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.

On average, homeowners spend between $1,991 and $9,369 to replace a bathtub, with most projects averaging $5,672. On the low end, you might pay just $215, while luxury installations can top $14,700. Your final price hinges on tub size, material, location, and any needed subfloor work ($3 to $10 per square foot). Plan for these variables early and bring in a qualified pro to keep the project on schedule and on budget.

Bathtub Replacement Cost Factors

Here’s what goes into the total price tag when you replace or install a bathtub.

Bathtub Type

The type of bathtub you install greatly impacts the overall cost of the project. Standard alcove tubs sit at the budget end, while walk-in or accessibility-focused models command the highest prices.

Material

The material that your bathtub is made from has a significant impact on your costs.

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. Flag these potential extras early so they don’t surprise you midway through the remodel.

Floor Modification and Reinforcement

If you're installing a heavier tub, you may need to reinforce the floor, which costs between $300 and $800. Floor joist repair costs can 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.

Additional Cost Factors

Consider these factors when planning your tub replacement budget to avoid surprise project expenses.

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 on 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.

Permits

Don't forget about permits. You'll likely need them for plumbing and electrical work. Permits cost between $50 and $500 for plumbing work and between $10 and $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.

Labor 

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.

• Electricians: Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $100 per hour and is needed to install whirlpool tubs or relocate outlets.

Labor rates swing widely by region—pros in big cities often charge more than those in rural areas, so double-check local pricing before you finalize your budget.

Budgeting for Your Bathtub Replacement

Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your bathtub replacement project more budget-friendly:

• Choose standard styles and tub shapes, as custom designs will increase your expenses.

• Stick to less expensive materials when choosing your new tub instead of higher-end choices.

• Consider refinishing your tub instead of a full replacement if your current tub’s surface only has a few small chips or stains.

• Obtain quotes from at least three qualified bathroom remodelers to ensure competitive pricing.

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.