Short answer
A tub to shower conversion typically costs $2,000 to $12,000, per This Old House's 2026 guide. Angi (2026) puts the average near $3,000, with a full range of $1,200 to $15,000. A prefab stall sits at the low end; turning a tub into a custom tiled walk-in shower costs $3,500 to $15,000.
Key facts
- This Old House (Mar 2026): prefabricated shower stall $2,000 to $6,000, walk-in shower $5,000 to $12,000, tile shower $6,000 to $12,000, curbless shower $8,000 to $15,000.[1]
- Angi (Jul 2026): converting a tub to a shower costs about $3,000 on average; a custom tiled walk-in shower conversion costs $3,500 to $15,000.[2]
- This Old House (Mar 2026): moving a drain line can cost $900 to $1,100, and a new or upgraded shower valve $700 to $1,200.[1]
- HomeAdvisor (Jun 2026): converting a tub to a shower generally takes between one and three days.[4]
Estimate your shower or bath project
Pick the job and anything it also needs. You get a national range from published cost guides, not a quote.
Quick price table
National ranges for turning a tub into a shower. These are not quotes.
| Conversion type | Typical cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Prefab shower stall in the tub space | $2,000 to $6,000 | This Old House 2026[1] |
| Tub to walk-in shower | $5,000 to $12,000 | This Old House 2026[1] |
| Tub to tiled shower | $6,000 to $12,000 | This Old House 2026[1] |
| Tub to curbless shower | $8,000 to $15,000 | This Old House 2026[1] |
| Tub to custom tiled walk-in shower | $3,500 to $15,000 | Angi 2026[2], HomeGuide 2025[3] |
| Full range, all types | $1,200 to $15,000 (average about $3,000) | Angi 2026[2] |
The low end varies by guide. Angi and HomeAdvisor put the typical job near $3,000[2][4]; This Old House starts its range at $2,000 and runs to $12,000[1]. Price your own choices with the cost estimator.
Conversion kit vs full remodel
Kit or prefab stall. The tub comes out and a factory-made base and wall panels go in, usually in the same footprint. Fixr gives an example of $2,000 to $3,000 in materials plus about $1,000 in labor, or about $4,000 total including tub removal[6]. Prefab kits alone cost $350 to $4,100 depending on size and material[3].
Custom tile. A new shower pan, backer board, waterproofing and tile. HomeGuide puts the tile work at $800 to $3,000 and a custom pan at $500 to $3,500[3].
Full bathroom remodel. If you are also replacing the floor, vanity or toilet, the conversion becomes part of a bigger job. See bathroom remodel cost.
One-day acrylic systems
Some companies sell only tub to shower conversions, using a pre-selected set of acrylic materials, and advertise them as one-day jobs[5]. Modernize says this speeds things up but you may give up custom choices[5]. A full-service contractor can do more of the room at once, but it may take a few days[5].
Plumbing changes
Keeping the new shower in the old tub's spot is the best way to control cost[1]. A tub drain is usually 1.5 inches and a shower drain 2 inches, so the drain line is often replaced[3].
| Plumbing item | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Move a drain line | $900 to $1,100 | This Old House 2026[1] |
| New or upgraded shower valve | $700 to $1,200 | This Old House 2026[1] |
| Repairs, new plumbing or layout changes | $300 to $2,400 | Angi 2026[2] |
| Plumber hourly rate | $45 to $200 an hour | Angi 2026[2] |
Other line items
| Item | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Tub removal and disposal | $150 to $300 | Angi 2026[2] |
| Tub removal and disposal | $300 to $1,200 | This Old House 2026[1] |
| Shower door | $600 to $1,350 | Angi 2026[2] |
| Walk-in, stepless or curbless entry | $1,000 to $4,000 | Angi 2026[2] |
| Grab bars | $50 to $500 per bar | Angi 2026[2] |
| Built-in or fold-down seat | $100 to $600 | Angi 2026[2] |
| Permit | $200 to $2,000 | Angi 2026[2] |
Angi says to budget about $600 extra for a basic grab bar and seat[2]. Labor is 40% to 60% of the total, or about $500 to $5,000[2].
How long does it take?
HomeAdvisor says one to three days[4]. Fixr says as little as 2 days for a same-size prefab shower, and one to two weeks or longer for custom work or window and layout changes[6]. This Old House says three to seven days for most professional conversions[1]. A low window over the tub can add $600 to $1,200 if it must be replaced with a smaller, higher one[6].
Ideas that keep the price down
- Keep the shower in the tub's footprint and reuse the valve location.
- Choose a prefab base with tile or panels only where you will see them.
- Use a curtain at first and add glass later.
- If the walls are sound, a low-threshold or curbless entry may matter more for daily safety than premium finishes.
The reverse job is covered on shower to tub conversion cost.
When to call a pro
- Any drain, valve or supply line change: a licensed plumber, and usually a permit.
- Curbless entry or a soft, damaged subfloor.
- A window inside the new shower area.
- To compare quotes: ask each one to list removal, plumbing, waterproofing, door and permit separately.
More questions
Can a tub really be turned into a shower in one day?
Some companies sell one-day conversions using a set range of acrylic panels and bases, per Modernize (2026). You trade design choice for speed. Custom tile and plumbing moves take longer: This Old House says 3 to 7 days for most conversions.
Will removing my only tub hurt resale value?
It can. HomeGuide (2025) notes that removing a home's only bathtub may lower resale value for buyers with children or pets, and Fixr gives the same warning. Many owners keep one tub elsewhere in the house.
What is a tub cut, and is it cheaper?
A tub cut removes part of the tub's front wall to leave a low step-in threshold. HomeGuide (2025) puts it at $800 to $1,800, much less than a full conversion, but you keep the tub shell and its height.
Sources
- Tub-to-shower conversion cost (updated Mar 4, 2026), This Old House. Accessed 2026-10-15.
- How much does tub-to-shower conversion cost? (2026 data, updated Jul 8, 2026), Angi. Accessed 2026-10-15.
- Tub to shower conversion cost (Jul 30, 2025), HomeGuide. Accessed 2026-10-15.
- Convert a tub to a shower cost (updated Jun 17, 2026), HomeAdvisor. Accessed 2026-10-15.
- Tub to shower conversion: types, costs, and finding the best contractor (updated Aug 28, 2026), Modernize. Accessed 2026-10-15.
- Bathtub to shower conversion: cost, tips and more (2025), Fixr. Accessed 2026-10-15.
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