Bathtub replacement cost by type
| Tub type | Installed price | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Alcove tub, acrylic or fiberglass | $600–$2,000 | The most common like-for-like swap |
| Cast-iron tub | $1,000–$3,800 | Heavy; may need floor reinforcement |
| Freestanding soaking tub | $1,000–$5,000 | Check whether the drain and supply must move |
These prices cover the tub itself and the plumbing labor to set it. Removing the old tub, a tub surround, a new faucet and any wall repairs are priced separately below, because quotes differ on what "installed" includes. When you compare bids, make sure each one lists the same items.
Acrylic, fiberglass or cast iron?
Acrylic and fiberglass tubs are the budget choices: they're light, easy to install and common in alcoves. Cast iron costs more and is far heavier, but it holds heat well and lasts decades. Most tubs last around 20 years on average, or closer to 10 to 15 years for acrylic and fiberglass. If your current tub only has a few small chips or stains, one cost guide suggests considering refinishing it instead of replacing it.
Removing the old tub
Taking out the old tub depends on what it's made of. A fiberglass alcove tub typically costs $75–$150 to remove. A cast-iron tub is a different job: it can weigh 200 to 500 pounds, often has to be cut into sections, and may require demolishing the tile surround around it, so removal runs about $200–$400 or more. Our calculator uses one removal line, $75–$400, that covers both.
Extra costs to expect
| Item | Typical cost | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Old tub removal and disposal | $75–$400 | Almost every replacement; cast iron is at the top |
| Tub surround or wall tile | $400–$1,500 | Tubs in an alcove |
| Faucet and valve | $200–$600 | When fixtures are replaced too |
| Wall repairs | $200–$700 | Hidden damage found once the tub is out |
| Floor reinforcement | $300–$800 | Heavy cast-iron or stone tubs; more if joists need strengthening |
Changing the tub style can move the plumbing. Switching from an alcove tub to a freestanding or jetted tub may require relocating drain and supply lines. None of the guides we reviewed puts a price on that, so ask for it as a separate line item. Permits also vary by location and can add a few hundred dollars in some places.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Does the price include removing and disposing of the old tub?
- Is the surround or tile included, and what material?
- Will the drain or supply lines need to move?
- How will you handle hidden wall or floor damage once the tub is out?
- Who pulls the permit, if one is needed?
Methodology and sources
We price each tub type as tub plus plumbing labor in the existing location, adjust the labor share for your state's plumber wages, and price removal and extras separately. Read how we estimate costs.
- RateYourPlumber: bathtub installation cost — tub and labor by type, surround, removal
- HomeGuide: bathtub replacement cost — fixtures, wall repairs, reinforcement
- ConsumerAffairs: bathtub replacement cost — prices by material, permits
- Angi: bathtub replacement cost — removal costs
- HomeAdvisor: install a bathtub — labor, lifespan, plumbing changes
- Synchrony: replacing a bathtub — acrylic tubs and incidental materials
- Monblari: bathtub installation cost — like-for-like benchmark
- BLS OEWS May 2025, State (SOC 47-2152, Plumbers) — state labor index
What each source reports
Our estimate does not rely on any single page. This table lists each page we used and the figures it reports, so you can see where the ranges come from.
| Source | What it reports |
|---|---|
| RateYourPlumber |
|
| ConsumerAffairs |
|
| Synchrony | acrylic tubs $200-$800, plus at least $200 for incidental materials and plumbing fixtures |
| HomeGuide |
|
| HomeAdvisor | labor for tub replacement $100-$2,000 depending on complexity and which pros are involved |
| Angi | fiberglass removal $50-$100; heavy cast iron $300 or more |
Common questions about bathtub replacement costs
How much does bathtub replacement cost?
A typical job (alcove tub, old tub removed) comes to about $1,300 nationally, within a range of $680 to $2,400. Use the calculator above to adjust for your state, the options you choose and any extras.
Where do these prices come from?
They come from 6 published cost pages from 6 publishers, last checked Sep 30, 2026. We report what those pages say and do not invent figures; the table above shows each source.
How does my state change the estimate?
The labor part of the price is scaled by the average wage for the relevant trade in your state, using Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Materials and equipment are not adjusted.
Why might a contractor's quote differ from this estimate?
A quote reflects your specific scope, access, local demand and what the contractor includes. Ask for line items rather than a single total so you can compare bids on the same basis.
All 6 sources behind these prices
Every figure in the calculator comes from one or more of these pages, with the number each one supports in the link text.
- RateYourPlumber: alcove replacement tub $300-$800 plus plumbing labor $300-$600
- ConsumerAffairs: acrylic tubs $350-$1,000, fiberglass $200-$1,200
- Synchrony: acrylic tubs $200-$800, plus at least $200 for incidental materials and plumbing fixtures
- HomeGuide: cast-iron tubs $600-$3,000 (tub only)
- HomeAdvisor: labor for tub replacement $100-$2,000 depending on complexity and which pros are involved
- Angi: fiberglass removal $50-$100; heavy cast iron $300 or more