How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2026?
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Bathroom remodel costs range from about $5,300 for a small half bath to $47,200+ for a large primary bathroom, with luxury primary suites running higher — and the spread is driven by two variables more than anything else: tile coverage and plumbing complexity. Every wet surface requires waterproofing, backer board, tile, and grout. Each of those materials requires skilled labor. Add a freestanding tub, a large-format tile shower, or custom niche work, and the labor hours multiply fast.
Location compounds the cost. Licensed tile setters and plumbers command 30–50% more in high-demand markets than in rural areas — and that gap shows up directly in contractor bids. BuildCost applies regional labor indices to every estimate so the number you see reflects what pros in your zip code actually charge today. Enter your bathroom size and state below to get your free localized estimate in under 60 seconds.
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A typical full bath is 50–80 sq ft.
Average Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2026
National averages across all U.S. regions, calculated from the same cost data as the calculator above. High-cost markets will run 30–50% above these figures; lower-cost rural markets may be 15–25% below.
| Type / Size | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half bath (30 sq ft) | $5,300 | $8,900 | $14,200 |
| Full bath (60 sq ft) | $10,700 | $17,900 | $28,300 |
| Primary bath (100 sq ft) | $17,800 | $29,800 | $47,200 |
Includes demo, waterproofing, tile, fixtures, vanity, toilet, and labor. Structural changes, radiant floor heating, and custom features are additional.
Bathroom Remodel Cost by Item
Installed prices for the pieces most remodels touch. Keeping fixtures where they are is the biggest money-saver — moving plumbing is billed by the hour.
| Item | Installed cost |
|---|---|
Toilet About $500 typical | $350–$4,000 |
Vanity About $1,500 typical replacement | $100–$10,000 |
Bathtub About $600 typical | $300–$11,000 |
Shower Prefab kit ~$1,000; tiled walk-in ~$14,300 | $200–$15,000 |
Tub-to-shower conversion Higher end with tile and drain changes — see the full tub-to-shower guide | $1,200–$8,000 |
Tile Ceramic at the low end, natural stone at the high end | $0.50–$35 per sq ft |
Demolition | $1,000–$2,300 |
Plumbing work Relocating fixtures adds hours fast | $45–$200 per hour |
Exhaust fan | About $400 |
Permits Varies by city and scope | $100–$1,000 |
Source: HomeAdvisor — Bathroom Remodel Cost (updated June 17, 2026).
Bathroom Remodel Cost by Size
30 sq ft, 60 sq ft, and 120 sq ft bathroom remodel cost, nationally — the most common sizes in 2026.
| Project size | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 sq ft | $4,500 | $8,940 | $16,800 |
| 60 sq ft | $9,000 | $17,880 | $33,600 |
| 120 sq ft | $18,000 | $35,760 | $67,200 |
Based on $150–$560 per sq ft nationally. Actual costs vary by region — use the calculator above for a location-specific estimate.
What Affects the Cost of a Bathroom Remodel?
- •Tile selection and layout: Tile is typically the most labor-intensive component of a bathroom remodel. Large-format tile, custom patterns, and niche installation all increase labor time. Tile materials range from $2/sq ft (ceramic) to $50+/sq ft (natural stone), but the installation cost often equals or exceeds the material cost.
- •Plumbing fixture grade: A basic vanity, toilet, and shower fixture set runs $800–$2,500. Mid-grade fixtures from Kohler, Moen, or American Standard run $2,500–$6,000. Designer or luxury fixtures (Brizo, Hansgrohe, Duravit) can add $8,000–$20,000 to the budget. Labor to install doesn't change much by fixture grade.
- •Labor and zip code: Skilled tile setters and plumbers are in high demand. Rates vary 30–50% between markets. Coastal cities and high-growth metros pay a premium for licensed trades. Your local contractor rates — not the fixtures you choose — are often the biggest variable in your final bid.
- •Waterproofing and backer board: Proper waterproofing (Schluter Kerdi, Wedi, or RedGard membrane systems) adds $500–$2,000 to the project but is non-negotiable for shower and wet area longevity. Contractors who skip waterproofing are a liability. Always ask how they waterproof the shower pan and walls.
- •Permits and scope creep: Permit fees for a bathroom remodel range from $150 to $1,000+. Hidden water damage, mold remediation, or outdated plumbing discovered during demo can add $1,000–$5,000 in unexpected costs. Budget a 15–20% contingency for older homes.
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Return on Investment
How much value does a bathroom remodel add to your home at resale?
How Bathroom Remodel compares to other projects
ROI figures based on Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report 2024, national averages. Actual resale value depends on your market, home price tier, and project quality.
Bathroom Remodel Cost — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a bathroom remodel cost?
BuildCost's 2026 national estimates: $5,300–$14,200 for a 30 sq ft half bath, $10,700–$28,300 for a 60 sq ft full bath (typically around $17,900), and $17,800–$47,200 for a 100 sq ft primary bath. Luxury primary suites with custom tile, a freestanding tub, and heated floors can run higher. HomeAdvisor's June 2026 data puts the average remodel lower, at about $12,150, because it includes smaller partial updates. Tile, plumbing changes, and labor drive most of the difference.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Florida?
In Florida, a bathroom remodel typically costs 5–15% above national averages in metro areas like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, driven by high demand and hurricane-resistant construction requirements. A mid-range full bathroom remodel in South Florida averages $25,000–$45,000. Northern Florida and smaller markets are closer to national averages. Humidity and moisture barriers add cost compared to dry climates.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A standard full bathroom remodel takes 2–4 weeks of active construction. Add 1–3 weeks for design, ordering materials, and permit approval. Tile-heavy bathrooms take longer due to setting, grouting, and curing time. Primary suite renovations with custom tile work and multiple fixtures regularly run 4–6 weeks. Delays from backordered tile or fixtures are common and worth planning for.
Does a bathroom remodel require a permit?
Cosmetic updates like new fixtures, paint, and vanity replacement often do not require a permit. Any work involving moving plumbing, electrical upgrades (GFCI outlets, exhaust fan), or structural changes requires a permit in most jurisdictions. Primary suite additions that expand the footprint almost always require permits. Your contractor should identify what requires a permit before work begins.
How do I find a contractor for a bathroom remodel?
Get 3 bids from contractors who specialize in bathroom remodels — look for familiarity with waterproofing systems (Schluter, Wedi, RedGard), tile setting, and fixture rough-in. Ask for bathroom-specific references and verify that their bid includes waterproofing, backer board, and all permits. Thumbtack, Houzz, and the NKBA contractor finder are good starting points for vetted bathroom pros.
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