Bathroom remodel: cost & ROI
Updating an existing bathroom with new fixtures, tiling, vanity and lighting. A clean, modern bathroom removes a common buyer objection and returns a solid share of its cost.
“Net cost after resale” = project cost − resale value added. It's the part you don't recoup at sale, not a loss — most renovations cost more than they return, with the difference buying you the use and enjoyment of the upgrade.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in 2026?
A bathroom remodel is one of the most-searched renovation costs — and one of the most variable. A mid-to-upscale full-bath remodel averages around $25,000 in 2026, but the realistic range runs from about $3,200 for a small cosmetic refresh to $50,000+ for a primary-bath gut renovation. Most projects work out to roughly $150–$400 per square foot.
The figure shown above reflects a mid-to-upscale full-bath remodel — in line with the higher end of national “Cost vs. Value” data — so a simple update of an existing bathroom usually costs less. The biggest single lever is whether you move the plumbing: keeping the toilet, tub and sink where they are can save thousands, because labour alone is typically 40–60% of a bathroom budget.
| Scope | Typical installed cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Half / small bath (cosmetic refresh) | $3,200–$7,000 | New vanity, toilet, fixtures and paint; no layout change. |
| Small full bath (5×8, mid-range) | $7,200–$15,000 | New tub or shower, tile, vanity and lighting. |
| Standard full bath (mid-range) | $16,000–$28,000 | Full fixtures, tiling and some layout updates. |
| Primary / master bath (mid-range) | $29,000–$50,000 | Larger footprint, double vanity, walk-in shower or soaking tub. |
| High-end / spa renovation | $51,000–$80,000+ | Premium finishes, heated floors, custom glass and stone. |
Ranges are 2026 US market figures compiled from industry cost guides; your local quote depends on size, finish and labour rates.
What a bathroom remodel typically includes
- New vanity, sink and faucet
- Tub or shower replacement
- Tiling and waterproofing
- Toilet, lighting and ventilation
- Fresh paint and fittings
Pro tip: Neutral, timeless finishes appeal to the widest pool of buyers and age better than bold trends.
How bathroom remodel compares
Ranked by share of cost recouped at resale, bathroom remodel is #17 of 41 projects we track.
What affects the cost
- Size & layout
- A bigger room means more tile, more fixtures and more labour — square footage is the starting point for any estimate.
- Moving plumbing
- Relocating the toilet, shower or sink can add thousands; keeping the existing layout is the single biggest saving.
- Tile & finishes
- Material choice swings the budget widely — porcelain and stone, glass enclosures and custom vanities all add up fast.
- Labour
- Typically 40–60% of the total. In 2026 licensed plumbers run about $85–$175/hr and electricians about $60–$145/hr.
- Hidden issues
- Water damage behind tile, old wiring or non-standard sizing can surface mid-project — budget a 10–15% contingency.
Bathroom remodel cost by region
Costs vary by market. These are midrange estimates adjusted for regional price levels — always confirm with local quotes.
Full cost-by-location table (with ROI)
| Location | Estimated cost | Recouped |
|---|---|---|
| US National Average | $25,000 | 74% |
| New York, NY | $32,500 | 74% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $30,500 | 74% |
| Chicago, IL | $27,500 | 74% |
| Houston, TX | $24,500 | 74% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $24,300 | 74% |
| Miami, FL | $27,000 | 74% |
| Seattle, WA | $30,500 | 74% |
| Denver, CO | $27,000 | 74% |
| Atlanta, GA | $24,500 | 74% |
| Boston, MA | $31,500 | 74% |
| San Francisco, CA | $34,500 | 74% |
| London, UK | £20,700 | 74% |
| Manchester, UK | £17,800 | 74% |
| Birmingham, UK | £17,400 | 74% |
| Edinburgh, UK | £19,400 | 74% |
| Dublin, IE | €24,800 | 74% |
| Toronto, CA | C$36,000 | 74% |
| Vancouver, CA | C$38,400 | 74% |
| Sydney, AU | A$41,800 | 74% |
| Melbourne, AU | A$38,800 | 74% |
| Auckland, NZ | NZ$44,600 | 74% |
| Washington, DC | $28,200 | 74% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $28,700 | 74% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $26,800 | 74% |
| Austin, TX | $22,300 | 74% |
| Dallas, TX | $21,800 | 74% |
| Glasgow, UK | £17,600 | 74% |
| Bristol, UK | £18,800 | 74% |
| Calgary, CA | C$33,200 | 74% |
| Montreal, CA | C$30,800 | 74% |
| Brisbane, AU | A$39,900 | 74% |
| San Diego, CA | $29,500 | 74% |
| Portland, OR | $28,200 | 74% |
| Nashville, TN | $23,800 | 74% |
| Charlotte, NC | $23,000 | 74% |
| Tampa, FL | $24,500 | 74% |
| Leeds, UK | £17,400 | 74% |
| Perth, AU | A$40,700 | 74% |
| Adelaide, AU | A$34,200 | 74% |
| Wellington, NZ | NZ$42,500 | 74% |
| Christchurch, NZ | NZ$40,000 | 74% |
| San Antonio, TX | $22,000 | 74% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $23,800 | 74% |
| Orlando, FL | $23,800 | 74% |
| Raleigh, NC | $23,300 | 74% |
| Detroit, MI | $22,500 | 74% |
| Liverpool, UK | £16,800 | 74% |
| Cardiff, UK | £16,400 | 74% |
| Ottawa, CA | C$30,100 | 74% |
| Gold Coast, AU | A$40,300 | 74% |
| Canberra, AU | A$38,000 | 74% |
Before you spend
- Get 3 written quotes from licensed local contractors before committing
- Match finishes to what's normal for your neighbourhood, not above it
- Keep a 10–15% contingency for surprises once work starts
- Avoid overcapitalising — check what comparable homes nearby actually sell for
- If you're selling soon, weigh resale timing against how long the project will take
The bottom line on bathroom remodel
At $25,000 with a 74% resale recoup, bathroom remodel recovers a solid share of its cost and adds $18,500 in value — leaving a net cost of about $6,500 after resale. It ranks #17 of 41 projects we track, making it a mid-tier performer in the renovation ROI table. The project is worth considering both for the improvement itself and for its effect on resale value — especially if the existing condition is dated or deteriorating, which is when buyers penalise the home most.
Frequently asked questions
What's the average bathroom remodel cost in 2026?
About $25,000 for the mid-to-upscale full remodel this page uses as its benchmark. A simple update of an existing bathroom often runs $8,000–$15,000, while a primary-suite bath can reach $45,000+, depending on the bathroom's size, the finish level and local labour rates.
Does a bathroom remodel add value?
Yes — an updated bathroom recoups roughly 74% of its cost on average and removes one of the most common buyer objections. It's one of the more reliable resale projects, though it rarely pays for itself outright.
How can I cut the cost?
Keep the existing layout so you don't move plumbing, reglaze the tub rather than replacing it, choose mid-range tile over stone, and do the cosmetic work (paint, hardware, mirror, lighting) yourself where you can.
Should I remodel or add a bathroom?
Remodelling an existing bathroom returns more per dollar. Adding a brand-new bathroom costs more and recoups a smaller share — see the bathroom addition cost guide to compare.
Related cost guides
Estimate your own bathroom remodel
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Methodology
Figures are national midrange “Cost vs. Value” averages adjusted for finish, scope and region. They are planning estimates, not quotes or appraisals, and lean toward US/UK/Canada/Australia mid-markets. Reviewed June 2026. See our full methodology →
Get your own bathroom remodel numbers
See how the bathroom remodel stacks up against 40 other renovations, or take the numbers with you.