Tub vs Shower Remodel: Cost Compared

Quick answer: A new tub installation typically runs $1,500–$8,000+, a walk-in shower runs $3,000–$12,000+, and a tub-to-shower conversion averages $5,000–$15,000. Showers cost more on average because of tile, glass, and waterproofing, but they’re what most buyers now prefer. The catch: a home should keep at least one bathtub for resale, so the smart move depends on which bathroom you’re remodeling.

This is as much a resale and lifestyle decision as a cost one. Here’s the full comparison.

Tub vs shower at a glance

Factor	Tub	Walk-in shower
Typical installed cost	$1,500–$8,000+	$3,000–$12,000+
Tub-to-shower conversion	—	$5,000–$15,000
Space used	Larger footprint	Flexible; fits small baths
Accessibility	Harder to step over	Easy, curbless options
Water use	More per bath	Less per shower
Resale appeal	Essential to keep one in home	Preferred in primary baths
Best for	Families with kids, soaking	Primary baths, aging in place
Timeline	1–3 days (swap)	3–7 days (tiled)

What a tub remodel costs

Replacing or installing a tub spans a wide range depending on type. A basic alcove tub swap can run $1,500–$3,500 installed. Upgraded soaking or freestanding tubs push $4,000–$8,000+, and high-end freestanding models with new plumbing go higher still.

Tubs are relatively simple when you’re swapping like-for-like in the existing footprint. Costs climb when you move plumbing, upsize to a freestanding model that needs floor-mounted fixtures, or add surround tile.

What a shower remodel costs

A walk-in shower typically runs $3,000–$12,000+. Prefab acrylic shower units sit at the low end; fully tiled, custom showers with glass enclosures, niches, and rain heads reach the top. The cost drivers are tile (material plus labor), waterproofing, glass, and any plumbing changes.

Showers cost more on average than a comparable tub largely because of the tilework and waterproofing detail required to do them right. For how showers and tubs fit into a full bathroom budget, see our bathroom remodel cost guide.

What a tub-to-shower conversion costs

Converting a tub into a walk-in shower averages $5,000–$15,000. You’re paying to remove the old tub, reframe and waterproof the space, re-plumb the drain and valve, and build the new shower — prefab or tiled. Curbless, zero-threshold conversions for accessibility can cost more due to floor and drainage work.

Conversions are popular in primary bathrooms and for aging-in-place upgrades, where a walk-in shower is both more usable and more appealing than an underused tub.

The resale factor

This is where the decision gets nuanced. Buyers increasingly prefer a large walk-in shower in the primary bathroom, so converting there often adds appeal. But a home that has no bathtub at all can turn off families with young children and hurt resale.

The widely accepted guideline: keep at least one tub in the home, ideally in a main or secondary bathroom. So convert the primary bath to a shower if you like, but preserve a tub somewhere. If you only have one bathroom, think hard before removing the only tub.

Which should you choose?

Choose a tub (or keep one) if you have young kids, you enjoy soaking, or it’s your home’s only tub. Retaining a bathtub protects broad resale appeal and costs less than a full shower build.

Choose a walk-in shower if you’re remodeling a primary bathroom, want easier daily use, are planning for accessibility and aging in place, or already have another tub elsewhere in the home. Showers suit the way most people actually bathe today.

Choose a conversion if you have an underused tub in a primary or accessible bathroom and want to modernize. Just confirm another tub remains in the house before you commit.

A simple rule: optimize the primary bath for how you live (usually a shower), and make sure the home keeps at least one tub for the next owner.

Because bathrooms pack plumbing, tile, and fixtures into a small space, costs add up fast. Our bathroom remodel cost guide and flooring installation cost guide help you budget the surrounding work.

FAQ

Is a shower cheaper than a tub? Not usually. A basic tub swap ($1,500–$3,500) is often cheaper than a tiled walk-in shower ($3,000–$12,000+) because showers require more waterproofing, tile, and glass. Prefab shower units narrow the gap.

How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost? Typically $5,000–$15,000, covering tub removal, reframing, waterproofing, re-plumbing, and the new shower. Curbless, accessible conversions cost more due to floor and drainage modifications.

Does removing a tub hurt resale value? It can, if it leaves the home with no bathtub. The common guideline is to keep at least one tub in the house for families with children. Converting a primary bath to a shower is usually fine when another tub remains.

Which adds more value, a tub or a shower? In a primary bathroom, a large walk-in shower usually adds more appeal for today’s buyers. Overall, the home should still retain at least one tub, so value depends on which bathroom you’re changing.

How long does a tub or shower remodel take? A like-for-like tub swap can take one to three days. A tiled walk-in shower or a full conversion typically takes three to seven days, longer with custom tile, glass orders, and plumbing changes.

Can I convert a shower back to a tub later? Yes, but it means re-plumbing and reframing again, so it’s costly. Plan for how you’ll use the space long term rather than assuming an easy reversal.

Estimate your bathroom project

Tub, shower, or conversion — the cost depends on your layout, finishes, and plumbing. Use our free renovation cost calculator to get an instant estimate before you meet with a contractor.

Related guides: Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2026 · Flooring Installation Cost (2026) · Kitchen Remodel Cost in 2026