How much does a kitchen cost? 2024 cost guide

Taking this into account, it's easy to see why high-quality, well-designed kitchens are a worthwhile investment. However, with so many variations in kitchen styles, materials and more, answering the common query ‘How much does a kitchen cost?’ is not always so straightforward. 

For instance, a new kitchen can cost anywhere from $6000 to $75,000 depending on your design, complexity and the materials used. Wondering where to begin? We’ve got you covered. 

Read on to discover the details on just how much kitchens cost in 2024. 

Factors Influencing Kitchen Costs

So what is the average cost of a new kitchen in Australia? While some homeowners will choose to spend more or less based on their budget and needs, generally a new kitchen will cost between $20,000 to $40,000. 

Several factors influence these costs, including: 

Kitchen Type & Style 

Again, while not an exact science, we can better estimate costs by splitting new kitchens into a few different categories such as flat-pack, melamine, contemporary and country-style kitchens. 

Flat Pack Kitchens — $2,000 - $10,000

For those on a budget seeking a practical, inexpensive solution with no bells and whistles, a flat-pack kitchen can be ideal. Potentially, costing 20 to 50% less than most new kitchens, flat-pack kitchens are designed to be assembled with tools you may already have at home. 

Typically aimed at confident DIYers these packages generally include cabinetry, doors, hinges, drawer runners and handles and offer a limited choice of colours and finishes. 

Melamine Kitchens — $5,000 - $9,000

Melamine is also an affordable kitchen option that is durable and easy to care for. Featuring cabinets and doors made from melamine-faced boards, melamine kitchens are available in various finishes, including matte, gloss and textured styles. 

While a budget-friendly option compared to natural timber or high-end laminates, costs can rise with custom designs or premium finishes. Including additional features like soft-close drawers or integrated handles can also bump these costs up.  

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 can be achieved on a lower budget. However, as they often incorporate custom cabinetry, modern, sleek finishes, smart storage and high-end, durable materials they’re often considered a more mid-range option price-wise.  

Country-Style Kitchens — $12,500 - $20,000

We love the inviting feel of a country-style kitchen, from rustic to modern farmhouse, this is a perennially popular style that is both luxurious and welcoming.

Usually associated with higher costs, this kitchen style often features custom-made, solid timber cabinetry, stone benchtops and bespoke joinery. Other high-end details such as rustic finishes, farmhouse sinks and decorative hardware can also add to the overall cost.

Kitchen Size & Layout

Of course, the size of your space and how you plan its layout will also directly impact the cost of your kitchen. The bigger your kitchen, the higher the cost. In terms of just cabinets only, this may look like this: 

	Layout	Melamine	Contemporary	Country-Style
L-shaped with overhead cabinets		$6,800	$9,500	$12,300
L-shape with island		$7,700	$11,300	$17,700
Galley style		$6,800	$9,900	$15,200
U-shaped		$8,900	$13,300	$19,700

It is worth keeping in mind that if you are changing an existing layout as part of a kitchen renovation, added costs can be incurred. This is particularly relevant if relocating plumbing or gas lines or adding/moving electrical outlets.

Appliances 

While you may be planning to use an existing fridge, you won't be able to avoid purchasing other essential appliances for your kitchen such as a dishwasher, range hood, oven and cooktop.

Your choice of appliances will hugely impact your final kitchen costs with the total cost for new kitchen appliances typically ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Of course, this total will depend on the level of luxury and features chosen.

Benchtop/Countertop 

No kitchen is complete without a countertop. Whether you’re seeking practical, cost-effective laminate or something a little more durable or luxurious, there are options for every budget. 

For laminate expect to pay between $350 to $650 per sqm, for marble or granite from $600 to $1200 per sqm is standard. For wood or porcelain, prices start from around $400 per sqm. 

Finishings

While often little details, additional costs can quickly add up in the form of splashbacks (tile, glass, window or similar) taps, door and drawer hardware, any flooring, lighting, painting and more. 

Required Trades

If you are not taking the DIY route or do not have the right skill set to do so, you’ll also need to factor in the labour costs of various trades for:

• Plumbing (see our plumbing cost guide to find out more)
• Electrical (see our electrician cost guide to find out more)
• Painting (see our painting cost guide to find out more)
• Tiling (see our tiling cost guide to find out more)
• Flooring (see our flooring 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. Keeping in mind that costs vary based on layout, size and materials used and utilising the indicative costs above, here is a cost breakdown for each.

High Range — Up to $75,000 

Working with industry experts and with every detail handled from start to finish for you, when budgeting for a high-end, luxury kitchen you should expect the following costs:

• Cabinetry: $20,000 – $40,000
  Custom or semi-custom cabinetry made from high-quality materials like solid timber or premium engineered wood, with luxury finishes and detailing.
• Countertops: $6,000 – $15,000
  Premium natural stone such as granite or marble. 
• Appliances: $15,000 – $30,000
  High-end appliances from brands like Miele, Gaggenau, Sub-Zero or Wolf. This includes luxury ovens, cooktops, range hoods, integrated fridges, dishwashers and microwave/combi-ovens.
• Labour: $15,000 – $20,000
  Includes expert installation, electrical, plumbing, and professional project management for a seamless, high-end finish.
• Hardware: $1,000 – $3,000
  Luxury hardware made from materials like brass or bronze or with intricate detailing such as filigree. 
• Backsplash: $2,500 – $6,000
  High-end options like marble, natural stone slabs or custom tiling.
• Flooring: $5,000 – $12,000
  Premium flooring materials like solid hardwood, large-format tiles or natural stone. 

Medium Range — $19,000 - $35,000 

Also incorporating the skills of experienced experts, a medium-range kitchen can be equally as stunning and functional as a high-range one. This will just mean a few shifts in materials and finishes, you can expect to budget for costs as below: 

• Cabinetry: $10,000 – $20,000
  Mid-range cabinets using laminate or melamine finishes, possibly with some custom elements.
• Countertops: $3,000 – $8,000
  Porcelain, timber or natural stone such as quartzite. 
• Appliances: $8,000 – $15,000
  Mid-range appliances from brands like Bosch, Westinghouse or Fisher & Paykel. This includes the oven, cooktop, range hood, fridge, dishwasher and microwave.
• Labour: $10,000 – $15,000
  Includes installation, plumbing, electrical and project management.
• Hardware: $500 – $1,500
  Mid-range handles and pulls, typically in materials like brushed nickel or stainless steel.
• Backsplash: $1,500 – $3,000
  Materials like subway tiles, ceramic tiles or glass panels.
• Flooring: $3,000 – $6,000
  Options like vinyl, engineered wood or ceramic tiles. Less expensive than hardwood or stone.

Low Range - Under $19,000 

Giving you all the basics needed for a functional space, low-range kitchens utilise the most cost-effective options while still delivering a durable, beautiful kitchen. You may like to save in some areas and spend more in others but should expect to budget as follows:

• Cabinetry: $5,000 – $10,000
  Basic melamine or laminate cabinets, typically pre-fabricated with fewer custom elements. May be flat-packed for self-assembly. 
• Countertops: $1,000 – $3,000
  Laminate benchtops (available in a variety of finishes to mimic stone or wood)
• Appliances: $4,000 – $8,000
  Basic appliances from brands like Westinghouse, Haier or Samsung. This includes the oven, cooktop, range hood, fridge, dishwasher and microwave.
• Labour: $5,000 – $10,000
  Basic installation, plumbing and electrical work can be less if taking a DIY approach. 
• Hardware: $200 – $1,000
  Standard hardware, typically made of stainless steel or lower-grade metals.
• Backsplash: $800 – $2,000
  Affordable materials such as basic ceramic tiles, laminate panels or glass.
• Flooring: $2,000 – $4,000
  Cost-effective options like vinyl, engineered wood or ceramic tiles.

Choosing Who to Hire for Your New Kitchen

No matter how much you are planning to spend, when it comes to hiring help with your new kitchen you should only hire experts in the field. Experts that not only have relevant qualifications but can also provide quality examples of previous work and customer referrals. 

Even if you're opting for a flat-pack kitchen that you can assemble yourself if you're not confident to get on the tools, help is available through Service.com.au’s list of experienced tradespeople. 

Providing easy access to the services of qualified and licenced plumbers, electricians, tilers and builders, Service.com.au makes it easy to find trusted trades to help with your new kitchen. They can even connect you with an architect or designer if needed when installing a luxury high-end kitchen.

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 kitchen companies and tradespeople. This will give you a benchmark cost to work off for your individual kitchen project so you can ensure optimal value. 

Be sure to include as much detail about the job and even consider an on-site inspection first to ensure no unexpected costs arise down the line. 

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.