How Much Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost in 2026?
Swapping a tub for a walk-in shower usually costs $2,000 to $12,000, with prefab kits at the low end and custom tile at the top.
Quick answer
$2,000 to $12,000
Full range we found: $1,000 to $20,000.
Programs that often help: Area Agencies on Aging: Home Repair and Modification Help, Medicaid Waivers That Pay for Home Modifications, VA Home Modification Grants (SAH, SHA, TRA and HISA), USDA Section 504 Home Repair Loans and Grants, CDBG Home Repair and Accessibility Programs (Community Development Block Grants), Nonprofit Home Repair Programs for Older Adults (Rebuilding Together, Habitat and More), State Housing Finance Agency Repair and Accessibility Programs, Deducting Home Modifications as a Medical Expense (IRS Publication 502)
Climbing over a tub wall is one of the riskiest things many older adults do each day. Replacing the tub with a walk-in shower removes that step. It is one of the most common aging-in-place projects.
Here is what it costs in 2026, and why prices vary so much.
Tub-to-shower cost at a glance
The main cost guides agree on a broad range but not on the average.
- HomeGuide says most conversions cost $2,000 to $12,000, with a national average of about $7,000 from member projects 1.
- This Old House gives the same $2,000 to $12,000 range 3.
- Angi reports a much lower average of about $3,000, with a range of $1,200 to $15,000 2.
The gap in averages likely reflects how many cheap kit jobs versus full tile jobs each site counts. Use the range, not one average, when you budget.
| Conversion type | Installed cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tub cut (low step, tub stays) | $800 – $1,800 | HomeGuide 1 |
| Prefab shower stall | $1,000 – $8,000 | HomeGuide 1 |
| Prefab stall | $2,000 – $6,000 | This Old House 3 |
| Walk-in shower | $5,000 – $12,000 | This Old House 3 |
| Custom tile walk-in | $3,500 – $15,000 | HomeGuide 1, Angi 2 |
| Curbless (no lip) | $8,000 – $15,000 | This Old House 3 |
What drives the price
Kit or custom tile
A one-piece acrylic or fiberglass stall is the fastest and cheapest choice. The kit alone runs $350 to $4,100 1. Tile showers cost more because tile is labor-heavy, and a shower pan alone can run $500 to $3,500 1.
Plumbing changes
If the new shower drain sits where the tub drain was, costs stay down. Moving a drain runs about $900 to $1,100, and a new or upgraded shower valve about $700 to $1,200, according to This Old House 3. Several plumbing changes can top $2,000 3. Some codes also call for a larger 2-inch shower drain in place of a 1.5-inch tub drain 1.
Demolition and surprises
Tub removal and disposal runs $150 to $300 at Angi 2 and up to $1,200 at This Old House when more work is involved 3. Old bathrooms often hide rot or mold under the tub. This Old House suggests setting aside 10 to 20 percent of the budget for surprises 3.
Safety extras
A fold-down seat, a handheld shower head and grab bars make the shower safer. This Old House lists installed grab bars at $150 to $500 each and a fold-down seat at $300 to $800 3. Angi estimates basic safety features, a grab bar and seat, at about $600 2.
Size matters for safety
Most codes require a shower floor of at least about 30 by 30 inches 1. For someone who uses a walker or needs a helper, bigger is better. Angi lists an ADA-size 36 by 36 stall at $1,300 to $5,500 2.
If a one-piece stall is planned, measure your bathroom door first. HomeGuide warns that one-piece units must fit through the doorway 1.
DIY or hire a pro?
Angi says doing some of the work yourself can save $1,000 or more 2. Good DIY tasks are tub removal, painting and simple fixture swaps. Plumbing mistakes, though, can cost hundreds to thousands to fix 2. This Old House recommends a pro for moving plumbing, changing valves, custom tile or subfloor work 3.
Permits are often needed when plumbing moves. HomeGuide lists $30 to $400 1, while Angi lists $200 to $2,000 2. Fees vary a lot by town.
Who can help pay
- Area Agency on Aging and nonprofit repair groups may fund or build a safer shower for low-income seniors.
- Medicaid waivers in many states cover bathroom changes for people who qualify for home care.
- VA grants such as HISA can cover a roll-in or walk-in shower for eligible veterans.
- USDA Section 504 loans and grants help very-low-income rural owners fix safety hazards.
- City or county CDBG and state housing finance agency repair programs sometimes fund accessible bathrooms.
- Tax deduction: bathroom changes made for a disability can count as medical expenses under IRS rules when they do not add home value.
Bottom line
Budget $2,000 to $6,000 for a basic prefab conversion and $5,000 to $12,000 or more for tile. Keep the drain in place, add a seat and grab bars, and get at least three written quotes.
Common questions
What is the cheapest way to turn a tub into a shower?
A prefab shower stall kit is usually cheapest. HomeGuide puts prefab conversions at $1,000 to $8,000 installed. A tub cut, which lowers part of the tub wall, runs $800 to $1,800 but keeps a small step.
How long does a tub-to-shower conversion take?
This Old House says a professional job takes about three to seven days. Some one-piece liner systems are done in a day.
Will removing my only tub hurt resale value?
It can. Angi notes the average return is about 60 percent, but only when the home keeps another bathroom with a tub.
Do I need a permit?
Usually, if plumbing is moved. HomeGuide lists permits at $30 to $400 and Angi at $200 to $2,000, so call your local building office for the exact fee.
Sources
- How Much Does a Tub to Shower Conversion Cost? (2026) — HomeGuide. Checked October 18, 2026.
- How Much Does Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost? [2026 Data] — Angi. Checked October 18, 2026.
- How Much Does Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost? (2026 Guide) — This Old House. Checked October 18, 2026.