.63 an hour. About 5,220 work in the state. That is 10.6 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 14.5 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
A crew paid at the 75th percentile for carpenters ($28.27 an hour) would add about $360 to the statewide midpoint; one at the 25th percentile ($20.27) would take off about $260. Use that as a rough guide to how far a bid can sit from our midpoint on wages alone.
BLS counts 4,941,820 jobs across North Carolina (May 2025), which is 3.2% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $20.27 | $23.61 | $28.27 | $29.12 | 0.81 | state |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 15% | $22.63 | $27.31 | $29.77 | $30.38 | 0.90 | state |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 15% | $22.38 | $27.44 | $30.43 | $30.67 | 0.89 | state |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | 10% | $19.02 | $21.47 | $24.36 | $26.77 | 0.80 | state |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | 10% | $17.43 | $21.67 | $24.29 | $28.33 | 0.76 | state |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | 5% | $17.83 | $21.21 | $23.63 | $23.75 | 0.89 | state |
| Blended | 100% | 0.84 | |||||
Basic, standard or premium: North Carolina prices
Bands overlap on purpose, since a good standard job can cost as much as a light premium one. Below are the three bands for the default size, then a grid from small kitchen (100 sq ft) to large kitchen (300 sq ft).
Basic
$17,400 to $22,300
Update: cabinets, counters, flooring and lighting; same layout
Standard
$21,000 to $25,900
Full remodel, mid-range finishes, some layout changes
Premium
$24,700 to $29,600
Large or custom remodel, high-end finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small kitchen (100 sq ft) | $14,600 – $18,700 | $17,700 – $21,800 | $20,800 – $24,900 |
| 10x12 kitchen (120 sq ft) | $17,400 – $22,300 | $21,000 – $25,900 | $24,700 – $29,600 |
| average kitchen (200 sq ft) | $28,600 – $36,500 | $34,600 – $42,400 | $40,500 – $48,400 |
| large kitchen (300 sq ft) | $42,700 – $54,400 | $51,500 – $63,100 | $60,200 – $71,800 |
Which North Carolina city is cheapest for kitchen remodel?
5 of the 11 metros sit above the statewide midpoint of $23,500, and the top-to-bottom gap is 2%. Each row prices the default size with that metro's own BLS wages and BEA price levels, so the gap between rows is real local variation rather than a flat markup.
| Metro | Range (120 sq ft) | Midpoint | vs. state |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham, NC | $17,500 – $29,800 | $23,700 | +1% |
| Raleigh, NC | $17,500 – $29,800 | $23,600 | +1% |
| Charlotte, NC | $17,500 – $29,800 | $23,600 | +1% |
| Asheville, NC | $17,500 – $29,800 | $23,600 | +1% |
| Wilmington, NC | $17,500 – $29,800 | $23,600 | +1% |
| Greensboro, NC | $17,500 – $29,700 | $23,600 | level |
| Burlington, NC | $17,300 – $29,500 | $23,400 | level |
| Winston, NC | $17,300 – $29,400 | $23,400 | −1% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $17,300 – $29,400 | $23,300 | −1% |
| Greenville, NC | $17,200 – $29,300 | $23,300 | −1% |
| Hickory, NC | $17,200 – $29,300 | $23,300 | −1% |
Related projects, priced for North Carolina
Each project weights the trades differently, so North Carolina's wage level does not push every price by the same amount. Compared with the US midpoint, window replacement is −7% and home addition −12%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen cabinets | 25 linear ft | $3,900 – $12,500 | −10% |
| Bathroom remodel | 45 sq ft | $4,250 – $21,000 | −10% |
| Window replacement | 10 windows | $4,150 – $14,000 | −7% |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $33,300 – $67,500 | −12% |
| Shower pan | 1 pan | $810 – $2,550 | −10% |
| Kitchen backsplash | 30 sq ft | $270 – $1,350 | −10% |
Why two North Carolina quotes can differ
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.
Structure
Moving or removing walls can need a structural engineer at $1,900-$3,700+.
Permit
Kitchen remodel permits are $500-$1,500 and are usually based on project value.
How North Carolina compares with nearby states
North Carolina ranks 42 of 51 (the 50 states plus DC) for kitchen remodel, where 1 is the most expensive. The costliest is Hawaii at $29,500 and the cheapest Arkansas at $22,500, both for 120 sq ft at the midpoint. North Carolina sits at $23,500. The five states closest by workforce center are listed below.
| State | Distance | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | 120 miles away | $17,300 – $29,500 | $23,400 | level |
| Virginia | 180 miles away | $18,300 – $31,200 | $24,800 | +5% |
| West Virginia | 240 miles away | $17,500 – $29,800 | $23,700 | +1% |
| District of Columbia | 260 miles away | $20,000 – $34,100 | $27,100 | +15% |
| Georgia | 270 miles away | $17,900 – $30,400 | $24,100 | +3% |
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Kitchen remodel in North Carolina: your questions
+How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen in North Carolina?
$17,400 to $29,600 for 120 sq ft, using statewide wages and prices. Metro areas inside North Carolina can sit above or below that.
+Which city in North Carolina is cheapest for kitchen remodel?
Hickory at about $23,300 (midpoint, 120 sq ft). The priciest is Durham at $23,700.
+Is kitchen remodel cheaper in North Carolina than the US average?
It is 6% cheaper: $23,500 against $25,000 for 120 sq ft at the midpoint.
+What share of the price is labor in North Carolina?
About 18% ($4,150). Materials are 78%. Statewide labor for this job is weighted 0.84x the national wage level.
+What do carpenters earn in North Carolina?
The BLS statewide median is $23.61 an hour, against $29.12 for the US. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $20.27 to $28.27.
+Where does North Carolina rank for kitchen remodel costs?
42nd most expensive of 51 (the 50 states plus DC) at the midpoint, $23,500 for 120 sq ft. Rank 1 is the costliest.
+What do basic and premium kitchen remodel work cost in North Carolina?
For 120 sq ft, basic work runs $17,400 to $22,300 and premium work $24,700 to $29,600. Basic means: update: cabinets, counters, flooring and lighting; same layout. Premium means: large or custom remodel, high-end finishes.
Kitchen remodel by city in North Carolina
- Durham, NC$23,700 midpoint
- Raleigh, NC$23,600 midpoint
- Charlotte, NC$23,600 midpoint
- Asheville, NC$23,600 midpoint
- Wilmington, NC$23,600 midpoint
- Greensboro, NC$23,600 midpoint
- Burlington, NC$23,400 midpoint
- Winston, NC$23,400 midpoint
- Fayetteville, NC$23,300 midpoint
- Greenville, NC$23,300 midpoint
- Hickory, NC$23,300 midpoint
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.