Average Cost of Replacing a Bathtub with a Shower: 2025 Guide

What’s the Average Cost?

On average, most homeowners spend between $3,000 and $8,000 to replace a tub with a shower. If you go for a basic, prefabricated shower kit, you might spend as little as $1,200. On the other end, luxury custom tile showers with glass doors and special features can run over $15,000.

What’s Included in That Price?

Let’s break down what you’re actually paying for:

• First, there’s the cost of removing your old tub. That can be anywhere from $150 to $1,000 depending on how tricky it is to haul out.

• Then you’ll need a new shower base, which could run you $400 to $2,000.

• The shower walls—whether acrylic panels, tile, or something fancy like cultured marble—can cost another $500 to $10,000.

• If the plumbing needs to be changed or upgraded, you might add another $500 to $2,000.

• A new shower door will cost somewhere between $200 and $3,000.

• Don’t forget labor—professional installation usually runs from $1,000 to $5,000.

• And if your city or county requires a permit, that could be an extra $200 to $2,000.

Why Do Costs Vary So Much?

Several factors affect the final price:

• The bigger or more custom your shower is, the more expensive it gets.

• Prefabricated showers cost less than tile or custom-built showers.

• If the plumbing needs to be moved, costs go up quickly.

• Add-on features like benches, built-in shelves, or high-end showerheads also increase the price.

Types of Showers and Their Cost Range

If you’re trying to decide what kind of shower to install, here’s a quick idea of how prices stack up:

• Simple shower stalls (like the kind you can buy at a home improvement store) are the cheapest, usually costing between $700 and $3,000.

• Walk-in showers that you can step into easily cost more—expect to pay between $1,150 and $8,000.

• Custom tile showers offer a luxurious feel but come with a big price tag, typically between $3,500 and $15,000.

• Curbless showers, which are flush with the floor and often used for accessibility, cost between $6,000 and $12,000 because they require special floor work.

Choosing the Right Materials

What you choose for the shower walls and base will affect both the look and the price:

• Acrylic and fiberglass are budget-friendly and easy to clean.

• Cultured marble looks more high-end and resists mold, but costs more.

• Natural stone and quartz are beautiful and durable, but they’re at the top of the price range.

What About the Shower Door?

You have a few options when it comes to enclosing your new shower:

• Basic framed glass doors start around $200 and go up.

• Frameless glass doors look sleek and modern, but they can cost $2,500 or more.

• You can also choose sliding, swinging, or custom-shaped doors depending on the layout of your bathroom.

Optional Features That Add Style and Function

Want to make your new shower more stylish or convenient? These upgrades are popular—but they also increase the cost:

• Built-in benches for sitting while you shower usually cost $100 to $600.

• Recessed shelves for storing shampoo and soap range from $150 to $600.

• Rainfall-style or high-tech showerheads start at $100 and can go up to $600.

• Handheld showerheads are also common and typically cost between $45 and $450.

• Digital temperature controls can add $500 to $1,200.

• Grab bars for safety cost $50 to $500.

• Non-slip flooring upgrades range from $200 to $1,000.

Hidden Costs You Might Not Expect

Once the old tub is gone, you might find problems you didn’t know existed. Water damage, mold, or rotted wood underneath the tub could add $1,500 to $9,000 in repair costs.

Also, don’t forget about permits—many areas require them for bathroom remodeling, and that can add another $200 to $2,000.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Can you do it yourself? Maybe. If you’re experienced with plumbing and construction, DIY might save you money. A DIY tub-to-shower conversion could cost as little as $1,200. But keep in mind that waterproofing mistakes or bad plumbing work can lead to big, expensive problems later.

Most homeowners hire professionals, which usually costs between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on the materials and scope of the project. Pros can get it done faster, safer, and usually include a warranty.

Smart Ways to Save Money

Here are a few tips if you’re trying to keep costs down:

• Choose cost-effective materials like acrylic or cultured marble instead of tile.

• Try not to move the plumbing if you can help it.

• Stick with standard-size shower units instead of custom builds.

• Avoid expensive finishes and fancy fixtures unless they’re must-haves.

• If you’re confident, you can do the demolition yourself.

• Always get at least three quotes from contractors before hiring someone.

Should You Remodel the Whole Bathroom?

If your floor, vanity, and lighting are also outdated, it might make sense to remodel the entire bathroom at once. A basic tub-to-shower replacement usually costs $3,500 to $7,000. A full bathroom remodel can cost between $8,000 and $25,000—but it can save money in the long run by combining labor and reducing the number of times your bathroom is under construction.

Does This Increase Home Value?

In most cases, yes. Replacing a tub with a shower can increase your home’s resale value—especially if there’s still at least one tub in the house. You could recoup about 60% to 70% of what you spend when you go to sell.

Modern, accessible, and stylish bathrooms are very attractive to buyers. Just make sure you’re not removing the only tub in a home meant for families with small children, as that can actually lower appeal.

Examples

1. Budget-Friendly Upgrade (Around $1,500 – $2,000)

Maya wants a simple upgrade in her guest bathroom. She chooses a prefabricated acrylic shower stall from a home improvement store. She does the demolition herself and hires a handyman to handle the install. Since she keeps the plumbing in place and uses a basic shower curtain instead of a door, her costs stay low.

Total Cost: About $1,800

2. Mid-Range Remodel with Modern Features (Around $6,000)

Carlos and Jamie want something more stylish for their main bathroom. They go with cultured marble wall panels and a sliding glass door. They also add a recessed shelf and a handheld showerhead. They hire a contractor for everything but avoid plumbing changes.

Total Cost: About $6,200

3. High-End Custom Tile Shower (Around $12,000+)

Lena is remodeling her master bath and wants a custom walk-in shower with floor-to-ceiling tile, a frameless glass door, and a rain shower system. She also adds a built-in bench and niche for storage. Plumbing is moved slightly to improve layout, and everything is done by professionals.

Total Cost: Around $12,500

4. Accessibility-Focused Remodel (Around $8,000)

George is aging in place and replaces his tub with a walk-in, curbless shower for easier access. He includes grab bars, a fold-down seat, non-slip flooring, and a handheld showerhead. His contractor handles waterproofing and tile work, and a plumber adjusts the drain location.

Total Cost: About $8,000

5. Full Bathroom Overhaul (Around $18,000)

Sarah decides not just to swap the tub but to remodel the entire bathroom. She replaces the vanity, flooring, lighting, and toilet along with converting the tub to a shower with solid surface walls and a frameless door. She bundles the project with one contractor to save on labor.

Total Cost: Around $18,000

Final Thoughts

Replacing a bathtub with a shower is a great way to improve the look, feel, and function of your bathroom. It can make daily life easier, especially for older adults or those with limited mobility, and it opens up the space visually.

Before you begin, decide what you need, what you want, and how much you’re willing to spend. Then research your options, talk to professionals, and plan smart to get the best result for your budget.

Want help planning your project? Always start by getting multiple quotes from local bathroom remodelers—it's the fastest way to compare costs and services, and get the most value for your money.