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. In 2026 the national average lands around $16,500, but the realistic range runs from about $3,200 for a small cosmetic refresh to $30,000+ for a full or 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 32 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% |
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
Frequently asked questions
What's the average bathroom remodel cost in 2026?
About $16,500 nationally, with most homeowners spending between $8,000 and $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
Adjust the finish level, scope and currency to get a figure for your situation.
Adjusts benchmark costs to your currency and regional cost level.
How it compares
Every project ranked by how much of its cost you recoup at resale, at your settings. Your pick is highlighted.
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 31 other renovations, or take the numbers with you.