How Much Does It Cost to Install or Replace a Bathtub?

Reviewed by Cristina Miguelez remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

The average cost to install a bathtub is around $6,000, with an average range of $2,000 to $10,500. The lowest cost for a bathtub installation or replacement is around $800 for a prefabricated 5-foot acrylic alcove tub. The highest cost would be around $22,000 for a 6-foot stone Japanese soaking tub with decking and a drop-in installation.

Quick Takeaways

• The average cost to replace a tub or install a new one is around $6,000, but prices depend on the size, material, type of tub, and more.

• Labor accounts for between 20% and 50% of your total or an average of $1,200 to $3,000. The job requires heavy lifting and careful maneuvering, so it’s best left to professionals.

• Upgrading the type of tub you have — alcove to freestanding, for example — can lead to higher labor and material costs to cover build-back and finishes.

Bathtub Installation Costs

Bathtub Cost by Type

The type of tub you want is a crucial cost factor. It will have a major impact on material costs and some effect on labor costs. 

Alcove tubs or alcove bathtub/shower combos are the most common bathtub replacement options. An alcove tub will cost between $300 and $1,000 for the materials alone, which puts the total cost between $450 and $1,400. For the bathtub/shower combo, you’re looking at an additional $500 to $1,000 for the matching tub surround.

One of the most expensive types of bathtubs is the Japanese-style bathtub, which can cost $800 to $5,000 for the materials, in most cases, and up to $20,000 for a high-end, luxury tub. With installation, that’s an average of $1,200 to $7,500, excluding any build-back or structural changes to support the tub.

Bathtub Prices by Material

Bathtubs come in a variety of materials, and the one you choose can have a major impact on the material cost. The weight of the material can also affect delivery costs and labor costs, with heavier materials requiring additional laborers and taking longer to maneuver into place.

Acrylic and fiberglass are the two most common bathtub materials, and they cost an average of $6,000 and $6,500 to install, respectively. Granite bathtubs are some of the most high-end options you can choose. Granite is extremely heavy and also quite expensive, so expect to pay around $24,000 for a granite tub with installation.

New Tub Cost by Purpose

A standard bathtub is going to be the most affordable option, but homeowners are trending away from standard tubs and moving toward more luxurious options, like soaking tubs, whirlpool tubs, and air baths. A standard tub that’s up to 16 inches tall will cost an average of $5,000 to install, a soaking tub costs an average of $7,000, and a high-end whirlpool tub can easily push past $15,000.

Labor Cost to Install a Bathtub

Labor will account for between 20% and 50% of your total cost to install a bathtub, or an average of between $1,200 and $3,000. Labor costs can vary quite a bit depending on the size and weight of your tub, as well as any build-back or additional utility connections you need.

For example, if you’re removing an alcove tub and plan on installing a freestanding tub, you’ll pay an additional $800 to $3,000 to remove the old shower surround, install new tile, and install flooring where the existing tub is. That build-back can add up to 50% to your tub installation costs.

You may also need to pay for plumbing work or electrical connections if you’re changing the orientation of your tub or are upgrading to a whirlpool tub or air bath that requires electricity. Expect to pay an additional $250 to $500 for upgrading utilities for your new bathtub.

Tub Surround Cost by Material

Many homeowners go beyond a simple bathtub replacement and opt to replace the tub surround, as well, for a more complete update. This kind of bathroom remodel costs an average of $5,000 on top of your bathtub replacement cost, bringing the total cost to replace a bathtub and the tub surround to $11,000 on average.

The surround will vary in cost based on the material, though, so you could pay as little as $400 for a budget tile installation or up to $24,000 or more to install a luxury surround made of natural stone.

Average Cost to Replace a Bathtub

Simply replacing a bathtub with one of the same average size and type has similar costs to a new installation, plus the costs of removing and disposing of the old tub. The cost of removing the old tub will be between $200 and $1,200, depending on the tub type, what it is made of, and how hard it is to remove.

It is important to find a new tub of the same dimensions to make this home improvement project easier. 

If you’re looking to replace a standard alcove bathtub with a bathtub/shower combo, expect to add between $200 and $500 to the total to route new plumbing up the wall for the shower head and handles. Looking to ditch the bath altogether and replace your bathtub with a shower stall? Expect to pay between $1,000 and $9,000 to remove the tub and install a walk-in shower, plus $500 to $2,000 in buildback if your shower stall is smaller than the old tub.

Want to go in the opposite direction? The total cost to convert a shower to a tub is between $4,300 and $11,800. The costs of converting a walk-in shower to a tub are similar to the costs of a new tub installation, along with the removal and disposal of the current shower and framing of the walls. If you need structural reinforcement to support the added weight of a filled bathtub, your total could increase by $2,000 or more.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

The following enhancements can help you get the most out of your new bathtub, so you may want to consider their costs in your initial budget.

• Cost to install a new water heater: Expect to pay between $1,000 and $4,000 for a new water heater. Make sure you size your new appliance based on how often you plan to use your bathtub.

• Cost to upgrade your electrical panel: Upgrading to a whirlpool, heated bathtub, or air bath? You may need to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 to upgrade to 200-amp service or between $500 and $1,000 if you need to install a subpanel.

• Cost to replace bathtub faucets: You’ll pay an average of $300 to replace your bathtub hardware, including the water spout, shower head, and handles. Prices could fall anywhere between $100 for a deck-mounted spout and handles up to $500 or more for a high-quality floor-mounted spout and handles.

• Bath Fitter installation: You may opt for a Bath Fitter tub upgrade, which involves placing a new liner over your existing wall and bathtub. A Bath Fitter upgrade is a one-day bathroom remodel that costs between $1,500 and $10,000, with an average of around $4,000.

FAQ: Bathtub Replacement Cost