More Backyard & Outdoor Living: Pergola ·Paver Patio ·Deck Building ·Fire Pit ·Hot Tub
An outdoor kitchen turns a backyard into an entertaining hub — and the budget ranges as widely as the features. Most cost $6,000 to $35,000 in 2026, averaging around $16,000, with the build type and appliances driving the price.
What you’re paying for
You’re funding the structure (cabinetry or masonry), countertops, the grill and any appliances, the utilities to feed them, and labor. The grill and appliance package is the line item that surprises people — it can be a third to half of the whole budget.
Cost by tier
The table below maps typical budgets from a basic grill island to a high-end custom kitchen.
Prefab vs. custom
A prefab/modular outdoor kitchen ($7,000–$16,000) arrives as pre-built units (cabinet, counter, grill cutout) that install quickly — the value route. A custom build (masonry or stainless, stone counters, multiple appliances, seating) is a small construction project at $20,000–$35,000+. For most homeowners, a quality prefab island delivers most of the experience for far less.
The hidden cost: utilities
People budget the grill and counter and forget the utilities. A built-in gas grill needs a gas line; a sink needs water and drainage; a fridge and lighting need electrical — and running all that to the far end of the yard adds $1,000–$6,000. Plan it in from the start.
How to save on an outdoor kitchen
- Choose a prefab/modular unit over custom masonry.
- Build on an existing patio to avoid hardscape costs.
- Limit appliances to a great grill plus what you’ll actually use.
- Keep it near existing utility lines to cut the run.
| Item | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinetry / structure | $2,000 – $12,000 | – |
| Countertops | $1,500 – $7,000 | – |
| Grill & appliances | $1,500 – $10,000+ | – |
| Utilities (gas/water/electric) | $1,000 – $6,000 | – |
| Labor & finishes | $2,000 – $10,000 | – |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (grill + counter) | $5,000 – $10,000 | – |
| Prefab / modular | $7,000 – $16,000 | – |
| Mid-range custom | $10,000 – $20,000 | – |
| High-end custom | $20,000 – $35,000+ | – |
What affects the price
- Size & scope A simple grill-and-counter island is far cheaper than a full kitchen with sink, fridge, and seating.
- Appliances The grill, plus optional fridge, side burner, and pizza oven, can be 30–50% of the budget.
- Countertops & structure Stone counters and masonry or stainless cabinetry add cost over basic modular units.
- Utilities Running gas, water, and electrical to the yard is a frequently underestimated expense.
- Site & cover A patio base, pergola, or roof over the kitchen adds to the total.
Outdoor kitchen cost by state
Where you live can change the price as much as the options you pick. Labor is a big part of the bill, and construction workers are paid more in some states than others. A typical outdoor kitchen job costs about $7,000 to $41,000 in Hawaii (17% above the U.S. average). In Arkansas, it costs about $5,100 to $29,800 (15% below the U.S. average).
See the typical cost in all 50 states and D.C.
| State | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $5,200 – $30,500 |
| Alaska | $6,900 – $40,300 |
| Arizona | $5,700 – $33,300 |
| Arkansas | $5,100 – $29,800 |
| California | $6,700 – $39,200 |
| Colorado | $6,000 – $35,000 |
| Connecticut | $6,400 – $37,500 |
| Delaware | $5,900 – $34,300 |
| District of Columbia | $6,500 – $37,800 |
| Florida | $5,500 – $31,900 |
| Georgia | $5,500 – $32,200 |
| Hawaii | $7,000 – $41,000 |
| Idaho | $5,600 – $32,900 |
| Illinois | $6,900 – $40,300 |
| Indiana | $6,100 – $35,400 |
| Iowa | $5,800 – $34,000 |
| Kansas | $5,700 – $33,300 |
| Kentucky | $5,600 – $32,600 |
| Louisiana | $5,400 – $31,500 |
| Maine | $5,900 – $34,300 |
| Maryland | $6,000 – $35,000 |
| Massachusetts | $6,900 – $40,300 |
| Michigan | $6,000 – $35,000 |
| Minnesota | $6,500 – $38,200 |
| Mississippi | $5,200 – $30,500 |
| Missouri | $6,100 – $35,700 |
| Montana | $5,900 – $34,300 |
| Nebraska | $5,600 – $32,900 |
| Nevada | $6,200 – $36,100 |
| New Hampshire | $5,900 – $34,700 |
| New Jersey | $6,800 – $39,900 |
| New Mexico | $5,500 – $32,200 |
| New York | $6,600 – $38,500 |
| North Carolina | $5,400 – $31,500 |
| North Dakota | $6,100 – $35,400 |
| Ohio | $6,000 – $35,000 |
| Oklahoma | $5,500 – $31,900 |
| Oregon | $6,600 – $38,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $6,100 – $35,400 |
| Rhode Island | $6,200 – $36,400 |
| South Carolina | $5,500 – $31,900 |
| South Dakota | $5,400 – $31,500 |
| Tennessee | $5,500 – $32,200 |
| Texas | $5,500 – $31,900 |
| Utah | $5,600 – $32,900 |
| Vermont | $5,800 – $34,000 |
| Virginia | $5,700 – $33,300 |
| Washington | $7,000 – $40,600 |
| West Virginia | $5,700 – $33,300 |
| Wisconsin | $6,200 – $36,400 |
| Wyoming | $5,900 – $34,700 |
These are numbers to plan with, not quotes. Each one is this guide's U.S. range, adjusted for what construction workers earn in that state. See every state cost guide or how we estimate.
Common questions
- How much does an outdoor kitchen cost?
- Most outdoor kitchens run $6,000–$35,000, averaging about $16,000. A basic grill-and-counter setup starts around $5,000; high-end custom builds exceed $35,000.
- Are prefab outdoor kitchens cheaper than custom?
- Yes — prefab/modular kitchens ($7,000–$16,000) cost far less than custom masonry builds because they're pre-assembled units that drop into place.
- What's the most expensive part?
- Appliances (especially the grill) and countertops, followed by running utilities. The grill and appliance package alone is often 30–50% of the budget.
- Do I need gas, water, and electrical?
- It depends on features. A grill island may just need a gas line; adding a sink needs water and drainage, and a fridge or lights need electrical — running those to the yard is a real cost.
- Does an outdoor kitchen add home value?
- In warm climates and entertaining-focused markets, it can add value and appeal, though returns vary. Build it primarily for your own enjoyment.
- Can I build one on a budget?
- Yes — a prefab island with a quality grill on an existing patio keeps costs near the low end. Custom masonry, premium appliances, and utilities are what push budgets up.
How we estimate: These are typical U.S. prices for materials and for hiring a pro to install them. We checked them against the 2026 sources listed below (see how we get our numbers). Your price depends on where you live, the size of the job and the materials you pick. Get two or three written bids before you choose a contractor.
Sources
We checked the prices on this page against 2026 numbers from these sources: