You’ve probably heard it a thousand times — the kitchen is the heart of the home. And if you live in Melbourne, you’ll know it’s also a bit of a status symbol. Whether you’re entertaining friends over a bottle of Mornington pinot or just trying to get through weeknight dinners, your kitchen sets the tone, and everyone has an idea of their dream kitchen right?
But here’s the real question: how much does a kitchen renovation actually cost in Melbourne? People want numbers, not vague promises. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer — but with some realistic ranges and a breakdown of what drives the price, you’ll walk away with a much clearer picture.
Alright, let’s get to the numbers.
In Melbourne, a kitchen renovation can cost anywhere between $15,000 and $100,000+, depending on size, finishes, and whether you’re going flat-pack or custom. Here’s the rough breakdown:
Budget renovations: $15,000–$30,000
Mid-range renovations: $30,000–$60,000
Luxury renovations: $60,000–$100,000+
To put it in context, Melbourne’s labour costs are generally higher than regional Victoria but often more competitive than Sydney. Cabinet makers, electricians, and plumbers in Melbourne usually charge between $70–$120 per hour. That adds up fast.
And yes, a small flat-pack kitchen for an inner-city apartment in Brunswick will cost nowhere near the same as a custom-designed entertainer’s kitchen in Toorak.
So why do the numbers vary so much? Let’s break it down piece by piece.
Custom cabinetry eats up the largest slice of your kitchen budget. Expect $10,000–$25,000 for mid-range joinery in Melbourne. If you go bespoke with soft-close everything and integrated handles, it can push well over $40,000.
Laminate? Around $1,000–$2,500. You can even pick up entry-level stone options at Bunnings.
Engineered stone (like Caesarstone)? $3,000–$7,000.
Marble or granite? You’re looking at $7,000–$15,000 depending on slab size and thickness.
You could easily spend $5,000–$15,000 here. Integrated fridges, steam ovens, and induction cooktops will nudge you toward the higher end kitchen specs.
Timber floorboards? Around $90–$140 per m² installed. Tiles for splashbacks vary widely — from $30 per m² at Bunnings to designer tiles running $150+ per m².
It sounds obvious, but the bigger the kitchen, the more you’ll spend. A compact galley kitchen in a Brunswick apartment might only set you back $15,000–$25,000 with flat-pack cabinetry and simple finishes. Stretch that to a large open-plan entertainer’s kitchen in Doncaster or Camberwell and you’re easily looking at $60,000–$100,000+. More cabinetry, more benchtop surface, more trades on site — it all compounds.
If you’re moving sinks, gas, or power points, costs rise. Plumbers can charge around $100–$120/hr, electricians a similar rate (see Victorian tradie rates). Expect $2,000–$6,000 depending on complexity and size of your kitchen.
General builders, carpenters, plasterers — it all adds up quite quickly. A full renovation team may charge $15,000–$25,000+ in labour alone.
If you’re knocking down walls or extending, you may need council approval. The Victorian Building Authority has clear guidelines on permits and building essentials.
In the City of Melbourne specifically, requirements vary depending on scope — check their building guidelines for the latest rules and fees.
Building permit: around $1,000–$2,000 if structural changes are involved, usually not a big concern with kitchen renovations though.
Waste removal: $500–$1,500 for skip bin hire or carting off old kitchen materials.
Temporary kitchen set-up: even just takeaway bills add up when you’re without a kitchen for 6–8 weeks.
Think IKEA flat-pack cabinets, laminate benchtops, and a simple subway tile splashback. Perfect for rentals or small apartments in suburbs like Footscray or South Yarra.
This is where most Melbourne homeowners sit. Custom joinery for a better fit, stone benchtops, and branded appliances (think Bosch, Westinghouse, Fisher & Paykel). You’ll often see this level of kitchen specs in family homes across Glen Waverley or Essendon.
Marble splashbacks, natural stone, integrated Miele or Gaggenau appliances, wine fridges, hidden pantries, soft close kitchen cabinets. This is the high-end kitchen spec of Brighton, Kew, and Toorak — where kitchens double as showpieces.
Starting fresh means tearing out your existing kitchen and rebuilding from the ground up. This is the most expensive option but also the most rewarding — you get complete design freedom, modern layouts, kitchen cabinetry, and brand-new services and (plumbing, gas, and electrical). A full new kitchen often makes sense if your current layout is cramped, outdated, or beyond repair.
Here’s where other guides fall short: they talk generally about costs, but not about what makes Melbourne unique.
Labour shortages: Post-COVID, Melbourne tradies have been booked solid. Expect potential longer wait times and sometimes higher rates in peak months.
Sustainable materials: More people are asking for recycled timber benchtops or bamboo cabinetry in their kitchen. They look great, but they can push the budget.
Strata approvals: Renovating an apartment in Southbank or Docklands? You’ll need body corporate approval before tearing out that old kitchen.
Seasonal timing: Tradies are often slammed over summer and before Easter. Winter can sometimes be easier to book (and slightly cheaper).
Renovating doesn’t have to mean emptying your bank account. A few clever moves can keep kitchen renovation costs in check:
Reuse appliances if they’re still in good nick. A stainless steel oven looks timeless. Alternatively, seek out price matching and shop around if you’re in the market for new appliances.
Resurface cabinets instead of replacing. A fresh coat of Dulux 2-pack paint can make them look brand new.
Mix flat-pack with custom. For example, IKEA carcasses with custom doors made by a local joiner.
Shop Melbourne’s trade hubs. Thomastown, Dandenong, and Richmond all have discount suppliers that the general public often overlook.
I’ve seen it time and again — budgets get torched by things people didn’t expect when they undertake renovating a kitchen.
Changing the floorplan late. Moving a sink or knocking down a wall mid-project is a recipe for kitchen cost blowouts.
Forgetting demolition costs. Pulling out an old kitchen isn’t free — asbestos checks alone can add $1,000+, then add to that the safe removal and dumping of old materials.
Over-customisation. Do you really need a cabinet built for every single appliance you own? Try to stick with a design that’s flexible and changes with you.
Underestimating electrical/plumbing reroutes. It’s not just “move that outlet”; it’s a whole job that needs to be quoted for and executed.
How long does it take?
Most kitchens take 6–10 weeks depending on complexity.
Do I need council permits?
Not always. Only if you’re changing structural walls, gas connections, or drainage. For apartments, you’ll need body corporate approval.
Can I live at home during the renovation?
Yes, but it’s not fun. Expect to set up a temporary “camp kitchen” with a microwave and kettle in the living room.
Is DIY worth it?
If you’re handy and have experience in renovation projects, you can save thousands by assembling flat-pack cabinets yourself. But for plumbing, electrical work, and stone benchtops, you legally need licensed tradies in Victoria.
So, how much does a kitchen renovation cost in Melbourne? Anywhere from $15,000 to over $100,000 — but what you spend depends on size, finishes, and whether you’re after a quick refresh or a showpiece kitchen.
Here’s the thing: a good kitchen isn’t just about money. It’s about how it makes your home feel. Done right, it’ll not only add value to your property but also to your everyday life.
If you’re serious about renovating, start with a clear budget, get at least three quotes from kitchen specialists, and don’t be afraid to ask the tricky questions up front. Because the truth is, a kitchen is more than just cabinets and benchtops — it’s the space where life happens.
