Bathroom remodel cost in Chicago, IL
High buyer appeal
In Chicago, IL, a midrange bathroom remodel typically costs around $27,500 — about 10% above the national benchmark of $25,000, reflecting local labour and material prices. On average it recoups about 74% of its cost at resale.
Budgeting for a bathroom remodel in Chicago, IL means planning for United States pricing. At a smart-refresh (budget) finish you would expect around $16,500, rising to about $52,300 for a luxury finish. Because a bathroom remodel recoups roughly 74% at resale, the net cost after resale in Chicago, IL works out to about $7,200 — the part you don't get back when you sell.
Chicago sits modestly above the national average, with seasonal scheduling and union labour influencing project pricing.
Local cost factors in Chicago, IL
- Union labour
- A strong union presence in the trades supports higher, more standardised labour rates than in many Midwest markets.
- Short building season
- Harsh winters compress exterior work into the warmer months, concentrating demand and lengthening lead times in spring and summer.
- Older housing & permits
- Vintage bungalows and two-flats often need electrical and plumbing updates, and city permitting can add time to larger jobs.
| Estimated cost in Chicago, IL | $27,500 |
| Typical range | $23,400 – $31,600 |
| Resale value added | $20,400 |
| Cost recouped (ROI) | 74% |
| US national average (for comparison) | $25,000 |
Bathroom remodel cost by finish level in Chicago, IL
| Finish level | Estimated cost | Resale value added | Recouped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart refresh (budget) | $16,500 | $13,200 | 80% |
| Balanced upgrade (midrange) | $27,500 | $20,400 | 74% |
| Luxury finish (upscale) | $52,300 | $31,900 | 61% |
How Chicago, IL compares
A midrange bathroom remodel across United States markets, for comparison — same project, local pricing:
| City | Midrange cost | Recouped |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $27,500 | 74% |
| New York, NY | $32,500 | 74% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $30,500 | 74% |
| Houston, TX | $24,500 | 74% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $24,300 | 74% |
What's included
- 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.
What affects the cost of a bathroom remodel
- 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.
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Bathroom remodel in Chicago, IL: common questions
How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Chicago, IL?
A midrange bathroom remodel in Chicago, IL costs about $27,500, typically $23,400–$31,600. A budget (smart-refresh) finish runs around $16,500, and an upscale (luxury) finish around $52,300.
Is a bathroom remodel more expensive in Chicago, IL than average?
Yes — in Chicago, IL it runs about 10% above the national benchmark of $25,000, mainly because of union labour.
What ROI does a bathroom remodel have in Chicago, IL?
About 74% of the cost is typically recouped at resale — roughly $20,400 in added value, for a net cost of about $7,200 after resale.
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.
Other locations
How to read these United States figures. The cost is the US national midrange benchmark adjusted by a Chicago, IL cost multiplier (1.10×) and shown in USD. The “% recouped at resale” is a national (US-derived) Cost-vs-Value benchmark applied to the local cost — it is not a locally measured resale figure, and real recovery varies by United States market conditions. These are planning estimates only; confirm with local contractor quotes and a local agent. Not financial or real-estate advice. Reviewed June 2026. See our full methodology →
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