How Much Does Kitchen Backsplash Installation Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Kitchen Backsplash Installation Include?
A kitchen backsplash protects the wall between your countertops and upper cabinets from splashes and stains while adding a major design element to your kitchen. Popular materials include subway tile, mosaic, glass, and natural stone.
The national average cost for kitchen backsplash installation is $1,800 per project. Most homeowners pay between $800 and $3,500, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Material
Ceramic/subway: $3-$8/sq ft installed. Porcelain: $5-$12/sq ft. Glass mosaic: $8-$18/sq ft. Natural stone: $10-$25/sq ft
Area
Average kitchen backsplash: 25-40 sq ft. Ranges from $800-$3,500 total installed
Pattern
Straight/stacked: base price. Herringbone: add 20-30% labor. Custom mosaic: add 40-60% labor
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Material type
- ✓Linear footage
- ✓Pattern complexity (straight, herringbone, etc.)
- ✓Existing backsplash removal
- ✓Outlet and switch work-arounds
- ✓Grout type
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Subway tile ($2-$5/sq ft) is timeless and one of the cheapest options
- 2.Peel-and-stick tile backsplash ($1-$3/sq ft) is a budget-friendly DIY option for renters or quick updates
- 3.Standard straight lay patterns cost 30-50% less in labor than herringbone or chevron
- 4.Buy 10-15% extra material to account for cuts and breakage
📈 Kitchen Backsplash Installation Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.8% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,528 | — |
| 2021 | $1,592 | +4.2% |
| 2022 | $1,696 | +6.5% |
| 2023 | $1,744 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $1,800 | +3.2% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Kitchen Backsplash Installation Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $656 | $1,476 | $2,870 |
| Alaska | $1,024 | $2,304 | $4,480 |
| Arizona | $760 | $1,710 | $3,325 |
| Arkansas | $640 | $1,440 | $2,800 |
| California | $1,080 | $2,430 | $4,725 |
| Colorado | $864 | $1,944 | $3,780 |
| Connecticut | $976 | $2,196 | $4,270 |
| Delaware | $840 | $1,890 | $3,675 |
| Florida | $784 | $1,764 | $3,430 |
| Georgia | $720 | $1,620 | $3,150 |
| Hawaii | $1,136 | $2,556 | $4,970 |
| Idaho | $736 | $1,656 | $3,220 |
| Illinois | $840 | $1,890 | $3,675 |
| Indiana | $704 | $1,584 | $3,080 |
| Iowa | $688 | $1,548 | $3,010 |
| Kansas | $680 | $1,530 | $2,975 |
| Kentucky | $672 | $1,512 | $2,940 |
| Louisiana | $696 | $1,566 | $3,045 |
| Maine | $816 | $1,836 | $3,570 |
| Maryland | $920 | $2,070 | $4,025 |
| Massachusetts | $1,040 | $2,340 | $4,550 |
| Michigan | $736 | $1,656 | $3,220 |
| Minnesota | $816 | $1,836 | $3,570 |
| Mississippi | $624 | $1,404 | $2,730 |
| Missouri | $696 | $1,566 | $3,045 |
| Montana | $760 | $1,710 | $3,325 |
| Nebraska | $704 | $1,584 | $3,080 |
| Nevada | $816 | $1,836 | $3,570 |
| New Hampshire | $896 | $2,016 | $3,920 |
| New Jersey | $1,000 | $2,250 | $4,375 |
| New Mexico | $720 | $1,620 | $3,150 |
| New York | $1,056 | $2,376 | $4,620 |
| North Carolina | $720 | $1,620 | $3,150 |
| North Dakota | $720 | $1,620 | $3,150 |
| Ohio | $720 | $1,620 | $3,150 |
| Oklahoma | $664 | $1,494 | $2,905 |
| Oregon | $880 | $1,980 | $3,850 |
| Pennsylvania | $816 | $1,836 | $3,570 |
| Rhode Island | $920 | $2,070 | $4,025 |
| South Carolina | $696 | $1,566 | $3,045 |
| South Dakota | $680 | $1,530 | $2,975 |
| Tennessee | $688 | $1,548 | $3,010 |
| Texas | $744 | $1,674 | $3,255 |
| Utah | $760 | $1,710 | $3,325 |
| Vermont | $864 | $1,944 | $3,780 |
| Virginia | $840 | $1,890 | $3,675 |
| Washington | $920 | $2,070 | $4,025 |
| West Virginia | $640 | $1,440 | $2,800 |
| Wisconsin | $752 | $1,692 | $3,290 |
| Wyoming | $736 | $1,656 | $3,220 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular backsplash right now?
White subway tile remains the most popular for its clean, timeless look. Trending options include large-format porcelain tiles, zellige tiles (hand-made Moroccan), and natural stone slabs that match countertops for a seamless look.
Can I install a backsplash myself?
Yes — backsplash installation is one of the most DIY-friendly tile projects. The area is small, there's no structural concern, and many tutorials exist. Budget 1-2 days. The hardest parts are cutting around outlets and getting the first row level.
🏙️ Kitchen Backsplash Installation Cost by City
Compare kitchen backsplash installation costs in the most popular US cities:
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