Basic
$15 – $39 per sq ft
Glossy white 3x6 in ceramic subway tile in an offset pattern, white grout, plain cut edges caulked at the counter

Ceramic or porcelain subway tile kitchen backsplash installed in a straight or offset pattern with thinset, grout and outlet cuts, per square foot of backsplash.
Subway Tile Backsplash in New York, New York typically costs $17 to $46 per sq ft as of 2026. Prices reflect local labor and material rates. Use our calculator below for a detailed, ZIP-code-adjusted estimate.
Prices in New York are 18.0% higher than the national average for subway tile backsplash.
National average: $15 – $40 per sq ft
$15 – $39 per sq ft
Glossy white 3x6 in ceramic subway tile in an offset pattern, white grout, plain cut edges caulked at the counter
$17 – $46 per sq ft
3x6 in beveled ceramic subway tile, offset pattern, contrasting grout, bullnose edge trim
$22 – $58 per sq ft
3x12 in glazed porcelain subway tile in a herringbone pattern, slim metal edge trim
| Component | Category | Price Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | material | $7.43 – $20 | sq ft |
| Labor | labor | $6.62 – $18 | sq ft |
| Supplies & Other | supplies | $1.98 – $5.28 | sq ft |
| Equipment & Disposal | equipment | $1.32 – $3.52 | sq ft |
See how subway tile backsplash looks in each style, with photos of real projects by working designers.
New York splits into two dominant looks: pre-war classic, with high ceilings, crown molding, herringbone floors and traditional detail, and downtown contemporary, with open loft plans, industrial windows, pale oak and minimal trim. Renovations usually pick one and commit.
Work by New York designers first, then the styles New York draws from.
Modern kitchen
Photo: Alexandra Peck Design · Profile
Minimalist kitchen
Photo: Sara Mosele Interiors · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Angela Rennie Design · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Jennifer Taylor Design · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Jo Lyle & Co. · Profile
Traditional bathroom: Modern Glamour Bath
Photo: Kaelyn Schmidt Design
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Studio Catherine Rose · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Studio Palindrome · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Studio Steidley · Profile
Labor costs in New York run proportionally higher than materials, which may favor material-heavy solutions.
Connect with local subway tile backsplash contractors in New York for personalized quotes based on your specific project.