Bathtubs & Showers Cost Guides

Bathtub prices span an enormous range -- from $200 alcove inserts to $10,000+ freestanding soakers. The type, material, and features drive the price far more than brand. An acrylic alcove tub and a cast iron freestanding tub are fundamentally different products at fundamentally different price points. Here's what each category actually costs.

Bathroom labor costs vary more than almost any other home improvement project. A tub-to-tub swap is a half-day job. A tub-to-shower conversion or full remodel is a multi-week project involving plumbing, electrical, tile, drywall, and possibly structural work. Here's what each level of work actually costs.

Shower installation costs range from $800 for a basic prefab stall replacement to $8,000+ for a custom tile walk-in. The biggest cost variable is not the shower itself -- it is the labor for waterproofing, tile work, and plumbing modification. A $200 prefab shower insert costs $500-$800 to install. A $1,500 custom tile shower costs $3,000-$6,000 in labor. Here is what drives the cost at each level so you can budget accurately.

A basic showerhead and valve costs under $100. A multi-head thermostatic system with body sprays and a rain head can run $3,000+ before installation. The price depends on the valve system, number of outlets, finish quality, and whether you're working with existing plumbing or starting fresh.

Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower is one of the most popular bathroom remodeling projects. It modernizes the space, improves accessibility, and often makes the bathroom feel larger. It also costs $3,000-$8,000 for a quality job because it involves demolition, plumbing modification, waterproofing, tile work, and a glass enclosure. The tub comes out easy. Everything that follows is where the money goes. Here is what to budget for each component.

Making a bathroom safe and accessible for aging in place or mobility challenges is one of the most important home investments -- and one of the most aggressively marketed. Walk-in tub companies advertise $5,000 installed prices that balloon to $15,000+ in reality. Understanding the real costs and alternatives helps you make a smart decision instead of an emotional one.