How much does a kitchen cost? | 2024 cost guide
5th Feb '24 • By Jared Jeffery
We break down new kitchen costs into a few different categories, such as melamine kitchens, contemporary kitchens and country-style kitchens.
Cost of a Kitchen
A kitchen can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $75,000 depending on your design, complexity and materials used.
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Your kitchen is arguably the heart of the home. The place where families come together to prepare meals, break bread and snack. For most prospective buyers, the kitchen can make or break a sale. Some people desire large chef-like kitchens while others prefer something cosy, like the kind you would see in a country cottage. Whatever your preference, the first thing that often comes to mind is 'how much does a kitchen cost?'.
Lucky for you, Service.com.au has the details on just how much kitchens are costing in 2024.
Article Overview
- How much does a new kitchen cost?
- Kitchen cost breakdown
- How much does a kitchen renovation cost?
- Who to hire for your new kitchen
- How to get the best quote for a new kitchen
- Kitchen FAQs
How Much Does a New Kitchen Cost? + Styles
As mentioned, new kitchens cost anywhere from $6,000 - $75,000. This will include the actual kitchen itself and associated plumbing and electrical costs. We can break down new kitchen costs into a few different categories, such as melamine kitchens, contemporary kitchens and country-style kitchens.
The following price guides are kitchen only, there will be an additional fee for plumbing, electrics, installation and appliances.
Flat Pack Kitchens — $2,000 - $10,000
For those on a budget, a flat pack kitchen will often be the best option. Costing 20 - 50% less than most other new kitchens, flat pack kitchens are designed to be put together with tools you probably have at home. The pack includes cabinetry, doors, hinges, drawer runners and handles.
Melamine Kitchens — $5,000 - $9,000
Melamine is a much more affordable cabinet option, crafted through heat-sealing a substrate between paper saturated with thermally-fused melamine resin. You have a few different design options such as L-shaped kitchens with overhead cabinets on one side (costing around $7000), galley-style kitchens (costing around $7000), L-shaped kitchens with an island (costing around $8000) or a U-shaped kitchen (costing around $9000).
Contemporary Kitchens — $9,500 - $13,500
Contemporary kitchens are a popular option integrating well into most homes and offering a favourable look if you do sell your property. Contemporary kitchens are slightly more expensive than melamine kitchens, but still quite budget-friendly. The associated styles include an L-shaped kitchen (costing around $9500), galley-style kitchen (costing around $9900), an L-shaped kitchen with an island (costing around $11,300) and a U-shaped kitchen (costing around $13,500).
Country-Style Kitchens — $12,500 - $20,000
We love the inviting feel of a country-style kitchen, popular both within country cottages and across a range of homes. While the price does increase again with this kitchen, it can really add to your home’s ambience and value. The standard styles include an L-shaped kitchen (costing around $12,300), a galley-style kitchen (costing around $15,200), an L-shaped kitchen with an island (costing around $17,700) and a U-shaped kitchen (costing around $20,000).
Additional New Kitchen Costs
While the above outlines the average cost of each new kitchen design, there are of course additional costs to consider when budgeting for a new kitchen, such as:
- Flooring (see our flooring cost guide to find out more)
- Benchtops (see our cabinetry cost guide to find out more)
- Tiling or Splashback (see our tiling cost guide to find out more)
- Plumbing (see our plumbing cost guide to find out more)
- Electricals (see our electrician cost guide to find out more)
- Painting (see our painting cost guide to find out more)
Kitchen Cost Breakdown
You can essentially break down the overall cost of a new kitchen into three categories: high range, medium range and low range:
High Range — Up to $75,000
At this price, you will be paying for a luxury kitchen with the very best appliances, materials, design and so forth. This kitchen may have marble benchtops, a hanging chandelier, restaurant-quality ovens and stovetops.
Similarly, at this end of the range, you will be working with the best of the best. Builders, architects and tradies that are at the top of the industry, with years of experience and a strong reputation allowing them to quote this price.
Medium Range — $19,000 - $35,000
In the medium range, you will be paying for a very decent kitchen, that fits your wants and needs precisely. There will be quality lighting, cabinetry, stunning designs and so forth.
In the medium range, you will be working with respectable builders and tradies, who have a growing client base and wealth of experience.
Low Range - Under $19,000
Kitchens in the lower range are much more friendly to your bank account while being simple. You can still create a functional, attractive kitchen on a lower budget by ensuring that you allocate your money to the right features.
In the low range, you can still find a number of efficient builders and tradies to assist with your new kitchen. A word of warning though — if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost?
The average kitchen renovation cost varies ranges from $10,000 to $35,000. However, smaller budget kitchens made from melamine can cost as low as $5,000.
Maybe you aren't looking for a completely new kitchen, but rather to refresh what you have already got! Well, the bad news is that a kitchen renovation can cost the same as a new kitchen due to the process of ripping out your old one. However, if you keep some of your foundations intact you may be able to save on costs.
Small kitchen renovation — $5,000 to $22,000
Medium kitchen renovation — $22,000 to $35,000
High-end kitchen renovation — $35,000 onwards
Who to Hire for Your New Kitchen
Well, if you're opting for the flat pack kitchen you can literally do it yourself! However, if you're not confident to get on the tools, check Service.com.au’s list of helpful handymen.
You will then need to enlist the services of a plumber, electrician, tiler and builder, all of which are accessible on Service.com.au. If you are installing a luxury high-end kitchen you may also need to hire an architect.
You should hire experts in the field, that not only have relevant qualifications but also exemplary examples of previous work and customer referrals.
How to Get the Best Quote for a New Kitchen
As we advise on all our cost guides, your best bet in securing a good quote is to approach several different tradies. This will give you a benchmark cost for your individual project. Be sure to include as much detail about your job and even consider an on-site inspection first to ensure no unexpected costs arise down the line.
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Get quotes from our qualified and licensed tradies Australia-wide.
Kitchen FAQs
Is it cheaper to install a new kitchen or renovate an existing kitchen?
This is a good question, but a difficult one to answer. In general, we would answer that the prices are fairly matched. However, if you undertake a kitchen renovation that does not change the electrics or tiles this may be cheaper.
What is the most affordable new kitchen?
Hands down, a flat pack kitchen. Costing 20 - 50% less than most other new kitchens, flat pack kitchens are designed to be put together with tools you probably have at home. However, if you are looking for the next best thing we would recommend a melamine kitchen. Melamine is a much more affordable cabinet option, crafted through heat-sealing a substrate between paper saturated with thermally fused melamine resin.
Further Reading:
- 5 Substantial Costs to Consider When Buying an Established Home
- Why Do You Need an Open Kitchen?
- Kitchen Renovation - Before and After
- 6 Great Tile Options to Style Your Home
Please note that all prices mentioned are to be used as an approximate guide only and are accurate at the time of writing. These prices may differ by location and at the discretion of each business.