Bathroom Remodel · Costs, budgets and timelines · Updated November 2026
Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost: What Drives the Price
Replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower costs about $4,100 on average, according to HomeAdvisor. The final price depends mostly on what is behind the walls and how custom the new shower is.
What a conversion usually includes
- Removing the tub and the wall surround, and hauling them away.
- Adjusting the drain and the shower valve for the new shower.
- Installing a shower pan or base and waterproofing the walls.
- Wall finish: a prefab kit or tile.
- A glass door or curtain rod, plus trim and caulk.
Cost by component
| Item | Typical cost | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Tub-to-shower conversion | About $4,100 average | Whole project |
| Prefab shower kit | $500–$1,000 | Product only |
| Glass shower door | About $950 | Installed |
| Licensed plumber | $50–$150 per hour | Labor only |
| Permits | $100–$1,000 | Fee |
From our bathroom cost guide.
What pushes the price up
- Tile instead of a kit: custom tile walls and a tiled floor take more labor and materials than a one-piece or multi-panel kit.
- Moving the drain: relocating the drain, especially on a concrete slab, adds plumbing labor and floor work.
- Curbless (zero-threshold) entry: often requires recessing the floor so water still drains properly.
- Hidden damage: rotted subfloor or wall framing is common around old tubs and is only visible after demolition.
- Extras: a built-in bench, niche, grab bars or a handheld shower add cost but are worth planning up front.
Is it the right move?
A walk-in shower is easier to step into and simpler to clean. If it is the only tub in the home, some real estate agents suggest keeping one, since buyers with young children often want a bathtub. If accessibility is the goal, compare a shower with a walk-in tub before deciding.
Ask each contractor to price the same shower size, wall finish and door, and to give a per-square-foot price for subfloor repair in case they find rot.
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed in our bathroom remodel cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.