How Much Does Bathtub Replacement Cost in 2026?
By Michael JohnsonUpdated 8 sources comparedHow we estimate
Most homeowners pay $1,500 to $8,000 to replace a bathtub, and about $4,700 is a realistic national average. That figure is the mean of the averages published by HomeAdvisor ($5,890), Fixr ($6,000) and This Old House ($2,100). The tub style and material, getting the old tub out, and whether you also replace the walls around it matter more than anything else.
- Typical cost
- $1,500–$8,000
- National average
- $4,700
- Full range
- $800–$22,000
The typical range runs from a plain alcove tub swap with removal and basic wall patching up to a mid-range tub with a new surround or plumbing changes; stone, copper and large freestanding soaking tubs can reach the national high. Prices are per tub, installed.
Bathtub replacement cost by tub type
The table compiles installed prices (tub plus labor) from four independent cost guides. The QuoteRuler column shows where the sources overlap for a typical replacement in the same spot.
| Tub type | Installed cost in sources | QuoteRuler typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Alcove, acrylic or fiberglass (standard 60-inch) | $450–$1,400 (Fixr); $1,500–$2,000 (HomeGuide); $1,513–$1,845 for a one-piece tub and surround (Homewyse) | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Alcove, cast iron or enameled steel | $1,388–$2,443 basic install (Homewyse); cast iron tub alone $600–$5,000 (HomeGuide, This Old House) | $1,400–$4,000 |
| Drop-in or platform | $900–$5,000 (Fixr); $1,800–$3,500 (HomeGuide) | $1,800–$3,500 |
| Freestanding or clawfoot | $1,200–$10,000 (Fixr); $2,200–$5,000 (HomeGuide) | $2,200–$5,000 |
| Deep soaking | $1,400–$12,000 (Fixr); tub alone $800–$8,600 (This Old House) | $1,500–$8,000 |
| Jetted or whirlpool | $3,000–$8,000 (HomeGuide); tub alone $2,400–$5,600 (This Old House) | $3,000–$8,000 |
| One-piece tub/shower combo | $950–$2,400 (Fixr); $2,000–$4,500 (HomeGuide) | $1,500–$4,500 |
The sources disagree mostly because they measure different jobs. This Old House's $2,100 average is a plain tub-for-tub swap, with old-tub removal included. HomeAdvisor's $5,890 average (most people pay $2,074–$9,709) and Fixr's $6,000 come from bigger projects that often add a new surround, plumbing changes or a premium tub. Fixr notes that redoing the surround along with the tub adds about $5,000 on average. Our typical range runs from a basic swap up to a tub with new walls.
If mobility is the reason you're replacing the tub, see our walk-in tub cost guide. Walk-in models are priced very differently.
Estimate your cost
Choose the new tub, the tub you're removing and what you'll do with the walls, then tick any extra work.
Ranges come from the sources listed at the end of this guide. The labor portion is adjusted for your state with BEA price data. Your final price depends on site conditions and local codes.
Tub-only prices by material
| Material | Tub only (HomeGuide) | Tub only (This Old House) |
|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $300–$1,000 | $200–$800 |
| Acrylic | $300–$1,200 | $300–$1,000 |
| Enameled steel | $300–$1,500 | $200–$1,200 |
| Cast iron | $600–$3,000 | $900–$5,000 |
| Cultured marble | $2,000–$4,000 | $2,000–$5,000 (marble) |
| Copper | $2,800–$7,000 | $3,000–$6,000 |
Acrylic and fiberglass are light, cheap and quick to install. Cast iron holds heat well and lasts a long time, but it costs more to buy, more to carry in, and sometimes needs a stronger floor.
Removing the old tub: why cast iron costs more
Removal and disposal usually runs $150 to $1,200: HomeGuide says $150–$750, while Fixr and This Old House both say $200–$1,200. Weight drives the price. HomeAdvisor prices a lightweight fiberglass tub at $50–$100 to remove and a cast iron tub at $300 or more. Disposal charges can climb steeply for very heavy tubs because of hauling and dump fees. An alcove tub is also locked in place by the wall tile or surround flange, so getting it out usually means cutting away the bottom row of tile or drywall. That's why many "tub only" jobs end up with at least some wall repair.
Surround and tile costs
If the walls around the tub are dated or damaged, you'll likely replace them at the same time. Fixr lists acrylic surrounds at $600–$1,400, fiberglass at $800–$2,400 and composite panels at $500–$4,000. This Old House puts a standard professionally installed surround at $1,100–$2,100 and cultured marble at about $1,550–$3,200. Tile has the widest range, $400–$12,000 according to Fixr. The basic end is a small ceramic area, and the top end is floor-to-ceiling porcelain or stone with niches. For per-square-foot tile pricing, see our tile installation cost guide.
Labor vs. materials
Fixr puts labor at 20% to 50% of the total, or about $1,200–$3,000 on a typical job. A straightforward replacement takes 6 to 8 hours, and 9 to 12 hours if there's water damage, mold or new under-floor plumbing. HomeGuide prices installation labor at $400–$2,000+, and HomeAdvisor and This Old House give $100–$2,000. Plumbers typically charge $45 to $200 per hour.
We use a labor share of 45% for our state adjustments. That sits near the top of Fixr's range because removal, wall repair, surround installation and plumbing are mostly labor. On a budget alcove swap, the $300 tub is a small part of the bill. On a $4,000 freestanding tub, materials take the larger share.
What drives the price up or down
- Tub weight and floor strength. Heavy cast iron and stone tubs can need floor reinforcement, which runs $300–$800 (HomeGuide, HomeAdvisor). Rotted joists are a bigger problem: HomeAdvisor puts joist repair at $4,000–$12,000 and subfloor replacement at $3–$10 per square foot.
- Changing tub style or drain location. Switching from an alcove to a freestanding or drop-in tub moves the drain and supply lines. HomeAdvisor prices those plumbing changes at $400–$1,900. Fixr adds $800–$3,000 to rebuild the wall and floor where an alcove surround used to be.
- Valve and faucet. Replacing the tub/shower valve costs $225–$575, and a new faucet costs $200–$600 (HomeGuide). Doing it while the wall is open is cheaper than doing it later.
- New walls. A new surround or tile adds $500 to $4,000 or more, as shown above.
- Hidden damage. HomeGuide budgets $200–$700 for wall repairs found during demolition. In This Old House's 2026 homeowner survey, 30% of respondents reported unexpected plumbing upgrades and 26% found water damage.
- Jets and heaters. Whirlpool and air tubs need a dedicated circuit and often a GFCI. Fixr prices a subpanel at $500–$1,000, and HomeAdvisor lists electrical permits at $10–$500.
- Big soaking tubs. A deep tub can outrun a small water heater. Fixr lists a new water heater at $1,000–$4,000. See our water heater replacement cost guide for sizes.
- Access. Second-floor bathrooms, narrow halls and tight stairways add labor, especially for one-piece tubs and cast iron.
Bathtub replacement cost by state
Labor rates for plumbers and remodelers vary widely by region, and labor is close to half of this job. The table below starts from our national range, compiled from the sources above, and adjusts only the labor portion (45%) using the Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities for each state.
| State | Typical range | Average | vs. U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,450–$7,650 | $4,500 | -4.5% |
| Alaska | $1,500–$8,050 | $4,750 | +0.8% |
| Arizona | $1,500–$8,050 | $4,700 | +0.5% |
| Arkansas | $1,400–$7,500 | $4,400 | -6.1% |
| California | $1,600–$8,450 | $4,950 | +5.7% |
| Colorado | $1,500–$8,050 | $4,750 | +0.6% |
| Connecticut | $1,500–$8,150 | $4,800 | +1.7% |
| Delaware | $1,500–$7,950 | $4,700 | -0.3% |
| District of Columbia | $1,550–$8,400 | $4,950 | +4.9% |
| Florida | $1,500–$8,150 | $4,750 | +1.6% |
| Georgia | $1,500–$7,900 | $4,650 | -1.5% |
| Hawaii | $1,550–$8,300 | $4,900 | +3.9% |
| Idaho | $1,450–$7,700 | $4,500 | -3.9% |
| Illinois | $1,500–$7,950 | $4,700 | -0.5% |
| Indiana | $1,450–$7,700 | $4,550 | -3.5% |
| Iowa | $1,400–$7,600 | $4,450 | -5.0% |
| Kansas | $1,450–$7,650 | $4,500 | -4.5% |
| Kentucky | $1,450–$7,650 | $4,500 | -4.3% |
| Louisiana | $1,400–$7,600 | $4,450 | -5.3% |
| Maine | $1,500–$7,900 | $4,650 | -1.3% |
| Maryland | $1,550–$8,150 | $4,800 | +1.8% |
| Massachusetts | $1,550–$8,300 | $4,850 | +3.7% |
| Michigan | $1,450–$7,800 | $4,600 | -2.6% |
| Minnesota | $1,500–$7,950 | $4,650 | -0.7% |
| Mississippi | $1,400–$7,550 | $4,450 | -5.7% |
| Missouri | $1,450–$7,700 | $4,550 | -3.7% |
| Montana | $1,450–$7,650 | $4,500 | -4.4% |
| Nebraska | $1,450–$7,650 | $4,500 | -4.3% |
| Nevada | $1,500–$7,900 | $4,650 | -1.3% |
| New Hampshire | $1,550–$8,200 | $4,800 | +2.4% |
| New Jersey | $1,550–$8,300 | $4,900 | +4.0% |
| New Mexico | $1,450–$7,650 | $4,500 | -4.3% |
| New York | $1,550–$8,250 | $4,850 | +3.4% |
| North Carolina | $1,450–$7,800 | $4,600 | -2.7% |
| North Dakota | $1,400–$7,600 | $4,450 | -5.1% |
| Ohio | $1,450–$7,700 | $4,550 | -3.7% |
| Oklahoma | $1,400–$7,600 | $4,450 | -5.3% |
| Oregon | $1,550–$8,150 | $4,800 | +2.1% |
| Pennsylvania | $1,500–$7,900 | $4,650 | -1.1% |
| Rhode Island | $1,500–$8,050 | $4,750 | +0.6% |
| South Carolina | $1,450–$7,750 | $4,550 | -3.1% |
| South Dakota | $1,400–$7,550 | $4,450 | -5.4% |
| Tennessee | $1,450–$7,750 | $4,550 | -3.4% |
| Texas | $1,500–$7,900 | $4,650 | -1.3% |
| Utah | $1,450–$7,800 | $4,600 | -2.2% |
| Vermont | $1,500–$7,900 | $4,650 | -1.5% |
| Virginia | $1,500–$8,050 | $4,700 | +0.3% |
| Washington | $1,550–$8,300 | $4,900 | +3.9% |
| West Virginia | $1,450–$7,650 | $4,500 | -4.6% |
| Wisconsin | $1,450–$7,750 | $4,550 | -3.1% |
| Wyoming | $1,450–$7,650 | $4,500 | -4.1% |
Use the state figures as a starting point. Prices within a state can vary as much as prices between states, especially between metro areas and rural counties.
Replace, refinish or line the tub?
If the tub itself is sound and the right size, you may not need to replace it.
| Option | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Refinishing (reglazing) | $336–$629, avg. $483 (HomeAdvisor); $335–$630, avg. $480 (This Old House) | Worn, stained or dated finish on a solid tub |
| Chip or crack inlay | $100–$200 (HomeAdvisor) | Small chips |
| Acrylic tub liner | $1,700–$2,500 (This Old House); $2,700–$10,200 (HomeAdvisor) | Covering a worn tub without demolition |
| Bath Fitter-style liner with walls | $1,500–$10,000, avg. about $4,000 (Fixr) | One-day makeover of tub and surround |
| Full replacement | $1,500–$8,000 (QuoteRuler typical range) | Cracks, leaks, rotten subfloor, or a new size or style |
Refinishing is the cheapest fix for an old cast iron or steel tub with a tired surface. This Old House says a properly maintained refinished surface should last at least 10 years. It can't fix a leaking drain, a cracked shell or a soft floor.
Liners are custom-molded acrylic shells installed over the existing tub. Bath Fitter, for example, requires an in-home consultation before quoting because each liner is made to measure (This Old House). Liner prices vary a lot because the in-home quote often bundles new wall panels, a faucet, doors and accessories.
Replace the tub when the shell is cracked, the floor under it is soft, the drain leaks, or you want a different size or style.
DIY or pro? Swapping a lightweight alcove tub is a big DIY project, but it's doable if no plumbing moves. Changing the drain, valve or supply lines usually needs a permit ($50–$500, according to HomeAdvisor and This Old House) and, in many areas, a licensed plumber. Jetted tubs need a licensed electrician for the dedicated circuit. Heavy cast iron removal is a job for at least two strong people with the right tools.
How to save money on a bathtub replacement
- Refinish instead of replacing if the tub is structurally sound. It costs a fraction of a new tub.
- Keep the same size and drain location. A standard 60-inch alcove tub in the same spot avoids plumbing changes and wall rebuilds.
- Choose acrylic or fiberglass unless you specifically want cast iron. You'll pay less for the tub, removal and floor work.
- Replace the valve while the wall is open if it's old. A second opening later costs more.
- Bundle the work with other bathroom projects. If you're redoing the floor or vanity too, compare against our bathroom remodel cost guide, or switch to a shower with our shower replacement cost guide.
- Get at least three quotes, including an independent plumber or remodeler, not only bath companies that sell in your home.
- Know your cancellation rights. The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule lets you cancel many sales made in your home until midnight of the third business day after you sign.
How to compare bathtub replacement quotes
A fair quote should spell out:
- The exact tub: brand, model, material, size and drain side.
- Removal and disposal of the old tub, with any extra charge for cast iron.
- What happens to the walls: patching, a new surround or tile, and how many square feet.
- Plumbing scope: a new drain and overflow, valve, faucet and any line moves.
- Subfloor inspection and a price for repairs if rot is found.
- Permit fees, and who pulls the permit.
- A workmanship warranty, separate from the tub manufacturer's warranty.
Red flags: a price that's only good if you sign today; no mention of removal or wall repair; refusal to leave a written quote; or a "lifetime" warranty with no written terms.
Hidden costs people forget
- Wall and drywall repair around the tub flange: $200–$700 (HomeGuide).
- New faucet and valve if the old ones don't match the new tub: $425–$1,175 combined (HomeGuide).
- Floor reinforcement for heavy tubs: $300–$800.
- Flooring repair where a freestanding tub replaces an alcove tub.
- Water heater capacity for deep soaking tubs.
- Disposal fees for very heavy tubs.
- Glass doors if you don't want a curtain: $400–$1,000 framed, $600–$1,900 frameless (HomeGuide).
Bottom line
A like-for-like alcove tub replacement usually costs $1,000 to $2,000. Most projects that add new walls, plumbing changes or a premium tub land between $1,500 and $8,000, and about $4,700 is a realistic midpoint. Cast iron costs more to buy, to remove and sometimes to support, so price the floor and removal before you commit. If the tub is sound, refinishing for roughly $500 is the cheapest option.
Frequently asked questions
Is it a big job to replace a bathtub?
It's a moderate job. Fixr says a straightforward replacement takes 6 to 8 hours of work, or 9 to 12 hours if there's water damage, mold or new plumbing under the floor. Most of the effort goes into removing the old tub and repairing the wall around it. Cast iron tubs and changes to the drain location make it a bigger project.
What is the labor cost to install a bathtub?
Labor usually runs about $400 to $3,000, depending on the scope (HomeGuide $400–$2,000+, Fixr $1,200–$3,000). Fixr puts labor at 20% to 50% of the total project. Plumbers typically charge $45 to $200 per hour.
How much does it cost to remove a cast iron bathtub?
HomeAdvisor prices cast iron tub removal at $300 or more, compared with $50 to $100 for a lightweight fiberglass tub. Across sources, removal and disposal of an old tub runs about $150 to $1,200. Weight, stairs and whether the tub must be broken up on site all affect the price.
Is it cheaper to refinish or replace a bathtub?
Refinishing is much cheaper: about $336 to $629, with an average of about $480 (HomeAdvisor, This Old House). Replacement usually costs $1,500 to $8,000. Refinishing only fixes the surface, though. A cracked shell, a leaking drain or a soft subfloor means the tub should be replaced.
How much does it cost to replace a tub and surround?
Homewyse prices a one-piece acrylic tub and shower unit at about $1,513 to $1,845 installed in good site conditions, before demolition and permits. Fixr says replacing the surround along with the tub adds about $5,000 to the average project, for roughly $11,000 total. Tile surrounds cost more than acrylic or fiberglass panels.
How much does it cost to replace a bathtub with a shower?
A tub-to-shower conversion typically costs $1,500 to $8,000, with an average of about $3,000 (Angi). This Old House gives a wider $2,000 to $12,000 range, because tiled and curbless showers cost far more than a prefab stall.
How much does a bathtub liner cost?
This Old House prices a custom acrylic bathtub liner at $1,700 to $2,500, and HomeAdvisor reports $2,700 to $10,200. Fixr puts Bath Fitter-style liners at $1,500 to $10,000, with an average of about $4,000. The spread is wide because in-home quotes often bundle wall panels, fixtures and doors.
Sources
We compared these sources to build the QuoteRuler range. State figures adjust the labor portion (45% of the total) using the BEA Regional Price Parities.
- How Much Does Bathtub Replacement Cost? — HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.). Used for: 2025 data. National average $5,890; typical $2,074–$9,709; tub by type (standard $200–$800, soaking $600–$13,000, jetted $1,000–$4,000, freestanding $2,000–$3,000); materials (cast iron $400–$14,000, fiberglass $200–$800); removal $150–$4,500 (fiberglass $50–$100, cast iron $300+); disposal $100–$4,200; labor $100–$2,000; plumbing changes $400–$1,900; floor reinforcement $300–$800; joist repair $4,000–$12,000; subfloor $3–$10/sq ft; permits plumbing $50–$500, electrical $10–$500..
- How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace a Bathtub? — Fixr. Used for: Updated August 29, 2025. National average $6,000; typical $2,000–$10,500; low $800, high ~$22,000–$24,000; installed by type (alcove $450–$1,400, drop-in $900–$5,000, combo $950–$2,400, freestanding $1,200–$10,000); soaking $1,400–$12,000; labor 20%–50% ($1,200–$3,000), 6–8 hours; removal $200–$1,200; surrounds (acrylic $600–$1,400, fiberglass $800–$2,400, composite $500–$4,000, tile $400–$12,000); surround adds ~$5,000 (~$11,000 total); alcove-to-freestanding build-back $800–$3,000; water heater $1,000–$4,000; subpanel $500–$1,000; Bath Fitter liner $1,500–$10,000 (avg ~$4,000)..
- How Much Does Bathtub Replacement Cost? — HomeGuide. Used for: Installed $1,500–$8,000; by style (alcove $1,500–$2,000, drop-in $1,800–$3,500, combo $2,000–$4,500, freestanding $2,200–$5,000, whirlpool $3,000–$8,000); tub-only by material; labor $400–$2,000+; removal $150–$750; plumbing $200–$700+; faucet $200–$600; valve $225–$575; wall repairs $200–$700; permits $50–$250; floor reinforcement $300–$800; tile/surround $500–$2,000+; glass doors $400–$1,900. No update date shown..
- Bathtub Installation Cost — This Old House. Used for: Updated March 5, 2026. Average replacement $2,100 (materials, labor, removal); tub by material (cast iron $900–$5,000) and type (soaking $800–$8,600, jetted $2,400–$5,600); removal $200–$1,200; labor $100–$2,000; standard surround $1,100–$2,100, cultured marble $1,550–$3,200; permits $50–$500; 2026 homeowner survey: 30% unexpected plumbing upgrades, 26% water damage..
- Cost to Install a Bathtub / Modular Bath Tub and Surround — Homewyse. Used for: May 2026 pricing. Basic cast iron tub install $1,388–$2,443 per tub; one-piece acrylic tub and surround $1,513–$1,845 per unit (https://www.homewyse.com/services/cost_to_install_modular_bath_tub_and_surround.html); both exclude demolition, plumbing changes and permits..
- How Much Does Bathtub Refinishing Cost? — HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.). Used for: Refinishing $336–$629, average $483; inlay chip repair $100–$200; liners/inserts $2,700–$10,200..
- Bathtub Refinishing Cost — This Old House. Used for: Updated March 17, 2026. Refinishing $335–$630, average $480; refinished surface lasts at least 10 years; bathtub liner $1,700–$2,500..
- Buyer's Remorse: The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule May Help — Federal Trade Commission. Used for: Right to cancel many in-home sales until midnight of the third business day..
- Regional Price Parities by State, 2023 — U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Used for: state cost adjustments.