How Much Does Bathtub Replacement Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Replacing a bathtub costs an average of $5,662, with most homeowners spending between $1,977 and $9,347. Depending on the complexity of your project, costs can be as low as $215 or exceed $14,700. Understanding these costs can help you plan your budget effectively and decide if hiring a professional is the right choice for you.

Bathtub Replacement Cost Factors

Here are the costs you’ll run into when you’re installing or replacing a bathtub. 

Removal

Removing your old bathtub costs between $150 and $4,500, depending on the tub type. If you have a lightweight fiberglass tub, removal might cost just $50 to $100. For heavier cast-iron tubs, expect to pay $300 or more for removal. Disposal fees can add another $100 to $4,200, so be sure to factor that into your budget.

Floor Modification and Reinforcement

If you're installing a heavier tub, you may need to reinforce the floor, which can cost between $300 and $800. Repairing existing floor joists could add $4,000 to $12,000 to your project, depending on their condition. If your subfloor is damaged beneath the old tub, replacing it might cost $3 to $10 per square foot.

Bathtub Type

The type of bathtub you install greatly impacts the overall cost of the project. Walk-in and accessible tubs are the most expensive types, while standard tubs are the least costly.

Surround

Installing a bathtub surround costs $500 to $2,000. This includes framing the walls, framing the plumbing, preparing the walls with a water-resistant backer board, and installing the surround.

Faucets

Adding a new faucet or other bathtub hardware costs $50 for basic options to over $900 for hardware made from copper or porcelain. You can spend over $700 for high-end faucets, like waterfall or spa-style faucets. Bathtub faucets are often more costly than sink faucets because they have a higher gallons-per-minute capacity to fill your bathtub as quickly as possible.

Plumbing Upgrades

If you're replacing your tub with a similar model, plumbing costs should be minimal, provided your existing plumbing is in good shape. However, if you're upgrading to a different style—like switching from an alcove tub to a freestanding cast-iron or jetted tub—you might need to move plumbing lines. This can add between $400 and $1,900 to your project.

Labor Cost for Pros

Labor costs for replacing a bathtub range from $100 to $2,000, depending on the project's complexity and the professionals you hire. Here's who you might need:

• Plumbers: Plumbers charge $45 to $200 per hour and handle installing water lines, drains, and fixtures.

• Carpenters: At $20 to $120 per hour, they can reinforce floors or modify framing for your new tub.

• Electricians: Costing $50 to $100 per hour, electricians are needed for whirlpool tubs or relocating outlets.

Keep in mind that labor rates vary by region. Urban areas often have higher rates than rural locations, so factor this into your budget.

Permits

Don't forget about permits. You'll likely need them for plumbing and electrical work. This can cost between $50 and $500 for plumbing permits and $10 to $500 for electrical work. Check with your local building department to find out what's required in your area, or hire a local bathroom remodeler to take care of all the prep steps, like getting permits, for you. 

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 30,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.