Kitchen Remodel Cost vs. Bathroom Remodel Cost 2027: Which Adds More Value?
By Virginia Viadas
Quick answer: A minor midrange kitchen remodel costs about $28,458 nationally and recoups about 113% of its cost at resale. That makes it the best-returning interior remodel in the U.S. A midrange bathroom remodel costs about $26,138 and recoups about 80%. Major kitchen remodels cost far more and return far less: about $82,793 for a midrange gut job, with roughly 51% recouped. If your goal is resale value, a focused kitchen refresh beats both a full kitchen gut and a bathroom remodel.
Key numbers at a glance
| Project | Average job cost | Resale value added | Cost recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minor kitchen remodel (midrange) | $28,458 | $32,141 | 112.9% |
| Bathroom remodel (midrange) | $26,138 | $20,915 | 80% |
| Major kitchen remodel (midrange) | $82,793 | $42,156 | ~51% |
| Major kitchen remodel (upscale) | $164,104 | — | ~36% |
Source: Zonda / JLC Cost vs. Value Report, 2025 national averages (the most recent national edition available when this guide was prepared). Zonda publishes each new edition in September, so check for updated figures.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in 2027?
Kitchen costs depend almost entirely on scope:
- Minor remodel (about $28,500): keep the cabinet boxes and layout. Replace cabinet fronts, countertops, sink, faucet, appliances and flooring.
- Major midrange remodel (about $83,000): new semi-custom cabinets, new appliances, lighting, and possibly layout changes.
- Major upscale remodel (about $164,000): custom cabinetry, stone surfaces, high-end appliances and structural changes.
Real-world spending is lower than these modeled scopes. NerdWallet, citing Angi, reports an average kitchen remodel of about $27,000, with most homeowners spending between roughly $14,600 and $41,600.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in 2027?
The Cost vs. Value midrange bathroom scope covers a 5×7 bathroom: new tub and surround, toilet, vanity, tile and flooring, at about $26,138 nationally. Full gut renovations with layout changes, curbless showers or heated floors can easily double that.
Bathrooms are labor-heavy relative to their size. Tile setters and plumbers are among the hardest trades to hire, according to our construction labor shortage report. For material choices that last, see our guide on selecting durable bathroom renovation materials.
Kitchen vs. bathroom: which remodel should you do first?
| Factor | Kitchen (minor) | Bathroom (midrange) |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | ~$28,500 | ~$26,100 |
| Resale return | ~113% | ~80% |
| Typical duration | 4–8 weeks | 3–6 weeks |
| Disruption to daily life | High (no kitchen) | Moderate if you have a second bath |
| Most tariff-sensitive item | Cabinets, appliances | Fixtures, tile, vanities |
| Best reason to do it | Selling within 1–3 years | Dated or failing fixtures; adding a bath |
Choose the kitchen first if: you plan to sell soon, the kitchen is visibly dated, and the cabinet boxes are still sound.
Choose the bathroom first if: there's water damage, mold, failing plumbing or a safety issue. Those problems lower value more than dated finishes do. Also prioritize the bathroom if you're aging in place.
Why does a smaller kitchen remodel return more than a big one?
Buyers pay for a kitchen that looks updated, not for the most expensive one. Moving from the minor scope to a major midrange remodel roughly triples the cost but only adds about $10,000 more resale value. That's why the percentage recouped drops from about 113% to about 51%. For a full ranking of projects, including exterior ones, see our list of home renovations with the best ROI before you sell.
How are tariffs changing kitchen and bath costs?
Cabinets are the most exposed line item. Federal tariffs on kitchen cabinets, vanities and softwood lumber took effect in late 2025, with increases phased in through 2026. Our breakdown of lumber and cabinet tariffs and remodeling budgets has the rate schedule.
Broader material inflation also hasn't cooled. Associated Builders and Contractors reported construction input prices up 8.9% year over year in August 2026. Ways to protect your budget:
- Reface or repaint existing cabinets instead of replacing them.
- Choose domestic or USMCA-sourced cabinetry where available.
- Lock appliance and cabinet orders as soon as the design is final.
- Keep the plumbing layout unchanged. Moving a sink, toilet or shower drain is one of the fastest ways to inflate a bathroom budget.
How do you budget a kitchen or bath remodel step by step?
- Define the scope as minor, midrange or major before collecting quotes.
- Cap total kitchen spending at about 5% to 15% of your home's value. Cabinets City notes this is a common budgeting guideline.
- Add 10% to 20% contingency for hidden damage behind walls and floors.
- Get three itemized bids on identical specifications.
- Order long-lead items (cabinets, custom glass, specialty tile) before demolition starts.
- Confirm permit requirements. Electrical, plumbing and structural changes almost always need one.
Frequently asked questions
Which adds more home value, a kitchen or a bathroom remodel?
A minor kitchen remodel adds more. It recovers about 113% of its cost, compared with about 80% for a midrange bathroom remodel, according to the most recent national Cost vs. Value data.
How much does a 10×10 kitchen remodel cost?
A 10×10 kitchen with a minor midrange scope typically costs $20,000 to $35,000. A full gut with new cabinets and appliances often runs $45,000 to $85,000+.
What is a realistic budget for a bathroom remodel in 2027?
For a standard full bathroom with midrange finishes, budget about $20,000 to $30,000. Small cosmetic updates can cost under $10,000. Luxury primary baths often exceed $50,000.
Is it worth remodeling a kitchen before selling?
A focused refresh usually is. A full gut renovation usually isn't, because it recovers only about 36% to 51% of its cost at resale.
How long does a kitchen remodel take?
Minor remodels take about 4 to 8 weeks. Major remodels take 3 to 6 months, including design and cabinet lead times.
Sources
- JLC / Zonda, "2025 Cost vs. Value Report" national averages: https://www.jlconline.com/cost-vs-value/2025/
- RenHive, "Kitchen Remodel ROI in 2026" (major midrange value-added figure): https://renhive.com/kitchen-remodel-roi/
- NerdWallet, "Kitchen Remodeling Costs in 2026 and Ways to Save": https://www.nerdwallet.com/home-ownership/home-improvement/learn/kitchen-remodel-cost
- Cabinets City, "Kitchen Remodeling Cost 2026": https://cabinetscity.com/kitchen-remodeling-cost/
- ABC, August 2026 PPI analysis (via R&R Magazine): https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/92196-abc-construction-materials-prices-jump-again-in-august