Bathroom comparison
Walk-in Shower vs Bathtub: Cost Comparison
Replacing a tub with a walk-in shower (or the reverse) is one of the most common bathroom decisions. Here is how the two compare on installed cost, resale, and accessibility in 2026.
Walk-in shower
$3,500 to $15,000 installed
Bathtub
$1,500 to $8,000 installed
| Feature | Walk-in shower | Bathtub |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $3,500 to $15,000 | $1,500 to $8,000 |
| Main cost driver | Tile, glass, waterproofing | Tub unit + plumbing |
| Accessibility | Excellent (curbless) | Harder to step over |
| Space used | Flexible | Fixed footprint |
| Resale | Great for primary bath | Keep one for family buyers |
| Water use | Often less | More to fill |
Walk-in shower
- Modern, open look
- Easy, curbless accessibility
- Flexible to fit the space
- Often uses less water
- Costs more
- Tile and glass add labor
- No soaking option
Bathtub
- Lower cost
- Good for kids and resale
- Soaking and relaxation
- Harder to step into
- Takes a fixed footprint
- Uses more water
The verdict
Choose a walk-in shower for a primary bathroom where you want a modern, accessible space and are willing to pay for tile and glass. Keep at least one bathtub in the home, ideally in a family or guest bath, to protect resale appeal with buyers who have young children.
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Budget: Under $500
A 36-inch vanity with sink anchors a mid-size bathroom remodel.
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Budget: Under $50
Widespread bathroom faucet updates the sink in a remodel.
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Budget: Under $250
Comfort-height dual-flush toilet is a core bath remodel swap.
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Budget: Under $25
Quiet exhaust fan clears moisture and meets bath code.
Check priceFrequently asked questions
Does removing a tub hurt home value?
Removing the only tub in a home can hurt resale with families who want a bath for young children. Converting one of several bathrooms to a walk-in shower, while keeping a tub elsewhere, is usually safe and often desirable.
Why does a walk-in shower cost more than a tub?
A walk-in shower usually costs more because of the tile work, glass enclosure, and waterproofing labor involved. A standard tub is a single unit that installs faster, which keeps its cost lower.
