Bathroom Remodel Cost Guide (2026)
Every number on this page comes from a named industry study — Zonda's Cost vs. Value report, Angi and HomeAdvisor cost guides, and the Houzz Bathroom Trends Study — with the source and year beside each figure.
National Averages at a Glance
| Measure | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Average project, all scopes | $12,142 (typical $2,500–$30,000) | Angi, 2026 |
| Average project (second source) | $12,140 (typical $6,644–$17,635) | HomeAdvisor, 2025 |
| Midrange full remodel, spec project | $26,138 | Zonda Cost vs. Value, 2025 |
| Upscale full remodel, spec project | $81,612 | Zonda Cost vs. Value, 2025 |
| Median homeowner spend, major remodel | $22,000 (2024 projects) | Houzz Trends Study, 2025 |
| Cost per square foot | $70–$250 | Angi, 2026 |
Cost by Project Type
| Project | Typical Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Minor remodel / refresh | $3,000–$10,000 | Angi, 2026 |
| Partial remodel | $10,000–$25,000 | Angi, 2026 |
| Full remodel | $25,000–$80,000 | Angi, 2026 |
| Small bathroom | $6,500 avg ($1,500–$15,000+) | Angi, 2026 |
| Half-bath | $1,500–$15,000 | HomeAdvisor, 2025 |
| Primary/master bath | $7,000–$30,000 | HomeAdvisor, 2025 |
| Tub-to-shower conversion | $3,000 avg ($1,200–$15,000) | Angi, 2026 |
| Custom tiled walk-in shower | $3,500–$15,000 | Angi, 2026 |
| Walk-in tub, installed | $13,100 avg ($4,000–$22,100) | HomeAdvisor, 2025 |
| Universal-design remodel | $42,183, spec project | Zonda Cost vs. Value, 2025 |
Cost by Component
| Component | Typical Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Labor (share of total) | 40–65% | Angi 2026 / HomeAdvisor 2025 |
| Demolition & prep | $1,000–$2,300 | Angi, 2026 |
| Shower or tub | $600–$15,000 | Angi, 2026 |
| Tile / flooring, installed | $10–$50 per sq ft | Angi, 2026 |
| Vanity, installed | $100–$10,000 | HomeAdvisor, 2025 |
| Countertops | $400–$4,300 | Angi, 2026 |
| Toilet, installed | ~$375 | Angi, 2026 |
| Faucets | $170–$360 | Angi, 2026 |
| Sink install | $250–$675 | Angi, 2026 |
| Plumbing rough-in (full) | $6,500 avg ($3,000–$20,000) | Angi, 2026 |
| Permits | $100–$1,000 | Angi, 2026 |
What Actually Drives Your Price
Whether plumbing moves. Keeping the toilet, sink, and shower where they are is the single biggest saving — relocating one fixture 3+ feet costs $500–$1,000 in plumbing alone (Angi, 2026).
The age of your home. The median owner-occupied U.S. home is now 42 years old, and nearly half were built before 1980 (NAHB analysis of Census ACS 2024 data). Homes of that era often hide galvanized supply lines (40–50 year lifespan) or cast-iron drains (50–60 years, per InterNACHI) that are smarter to replace while the walls are open — budget contingency for it.
Custom tile vs. prefab. A prefab shower surround installs for $1,000–$8,000; custom tile runs $3,500–$15,000 and adds days of labor (Angi, 2026).
Where you live. Every figure above is national. Labor rates, permit fees, and material logistics vary by market — the only real number is a written local quote, and you should compare several.
Bathroom Remodel Cost: FAQ
What is the average cost of a bathroom remodel in 2026?
Angi's 2026 guide reports a $12,142 national average across all project sizes, with most projects between $2,500 and $30,000. HomeAdvisor's 2025 data is nearly identical at $12,140 (typical range $6,644–$17,635). Note these averages include minor projects — a spec'd full midrange remodel runs $26,138 (Zonda Cost vs. Value 2025).
Why do the published averages differ so much?
They measure different things. Angi/HomeAdvisor averages pool every reported project, including $3,000 refreshes. The Cost vs. Value report prices one fully specified midrange remodel. Houzz reports what renovating homeowners said they spent (median $22,000 for major remodels in 2024). Compare quotes against the figure that matches your scope.
How much should I budget for labor?
40–65% of the total project (Angi 2026; HomeAdvisor 2025 concurs). Typical pro rates run $50–$75 per hour, with plumbers at $45–$200 per hour (HomeAdvisor).
Can you remodel a bathroom for $5,000 or $10,000?
At $5,000: cosmetic refresh — paint, vanity, toilet, lighting, flooring — with fixtures staying put (minor remodels run $3,000–$10,000 per Angi). At $10,000: add a prefab tub or shower replacement in the existing footprint. Custom tile, moved plumbing, or structural changes belong to bigger budgets.
How much does it cost to move plumbing in a bathroom?
Moving a single fixture more than 3 feet costs roughly $500–$1,000 in plumbing work, and a full bathroom rough-in averages $6,500 with a range of $3,000–$20,000 (Angi, 2026). This is why keeping the layout is the #1 budget lever.
How much of a bathroom remodel cost do you get back at resale?
The Zonda Cost vs. Value 2025 report found midrange bathroom remodels recouped 80% of cost at resale, universal-design remodels 61%, and upscale remodels 42%. HomeAdvisor separately estimates around 70% recovery in general — either way, midrange scope is where the return concentrates.
What does a bathroom addition cost (vs. a remodel)?
Far more: a midrange bathroom addition averaged $60,645 (53% recouped) and an upscale addition $111,255 (36% recouped) in the Cost vs. Value 2025 report, because you're building new space, not refinishing existing space.
Are permits expensive?
Bathroom permits typically cost $100–$1,000 (Angi, 2026); HomeLight's broader remodel-permit data runs $457–$2,859 depending on jurisdiction. Budget the fee — unpermitted plumbing or electrical work surfaces at inspection when you sell.
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