A walk-in bathtub costs an average of $13,100
On average, a walk-in bathtub costs between $4,000 and $22,100, with most projects costing $13,100.
Your walk-in bathtub’s features, style, and local labor rates drive most of the price.
If the new unit requires upgraded plumbing or wiring, budget extra for these professionals.
Walk-in tubs provide individuals with mobility challenges a safer and easier way to bathe.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Most homeowners spend an average of $13,100 on walk-in bathtub costs, though simple jobs can cost as little as $2,900 and luxury installs can reach $32,000. The average cost range is between $4,000 and $22,100. Your final price hinges on labor, tub style, and any extra features you add.
If stepping over a tall tub wall feels risky, a walk-in bathtub offers a straightforward boost in safety and everyday comfort. Plan your budget early so you land on the best fit—and lasting value—for your home.
There are a variety of factors that determine how much you’ll pay for a walk-in tub. Here’s how the costs break down.
Expect labor alone to run from $1,000 to more than $12,000 of your total budget. A straightforward swap takes six to eight hours, but moving plumbing or adding features can keep electricians, plumbers, or tilers on site longer.
In addition to standard bathtub installation costs for plumbers, consider rates for other professionals:
Electrician: $50–$130 per hour
Plumber: $45–$200 per hour
Some walk-in tubs need extra plumbing or wiring on top of the basic installation. If the new unit is wider than your old tub, you may have to shift plumbing hookups; moving them more than three feet can add an average of $1,000. Models with jets or heated seats also call for a licensed electrician to handle the wiring.
Review these potential plumbing and electrical costs:
Service | Average Cost |
---|---|
Pipe replacement | $1,250 |
Shower installation | $8,200 |
Rough-in plumbing | $6,500 |
Outlet installation | $300 per outlet |
Rewiring | $1,600 |
Because most homeowners choose walk-in tubs for accessibility, you may want add-ons that boost safety and comfort—think ADA-compliant seats, grab bars, or non-slip flooring.
The type of bathtub you select is the most significant factor affecting installation costs. Walk-in tubs cost between $1,900 and $20,000 per unit, excluding installation costs. The most affordable and basic options range from $1,800 to $4,000, while high-end walk-in bathtubs can reach $20,000 before installation.
Walk-In Bathtub Type | Average Cost Range | Features |
---|---|---|
Standard walk-in tub | $2,000–$4,000 | Basic soaker tub |
Tub and shower combo | $3,200–$9,500 | Higher walls that allow for showering and standing |
Two-seater tub | $7,700–$13,700 | Can fit two people at once |
Whirlpool tub with air jets | $2,500–$7,000 | Uses air jets for bath massages |
Bariatric tub | $2,200–$10,300 | Designed for individuals weighing 300+ lbs |
Luxury walk-in tub | $4,000–$20,000 | Multiple high-end features |
A standard-sized walk-in bathtub will cost between $2,000 and $4,000. Though similar to regular bathtubs, a basic walk-in tub has a side door serving as a safety feature, allowing for easier entry and exit. Installation is straightforward because standard walk-in tubs fit most bathrooms and don’t include extra features.
Tub and shower combos are versatile options, ranging from $3,200 to $9,500. These units allow individuals to shower sitting or standing, and many don’t cost more than a standard unit. Be prepared for the potential for additional plumbing and tiling costs compared to a standard unit, which can increase installation costs.
Two-seater walk-in tubs cost between $7,700 and $13,700. Because these tubs can accommodate two individuals at once, they’re larger than the standard tub and can be trickier to install.
Bariatric tubs cost between $2,200 and $ 10,300 and feature extra width and a seat.
Luxury walk-in tubs cost $4,000 to $20,000, with an average cost of $6,700. Steeper prices come with high-end features, such as heated seats, curved backrests, chromotherapy lights, aromatherapy, and adjustable water jets.
A walk-in tub can raise your home’s value, but the boost depends on your market. Health- and safety-focused communities may prize the feature, while younger areas might care less. No matter the ROI, you’ll gain everyday comfort, added safety, and a bathroom that works for more people.
Keep your walk-in bathtub installation costs low with these budgeting tips:
Choose only the features you’ll actually use—skip pricey extras beyond your needs.
Stick with a tub that fits your current footprint to sidestep expensive plumbing changes.
Shop around; comparing brands and models can shave hundreds off the bill.
Collect at least three written quotes from local bathtub installers so you can weigh rates and what each pro includes.
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. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.
Because Medicare classifies walk-in tubs as non-durable medical equipment, it generally won’t pick up the tab. Medicaid can help if a doctor certifies that the tub is medically necessary, but rules change by state. Call your plan early, ask which forms you need, and keep any prescriptions or letters on file to improve your odds of reimbursement.
A walk-in bathtub’s fill and drain times hinge on your home’s water pressure and the tub’s hardware. Most models with a fast-fill faucet need about six to eight minutes to fill and two to three minutes to drain; larger basins or standard drains can tack on an extra 10 minutes. Stay seated until the water is completely gone so you don’t swing the door open on a full tub’s worth of water.
A walk-in bathtub holds 50 gallons of water, and its design supports capacities that range from 40 to 80 gallons, depending on the product. In contrast, a standard bathtub holds 25 to 45 gallons. This capacity is determined by the fixed design of the tub and its construction materials. Homeowners should review the detailed product specifications to confirm the exact volume available for use during bath time.
Walk-in tubs are tax-deductible when the purchase qualifies as a necessary medical expense and meets the IRS criteria. Caregivers who install a walk-in tub also qualify for the Dependent Care Tax Credit under specific conditions. Homeowners must verify these requirements with the IRS and consult a tax professional, as state and program guidelines enforce strict documentation standards for such deductions.