The average U.S. homeowner spends $13,100 on a walk-in bathtub, but the cost ranges from $4,000 to $22,100, depending on the scope of the project.
Walk-in bathtub costs range anywhere from $4,000 for standard tubs to $32,000 for luxury tubs with all the bells and whistles. Most homeowners spend an average of $13,100 on their walk-in tub installation. Labor and the type of tub you choose make up a significant portion of the price tag.
Let's dive into all of the factors that can influence the cost of your walk-in bathtub so that you can start making your home more accessible.
Most walk-in bathtubs cost between $1,900 and $20,000 for the materials alone, but not every walk-in bathtub is equal in terms of pricing. Costs vary largely depending on the type of bathtub you choose, so here’s a breakdown of bathtub costs by type.
Walk-In Bathtub Type | Average Cost |
---|---|
Small units | $1,800–$4,000 |
Standard units | $2,000–$4,000 |
Whirlpool tubs | $2,500–$7,000 |
Tub and shower combos | $3,200–$9,500 |
Bariatric tubs | $2,200–$10,300 |
Two-seater tubs | $7,700–$13,700 |
Luxury walk-in tubs | $4,000–$20,000 |
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Small walk-in bathtubs cost the least, with prices ranging from $1,800 to $4,000 for an average of $2,900. These units have smaller dimensions than your typical 60-by-32-inch tub and can be useful for small spaces that still need accessibility. If you have the space, however, it may be more comfortable to choose a standard unit.
A standard-sized walk-in bathtub will cost between $2,000 and $4,000, or $3,100 on average. This is your typical 60-by-32-inch walk-in bathtub that doesn’t contain add-ons like jets, which can increase the price by several thousands of dollars.
The average cost of a walk-in tub and shower combo is $6,400, with prices ranging anywhere from $3,200 to $9,500. This type of walk-in bathtub offers shower lovers the option of showering or bathing, making it a versatile investment.
Whirlpool tubs can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $7,000, but most cost around $4,300. A whirlpool walk-in bathtub is like having a small, indoor jet tub. These tubs have six to 24 jets that massage your body while you soak, making for a luxurious experience without the higher cost of a luxury walk-in tub.
Bariatric tubs cost between $2,200 and $10,300, or $4,000 on average. These tubs are extra large and come with a wider seat and door to make bathing more accessible for those weighing over 300 pounds. Bariatric bathtubs are typically used in commercial settings, but they can also be useful for homes requiring extra accessibility for those with mobility issues.
Two-seater walk-in tubs cost between $7,700 and $13,700, or an average of $10,700. As the name suggests, these tubs are large enough for two people to bathe at a time. The price reflects the added space and features.
A luxury walk-in bathtub costs an average of $6,700, with prices ranging from $4,000 to $20,000 for custom, high-end tubs. Luxury walk-in tubs have air and water jets that massage bath-goers more gently than standard water jets. You'll pay more for this upgraded feature, but if you're looking for the most relaxing bathtub, then this may be the right choice for your home.
The size of a walk-in bathtub can play a role in how much you’ll spend, with prices ranging anywhere from $225 to $750 per square foot. Your typical walk-in bathtub size is 60-by-32 inches, which puts most walk-in tubs between $3,000 and $10,100 depending on the type of tub. However, sizes can range from as little as 36-by-32 inches to 60-by-40 inches or more. Below are common walk-in bathtub sizes and estimated costs.
Bathtub Dimensions | Bathtub Size (Square Feet) | Average Material Cost |
---|---|---|
36”x32” | 8 | $1,800–$6,000 |
45”x26” | 8 | $1,800–$6,000 |
40”x32” | 9 | $2,000–$6,800 |
53”x26” | 9.5 | $2,100–$7,100 |
38”x38” | 10 | $2,300–$7,500 |
60”x32” | 13.5 | $3,000–$10,100 |
60”x40” | 16.5 | $3,700–$12,400 |
Total labor costs for installing a walk-in bathtub range from $1,000 to over $12,000 depending on the scope of the project and who you need to hire to complete the job. Installing the tub alone costs between $700 and $3,000, but anticipate electrical or plumbing work to quickly hike up your expenses.
If your walk-in bathtub has jets or other electrical upgrades, then you may need to hire an electrician to upgrade your electrical wiring and connect the bathtub to the circuit. An electrician costs between $50 and $130 an hour. Apprentices charge the least, while master electricians charge the most. Your electrician may complete several electrical projects related to your bathroom revamp, including:
Installing an outlet: $300
Adding a light fixture: $600
Rewiring: $1,600
The cost of hiring a plumber for plumbing changes or repairs before installing a walk-in bathtub ranges from $45 to $200 an hour. During the installation, your plumber may perform any of the following services:
Installing a shower: $8,200
Replacing pipes: $1,250
Rough-in plumbing for a bathroom: $6,500
You might need to factor in additional costs, such as demolition, prep work, and acquiring a permit, in addition to material and labor prices.
If you have an existing bathtub that needs to be removed, don’t forget the cost of removing it as you’re tallying up your estimated budget. Old tub removal costs range from $150 to $4,500 or more, depending on the bathtub type. Lightweight fiberglass bathtubs cost the least, while cast iron tubs cost the most.
Electrical building permits cost between $10 and $500, while plumbing permits cost between $50 and $500 on average. You may need both depending on the extent of your installation. Replacing a bathtub may not require a permit, but walk-in bathtubs that require new plumbing and electrical work likely do require permits. Ask your contractors if you need permits, or contact your local building department before you get started.
Accessories can add anywhere from $475 to $2,700 to the cost of your walk-in bathtub. Some customizations can enhance your bathtub’s universal design, such as custom grab bars or a handheld showerhead. Other accessories—like an ozone sterilization system or fast drain—are geared towards preferences rather than necessity.
Add-On Feature | Average Cost |
---|---|
Custom grab bars | $25–$700 |
Fast fill faucet | $125–$475 |
Fast drain | $200–$425 |
Overflow protection | $15–$50 |
Handheld showerhead | $20–$75 |
Padded backrest | $50–$475 |
Ozone sterilization system | $50–$525 |
Since labor costs $1,000 to over $12,000, DIYing a walk-in bathtub may seem like a no-brainer. However, we don't recommend installing one yourself. Learning how to install a bathtub is a challenging endeavor that comes with a learning curve—add in the fact that you’re installing a walk-in bathtub, and you have more room for trial and error than a standard bathtub.
It’s best to work with a remodel design expert near you to design the best walk-in bathtub for your home. Any electrical or plumbing work should be done by a licensed professional who has the skills to install your walk-in bathtub correctly.
Homes with a pre-existing bathtub, plumbing, and electrical wiring might only need a light renovation involving swapping out the old tub and replacing it with a new walk-in tub. If your bathroom doesn't already have a bathtub in it, or you’re converting a half bath into a full bathroom, then you may need to completely remodel your bathroom to make a bathtub fit. This will cost much more than simply renovating the space.
You have several possible avenues for saving on the cost of a walk-in bathtub. Try out some of the following ways to save on your bathtub:
Purchase a standard-sized walk-in tub over a custom, unusual, or large-sized one.
Dispose of your old bathtub yourself.
See if your Medicare or Medicaid plan will cover a walk-in tub for health purposes.
For veterans, check with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to see if you qualify for financial aid.
If you have a shower, ask a pro if they can convert your shower into a walk-in shower instead of a walk-in bathtub.
A walk-in bathtub can increase your home's value by making it more accessible and, therefore, more appealing to the elderly and those with disabilities. They offer better safety, efficiency, and functionality.
Your location plays a role in just how much a walk-in bathtub could increase your ROI, so it’s worth keeping in mind the demographics in your area. For example, a college town may have a lower demand for walk-in bathtubs, which could mean you’ll see a lower ROI compared to a town with an aging population.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on 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.
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Installing a walk-in bathtub can be worth it if it improves the user's safety and independence. However, because walk-in tubs require a large investment, not every homeowner has the means or desire to install one. As an alternative, some homeowners prefer to install a walk-in shower and transfer bench instead. Walk-in showers cost between $1,150 and $8,000, making them far more budget-friendly in comparison.
If your walk-in bath fits in the footprint of your old bathtub or shower, the installation can take just one day to put in the new walk-in bathtub. Bathrooms that don't already have the footprint of an existing bathtub may need new plumbing or electrical wiring. New plumbing and wiring can take one to three days more. If you're completely remodeling your bathroom and breaking down walls, then anticipate this project taking up to 3 weeks to complete.