A walk-in tub can cost around $5,000 for a basic soaker replacing an existing bathtub, or more than $25,000 for a large hydrotherapy model from a national dealer. Use the calculator below to estimate your project, then read on for prices by tub type and size, installation costs, and ways to pay.
Walk-in tub cost calculator
Walk-in tub cost at a glance
Heading into 2027, most homeowners pay about $5,000 to $15,000 for an installed walk-in tub. A standard soaker tub replacing an existing bathtub typically runs $5,100 to $11,300. The tub type and features, the tub’s size, what it’s replacing, and who sells and installs it make the biggest difference in price.
Walk-in tub cost by type
These ranges are for a standard-size tub replacing an existing bathtub, with a handheld shower, a new acrylic wall kit, a permit, and installation by a local contractor.
| Tub type | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Soaker (no jets) | $5,100 – $11,300 |
| Air jets (aerotherapy) | $6,400 – $14,800 |
| Water jets (hydrotherapy) | $6,900 – $15,300 |
| Air and water jets | $7,900 – $17,300 |
Soaker tubs
Soaker tubs have no jets. They’re the most affordable option, the easiest to clean, and need no electrical work unless you add a heated seat.
Air jet tubs
Air jets release warm air bubbles for a gentle, all-over massage. Because the jets blow air rather than recirculating bath water, they’re easier to keep clean than water jets.
Water jet (hydrotherapy) tubs
Water jets circulate bath water through targeted nozzles for a stronger massage, which many people with sore joints or muscles find soothing. The jets and lines need regular cleaning to keep them sanitary.
Combination tubs
Combination tubs include both air and water jets, often with extras like heated seats and color lighting. They cost the most and need the most electrical work.
Walk-in tub cost by size and style
| Size or style | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|
| Standard (about 52 × 30 in) | $5,100 – $11,300 |
| Wide or bariatric | $6,100 – $14,300 |
| Two-seat | $6,600 – $14,800 |
| Wheelchair-accessible | $6,100 – $13,800 |
- Standard tubs fit most 60-inch bathtub alcoves and suit most users.
- Wide and bariatric tubs offer more room and higher weight capacity, but may need a wider space.
- Two-seat tubs let two people bathe together and are usually longer and wider.
- Wheelchair-accessible tubs have a wide side door and a seat at chair height to make transfers easier.
Installation costs
Installation typically adds $1,500 to $3,500 when a walk-in tub replaces an existing bathtub in the same spot. That covers removing the old tub, setting and leveling the new one, connecting the drain and supply lines, and finishing the surrounding walls. Costs rise when the job involves more work:
- Replacing a shower: Converting a shower to a walk-in tub usually costs $2,500 to $6,000 to install because the drain, supply lines, and walls all change.
- A new location: Putting a tub where there wasn’t one before means new plumbing and often floor reinforcement, typically $3,500 to $8,000 in installation.
- Walls: A new acrylic wall kit around the tub usually costs $800 to $2,000. A tiled surround runs $1,500 to $3,500.
- Electrical: Jets, heated seats, and inline heaters need a dedicated GFCI-protected circuit, typically $300 to $1,000.
- Water heater: Walk-in tubs hold 50 to 80 gallons. If your water heater can’t fill the tub with hot water, a larger or tankless unit can add $1,200 to $3,000.
- Permits: Plumbing and electrical permits usually cost $100 to $400.
National dealer vs. local contractor
Many walk-in tubs are sold by national companies through in-home sales appointments. These packages usually include the tub, installation, and a long warranty, but they often cost 20% to 40% more than buying a comparable tub and hiring a local contractor or plumber to install it. A soaker tub that costs $5,100 to $11,300 through a local contractor might run $6,000 to $15,700 as a dealer package.
Neither choice is wrong. Dealer packages are convenient and come with one point of contact for warranty claims. Buying the tub separately usually saves money but puts more of the planning on you. Either way, get written quotes that list the exact model, features, warranty terms, and everything included in installation.
Pros and cons of walk-in tubs
Benefits
- A low threshold, typically 3 to 7 inches, instead of stepping over a tub wall of about 15 inches
- A built-in seat at chair height, with grab bars and slip-resistant floors
- Deep soaking water, usually up to chest height when seated
- Optional jets and heated surfaces that many people find soothing for sore joints and muscles
Drawbacks
- You have to sit inside while the tub fills and drains, which takes several minutes each way
- Walk-in tubs use more hot water than a shower or many standard tubs
- Higher cost than a standard tub or a walk-in shower
- Some buyers may not want one, which can matter if you plan to sell soon
If you don’t need a deep soak, a curbless or low-threshold walk-in shower may be a more affordable accessible option. Compare costs with our walk-in shower cost calculator.
Ways to pay for a walk-in tub
- Medicare and Medicaid: Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover walk-in tubs. Some Medicare Advantage plans include home-safety benefits, and some state Medicaid waiver programs help pay for accessibility changes.
- Veterans benefits: The VA offers home modification grants, such as the HISA grant, that can help with medically necessary bathroom changes.
- Tax deductions: Home improvements made primarily for medical care may be deductible as a medical expense if you itemize. Ask a tax professional.
- Local aging-in-place programs: Area Agencies on Aging, state housing agencies, and nonprofits sometimes offer grants or low-interest loans for accessibility upgrades.
- Financing: Many dealers and contractors offer payment plans. Compare the interest rate with a home equity line of credit or personal loan before you sign.
Ways to save on a walk-in tub
- Install it where your current tub is to avoid new plumbing.
- Choose a soaker tub unless you’ll really use jets. Air jets are a lower-maintenance middle ground.
- Skip features you won’t use, such as color lighting or ozone sanitizing.
- Get quotes from both dealers and local contractors for the same type of tub.
- Ask about warranties and what they cover, including labor, door seals, and pumps.
- Check your water heater first so you aren’t surprised by a needed upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a walk-in tub cost?
Most walk-in tubs cost about $5,000 to $15,000 installed. A standard soaker tub replacing an existing bathtub typically runs $5,100 to $11,300, while a tub with air and water jets runs about $7,900 to $17,300. Large, fully loaded models sold through national dealers can pass $25,000.
Does Medicare pay for a walk-in tub?
Original Medicare generally does not cover walk-in tubs because they aren’t considered durable medical equipment. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer home-safety benefits, and some state Medicaid waiver programs help with accessibility changes, so check with your plan and your state’s Medicaid office.
Are there grants for walk-in tubs?
Veterans may qualify for VA home modification grants, such as the Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) grant, for medically necessary bathroom changes. Some state and local aging-in-place programs and nonprofits also help with accessibility upgrades.
Is a walk-in tub tax deductible?
It can be. The IRS allows medical expense deductions for home improvements made primarily for medical care, minus any increase in your home’s value, if you itemize and your medical costs exceed the threshold. A doctor’s recommendation helps. Talk to a tax professional before you claim it.
How long does it take to fill and drain a walk-in tub?
Most walk-in tubs take about 6 to 15 minutes to fill and a similar time to drain, depending on your water pressure and the tub’s size. You sit inside while it fills and drains, so quick-drain systems and heated seats are popular upgrades.
Can a walk-in tub replace a standard bathtub?
Yes. Many walk-in tubs are made to fit the same 60-inch alcove as a standard bathtub. Replacing a tub in the same spot is the least expensive installation because the drain and supply lines are already there.
Prices are national average installed costs for 2027 planning, based on our cost model and reviewed each year. Your actual price will depend on the model, your bathroom, and your installer. This page is general information, not medical, tax, or financial advice. See our disclaimer and affiliate disclosure.
Comparing brands? Our Jacuzzi Bath Remodel cost calculator shows typical Jacuzzi walk-in tub prices next to what a local installer usually charges.
Paying over time? Compare monthly payments for home equity loans, personal loans, and dealer financing with our bathroom remodel financing calculator.
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