Kitchen remodel cost in Madison, WI
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (120 sq ft)
- $18,100 – $30,900
- Per sq ft
- $147 – $245
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −2%
- US $25,000
- Rank of 300 metros
- #103
- 1 = most expensive
Madison homeowners pay roughly $18,100 to $30,900 to remodel a kitchen at 120 sq ft, or $147 to $245 per sq ft (permit not included). Against the US midpoint, Madison is almost level. Building materials run about 6% below the US average here (BEA goods price index 93.8).
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 Madison, WI, standard level
$21,900 to $27,000
About $176 to $216 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 23% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $16,100 | $19,600 |
| Labor | $5,100 | $6,250 |
| Permits and fees | $780 | $1,150 |
| Total | $21,900 | $27,000 |
Cost breakdown for 120 sq ft in Madison, WI
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $13,400 | $17,800 | $22,300 | 73% |
| Labor | $4,250 | $5,700 | $7,100 | 23% |
| Permits and fees | $490 | $970 | $1,450 | 4% |
| Total | $18,100 | $24,500 | $30,900 | 100% |
Why Madison prices look the way they do
Labor is 23% of the midpoint bill here, against 20% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is carpenters (45%), electricians (15%), plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (15%), tile and stone setters (10%), drywall and ceiling tile installers (10%), painters, construction and maintenance (5%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Madison the blended ratio comes out at 1.14.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Madison metro is 93.8 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 120 sq ft comes to $17,800, compared with $19,000 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (97.3) and land at $490 to $1,450.
Cost by quality level and size in Madison
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Madison 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
$18,100 to $23,200
Update: cabinets, counters, flooring and lighting; same layout
Standard
$21,900 to $27,000
Full remodel, mid-range finishes, some layout changes
Premium
$25,800 to $30,900
Large or custom remodel, high-end finishes
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| small kitchen (100 sq ft) | $15,200 – $19,500 | $18,400 – $22,700 | $21,600 – $26,000 |
| 10x12 kitchen (120 sq ft) | $18,100 – $23,200 | $21,900 – $27,000 | $25,800 – $30,900 |
| average kitchen (200 sq ft) | $29,900 – $38,100 | $36,000 – $44,300 | $42,200 – $50,400 |
| large kitchen (300 sq ft) | $44,600 – $56,700 | $53,700 – $65,800 | $62,800 – $74,900 |
Local wages behind the labor line
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 Madison is 1.14 times the national level.
For carpenters (47-2031, weighted 45%) the local median is $30.52 an hour, which is 5% above the national $29.12. The middle half of them earn between $25.71 and $39.68 an hour. BLS counts 2,320 of them working in the area, 56.9 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 $37.71 an hour, 24% above the US median of $30.38. The middle half of them earn between $27.92 and $48.32 an hour. About 1,760 work in the metro. That is 43.1 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 48.7 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
For plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152, weighted 15%) the local median is $40.94 an hour, which is 33% above the national $30.67. The middle half of them earn between $29.54 and $51.62 an hour. BLS counts 1,590 of them working in the area, 39.0 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 30.0), so the local bench is deeper than average.
For tile and stone setters (47-2044, weighted 10%) the local median is $31.22 an hour, which is 17% above the national $26.77. The middle half of them earn between $28.31 and $37.00 an hour. BLS counts 50 of them working in the area, 1.2 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 2.3), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081), 10% of the weighting: a median of $30.53 an hour, 8% above the US median of $28.33. The middle half of them earn between $28.76 and $37.65 an hour. About 170 work in the metro. That is 4.2 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 5.3 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
For painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141, weighted 5%) the local median is $27.16 an hour, which is 14% above the national $23.75. The middle half of them earn between $23.06 and $35.97 an hour. BLS counts 520 of them working in the area, 12.7 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 14.5), 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 ($39.68 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $700. At the 25th percentile ($25.71) it shrinks by about $370. The total moves by 2.9% or 1.5%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 408,070 jobs in the Madison area. That makes it the 61st largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.26% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenters (47-2031) | 45% | $25.71 | $30.52 | $39.68 | $29.12 | 1.05 | metro |
| Electricians (47-2111) | 15% | $27.92 | $37.71 | $48.32 | $30.38 | 1.24 | metro |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters (47-2152) | 15% | $29.54 | $40.94 | $51.62 | $30.67 | 1.33 | metro |
| Tile and stone setters (47-2044) | 10% | $28.31 | $31.22 | $37.00 | $26.77 | 1.17 | metro |
| Drywall and ceiling tile installers (47-2081) | 10% | $28.76 | $30.53 | $37.65 | $28.33 | 1.08 | metro |
| Painters, construction and maintenance (47-2141) | 5% | $23.06 | $27.16 | $35.97 | $23.75 | 1.14 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.14 | |||||
Madison against nearby metros and the rest of Wisconsin
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 $23,500 to $25,100 across Madison and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madison, WIthis page | $18,100 – $30,900 | $24,500 | |
| Janesville, WI40 miles | $18,400 – $31,200 | $24,800 | +1% |
| Rockford, IL60 miles | $18,600 – $31,600 | $25,100 | +3% |
| Dubuque, IA80 miles | $17,400 – $29,600 | $23,500 | −4% |
| Oshkosh, WI85 miles | $18,600 – $31,700 | $25,100 | +3% |
| La Crosse, WI85 miles | $17,900 – $30,400 | $24,100 | −2% |
| Wisconsin (statewide) | $18,000 – $30,700 | $24,300 | −1% |
| United States | $18,500 – $31,500 | $25,000 | +2% |
Across 300 US metros, Madison comes in at #103 from the top. The priciest is Honolulu, HI at $30,000; the cheapest is Brownsville, TX at $22,100 (midpoints, 120 sq ft). Statewide, Madison is 1% above the Wisconsin figure.
Other Wisconsin metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee, WI | 820,780 jobs | $18,100 – $30,800 | $24,400 | level |
| Green Bay, WI | 174,550 jobs | $18,000 – $30,600 | $24,300 | −1% |
| Appleton, WI | 124,230 jobs | $18,000 – $30,600 | $24,300 | −1% |
| Oshkosh, WI | 93,750 jobs | $18,600 – $31,700 | $25,100 | +3% |
| Eau Claire, WI | 86,060 jobs | $17,900 – $30,500 | $24,200 | −1% |
| La Crosse, WI | 84,380 jobs | $17,900 – $30,400 | $24,100 | −2% |
Cities with a workforce like Madison's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Madison against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baton Rouge, LA | 409,690 jobs | $17,400 – $29,600 | $23,500 | −4% |
| Albuquerque, NM | 404,700 jobs | $17,800 – $30,300 | $24,000 | −2% |
| Knoxville, TN | 424,600 jobs | $17,400 – $29,600 | $23,500 | −4% |
| Bridgeport, CT | 404,180 jobs | $18,600 – $31,800 | $25,200 | +3% |
Related projects, priced for Madison
Because every project leans on different trades, Madison's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, shower pan runs +12% and kitchen cabinets +2%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen cabinets | 25 linear ft | $4,200 – $14,400 | +2% |
| Bathroom remodel | 45 sq ft | $5,000 – $24,900 | +7% |
| Window replacement | 10 windows | $4,750 – $15,300 | +3% |
| Home addition | 300 sq ft | $40,200 – $81,300 | +6% |
| Shower pan | 1 pan | $1,100 – $3,050 | +12% |
| Kitchen backsplash | 30 sq ft | $310 – $1,550 | +3% |
Kitchen remodel: what moves the price in Madison
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+.
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 $21,900 to $27,000 for Madison, WI is attached.
Detailed kitchen remodel report for Madison, WI, $9
Multi-page report for Madison, WI: 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 Madison: your questions
+How much does it cost to remodel a kitchen in Madison?
For 120 sq ft, expect $18,100 to $30,900 in the Madison area. A standard-spec job lands at $21,900 to $27,000. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for kitchen remodel in Madison?
About $147 to $245 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $490 to $1,450 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $150 to $250.
+Is kitchen remodel cheaper in Madison or Janesville?
Janesville is 40 miles away. The midpoint for 120 sq ft there is $24,800, which is 1% more than Madison ($24,500). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Madison?
About 23% at the midpoint, or $5,700 out of $24,500. Materials are 73% and permits 4%. Nationally, labor is 20%.
+What would average kitchen (200 sq ft) cost in Madison?
$29,900 to $50,400. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does kitchen remodel need a permit in Madison?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $490 to $1,450 for fees in the Madison area (our national range of $500 to $1,500 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Madison expensive for kitchen remodel compared with the rest of Wisconsin?
Madison is 1% above the Wisconsin statewide estimate ($24,300 at the midpoint). We cover 12 metros in Wisconsin; see the state page to compare them.
+What do carpenters earn in Madison?
The BLS median is $30.52 an hour in the Madison area, compared with $29.12 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $25.71 to $39.68.
+What do basic and premium kitchen remodel work cost in Madison?
For 120 sq ft, basic work runs $18,100 to $23,200 and premium work $25,800 to $30,900. Basic means: update: cabinets, counters, flooring and lighting; same layout. Premium means: large or custom remodel, high-end finishes.
Kitchen remodel near Madison
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.