Walk-in shower conversion (tub-to-shower): cost & ROI
Converting an existing bathtub into a walk-in shower — one of the most-requested bathroom upgrades, especially in primary bathrooms. It modernises the space and appeals to buyers who prefer a shower, though keeping at least one tub elsewhere in the home is important for resale.
Worth knowing: Tub-to-shower conversions return roughly 45–74% of cost depending on scope and market (national midrange ≈ 60%). Walk-in showers are among the most-searched bathroom features, and a modern glass-enclosed shower photographs well for listings. The return drops sharply if you're removing the home's only tub.
“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.
What a walk-in shower conversion (tub-to-shower) typically includes
- Tub removal and disposal
- Shower base or custom tile pan
- Tile walls and waterproofing
- Glass enclosure (frameless or semi-frameless)
- Fixtures, valve and drain
Pro tip: Never remove the only bathtub in the home — that's a consistent resale negative. Convert a tub in the primary bath, but keep the hall or secondary bath tub for families with young children.
How walk-in shower conversion (tub-to-shower) compares
Ranked by share of cost recouped at resale, walk-in shower conversion (tub-to-shower) is #31 of 45 projects we track.
Walk-in shower conversion (tub-to-shower) cost by region
Costs vary by market. These are the same US benchmark adjusted by a per-city cost multiplier and shown in local currency — not independently sourced local data (see methodology) — so always confirm with local quotes.
Full cost-by-location table (with ROI)
| Location | Estimated cost | Recouped |
|---|---|---|
| US National Average | $7,000 | 60% |
| New York, NY | $9,100 | 60% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $8,500 | 60% |
| Chicago, IL | $7,700 | 60% |
| Houston, TX | $6,900 | 60% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $6,800 | 60% |
| Miami, FL | $7,600 | 60% |
| Seattle, WA | $8,500 | 60% |
| Denver, CO | $7,600 | 60% |
| Atlanta, GA | $6,900 | 60% |
| Boston, MA | $8,800 | 60% |
| San Francisco, CA | $9,700 | 60% |
| London, UK | £5,800 | 60% |
| Manchester, UK | £5,000 | 60% |
| Birmingham, UK | £4,900 | 60% |
| Edinburgh, UK | £5,400 | 60% |
| Dublin, IE | €7,000 | 60% |
| Toronto, CA | C$10,100 | 60% |
| Vancouver, CA | C$10,700 | 60% |
| Sydney, AU | A$11,700 | 60% |
| Melbourne, AU | A$10,900 | 60% |
| Auckland, NZ | NZ$12,500 | 60% |
| Washington, DC | $7,900 | 60% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $8,000 | 60% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $7,500 | 60% |
| Austin, TX | $6,200 | 60% |
| Dallas, TX | $6,100 | 60% |
| Glasgow, UK | £4,900 | 60% |
| Bristol, UK | £5,300 | 60% |
| Calgary, CA | C$9,300 | 60% |
| Montreal, CA | C$8,600 | 60% |
| Brisbane, AU | A$11,200 | 60% |
| San Diego, CA | $8,300 | 60% |
| Portland, OR | $7,900 | 60% |
| Nashville, TN | $6,700 | 60% |
| Charlotte, NC | $6,400 | 60% |
| Tampa, FL | $6,900 | 60% |
| Leeds, UK | £4,900 | 60% |
| Perth, AU | A$11,400 | 60% |
| Adelaide, AU | A$9,600 | 60% |
| Wellington, NZ | NZ$11,900 | 60% |
| Christchurch, NZ | NZ$11,200 | 60% |
| San Antonio, TX | $6,200 | 60% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $6,700 | 60% |
| Orlando, FL | $6,700 | 60% |
| Raleigh, NC | $6,500 | 60% |
| Detroit, MI | $6,300 | 60% |
| Liverpool, UK | £4,700 | 60% |
| Cardiff, UK | £4,600 | 60% |
| Ottawa, CA | C$8,400 | 60% |
| Gold Coast, AU | A$11,300 | 60% |
| Canberra, AU | A$10,600 | 60% |
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 walk-in shower conversion (tub-to-shower)
At $7,000 with a 60% resale recoup, walk-in shower conversion (tub-to-shower) recovers a solid share of its cost and adds $4,200 in value — leaving a net cost of about $2,800 after resale. It ranks #31 of 45 projects we track, making it a lower-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.
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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 →
Source: This Old House 2026 / Angi 2026. Cost and the 45–74% ROI range from these two guides; also cross-checked against other industry commentary with no link captured. See the full source register.
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