How Much Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in San Jose? (2026)
San Jose kitchen remodels range from $35,000 for a cosmetic refresh to $225,000+ for a luxury overhaul in 2026. As the Bay Area's largest city, San Jose offers wide variation in pricing depending on neighborhood, housing stock, and finish level. Costs generally align with or sit slightly below South Bay averages.
How much does a kitchen remodel cost in San Jose?
A kitchen remodel in San Jose costs $35,000-$225,000+ in 2026. Cosmetic refreshes run $35K-$65K, mid-range remodels cost $75K-$140K, and high-end luxury projects range from $140K-$225K+. Pricing varies significantly by neighborhood, with areas like Willow Glen and Almaden Valley trending toward the higher end.
What Does a Kitchen Remodel Cost in San Jose?
San Jose is the largest city in the Bay Area, with over one million residents and an extraordinarily diverse housing stock. From 1950s ranch homes in Willow Glen to modern builds in North San Jose, kitchen remodel costs here span a wider range than almost any other Bay Area city. That diversity can make budgeting tricky if you do not understand the local factors at play.
Kitchen remodel costs in San Jose generally align with South Bay averages, though premium neighborhoods like Almaden Valley and Willow Glen push toward higher price points. The city’s mix of older homes, tract housing, and newer construction means your specific home and location will have a significant impact on your final budget.
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-$65,000 | 4-8 weeks | New cabinet doors or refacing, quartz countertops, updated appliances, fresh paint, new hardware |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $75,000-$140,000 | 3-5 months | Custom cabinetry, stone countertops, layout modifications, new plumbing fixtures, tile backsplash, updated lighting |
| High-End / Luxury | $140,000-$225,000+ | 5-7 months | Structural changes, fully custom cabinetry, premium natural stone, professional-grade appliances, smart home integration, adjacent room modifications |
San Jose homeowners span all three tiers. In premium neighborhoods where home values exceed $2 million, mid-range and high-end remodels are the norm. In areas with more moderate home values, cosmetic refreshes and value-focused mid-range projects deliver excellent returns.
Cost Breakdown by Component
Cabinetry (30-35% of Budget)
Cabinetry is the single largest expense in a San Jose kitchen remodel. Your choice between stock, semi-custom, and fully custom cabinets has the biggest impact on your total budget.
| Cabinet Type | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Stock cabinets | $8,000-$16,000 | Budget-friendly refreshes and standard layouts |
| Semi-custom cabinets | $16,000-$32,000 | Mid-range remodels with specific style and storage needs |
| Fully custom cabinets | $32,000-$65,000+ | High-end remodels with unique dimensions or specialty finishes |
Many San Jose ranch homes from the 1950s and 1960s have non-standard kitchen dimensions. Custom or semi-custom cabinets often make better use of available space than stock options, which can leave awkward gaps.
Countertops (10-15% of Budget)
| Material | Cost Range (Installed) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz | $4,500-$11,000 | Most popular choice across San Jose; low maintenance, consistent look |
| Granite | $5,000-$12,000 | Natural stone with unique veining; requires periodic sealing |
| Marble | $7,500-$16,000 | Elegant appearance; softer stone that requires more care |
| Quartzite | $9,000-$18,000 | Durability of granite with the look of marble; growing in popularity |
| Porcelain slab | $9,000-$20,000 | Large format, ultra-thin; modern aesthetic with excellent durability |
Waterfall edges and thick-profile slabs are popular upgrades in San Jose’s higher-end neighborhoods, adding $2,000-$5,000 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-$22,000 | Bosch, KitchenAid, or similar with built-in options |
| Professional-grade | $25,000-$55,000+ | Sub-Zero/Wolf or Thermador suite with panel-ready refrigeration, pro range, speed oven, premium dishwasher |
In neighborhoods like Almaden Valley and Willow Glen, professional-grade appliance suites are increasingly common. In other parts of San Jose, mid-range packages from Bosch or KitchenAid deliver excellent performance at a lower price point.
Layout Changes and Structural Work (15-25% When Applicable)
San Jose’s older homes frequently have closed-off kitchen layouts. Opening walls to create modern, open-concept living spaces is one of the most requested modifications.
- Removing a non-load-bearing wall: $5,000-$12,000
- Removing a load-bearing wall (with beam): $12,000-$30,000
- Adding or relocating a kitchen island with plumbing: $12,000-$28,000
- Moving gas, plumbing, or electrical lines: $7,000-$22,000 depending on complexity
Labor Costs
Bay Area labor rates remain among the highest in the country. Skilled tradespeople in the San Jose area command 35-55% higher wages than national averages.
| Trade | Typical Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| General contractor oversight | $75-$140/hour |
| Electrician | $110-$230/hour |
| Plumber | $110-$230/hour |
| Tile installer | $75-$120/hour |
| Cabinet installer | $75-$115/hour |
Labor typically accounts for 30-40% of your total kitchen remodel budget.
What Drives Costs in San Jose
Neighborhood Variation
San Jose’s sheer size means costs vary dramatically by location. Here is how the city’s most popular neighborhoods compare:
| Neighborhood | Typical Home Value | Kitchen Remodel Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Willow Glen | $1.8M-$2.5M | $85,000-$180,000 | Older craftsman and ranch homes; high finish expectations |
| Almaden Valley | $1.8M-$3M | $90,000-$200,000 | Larger homes, premium finishes, newer housing stock |
| Rose Garden | $1.5M-$2.2M | $80,000-$165,000 | Historic charm, period-appropriate upgrades common |
| Cambrian Park | $1.5M-$2M | $75,000-$150,000 | Mix of ranch and mid-century homes |
| Evergreen | $1.2M-$1.8M | $65,000-$130,000 | Newer tract homes, smaller kitchens |
| North San Jose | $1M-$1.5M | $55,000-$110,000 | Newer condos and townhomes, compact kitchens |
Diverse Housing Stock
San Jose’s housing ranges from 1940s bungalows to brand-new construction. Older homes often require electrical panel upgrades, new plumbing, and subfloor replacement during a kitchen remodel. These discovery costs add 10-15% to budgets for homes built before 1970.
Growing Demand for Open Layouts
San Jose’s ranch-style homes are prime candidates for wall removal and open-concept redesigns. This structural work adds cost but delivers dramatic results that transform how families use the main living area.
San Jose Permit and Regulation Info
The City of San Jose requires building permits for kitchen remodels that involve structural, plumbing, or electrical work. Here is what to expect:
Application process. Submit applications through the city’s online portal at sjpermits.org. The system handles building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits. Plan review for standard residential kitchen projects takes 10-15 business days.
Code compliance. All work must comply with the 2025 California Building Standards and California Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24). Kitchen-specific requirements include AFCI protection for all outlets and receptacles at every countertop area with a minimum dimension of 12 inches.
Permit costs. Building permit fees in San Jose are based on project valuation. Expect $1,200-$4,500 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 milestones: rough framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, insulation, and final. Each inspection must pass before the next phase of construction proceeds.
Custom Home is headquartered in San Jose and has deep familiarity with the city’s building department procedures. We handle all permitting and inspections as part of our project scope.
How San Jose Compares to Other Bay Area Cities
| City | Cosmetic Refresh | Mid-Range Remodel | High-End Remodel |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose | $35,000-$65,000 | $75,000-$140,000 | $140,000-$225,000+ |
| 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 |
| Mountain View | $33,000-$58,000 | $82,000-$145,000 | $145,000-$200,000 |
| Los Gatos | $36,000-$62,000 | $88,000-$155,000 | $155,000-$215,000 |
| Fremont | $30,000-$55,000 | $70,000-$130,000 | $130,000-$185,000 |
San Jose sits squarely in the middle of the South Bay range. Premium San Jose neighborhoods price closer to Cupertino and Los Gatos, while more affordable areas price closer to Fremont.
Sample Kitchen Remodel Budgets
Mid-Range Remodel: Willow Glen Ranch Home ($125,000)
A 1960s Willow Glen ranch home with a 180 sq ft kitchen. The homeowners wanted to open the kitchen to the family room, update all finishes, and add a center island.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Semi-custom cabinetry | $26,000 |
| Quartz countertops with waterfall island | $9,500 |
| Bosch appliance package | $14,000 |
| Hardwood flooring | $6,500 |
| Tile backsplash | $4,000 |
| Plumbing fixtures and installation | $8,500 |
| Electrical (new panel, lighting, outlets) | $9,000 |
| Wall removal with beam (load-bearing) | $18,000 |
| Painting and finishing | $4,500 |
| Permits and fees | $3,000 |
| Design and project management | $12,000 |
| Contingency (10%) | $10,000 |
| Total | $125,000 |
High-End Remodel: Almaden Valley Home ($195,000)
A 1990s Almaden Valley home with a 250 sq ft kitchen. The homeowners wanted a full luxury upgrade with professional-grade appliances and custom cabinetry.
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fully custom cabinetry | $48,000 |
| Quartzite countertops with waterfall edge | $16,000 |
| Sub-Zero/Wolf appliance suite | $42,000 |
| Wide-plank engineered hardwood | $8,500 |
| Designer tile backsplash | $6,000 |
| Plumbing fixtures (Rohl/Waterstone) | $9,500 |
| Electrical (undercabinet LEDs, pendants, smart switches) | $11,000 |
| Island reconfiguration with plumbing | $14,000 |
| Painting, trim, and finishing | $5,500 |
| Permits and fees | $4,000 |
| Design and project management | $16,000 |
| Contingency (10%) | $14,500 |
| Total | $195,000 |
How to Control Kitchen Remodel Costs in San Jose
Get your priorities straight first. Before requesting quotes, list your top three non-negotiable items. Maybe it is a professional range, custom cabinetry, or a specific countertop material. Build the budget around those anchors and find savings elsewhere.
Choose your neighborhood wisely when comparing quotes. Contractors who primarily work in Almaden Valley or Willow Glen may price differently than those who work across the broader San Jose market. Get quotes from firms experienced in your specific area.
Plan for discovery costs in older homes. If your San Jose home was built before 1970, budget an extra 10-15% for surprises behind walls. Outdated wiring, galvanized plumbing, and deteriorating subfloors are common findings.
Consider semi-custom cabinets. For many San Jose kitchens, semi-custom cabinets deliver 90% of the look and function of fully custom at 50-60% of the cost. This is often the smartest budget move in the mid-range tier.
Time your project strategically. Contractor availability in San Jose fluctuates seasonally. Starting the design phase in late fall or winter can mean faster scheduling and occasionally better pricing on labor.
Why Custom Home for Your San Jose Kitchen Remodel
Custom Home is headquartered right here in San Jose, at 2092 Concourse Drive, Suite 9. We have been serving Bay Area homeowners since 2005 and hold CSLB license #986048.
Our two-phase process is designed to eliminate the cost surprises that make kitchen remodels stressful.
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 demolition day. We deliver an itemized budget that breaks down every material, every labor category, and every permit fee.
Phase 2: Build. Construction proceeds from fully approved plans with locked-in pricing. Because every design decision was finalized in Phase 1, there are no mid-project change orders and no budget surprises.
This approach works especially well for San Jose, where the variety of housing types and neighborhoods creates a wide range of potential costs. Seeing your specific kitchen designed in 3D with your actual material selections removes the guesswork entirely.
Start Planning Your San Jose 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 San Jose kitchen remodel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average kitchen remodel cost in San Jose?
The average mid-range kitchen remodel in San Jose costs $75,000-$140,000 in 2026. This includes semi-custom cabinetry, stone countertops, updated appliances, new flooring, and moderate layout changes. Cosmetic refreshes start around $35,000, while high-end remodels reach $140,000-$225,000+.
Do I need a permit for a kitchen remodel in San Jose?
Yes, in most cases. The City of San Jose requires building permits for kitchen remodels involving structural, plumbing, or electrical work. Applications are submitted through the city's online portal at sjpermits.org. Plan review typically takes 10-15 business days for standard residential projects.
How long does a kitchen remodel take in San Jose?
A cosmetic kitchen refresh in San Jose takes 4-8 weeks. A mid-range remodel with layout changes takes 3-5 months. A high-end remodel with structural modifications takes 5-7 months. Add 4-8 weeks for design, material selection, and permitting before construction begins.
Which San Jose neighborhoods have the highest kitchen remodel costs?
Willow Glen, Almaden Valley, Rose Garden, and Cambrian Park tend to have the highest kitchen remodel costs in San Jose. These neighborhoods feature older, well-maintained homes where homeowners invest in premium finishes to match the area's character and property values.