How Much Does It Cost to Renovate an Apartment in 2025?

If you’ve been thinking about giving your apartment a fresh, new look, one big question always comes up — how much does it cost to renovate an apartment?

Here’s the thing — there’s no single answer because every renovation is different. Your final bill depends on what you’re doing, where you live, the materials you choose, and even the mood of your contractor that week (just kidding… kind of).

But let’s dig into this together — in a simple, honest way. I’ve been through a full apartment renovation myself, and trust me, there’s a lot to know before you dive in.

Short Snippet-Ready Definition:

The cost to renovate an apartment in 2025 ranges from $25,000 to $120,000, depending on size, materials, and labor. Expect $350–$600+ per square foot for full renovations.

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to help homeowners and apartment dwellers make smarter renovation decisions through honest, experience-based advice. We simplify complex construction costs, share real-world insights, and guide you to create a space you love — without overspending.

1. Why Renovation Costs Vary So Much

Renovating an apartment isn’t just about slapping on new paint or getting fancy cabinets. The cost swings wildly depending on scope, materials, and labor rates.

When I renovated my place, I thought the budget would stay fixed. But once we opened the walls, hidden plumbing issues and old wiring nearly doubled what I expected. So yes — surprises happen.

Here’s what mainly affects cost:

• Scope of Work: A light cosmetic upgrade (like painting and flooring) can be fairly affordable. But a gut renovation — where you strip everything down to the studs — can easily go over $350 per square foot.
• Material Quality: Fancy tiles, hardwood flooring, or marble countertops? They look stunning but can easily double your material costs.
• Labor Rates: Big cities like New York or Los Angeles charge premium rates for skilled labor. Smaller towns are cheaper, but sometimes finding reliable pros can be harder.
• Permits & Inspections: In most cities, you’ll need building permits and inspection approvals. Depending on your region, these can add anywhere from $500 to $5,000.

In short: The fancier and more complex your vision, the higher your cost.

2. Typical Apartment Renovation Costs (With Real Numbers)

Alright, let’s talk numbers — because that’s what you really came for.

The average cost to renovate an apartment in the U.S. generally falls between $25,000 and $50,000 for a small studio or one-bedroom space.

Here’s a quick breakdown by project type:

Apartment Type	Estimated Cost Range
Studio Apartment	$25,000 – $50,000
1-Bedroom Apartment	$40,000 – $70,000
2-Bedroom Apartment	$60,000 – $120,000
Luxury Apartment or Penthouse	$150,000+

But if you’re thinking per square foot (a more accurate way to estimate), here’s what that looks like:

• Light Renovation: $100–$250 / sq ft
• Mid-Range: $300–$450 / sq ft
• High-End or Gut Renovation: $600–$800+ / sq ft

For instance, if you’ve got a 1,000 sq ft condo, you might be looking at $100,000 to $450,000, depending on how deep you go.

And yes, city matters — a gut renovation cost in NYC can hit $700–$800 per sq ft, while smaller cities might charge half that.

3. How to Estimate Your Renovation Cost (Step by Step)

Here’s how to get a solid, realistic cost estimate before you even call a contractor:

1. Define Your Scope:
   Are you renovating the kitchen and bathroom only, or the whole apartment? Be specific.
   Example: Painting walls and updating floors might cost $15,000–$20,000. Full kitchen + bath remodel? Add $25,000–$40,000 more.
2. Calculate the Area:
   Multiply your apartment size by an average per-square-foot cost. For a mid-tier project at $350/sq ft in a 1,000 sq ft apartment, expect $350,000.
3. Use an Apartment Renovation Cost Estimator:
   These online calculators are great for rough planning. Just remember — they don’t include hidden costs like demolition, delivery fees, or temporary housing.
4. Add Soft Costs:
   • Designer/Architect Fees: 10–20% of total cost
   • Permit Fees: $500–$5,000
   • Unexpected Issues: Always add a 10–25% contingency
5. Get Multiple Quotes:
   Never go with just one contractor. Compare 3–5 quotes to see what’s fair.

Pro Tip: Always check what’s included in the quote. Some contractors exclude material costs or debris removal, which can add thousands later.

4. Breaking Down the Costs by Area

When you know which rooms eat up your budget, you can plan smarter. Let’s look at typical costs:

Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of your home — and usually the most expensive to redo.
Expect to pay $15,000 to $50,000 depending on:

• Cabinetry and countertops (custom vs prefabricated)
• Appliances (basic vs high-end brands like Bosch or Sub-Zero)
• Lighting and plumbing upgrades

When I renovated mine, just replacing the cabinets and quartz countertop cost nearly $9,000 — and that was before adding appliances.

Bathroom

Bathrooms may be small but mighty in cost.
Typical range: $10,000–$25,000.
This covers:

• New tiles and fixtures
• Waterproofing
• Vanity and lighting

If it’s a small bathroom renovation, you can trim costs with mid-tier fixtures and simpler finishes.

Living Room & Bedrooms

Here’s where you save a little. Painting, flooring, and lighting upgrades might run $5,000–$15,000 total.
Add built-in closets or smart lighting? Expect more.

5. Gut vs Partial vs Cosmetic Renovations

So what type of renovation are you planning?

• Cosmetic: Fresh paint, flooring, fixtures — around $100–$200/sq ft.
• Partial Renovation: One or two rooms (kitchen or bathroom) — around $250–$400/sq ft.
• Gut Renovation: Everything goes — walls, plumbing, wiring, structure. $400–$800+ per sq ft.

When I did a partial renovation of my 1-bedroom, it took 6 weeks and cost roughly $45,000. But when my neighbor gutted hers completely, her bill crossed $120,000.

Here’s the thing — gut jobs cost more upfront but can add serious resale value, especially if you’re updating an older space.

6. Renovating Apartment Buildings or Complexes

If you’re a landlord or investor renovating multiple units, the math changes.

The cost to renovate an apartment building depends on how many units and how deep you go. But you’ll often save money with bulk material purchases and shared labor.

For example:
Renovating a 10-unit complex might average $80,000–$120,000 per unit, depending on finishes.

You’ll also need to factor in:

• Permits and zoning compliance for multi-unit buildings
• Common area updates (hallways, lobby, exterior)
• Utility and plumbing system upgrades

Large projects take longer but often come with better cost efficiency per square foot.

7. Regional and City-Specific Factors

Where you live affects everything — even how long the work takes.

• Big Cities (NYC, LA, SF): Expect higher labor costs and stricter permits. A gut renovation in NYC can easily cost $700 per sq ft.
• Mid-Sized Cities (Dallas, Denver): You might save 20–30% on total costs.
• Rural Areas: Labor is cheaper, but material delivery may cost extra.

Also, each city has different building regulations, work-hour limits, and inspection fees — so always check your local building code office before planning.

8. How to Save Money Without Losing Quality

Here’s the part everyone loves — saving cash without cutting corners.

• Reuse and Refurbish: Refinish cabinets instead of replacing them.
• Mix Materials: Combine premium tiles with budget options for balance.
• DIY Where You Can: Painting walls or installing shelves yourself can save hundreds.
• Get Smart with Timing: Off-season renovations (winter months) often come with better contractor availability and discounts.
• Shop Sales: Tile outlets, clearance fixtures, and recycled materials can cut costs significantly.

When I remodeled my bathroom, I scored a clearance vanity for half price. It looked just as elegant as the $2,000 showroom version.

9. Common Mistakes That Blow Your Budget

Renovation mistakes can turn a dream project into a nightmare. Here’s what to avoid:

• Underestimating Hidden Costs: Structural or plumbing fixes can appear mid-project.
• Hiring the Cheapest Contractor: Quality work isn’t cheap — cheap work isn’t quality.
• Skipping Permits: You could face fines or have to redo the work.
• No Contingency Fund: Always keep 10–25% extra cash for surprises.
• Ignoring Sequence: Installing flooring before painting = double cleanup costs.

Take it from me — it’s cheaper to do things right once than redo them later.

10. Timeline: How Long Does It Really Take?

Most people underestimate renovation time as much as they underestimate cost.

Here’s a quick look:

• Light Remodel: 2–4 weeks
• Medium Remodel: 6–10 weeks
• Full Gut: 4–8 months

Delays often happen because of late deliveries, weather, or permit approvals. So, if your contractor says “done in 4 weeks,” mentally add two more.

Tip: Create a project timeline spreadsheet. It helps keep everyone — and your sanity — on track.

11. Renovation ROI: Is It Worth It?

Here’s the good news: a well-planned renovation often increases your property’s value.

For example:

• Kitchen remodels can return 65–75% of their cost.
• Bathroom upgrades can yield 60–70% ROI.
• Modern lighting and flooring add both value and comfort.

But here’s the thing — don’t overspend compared to your neighborhood average. If your building caps at $500/sq ft resale value, spending $700/sq ft on upgrades doesn’t make financial sense.

12. Financing Your Apartment Renovation

Not everyone has six figures sitting in the bank, right? Luckily, you’ve got options:

• Home Equity Loans — Use the value of your property.
• Personal Loans — Great for smaller renovations.
• Renovation Mortgages — Combine home purchase + renovation cost.
• Government Incentives: Some cities offer rebates for energy-efficient improvements.

Whatever you choose, plan your financing early — before demo day.

13. Pro Tips from Renovation Experts

After years in the renovation game, these are the golden rules pros live by:

• Get everything in writing — scope, cost, timeline.
• Never pay 100% upfront — structure payments by milestone.
• Order materials early to avoid backorders.
• Ask your contractor about value engineering — ways to save without compromising quality.
• Communicate regularly. Silence = misunderstandings = extra costs.

14. Sustainable & Modern Renovation Trends

Eco-friendly upgrades aren’t just trendy — they’re smart investments.

Some ideas to consider:

• LED lighting and motion sensors
• Energy-efficient windows and insulation
• Low-flow plumbing fixtures
• Recycled wood and eco-paint options

These add comfort while cutting future utility bills. Plus, green renovations can qualify you for tax rebates in some areas.

15. Real-Life Examples

Here’s what real people pay:

• Studio Renovation in Chicago (600 sq ft): $35,000 — new kitchen, flooring, paint.
• 1-Bedroom in NYC (900 sq ft): $110,000 — gut remodel, luxury finishes.
• 2-Bedroom in Austin (1,200 sq ft): $70,000 — full kitchen + bathroom + flooring.

When I renovated my own 1-bedroom apartment, the total came to about $48,000. Most of it went into kitchen cabinetry, new floors, and updated lighting. Looking back, it was worth every penny.

Comparison Table: Apartment Renovation Cost by Type

Type of Apartment	Estimated Cost Range	Cost Per Sq Ft (Avg.)	Description
Studio Apartment	$25,000 – $50,000	$250 – $400	Ideal for light or partial renovation
1-Bedroom Apartment	$40,000 – $70,000	$350 – $500	Includes kitchen + bath upgrades
2-Bedroom Apartment	$60,000 – $120,000	$400 – $600	Full renovation with premium materials
Luxury Apartment	$150,000+	$600 – $800+	Custom finishes, high-end design
Apartment Complex	$80,000–$120,000 per unit	Varies	Multi-unit renovations with shared costs

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Estimate Apartment Renovation Cost

1. Define Your Goals – Decide which rooms or systems you’ll upgrade.
2. Measure Your Space – Multiply square footage by average cost per sq ft.
3. Add Soft Costs – Include design, permits, and professional fees.
4. Research Local Rates – Prices vary widely between cities.
5. Add Contingency – Keep an extra 10–25% for surprises.
6. Compare Contractor Quotes – Get at least three estimates before signing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the cost per square foot to renovate an apartment?

Between $100–$600+ depending on project size and materials.

Can I live in my apartment during renovation?

Yes, but it’s tough. Expect dust, noise, and limited access to your kitchen or bath.

Do I need permits?

For major changes (plumbing, electrical, walls) — absolutely yes.

What’s the cost to renovate a 1,000 sq ft condo?

Anywhere from $100,000 to $400,000 based on quality and region.

How much does it cost to renovate a small apartment?

A small apartment renovation (like a studio or 1-bedroom) usually costs between $25,000 and $60,000, depending on materials and labor rates. Light makeovers are cheaper; gut jobs cost more.

What is the 30% rule for renovations?

The 30% rule means you shouldn’t spend more than 30% of your property’s total value on renovations. It helps ensure you don’t over-invest beyond what your home’s market value can return.

How much does it cost to refurbish an apartment?

Refurbishing — meaning light updates like new flooring, paint, and fixtures — can cost $100–$250 per sq ft, or $15,000–$40,000 for smaller spaces.

How much does it cost to build a 200-unit apartment complex?

Building or fully renovating a 200-unit apartment complex can range from $16 million to $25 million, depending on size, city regulations, and building materials.

What’s the cheapest way to renovate an apartment?

Focus on cosmetic changes — paint, lighting, and refinishing old cabinets. Shop for materials during sales and do small DIY tasks to save on labor costs.

Conclusion

Renovating an apartment is exciting, stressful, and yes — expensive. But if you plan smartly, research your options, and keep a realistic budget, it can completely transform your space and even increase your home’s value.

Remember:

• Start with clear goals.
• Get multiple estimates.
• Always keep a 20% cushion for surprises.
• Focus on upgrades that matter most to you.

At the end of the day, renovation isn’t just about money — it’s about creating a home you love living in.

Disclaimer

This article provides general cost estimates and renovation insights for educational purposes only. Actual prices may vary based on region, contractor rates, materials, and building regulations. Always get professional quotes and permits before starting any renovation project.