Edited by Samuel MountjoyHow to Decide Whether to Remodel or Move
Edited by Samuel Mountjoy
Quick Answer
Whether to remodel or move depends on your financial situation, housing goals and local real estate market. Remodeling might increase your home value and make your home more enjoyable, but it comes at a cost—and it may temporarily disrupt your daily routines.
Certain home upgrades can improve your quality of life and potentially increase your home value, but you'll have to cover the upfront costs—and deal with the inconvenience of renovating. In some cases, it might make more sense to sell your home and start fresh somewhere else.
What's right for you will depend on your budget, the scope of the project and whether the time and investment are worth the final outcome. Here's what to consider when deciding between remodeling versus moving.
Should You Remodel Your Home?
Remodeling comes with benefits and drawbacks. Below are some important things to think about before making a decision.
Pros of Remodeling
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It could change your home for the better. Whether it's a kitchen remodel, a room addition or a new pool deck, updating your home can allow you to enjoy your space in new ways. That alone could be worth it.
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You can leverage home equity to secure low-rate financing. Your home equity is the amount of your home that you actually own. As your mortgage balance goes down, your home equity will likely increase. You can borrow against that equity to finance home renovations—and rates are often lower when compared to home improvement loans and credit cards.
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It could increase the value of your home. Some home improvements can bump up your home value and help you fetch more money when you're ready to sell. According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report published by the data and consulting firm Zonda, projects that have the best return on investment include garage door replacements, minor kitchen remodels, wood deck additions and midrange bath remodels.
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Cons of Remodeling
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Costs can add up quickly. If you're financing a remodel, make sure your budget can handle the monthly payment. Depending on the project, remodeling can easily cost tens of thousands of dollars (or more in some cases). For example, the Zonda report puts the average cost of an upscale bathroom addition at $111,255.
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Home projects can be disruptive. Every renovation is different, but be prepared for noise and work crews that could throw off your regular routines. A kitchen remodel, for example, could take up to six months to complete.
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You can expect some upfront work. Even if you're outsourcing the project, you'll still need to make design decisions and vet contractors and other professionals to bring your vision to life. That may include electricians, plumbers and painters.
Should You Move?
Putting your home on the market is another option. Here are some key considerations before contacting a real estate agent.
Pros of Moving
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You'll avoid the stress of remodeling. Home projects require time, effort and money. According to a survey conducted by the home renovation platform Block, 57% of respondents who'd completed a renovation reported feeling stressed out and exhausted by remodeling—a phenomenon known as renovation fatigue.
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Moving may be better for your budget. That same Block survey found that over one-third of homeowners exceeded their original renovation budget. Depending on your housing market and how much home equity you have, moving might make more financial sense than renovating.
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It might open new doors. Moving could allow you to transition to a larger space, live closer to family or put roots down in a new area.
Cons of Moving
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Moving has costs of its own. Moving costs can include packing materials, professional movers, moving insurance, furniture and more. You might also spend 10% to 15% of your home's sale price on real estate agent commissions, closing costs, taxes and other expenses. That's not including what you'll spend purchasing a new home.
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It's a major life event. Packing up your current home, selling it and closing on a new home won't happen overnight—and the process can be extremely stressful. You might also be reluctant to take out a new mortgage if you currently have a lower-than-average interest rate.
Costs of Remodeling vs. Moving
How much you'll spend remodeling versus moving depends on your unique situation. Here are some critical things to consider when comparing costs.
| Remodeling | Moving | |
|---|---|---|
| Factors that will affect how much you spend |
|
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| Average cost | $20,000: The median national renovation spend per household in 2024, according to the 2025 U.S. Houzz & Home Renovation Trends report | $1,400: The average cost of a local, two- to three-bedroom move, according to Moving.com ($5,450 for a long-distance move) $396,800: The national median existing-home price in January 2026, according to the National Association of Realtors |
Deciding Between Remodeling vs. Moving
Deciding whether to move or remodel will come down to your finances and goals. Below are some other important things to keep in mind when choosing between the two.
Your Estimated Remodeling Costs
Getting clear on your renovation costs will involve:
- Clarifying your desired outcome
- Researching design options and materials
- Getting quotes from contractors and any other professionals you may need to hire
How You'd Pay for a Remodel
Once you have a ballpark idea of how much the project will cost, look at your budget. Do you plan on using cash savings or financing the renovation? If it's the latter, financing options may include a:
Your Local Housing Market
Market conditions can fluctuate from one area to the next. If moving is on the table, consider meeting with a real estate agent to get an idea of how much your home is worth. You can also arrange a home appraisal. Next, research new homes that meet your criteria and see how much they're selling for. Your real estate agent can be a helpful resource. The goal is to determine if it's a smarter financial move to remodel or move.
Your Personal Goals
You might be someone who enjoys DIY projects or the creative process of working with a team to complete a home renovation—or you might simply love where you live and not want to move. In either case, remodeling might feel like the better option. But homeowners who are craving a change may jump at the opportunity to move somewhere new. This is all to say that your personality and goals might color your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bottom Line
You'll want to consider more than just your total costs when deciding whether to remodel or move. Your housing goals are equally important. Think about the kind of home you want to live in—and if you're up for completing a renovation project, which could take time.
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About the author
Marianne Hayes
Marianne Hayes is a longtime freelance writer who's been covering personal finance for nearly a decade. She specializes in everything from debt management and budgeting to investing and saving. Marianne has written for CNBC, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, Good Housekeeping and more.
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