Kitchen remodel cost in Altoona, PA
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (120 sq ft)
- $18,500 – $31,400
- Per sq ft
- $150 – $251
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- Level
- US $25,000
- Rank of 300 metros
- #83
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to remodel a kitchen in Altoona, plan on $18,500 to $31,400 for 120 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $150 to $251 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint lands close to the national one. Building materials run about 1% above the US average here (BEA goods price index 100.7).
Estimate your kitchen remodel cost
Pick a size, a quality level and where you live. Prices update as you type.
Estimated cost for 120 sq ft in Altoona, PA, standard level
$22,400 to $27,500
About $180 to $221 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 20% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $17,200 | $21,100 |
| Labor | $4,400 | $5,400 |
| Permits and fees | $720 | $1,050 |
| Total | $22,400 | $27,500 |
Cost breakdown for 120 sq ft in Altoona, PA
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $14,400 | $19,200 | $23,900 | 77% |
| Labor | $3,700 | $4,900 | $6,150 | 20% |
| Permits and fees | $450 | $900 | $1,350 | 4% |
| Total | $18,500 | $25,000 | $31,400 | 100% |
Why Altoona prices look the way they do
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 6 trades: carpenters at 45%, electricians at 15%, plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters at 15%, tile and stone setters at 10%, drywall and ceiling tile installers at 10%, painters, construction and maintenance at 5%. Weighted together, Altoona wages are 0.99 times the national level. Labor makes up about 20% of the midpoint estimate (20% at national prices).
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Altoona metro is 100.7 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 120 sq ft comes to $19,200, compared with $19,000 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (89.5) and land at $450 to $1,350.
Data note: 20% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Altoona. The wage table below marks each row.
Altoona against nearby metros and the rest of Pennsylvania
Same job, same size (120 sq ft), priced for the nearest metros. Harrisburg is the priciest of the group at $25,400. Hagerstown is the cheapest at $23,800.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PAthis page | $18,500 – $31,400 | $25,000 | |
| State College, PA35 miles | $18,400 – $31,400 | $24,900 | level |
| Chambersburg, PA50 miles | $18,300 – $31,200 | $24,800 | −1% |
| Harrisburg, PA65 miles | $18,800 – $32,000 | $25,400 | +2% |
| Hagerstown, MD65 miles | $17,600 – $30,000 | $23,800 | −4% |
| Pittsburgh, PA80 miles | $18,800 – $31,900 | $25,400 | +2% |
| Pennsylvania (statewide) | $18,600 – $31,600 | $25,100 | level |
| United States | $18,500 – $31,500 | $25,000 | level |
Across 300 US metros, Altoona comes in at #83 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $30,000; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $22,100 (midpoints, 120 sq ft). Statewide, Altoona is 0% below the Pennsylvania figure.
Other Pennsylvania metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA | 2,897,830 jobs | $18,400 – $31,400 | $24,900 | level |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 1,114,490 jobs | $18,800 – $31,900 | $25,400 | +2% |
| Allentown, PA | 377,180 jobs | $18,600 – $31,600 | $25,100 | +1% |
| Harrisburg, PA | 335,010 jobs | $18,800 – $32,000 | $25,400 | +2% |
| Scranton, PA | 255,620 jobs | $18,600 – $31,700 | $25,100 | +1% |
| Lancaster, PA | 252,230 jobs | $18,500 – $31,500 | $25,000 | level |
Cities with a workforce like Altoona's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Altoona against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingston, NY | 59,140 jobs | $18,600 – $31,700 | $25,200 | +1% |
| Dubuque, IA | 58,470 jobs | $17,400 – $29,600 | $23,500 | −6% |
| Niles, MI | 59,970 jobs | $17,300 – $29,500 | $23,400 | −6% |
| Albany, GA | 58,390 jobs | $17,100 – $29,000 | $23,100 | −8% |
Kitchen remodel: what moves the price in Altoona
Permit
Kitchen remodel permits are $500-$1,500 and are usually based on project value.
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.
Pick a size, pick a tier: kitchen remodel pricing in Altoona
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Altoona 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
$18,500 to $23,700
Update: cabinets, counters, flooring and lighting; same layout
Standard
$22,400 to $27,500
Full remodel, mid-range finishes, some layout changes
Premium
$26,300 to $31,400
Large or custom remodel, high-end finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small kitchen (100 sq ft) | $15,500 – $19,900 | $18,800 – $23,100 | $22,000 – $26,400 |
| 10x12 kitchen (120 sq ft) | $18,500 – $23,700 | $22,400 – $27,500 | $26,300 – $31,400 |
| average kitchen (200 sq ft) | $30,500 – $38,900 | $36,800 – $45,200 | $43,100 – $51,500 |
| large kitchen (300 sq ft) | $45,600 – $58,000 | $54,900 – $67,200 | $64,100 – $76,500 |
What nearby projects cost in Altoona
Because every project leans on different trades, Altoona's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, kitchen backsplash runs +10% and home addition −4%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen cabinets | 25 linear ft | $4,150 – $13,500 | −3% |
| Bathroom remodel | 45 sq ft | $4,800 – $23,700 | +2% |
| Window replacement | 10 windows | $4,500 – $15,000 | level |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $36,500 – $73,900 | −4% |
| Shower pan | 1 pan | $1,000 – $2,900 | +5% |
| Kitchen backsplash | 30 sq ft | $340 – $1,650 | +10% |
Altoona labor market for kitchen remodel
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 6 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Altoona is 0.99 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 45%) the local median is $27.58 an hour, which is 5% below the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $22.09 and $36.73 an hour. BLS counts 360 of them working in the area, 61.4 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 43.1), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Electricians (47-2111), 15% of the weighting: a median of $28.18 an hour, 7% below the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $22.81 and $33.00 an hour. About 170 work in the metro. That is 29.0 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 48.7 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152, weighted 15%) the local median is $29.53 an hour, which is 4% below the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $23.81 and $36.41 an hour. BLS counts 80 of them working in the area, 13.6 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Tile and stone setters (47-2044) carry 10% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Altoona metro, so we used the Pennsylvania statewide median: $33.77 an hour against $26.77 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $24.16 and $37.82 an hour.
Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) carry 10% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Altoona metro, so we used the Pennsylvania statewide median: $29.40 an hour against $28.33 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $23.28 and $34.01 an hour.
For painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141, weighted 5%) the local median is $22.22 an hour, which is 6% below the national $23.75. The middle half of them earn between $21.88 and $26.10 an hour. BLS counts 60 of them working in the area, 10.2 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 14.5), 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 ($36.73 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $700. At the 25th percentile ($22.09) it shrinks by about $420. The total moves by 2.8% or 1.7%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 58,650 jobs in the Altoona area. That makes it the 291st largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.04% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $22.09 | $27.58 | $36.73 | $29.12 | 0.95 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 15% | $22.81 | $28.18 | $33.00 | $30.38 | 0.93 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 15% | $23.81 | $29.53 | $36.41 | $30.67 | 0.96 | metro |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | 10% | $24.16 | $33.77 | $37.82 | $26.77 | 1.26 | state |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | 10% | $23.28 | $29.40 | $34.01 | $28.33 | 1.04 | state |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | 5% | $21.88 | $22.22 | $26.10 | $23.75 | 0.94 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.99 | |||||
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 $22,400 to $27,500 for Altoona, PA is attached.
Detailed kitchen remodel report for Altoona, PA, $9
Multi-page report for Altoona, PA: 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 remodel in Altoona: your questions
+How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen in Altoona?
For 120 sq ft, expect $18,500 to $31,400 in the Altoona area. A standard-spec job lands at $22,400 to $27,500. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for kitchen remodel in Altoona?
About $150 to $251 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $450 to $1,350 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $150 to $250.
+Is kitchen remodel cheaper in Altoona or State College?
State College is 35 miles away. The midpoint for 120 sq ft there is $24,900, which is 0% less than Altoona ($25,000). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Altoona?
About 20% at the midpoint, or $4,900 out of $25,000. Materials are 77% and permits 4%. Nationally, labor is 20%.
+What would average kitchen (200 sq ft) cost in Altoona?
$30,500 to $51,500. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does kitchen remodel need a permit in Altoona?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $450 to $1,350 for fees in the Altoona area (our national range of $500 to $1,500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Altoona expensive for kitchen remodel compared with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Altoona is 0% below the Pennsylvania statewide estimate ($25,100 at the midpoint). We cover 12 metros in Pennsylvania; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Altoona?
The BLS median is $27.58 an hour in the Altoona area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $22.09 to $36.73.
+What do basic and premium kitchen remodel work cost in Altoona?
For 120 sq ft, basic work runs $18,500 to $23,700 and premium work $26,300 to $31,400. Basic means: update: cabinets, counters, flooring and lighting; same layout. Premium means: large or custom remodel, high-end finishes.
Kitchen remodel near Altoona
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.