How Much Does It Cost to Rewire a Kitchen? [2025 Data]

This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.

The cost to rewire a kitchen ranges from $2,000 to $8,000, with a national average of $4,000. This price covers labor and materials for a standard kitchen. Expect to pay $10 to $20 per linear foot of wiring, depending on your kitchen’s size and electrical needs.

Rewiring is an essential upgrade for safety, efficiency, and supporting modern appliances. In this guide, we’ll break down the factors that impact the cost to rewire a kitchen, what’s included, and how to budget for a safe, future-ready kitchen.

Kitchen Rewiring Cost by Type

When you rewire a kitchen, the total price includes labor, materials, permits, and inspections. For a complete kitchen rewire, most homeowners pay between $2,000 and $6,000. This covers removing old wiring, installing new wires, adding modern outlets and circuits, and ensuring everything meets code.

The cost to rewire a kitchen varies by kitchen type:

• Standard kitchens, often found in family homes, fall in the mid-range. 

• High-end or gourmet kitchens have more circuits, specialty lighting, and dedicated appliance wiring, which increases both labor and material costs. 

• Older homes, kitchens with difficult access, or projects requiring major demolition will also cost more. 

• Partial rewiring, such as updating only a few circuits or outlets, is less expensive but may not resolve more serious safety concerns.

Kitchen Rewiring Cost by Size

Kitchen size is a key factor in rewiring costs. The larger the kitchen, the more wiring, circuits, and outlets are needed to safely power appliances and lighting. Small kitchens need fewer circuits and less wire, while large or gourmet kitchens require complex wiring for multiple appliances, islands, and custom lighting.

Home rewiring costs average $10 to $20 per linear foot of wiring, or $15 to $35 per square foot, depending on layout and accessibility. Here’s how size and wiring needs affect total cost:

Electrician Costs

A licensed electrician is essential for kitchen rewiring. Electricians handle removing old wiring, installing new wires, adding outlets, GFCI protection, lighting circuits, and connecting appliances. Their expertise ensures your kitchen meets safety codes and passes inspection.

Electrician rates depend on experience, licensing, and location. Nationally, hourly rates range from $50 to $150. Most rewiring projects require 20 to 40 labor hours, depending on complexity. Master electricians and those with specialized certifications often charge more, but their work can prevent costly mistakes and failed inspections.

Regional differences also play a role in labor rates. Urban areas and high cost-of-living regions see higher rates, while rural areas may be lower, but travel fees can apply.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

Rewiring a kitchen often means working with more than just an electrician. Other pros help with related tasks that keep your project on track and up to code:

• General contractor costs: $50 to $150 per hour, especially if the rewire is part of a larger remodel.

• Drywall installer costs: $1.50 to $3.50 per square foot to patch and finish walls after wiring is complete.

• Inspector: $100 to $300 for required electrical inspections to ensure code compliance.

• Painter costs: $20 to $50 per hour to repaint walls or ceilings after repairs.

These additional services add to the total project cost but help ensure a smooth and professional finish.

Rewiring Cost by Location

Where you live significantly affects the cost to rewire kitchen spaces. Urban areas and regions with a high cost of living have higher labor rates and permit fees. Rural areas may have lower rates, but fewer electricians can mean longer wait times and travel fees. Permit and inspection fees also vary by location, with some cities charging more for required approvals. 

Additional Cost Factors

Beyond labor and materials, several other expenses can impact the total cost to rewire kitchen spaces. Taxes, contractor insurance, and optional warranties may add to your bill. Accessibility matters—a kitchen with hard-to-reach wiring or finished walls will cost more to open and repair. Post-construction cleanup, repairs, and restoring finishes are important for a complete, safe kitchen.

Demolition and Prep

Some kitchens require demolition of walls, ceilings, or cabinets to access old wiring. Removing drywall or backsplashes, moving appliances, or detaching cabinets adds to prep costs. 

Removing old wiring itself is labor-intensive, especially in older homes. Expect to pay $500 to $2,000 for demolition and prep, depending on the level of access required and the number of fixtures or appliances that need to be moved.

Permits

Permits are required for any major electrical work, including kitchen rewiring. Your electrician or contractor often obtains permits, though some homeowners manage this themselves. Permit costs range from $100 to $500, depending on your city or county. 

Inspections ensure the work is safe and code-compliant—never skip this step, as unpermitted work can cause problems with insurance, resale, or safety.

DIY Kitchen Rewiring vs. Hiring a Pro

Some homeowners consider DIY rewiring to save on labor, but this approach comes with significant risks. While you may spend less on labor, you must purchase all materials, tools, and permits yourself, which costs $1,100 to $2,500. Most kitchen rewiring projects require advanced electrical knowledge, specialized tools, and a strong understanding of local code.

DIY projects can take much longer, especially if unexpected issues arise. Risks include code violations, fire hazards, failed inspections, and potential voiding of homeowner’s insurance. For most kitchens, hiring a licensed local electrician is the safest, most reliable choice.

Kitchen Wiring Remodel vs. Renovate

Remodeling a kitchen means changing the layout, adding circuits, or upgrading the electrical panel—this often requires a full rewire. Renovating, by contrast, involves more minor updates, like replacing fixtures or adding a few outlets, which may only call for minor electrical work.

A full rewire is needed if your home is older, you’re adding high-powered appliances, or you’re changing the kitchen’s footprint. Renovations in newer homes, or those that keep the same layout, might only need targeted updates. Remodels are costlier and take longer due to demolition, panel upgrades, and more inspections, while renovations are quicker and less disruptive.

Tips to Reduce Costs While Rewiring a Kitchen

To keep kitchen rewiring costs within budget, consider the following tips:

• Schedule rewiring during a larger remodel to save on labor and access costs.

• Get multiple quotes from licensed electricians.

• Limit specialty lighting or high-end fixtures to reduce material costs.

• Keep the existing layout to minimize new wiring runs.

• Purchase materials in advance if allowed by your contractor.

• Bundle electrical work with other home upgrades for possible discounts.

• Ensure easy access to wiring by clearing cabinets and appliances before work begins.

Does Rewiring a Kitchen Increase Home Value?

Updating your kitchen wiring improves safety and reliability, which appeals to buyers—especially in older homes. A modern, code-compliant electrical system supports today’s high-powered appliances and smart devices, helping your kitchen stand out during resale. The return on investment can be significant, particularly where old wiring poses safety risks or limits appliance choices.

Compared to other upgrades like new appliances or countertops, rewiring may not be as visible, but it often delivers greater peace of mind and long-term value. The boost in value depends on your home’s age, local market, and the extent of the electrical upgrade. In all cases, rewiring reduces fire risk and boosts energy efficiency.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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