How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Cupertino? (2026)
Cupertino kitchen remodels range from $35,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $210,000+ for a luxury overhaul in 2026. The city's tech-industry demographics, high finish expectations, and prevalence of 1960s-70s ranch homes getting full kitchen overhauls push costs 10-15% above Bay Area averages.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Cupertino?
A kitchen remodel in Cupertino costs $35,000-$210,000+ in 2026. Cosmetic refreshes run $35K-$60K, mid-range remodels cost $85K-$150K, and high-end luxury projects range from $150K-$210K+. Cupertino costs trend 10-15% above Bay Area averages due to high finish expectations and older housing stock requiring significant updates.
What Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in Cupertino?
Cupertino sits at the heart of Silicon Valley, home to Apple’s global headquarters and some of the most sought-after school districts in California. With a median home price near $2.8 million and a population that skews heavily toward the tech industry, expectations for kitchen quality in Cupertino are exceptionally high. Homeowners here want modern, functional kitchens that match the innovation-driven mindset of the community.
Kitchen remodel costs in Cupertino trend 10-15% above Bay Area averages. Much of this premium comes from the city’s housing stock: the majority of Cupertino homes were built in the 1960s and 1970s, and their original kitchens are small, closed off, and overdue for a complete transformation. Understanding these dynamics before you start budgeting is the key to a successful project.
For Bay Area-wide pricing, see our kitchen remodel cost guide.
All pricing is approximate, reflects 2026 Bay Area market conditions, and is subject to change. Every project is unique. Final costs are determined on a project-by-project basis during our design phase.
Cost Breakdown by Tier
| Remodel Tier | Cost Range | Timeline | What Is Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic Refresh | $35,000-$60,000 | 4-8 weeks | New cabinet doors or refacing, quartz countertops, updated appliances, fresh paint, new hardware |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $85,000-$150,000 | 3-5 months | Custom cabinetry, stone countertops, layout modifications, new plumbing fixtures, tile backsplash, updated lighting |
| High-End / Luxury | $150,000-$210,000+ | 5-7 months | Structural changes, fully custom cabinetry, premium natural stone, professional-grade appliances, smart home integration, adjacent room modifications |
Most Cupertino homeowners fall into the mid-range to high-end tiers. In a market where homes regularly sell for $2.5-3.5 million, a cosmetic-only refresh often feels insufficient. A thoughtfully designed mid-range or high-end kitchen adds genuine value to daily life and strengthens your home’s position in a competitive real estate market.
Cost Breakdown by Component
Cabinetry (30-35% of Budget)
Cabinetry is the single largest line item in a Cupertino kitchen remodel. Given the age of most homes in the city, cabinetry replacement is almost always a full removal and install, not a simple refacing.
| Cabinet Type | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Stock cabinets | $9,000-$16,000 | Budget-friendly refreshes with standard dimensions |
| Semi-custom cabinets | $16,000-$34,000 | Mid-range remodels needing specific sizes and storage solutions |
| Fully custom cabinets | $34,000-$68,000+ | High-end remodels with non-standard dimensions or specialty finishes |
Cupertino’s ranch homes frequently have kitchens with non-standard dimensions, angled walls, or awkward soffits. Semi-custom or custom cabinets make the best use of these spaces and are the most common choice for mid-range and high-end projects.
Countertops (10-15% of Budget)
| Material | Cost Range (Installed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz | $4,500-$11,500 | Most popular choice in Cupertino; low maintenance, consistent appearance |
| Granite | $5,500-$13,000 | Natural stone with unique veining; requires periodic sealing |
| Marble | $8,000-$17,000 | Elegant appearance; softer stone that needs more care |
| Quartzite | $9,500-$19,000 | Hardness of granite with the look of marble; popular in luxury kitchens |
| Porcelain slab | $9,500-$21,000 | Large format, ultra-thin; modern aesthetic with excellent durability |
Quartz dominates the Cupertino market due to its low maintenance and clean aesthetic. Waterfall edges on islands are a popular upgrade, adding $2,000-$5,500 to countertop costs.
Appliances (10-15% of Budget)
| Appliance Tier | Package Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $4,500-$10,000 | Name-brand refrigerator, range, dishwasher, microwave |
| Mid-range | $10,000-$23,000 | Bosch, KitchenAid, or similar with built-in options |
| Professional-grade | $28,000-$58,000+ | Sub-Zero/Wolf or Thermador suite with panel-ready refrigeration, pro range, speed oven, premium dishwasher |
Cupertino homeowners show a strong preference for built-in and panel-ready appliances. The clean, integrated look that panel-ready refrigerators and dishwashers provide aligns with the modern aesthetic that dominates kitchen design in the area.
Layout Changes and Structural Work (15-25% When Applicable)
Most 1960s-70s Cupertino homes were built with closed-off kitchens separated from the living and dining areas. Opening up these walls is the single most requested modification in Cupertino kitchen remodels.
- Removing a non-load-bearing wall: $5,000-$13,000
- Removing a load-bearing wall (with beam): $13,000-$32,000
- Adding or relocating a kitchen island with plumbing: $13,000-$28,000
- Moving gas, plumbing, or electrical lines: $7,500-$23,000 depending on complexity
Structural changes require engineering and city approval. Working with a design-build firm that handles both the engineering and permitting prevents delays and cost overruns.
Labor Costs
Silicon Valley labor rates are among the highest in the nation. In 2026, expect to allocate 30-40% of your total kitchen remodel budget to labor.
| Trade | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| General contractor oversight | $80-$145/hour |
| Electrician | $115-$240/hour |
| Plumber | $115-$240/hour |
| Tile installer | $80-$125/hour |
| Cabinet installer | $80-$120/hour |
These rates reflect the cost of skilled labor in the Silicon Valley market. Quality tradespeople maintain full schedules, and their rates reflect their expertise and demand.
What Drives Costs in Cupertino
Aging Housing Stock
The defining cost factor in Cupertino kitchen remodels is the age of the homes. Most were built between 1955 and 1975, meaning the underlying infrastructure is 50-70 years old. During a kitchen remodel, contractors commonly discover:
- Outdated electrical panels that cannot support modern kitchen loads (panel upgrade: $3,000-$6,000)
- Galvanized steel plumbing that needs replacement with copper or PEX ($4,000-$10,000)
- Asbestos in flooring or drywall requiring professional abatement ($2,000-$8,000)
- Original subfloors with water damage or dry rot ($3,000-$7,000)
Budget an extra 10-15% for discovery costs if your Cupertino home was built before 1975.
High Finish Expectations
Cupertino’s tech-industry demographics translate to homeowners who research thoroughly and have clear expectations for quality. The “average” Cupertino kitchen remodel leans toward semi-custom cabinetry, quartz or natural stone countertops, and at minimum a mid-range appliance package. Stock cabinets and laminate countertops are rare in this market.
School District Premium
Cupertino’s top-rated schools (Monta Vista, Lynbrook) drive strong demand and high property values. Homeowners investing in these neighborhoods are thinking long-term and tend to choose finishes and materials that will hold up for 15-20 years, which means spending more upfront on quality.
Compact Lots and Tight Access
Many Cupertino homes sit on 6,000-8,000 square foot lots with narrow side yards. Material delivery and staging can be more challenging than in cities with larger lots, occasionally adding to labor costs for handling and logistics.
Cupertino Permit and Regulation Info
The City of Cupertino requires building permits for kitchen remodels involving structural, plumbing, or electrical work. Here is what to expect:
Application process. Submit permit applications through the City of Cupertino Building Division. Applications can be filed online or in person at City Hall (10300 Torre Avenue). Plan review typically takes 10-15 business days for standard residential kitchen projects.
Code compliance. All kitchen remodels must comply with the 2025 California Building Standards and California Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24). Key requirements include AFCI protection for all kitchen outlets and receptacles at every countertop area with a minimum dimension of 12 inches.
Permit costs. Building permit fees in Cupertino are based on project valuation. Expect $1,300-$5,000 in permit and plan review fees for a mid-range to high-end kitchen remodel. Structural, plumbing, and electrical sub-permits are billed separately.
Inspections. The city inspects at key construction milestones: rough framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, insulation, and final. Each inspection must pass before the next phase of work can proceed.
Custom Home has completed multiple projects in Cupertino and handles all permitting and inspections as part of our project scope.
How Cupertino Compares to Other Bay Area Cities
| City | Cosmetic Refresh | Mid-Range Remodel | High-End Remodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cupertino | $35,000-$60,000 | $85,000-$150,000 | $150,000-$210,000+ |
| Sunnyvale | $32,000-$58,000 | $80,000-$140,000 | $140,000-$195,000 |
| San Jose | $35,000-$65,000 | $75,000-$140,000 | $140,000-$225,000+ |
| Mountain View | $33,000-$58,000 | $82,000-$145,000 | $145,000-$200,000 |
| Los Altos | $40,000-$75,000 | $75,000-$150,000 | $150,000-$300,000+ |
| Saratoga | $40,000-$75,000 | $80,000-$170,000 | $170,000-$325,000+ |
Cupertino sits in the upper-middle tier of South Bay pricing. It costs more than Sunnyvale and Mountain View, roughly equal to San Jose’s premium neighborhoods, and less than Los Altos and Saratoga. The difference comes down to home size, lot size, and the overall luxury level of each market.
Sample Kitchen Remodel Budgets
Mid-Range Remodel: 1970s Cupertino Ranch ($130,000)
A 1972 ranch home near Monta Vista High School with a 170 sq ft kitchen. The homeowners wanted to remove the wall between the kitchen and family room, install new cabinetry, and upgrade all finishes.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Semi-custom cabinetry | $28,000 |
| Quartz countertops with waterfall island | $9,000 |
| Bosch appliance package | $15,000 |
| Engineered hardwood flooring | $6,000 |
| Tile backsplash | $4,000 |
| Plumbing fixtures and installation | $8,000 |
| Electrical (panel upgrade, new circuits, lighting) | $10,000 |
| Wall removal with beam (load-bearing) | $16,000 |
| Painting and finishing | $4,500 |
| Permits and fees | $2,800 |
| Design and project management | $12,000 |
| Contingency (12%) | $14,700 |
| Total | $130,000 |
High-End Remodel: Cupertino Hills Home ($195,000)
A 1980s home in the Cupertino Hills area with a 220 sq ft kitchen. The homeowners wanted a full luxury upgrade with professional-grade appliances, custom cabinetry, and a redesigned layout with oversized island.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fully custom cabinetry | $45,000 |
| Quartzite countertops with waterfall edge | $15,000 |
| Thermador appliance suite | $38,000 |
| Wide-plank engineered hardwood | $7,500 |
| Designer tile backsplash | $5,500 |
| Plumbing fixtures (premium brands) | $9,000 |
| Electrical (undercabinet LEDs, pendants, smart switches) | $11,000 |
| Island reconfiguration with plumbing | $15,000 |
| Painting, trim, and finishing | $5,500 |
| Permits and fees | $4,200 |
| Design and project management | $15,000 |
| Contingency (12%) | $24,300 |
| Total | $195,000 |
How to Control Kitchen Remodel Costs in Cupertino
Invest in an upfront assessment of your home’s infrastructure. For Cupertino homes built before 1975, a pre-project evaluation of your electrical panel, plumbing, and subfloor condition can prevent costly mid-project discoveries. Knowing what needs updating before you finalize your budget leads to more accurate planning.
Choose semi-custom cabinets over fully custom when possible. Semi-custom cabinetry delivers excellent results for most Cupertino kitchen layouts and costs 40-50% less than fully custom. Save the custom budget for homes with truly non-standard dimensions.
Prioritize the layout change. If your Cupertino home has a closed-off kitchen, the wall removal and open-concept conversion will have the biggest impact on how the space feels and functions. Allocate budget here first, then adjust material selections to stay within your target.
Plan appliance purchases early. Professional-grade appliance lead times can stretch 8-16 weeks. Ordering early in the design phase prevents construction delays that add labor costs.
Bundle adjacent updates. If you are opening walls, extending flooring into the dining or living room is far cheaper to do during the kitchen remodel than as a separate project later. Factor in $8,000-$18,000 for adjacent space updates to get a cohesive result.
Why Custom Home for Your Cupertino Kitchen Remodel
Custom Home has been serving Bay Area homeowners since 2005 and holds CSLB license #986048. Our headquarters in San Jose puts us just minutes from Cupertino, and we have completed numerous kitchen projects throughout the city.
Our two-phase process is designed to eliminate the cost surprises that plague kitchen remodels, especially in homes with aging infrastructure.
Phase 1: Design. We create detailed 3D visualizations of your new kitchen showing every cabinet, countertop, appliance, and fixture in place. You see exactly what your kitchen will look like before a single tile is removed. We deliver an itemized budget with every material, labor category, and permit fee broken out. No hidden costs.
Phase 2: Build. Construction proceeds from fully approved plans with locked-in pricing. Every design decision was finalized in Phase 1, so there are no mid-project change orders and no budget surprises.
For Cupertino’s older homes, this approach is particularly valuable. The design phase includes a thorough assessment of existing infrastructure, so electrical, plumbing, and structural needs are identified and priced before demolition begins.
Start Planning Your Cupertino Kitchen Remodel
The best first step is a conversation about your kitchen: what works, what does not, and what your ideal result looks like. We will assess your current space, discuss realistic options at your budget level, and outline a clear path forward.
Contact Custom Home for a free consultation to start planning your Cupertino kitchen remodel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average kitchen remodel cost in Cupertino?
The average mid-range kitchen remodel in Cupertino costs $85,000-$150,000 in 2026. This includes semi-custom or custom cabinetry, stone countertops, updated appliances, new flooring, and moderate layout changes. Cosmetic refreshes start around $35,000, while high-end remodels reach $150,000-$210,000+.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in Cupertino?
Yes. The City of Cupertino requires building permits for kitchen remodels involving structural, plumbing, or electrical work. Applications are submitted through the city's Building Division, either online or in person at City Hall. Plan review typically takes 10-15 business days for standard residential projects.
How long does a kitchen remodel take in Cupertino?
A cosmetic kitchen refresh in Cupertino takes 4-8 weeks. A mid-range remodel with layout changes takes 3-5 months. A high-end remodel involving structural modifications takes 5-7 months. Add 4-8 weeks before construction for design, material selection, and permitting.
Are Cupertino kitchen remodels more expensive than other South Bay cities?
Cupertino kitchen remodels cost 10-15% above Bay Area averages and sit in the upper tier of South Bay pricing, similar to Los Gatos and just below Saratoga and Los Altos. The premium reflects Cupertino's high home values, tech-industry demographics with strong finish expectations, and older housing stock that often requires significant infrastructure upgrades.