Bathroom Remodel Cost in 2026: Averages, Line Items and Estimator
The average bathroom remodel cost in the US lands in the low-to-mid five figures. This Old House puts the 2026 average at about $15,586, with most projects between $6,456 and $24,715. A full-scope midrange remodel priced by the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report comes in higher, at a national average of $26,138.
Why such different numbers? Each source defines “remodel” differently, from a cosmetic update to a full gut job. Below, you will see what drives the price, what each line item typically costs and how to build your own estimate before you call contractors.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost on average?
Here is how the main published sources frame the cost to remodel a bathroom. Treat them as benchmarks, not quotes: your city, the age of your home and your finish choices can push the real number well above or below.
| Source (year) | Average | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| This Old House (2026) | $15,586 | $6,456 to $24,715 | Bathrooms from 40 to 150 sq ft, based on Homewyse data and a homeowner survey |
| Cost vs. Value Report (2025) | $26,138 | National average, midrange | Full remodel of a 5×7 bath: new tub, toilet, vanity, fixtures, tile, recessed medicine cabinet |
The Cost vs. Value figure is higher because it prices a complete contractor-run remodel with new tile surrounds and fixtures, while survey-based averages such as This Old House include many lighter updates. If your plan is a full tear-out, the higher benchmark is the more honest one to start from.
Bathroom remodel cost by size
Size matters, but less than you might think. Small bathrooms still need the same trades (plumber, electrician, tile setter), so labor does not shrink in proportion to square footage. This Old House gives these 2026 ranges:
| Bathroom size | Square footage | Estimated cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 40 to 60 sq ft | $12,695 to $14,845 |
| Medium | 70 to 90 sq ft | $15,920 to $18,070 |
| Large | 100 to 120 sq ft | $19,166 to $21,295 |
| Primary suite | 130 sq ft and up | $22,370 to $24,715 |
Notice that a small bathroom costs more per square foot than a large one. A 5×8 hall bath still needs a toilet, a vanity, a shower valve, waterproofing and ventilation, just like a primary bath does.
Where the money goes: bathroom remodeling costs by line item
A remodel budget is the sum of many smaller jobs. This Old House lists these average costs per component in its 2026 guide:
| Line item | Average cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Shower installation | $8,044 |
| Plumbing | $5,545 |
| Cabinetry | $2,929 |
| Insulation and drywall | $2,338 |
| Water heating upgrade | $1,478 |
| Tiling | $1,326 |
| Painting | $1,145 |
| Bathtub | $1,123 |
| Flooring | $1,114 |
| Toilet | $467 |
| Electrical | $456 |
| Bathtub faucets | $423 |
| Countertops | $332 |
Not every project includes every line. A cosmetic update might touch only paint, a vanity and lighting. A gut remodel includes almost all of them, plus demolition and disposal, permits and any repairs hidden behind the walls.
The cost drivers that move the total most
- Moving plumbing: relocating a toilet drain or shower valve means opening floors and walls. Keeping fixtures in place is the single biggest way to control cost.
- Shower vs. tub: a custom tiled walk-in shower with glass costs more than a standard alcove tub with a surround.
- Tile choice and pattern: intricate patterns, mosaics and natural stone take longer to install than large, simple tiles.
- Hidden damage: rotted subfloor, old galvanized pipes or outdated wiring are common surprises in older homes.
- Location: labor rates in high-cost metro areas can be far above national averages.
- Permits: plumbing and electrical changes usually require a permit; fees vary by city.
Cost to remodel a bathroom: a simple estimator
You do not need a complicated bathroom remodel cost calculator to get a realistic first number. Use this four-step estimate, then refine it with real quotes.
- Measure the floor area. Multiply length by width. A 5×8 bathroom is 40 square feet.
- Find your size band. Match the floor area to the This Old House size table above. A 40 sq ft bathroom falls in the small band, at $12,695 to $14,845.
- Adjust for scope. A light refresh on the existing plumbing sits below that band, a standard remodel sits inside it, and a full gut with a custom shower or moved plumbing can approach the $26,138 Cost vs. Value benchmark. Small rooms cost more per square foot, so do not scale down a large-bath figure.
- Add a contingency. Set aside an extra 10 to 20 percent for surprises behind the walls. It is a budgeting rule of thumb, not a statistic, but it prevents a stalled project.
Then list the line items you actually need from the table above. If your plan includes a new shower and moved plumbing, your number will sit well above the average; if you keep the tub and plumbing, it will sit below.
Is a bathroom remodel worth the price?
According to the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, a midrange bathroom remodel recouped about 80 percent of its cost at resale on a national average basis, adding roughly $20,910 in value on a $26,138 project. The lesson: if resale is part of your motivation, midrange finishes that appeal to most buyers are the safer bet.
Value is not only about resale, though. Fixing water damage, improving ventilation or making a shower easier to step into can be worth it for everyday use, regardless of what an appraiser says.
How to keep your bathroom remodel price under control
- Keep the layout. Work with the existing drain, supply and vent locations.
- Refinish instead of replace. A sound tub can often be reglazed, and a solid vanity can be painted and fitted with new hardware.
- Spend on what you touch. Put money into the faucet, shower valve and waterproofing, and save on decorative extras.
- Use tile strategically. Tile the shower walls and floor, and paint the rest with a moisture-resistant finish.
- Get three itemized bids. Comparing line by line reveals where one contractor is padding or skipping steps.
- Plan the look first. Browsing small bathroom ideas before you ask for quotes helps you settle on a layout, finishes and storage early, which reduces costly change orders once work starts.
Doing some work yourself can also help. Demolition, painting and installing accessories are common DIY tasks. Plumbing and electrical work usually require licensed pros and permits, and mistakes there can be expensive to fix.
Bathroom remodel cost FAQ
How much does it cost to remodel a small bathroom?
This Old House estimates $12,695 to $14,845 for a 40 to 60 sq ft bathroom in 2026. Light cosmetic updates can cost much less, while moving plumbing or adding a custom shower pushes the total higher.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?
In This Old House’s 2026 breakdown, shower installation ($8,044 on average) and plumbing ($5,545) are the two biggest line items. Labor across all trades is a large share of the total.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
It depends on scope, permits and material lead times. A cosmetic refresh can take days, while a full remodel with tile and plumbing changes typically takes several weeks. Ask each contractor for a written schedule.
Do I need a permit to remodel a bathroom?
Painting and swapping accessories usually do not. Plumbing, electrical and structural changes generally do. Rules vary by city and county, so check with your local building department.