Replacing a bathtub can cost less than $1,500 for a basic acrylic tub in an existing alcove, or more than $10,000 for a cast iron freestanding tub with new plumbing. Refinishing or a tub liner can cost far less. Use the calculator below to compare your options, then read on for prices by tub type and the costs that change the total.
Bathtub replacement cost calculator
Bathtub replacement cost at a glance
Heading into 2027, most homeowners pay about $1,400 to $4,200 to replace a standard 60-inch alcove tub, or $2,000 to $5,700 with a new acrylic wall surround. A tub liner typically runs $1,500 to $4,000, and refinishing an existing tub costs about $350 to $700.
Bathtub replacement cost by tub type
These ranges include the tub, removing the old one, installation, a new faucet trim or tub filler, and a permit, at national average prices. Wall surrounds are extra except where noted.
| Tub type | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Alcove, acrylic or fiberglass | $1,400 – $4,200 |
| Alcove, enameled steel | $1,450 – $4,100 |
| Deep soaking alcove | $1,800 – $5,300 |
| Drop-in with deck | $2,000 – $6,100 |
| Freestanding, acrylic | $2,600 – $6,900 |
| Alcove, cast iron | $2,700 – $7,000 |
| Whirlpool or air jet | $3,600 – $9,300 |
| Freestanding, cast iron or stone resin | $4,000 – $11,100 |
Acrylic and fiberglass tubs
Acrylic and fiberglass tubs are lightweight, affordable, and easy to install, which makes them the most common replacement. Acrylic holds heat better and resists scratches better than fiberglass, while fiberglass is usually the cheapest option.
Enameled steel tubs
Enameled steel tubs have a glossy, porcelain-like finish at a modest price. They’re heavier than acrylic, can chip if something heavy is dropped, and lose heat faster.
Cast iron tubs
Cast iron tubs are extremely durable and hold heat well, but they’re heavy, often 300 pounds or more empty. They cost more to buy, to carry in, and to install, and the floor may need reinforcement.
Freestanding tubs
Freestanding tubs make a statement in larger bathrooms. They need space on all sides for cleaning, a floor-mounted or wall-mounted filler, and often a relocated drain, which adds plumbing cost. Stone resin and cast iron models are much heavier than acrylic ones.
Jetted tubs
Whirlpool and air jet tubs need a dedicated GFCI-protected circuit and an access panel for the pump. Air jets are easier to keep clean than water jets, which circulate bath water through hidden lines.
Replace, reline, or refinish?
| Option | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Replace the tub, new acrylic surround | $2,000 – $5,700 | Cracked, leaking, or outdated tubs, or a new size or style |
| Tub liner | $1,500 – $4,000 | Fast one-day updates over a sound tub |
| Tub and wall liners | $3,000 – $7,500 | Covering both a dated tub and walls without demolition |
| Refinish the tub | $350 – $700 | Sound tubs with worn or dated finishes |
| Refinish tub and tile walls | $650 – $1,500 | Budget updates to a whole tub area |
- Replace when the tub is cracked, rusted through, leaking, or you want a different size, style, or material. It’s also the time to fix hidden water damage.
- Reline when you want a quick, low-mess update. Liners cover the old tub rather than repairing what’s underneath, so make sure there are no leaks first.
- Refinish when the tub is sound but the color or surface is worn. A good refinish lasts about 10 to 15 years with gentle cleaning.
Thinking about removing the tub entirely? See our walk-in shower cost calculator for tub-to-shower conversions, or the walk-in tub cost calculator for an accessible option. Our Bath Fitter vs. Re-Bath vs. Jacuzzi comparison covers liner companies in detail.
What affects bathtub replacement cost
Removing the old tub
Removal is usually included in installation. Acrylic and fiberglass tubs come out easily, but cast iron tubs often have to be broken apart and carried out in pieces, which adds $100 to $300. Alcove tubs are set into the wall, so the bottom row of tile or the surround usually has to be cut and patched.
Walls and surround
If your walls are in good shape, patching around the new tub may be all you need. A new acrylic wall surround usually costs $600 to $1,800 installed, and a new tile surround runs $1,100 to $2,500. Use our tile calculator to estimate tile for your walls.
Faucet, valve, and plumbing
Replacing just the faucet trim and spout costs about $200 to $600. A new valve inside the wall runs $400 to $1,000, and a floor-mounted filler for a freestanding tub can cost $800 to $2,000 installed. Moving the drain usually adds $500 to $1,500.
Floor reinforcement
A filled cast iron or stone tub can weigh well over 800 pounds with water and a person in it. Older floors may need added joists or blocking, typically $300 to $1,200, before a heavy tub goes in.
Water damage and permits
Old tubs often hide leaks around the drain and overflow. Rotted subfloor or framing has to be repaired before the new tub is installed. Many towns also require a plumbing permit, usually $100 to $400.
Ways to save on a bathtub replacement
- Stick with a standard 60-inch alcove tub so the new tub fits the existing space and plumbing.
- Choose acrylic for a good balance of price, comfort, and easy installation.
- Keep the drain where it is. Moving it is one of the biggest added costs.
- Reuse your walls if the tile is in good shape and you can find matching tile to patch.
- Refinish instead of replacing if the tub is sound.
- Get at least three quotes that list the tub model, removal, wall work, plumbing, and disposal.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to replace a bathtub?
Replacing a standard 60-inch acrylic or fiberglass alcove tub typically costs about $1,400 to $4,200 installed, including removing the old tub, a new faucet trim, and a permit. Adding a new acrylic wall surround brings it to about $2,000 to $5,700. Cast iron, jetted, and freestanding tubs cost more.
Is it cheaper to refinish or replace a bathtub?
Refinishing is far cheaper, usually $350 to $700, compared with $1,400 or more to replace a tub. Refinishing makes sense when the tub is structurally sound but worn or an outdated color. Replace it if it’s cracked, rusted through, leaking, or the wrong size or style.
How much does a bathtub liner cost?
An acrylic tub liner installed over your existing tub typically costs $1,500 to $4,000. Adding matching wall liners raises the total to about $3,000 to $7,500. Liners are usually installed in a day by a bath remodeling company.
How long does it take to replace a bathtub?
A straightforward alcove tub replacement usually takes one to three days, including removal, setting the new tub, plumbing, and wall repairs. Tile surrounds, moved drains, and floor repairs can add several days.
Can you replace a bathtub without removing tile?
Sometimes. Installers can often cut out the bottom row or two of tile to remove an alcove tub and then patch with matching tile. If matching tile isn’t available, or the old tile is damaged, plan on a new surround.
Do I need a permit to replace a bathtub?
Many towns require a plumbing permit when you replace a tub, especially if the drain or valve changes. Permits usually cost $100 to $400. Check with your local building department before work begins.
Estimates are national average installed costs for 2027 planning and are not quotes. See our disclaimer and affiliate disclosure.
