How Much Does a Kitchen Renovation Cost in Australia? (2026 Guide)
The kitchen is the heart of the home — and often the most expensive room to renovate. Whether you're doing a cosmetic update or a complete redesign, understanding where the money goes helps you make smart decisions and avoid budget blowouts.
All prices are in AUD and include GST unless otherwise noted.
Kitchen Renovation Cost Summary
| Tier | Typical Cost Range | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $10,000 – $22,000 | Flat-pack or semi-custom cabinetry, laminate benchtops, standard appliances. Existing layout kept. |
| Mid-range | $22,000 – $45,000 | Custom cabinetry, stone benchtops (engineered or natural), quality appliances, new splashback. Minor layout changes. |
| High-end | $80,000+ | Fully custom joinery, premium natural stone, butler's pantry, high-end appliances, relocated plumbing/gas. |
Cost Breakdown by Item
| Item | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry | $3,000 – $8,000 | $8,000 – $20,000 | $20,000 – $50,000+ |
| Benchtops | $800 – $2,000 | $2,500 – $6,000 | $6,000 – $15,000+ |
| Appliances | $2,000 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $12,000 | $15,000 – $40,000+ |
| Plumbing | $800 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $4,000 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Electrical | $800 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $4,000 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Splashback | $500 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $4,000 | $4,000 – $10,000 |
| Flooring | $500 – $2,000 | $2,000 – $5,000 | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| Demolition & waste | $500 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Painting & finishing | $300 – $800 | $800 – $1,500 | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Cabinetry: where most of the budget goes
Cabinetry typically accounts for 40–50% of the total kitchen renovation cost. The three main options:
- Flat-pack (IKEA, Kaboodle, Bunnings): $3,000–$8,000 installed. Good quality for the price, but limited customisation. Assembly and installation by a flat-pack specialist or builder adds $1,500–$4,000.
- Semi-custom: $8,000–$15,000. Australian-made to standard sizes with some customisation (colour, handles, internal fittings). Good middle ground.
- Fully custom joinery: $15,000–$50,000+. Made to exact measurements by a cabinet maker. Unlimited options for materials, finishes, and layouts. Essential for unusual spaces or premium finishes.
Benchtops
| Material | Cost per m² (installed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate | $200 – $500 | Affordable, wide range of colours. Scratches over time. |
| Engineered stone (Caesarstone, Essastone) | $600 – $1,200 | Most popular choice. Durable, low maintenance. |
| Natural stone (granite, marble) | $800 – $2,000 | Premium look. Marble requires sealing, granite is very durable. |
| Timber | $500 – $1,200 | Warm aesthetic. Requires regular oiling. Not suitable near sinks without proper sealing. |
| Porcelain slab | $800 – $1,500 | Newer option. Extremely durable, heat and scratch resistant. |
What Affects the Price?
- Layout changes — Moving the sink, cooktop, or fridge position means relocating plumbing, gas, and electrical. This can add $3,000–$10,000 to the total cost.
- Structural walls — Removing a wall to open the kitchen to the living area requires an engineer's report ($500–$2,000) and a structural beam (steel, from $2,000–$5,000 installed).
- Gas vs induction — Switching from gas to induction cooktops (or vice versa) requires electrical or gas fitting changes. Induction cooktops need a dedicated high-amperage circuit.
- Rangehood ducting — A ducted rangehood requires a duct run to the exterior. Longer or more complex runs cost more. Recirculating rangehoods are cheaper but less effective.
- Appliance grade — A complete set of budget appliances costs $2,000–$5,000. Mid-range (Fisher & Paykel, Bosch) runs $5,000–$12,000. Premium (Miele, Gaggenau, Sub-Zero) starts at $15,000 and can easily exceed $40,000.
Kitchen Renovation Cost by City
| City | Budget | Mid-Range | High-End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | $14,000 – $25,000 | $28,000 – $55,000 | $90,000+ |
| Melbourne | $12,000 – $23,000 | $25,000 – $50,000 | $85,000+ |
| Brisbane | $10,000 – $20,000 | $22,000 – $42,000 | $75,000+ |
| Perth | $11,000 – $22,000 | $24,000 – $45,000 | $80,000+ |
| Adelaide | $10,000 – $19,000 | $20,000 – $40,000 | $70,000+ |
Timeline
A typical kitchen renovation takes 4–8 weeks from demolition to completion. Allow extra time for:
- Custom cabinetry fabrication (4–8 weeks lead time)
- Stone benchtop templating and fabrication (2–3 weeks after cabinets installed)
- Council approvals if structural changes are involved
Tip: You will be without a kitchen for 2–4 weeks during the renovation. Set up a temporary kitchen with a microwave, kettle, and portable cooktop in another room. Budget $20–$40/day for takeaway if you don't.
Tips for Saving Money
- Keep the existing layout. Same as bathrooms — keeping plumbing and gas in place saves thousands.
- Consider flat-pack cabinetry. Modern flat-pack kitchens (IKEA, Kaboodle) are high quality and 40–60% cheaper than custom. Many builders and flat-pack specialists can install them to a very high standard.
- Splurge on benchtops, save on cabinets. The benchtop is what people see and touch. Quality stone on flat-pack cabinetry looks premium for less.
- Buy appliances on sale. Major appliance sales (EOFY, Black Friday, Boxing Day) can save 20–40%. Buy early and store them.
- Get at least 3 quotes. Kitchen renovation pricing varies enormously. Detailed, itemised quotes let you compare properly.
Want to send professional quotes in 60 seconds? RipperQuote lets you voice-describe the job and sends a branded PDF with your prices. Try free for 14 days.
Do I Need Council Approval?
A cosmetic kitchen renovation (new cabinetry, benchtops, appliances in the same layout) generally does not require council approval. You will need approval if you're:
- Removing or modifying a structural wall
- Changing the external footprint of the house
- Adding or modifying windows
- Changing plumbing connections (some states)
All plumbing, gas, and electrical work must be done by licensed tradespeople regardless of whether council approval is needed.
The First Quote Sent Usually Wins the Job.
Stop losing jobs to tradies who quote faster. Start sending in minutes.
Get Started Free