Investing in your home can have a big impact on both daily life and your home’s resale value. But is a kitchen remodel worth it? The answer depends on where you live. Many homeowners think of “value” as the extra money a remodel might add to their home’s resale price. In practice, though, the better way to measure it is ROI (return on investment), showing how much of your remodeling cost you’re likely to get back when you sell. A minor kitchen remodel delivers the highest ROI of any interior project at 113%. Our state-by-state map shows how kitchen remodel ROI compares across the U.S.
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as financial advice. For guidance on your specific situation, consult a qualified financial professional or real estate advisor.
ROI on Kitchen Remodel by State
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Top 10 States With the Highest Kitchen Remodel Return on Investment
While the 2025 national average ROI for a minor kitchen remodel is 113%, some states deliver even higher returns. In fact, all the top 10 states provide more than 100% ROI (in total, 21 states deliver an ROI of 100% or more), meaning homeowners can expect to recoup every dollar spent (and in some cases, even more) when they sell.
Maine takes the top spot, with a remarkable 167.20% ROI, showing that in some markets, a kitchen remodel can more than pay for itself. Washington (124.50%) and California (122.38%) follow closely, highlighting strong returns in both the Pacific Northwest and West Coast.
In the middle of the pack, states like Nebraska (114.85%) and Oregon (114.70%) show that demand for updated kitchens extends beyond coastal housing markets. Texas (113.84%) and Georgia (113.20%) prove that southern homeowners can also see excellent value from midrange remodels.
The top 10 is rounded out by Massachusetts (112.55%), New Mexico (110.00%), and Arkansas (109.85%). While their returns fall slightly below the national average,they remain above 100%, showing why a minor kitchen remodel remains one of the smartest investments homeowners can make.
Kitchen Renovation Upgrades That Add Value
Fixr.com estimates that the average kitchen remodel costs between $15,000 and $45,000. Below are some of the top upgrades that can help homeowners maximize their return on investment.
How Much Value Can Cabinetry Updates Add?
Refacing cabinets can yield 85% ROI when existing units are in good condition, making it a cost-effective alternative to full replacement. Painting or refinishing cabinets refreshes the space, while soft-close hinges are a small upgrade that buyers appreciate.
In 2025, kitchen cabinetry trends favor mixing wood and painted cabinets, natural wood grain, fluted or textured patterns, and soft, earthy tones. Cabinet refacing costs between $4,500 and $11,000.
Related: The Best Kitchen Cabinets for Your Kitchen Renovation
How Much Value Can Countertop Updates Add?
Countertops are one of the most visible and functional upgrades in any kitchen, and they deliver solid value at resale. Quartz countertops, for example, can return up to 80% ROI, making them one of the smartest investments for homeowners planning a kitchen remodel.
Experts say natural stone surfaces dominate trends in 2025, with 58% highlighting their durability, timeless appeal, and high-end look. Another growing countertop trend is integrated sinks (according to 45% of professionals), which blend seamlessly with the countertop for a modern, minimalist aesthetic that’s both stylish and timeless. Depending on the materials you choose, replacing countertops can cost you anywhere from $1,400 to $5,250.
Related: What Is the Best Kitchen Countertop Material?
How Much Value Can Appliance Upgrades Add?
Swapping old, inefficient appliances for modern models is a high-impact kitchen upgrade. Stainless steel appliances, for example, deliver around 75% ROI, making them one of the best-value replacements. ENERGY STAR–rated options also appeal to buyers by cutting utility costs.
How Much Value Can a New Backsplash Add?
A tile backsplash can give a return of around 70%. Updating this feature adds style and personality while protecting walls from spills. Around 30% of design experts say a natural stone tile backsplash is trending in 2025. For a cost-effective option, consider a peel-and-stick backsplash that mimics stone tiles. It provides a modern look while boosting home value with minimal investment. Depending on the materials you choose, a backsplash can cost you anywhere between $500 and $1,500.
How Much Value Can New Hardware Add?
Swapping cabinet handles and drawer pulls is another budget-friendly option that can make a big impact. Modern hardware refreshes the kitchen’s look instantly and is one of the most cost-effective upgrades for increasing perceived value. Getting all new hardware in the kitchen can set you back between $50 and $200.
How Much Value Can New Lighting Add?
Layered lighting, including under-cabinet LEDs, pendant lights, and statement fixtures, enhances both functionality and ambiance. Under-cabinet lighting is budget-friendly and delivers around 85% ROI, making it a high-value upgrade. About 33% of design experts also agree that a statement lighting fixture is a simple way to keep your kitchen trendy while maximizing value and minimizing remodeling costs.
Related: Kitchen Lighting Ideas for 2025
How Much Value Can Smart Technology Add?
The kitchen is the most popular space to install smart technology, according to 93% of home design professionals. Smart appliances, touchless faucets, and connected devices make kitchens more efficient and modern. These tech upgrades appeal to today’s buyers and can improve daily convenience, adding both style and resale value.
Factors That Can Impact the ROI of a Kitchen Renovation
Quality of Materials and Fixtures
The materials and fixtures you choose play a huge role in ROI. High-quality cabinetry, countertops, and hardware not only look better but also last longer, which appeals to buyers. Conversely, low-quality finishes may save money upfront but can reduce the overall return on your investment.
Type of Renovation (Cosmetic vs. Full Remodel)
Cosmetic updates like painting cabinets, replacing hardware, or updating appliances often deliver higher ROI than full-scale remodels because they refresh the kitchen at a lower cost. Full remodels can be impressive, but may not always recoup the entire expense.
Specific Design Trends and Styles
Following current design trends can boost ROI, while overly personalized styles may limit appeal. Neutral colors, popular finishes, and on-trend features help kitchens feel fresh and desirable to the widest range of buyers.
Related: Kitchen Design Trends Report 2025
Age and Condition of the Home
Older homes or kitchens in poor condition tend to benefit more from updates. Renovations that modernize outdated layouts, fix wear and tear, or address functional issues often yield higher returns than upgrades in already modern kitchens.
Specific Challenges and Pitfalls of Remodeling
Unexpected costs, poor planning, or choosing highly specialized features can reduce ROI. Overspending, ignoring layout flow, or selecting overly trendy finishes may not resonate with buyers, so careful planning and research are key to maximizing your investment.
From October 1, 2025, a 50% tariff applies to imported kitchen cabinets. Higher cabinetry prices could increase overall remodel costs, making it harder for homeowners to recoup their investment at resale.
How to Get the Best ROI on a Kitchen Remodel
If you’re looking to maximize return, focus on smaller-scale updates. Minor kitchen remodels, like painting or refacing cabinets, upgrading countertops, and swapping out outdated appliances, are affordable improvements that make a big difference.
It’s also important to stick with timeless styles and avoid bold, unpopular colors that can limit buyer appeal. Prioritize high-impact features such as cabinetry and countertops, and save by choosing more budget-friendly options for details like backsplash tiles or drawer pulls.
Finally, consider hiring experienced professionals. A well-executed remodel not only looks better, but also increases the likelihood of achieving a higher return when it’s time to sell.
FAQ: Kitchen Remodel ROI
Midrange remodels like refacing cabinets, upgrading countertops, and replacing outdated appliances tend to deliver the highest ROI compared to luxury, high-cost renovations. Smart storage solutions and energy-efficient features also appeal strongly to buyers.
Yes. A modern, updated kitchen attracts more buyers, helps homes sell faster, and often boosts resale value, even with modest upgrades.
The return on investment for a kitchen remodel varies widely depending on location and the scale of the project. On average, a minor kitchen remodel delivers a 113% ROI nationwide. In 21 states, homeowners can even recoup more than they spend: Maine leads with an impressive 167.20% ROI, followed by Washington (124.50%) and California (122.38%).
Methodology
We analyzed midrange minor kitchen remodel return on investment (ROI) data by city using the 2025 Cost vs Value Report from JLC Online. For each state, we averaged the return on investment from all available cities to establish a state-level figure. We then compared these averages to see which states offer the best payoff for kitchen remodels.
Note: ROI data was unavailable for Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Maryland, Hawaii, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming, so these states were excluded from the analysis.
Irena is an industry analyst and financial content specialist at Fixr.com, where she transforms complex data into clear insights to help homeowners make smarter financial decisions. With a background in personal finance research and writing since 2018, she brings years of experience in helping readers understand how to maximize their home investments. Her work has been featured on reputable websites, including Washington Examiner, Yahoo Finance, Fox40, and Forbes.