How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Shower in Chicago, IL? [2026 Data]

The cost to tile a shower in Chicago, IL, is $2,797 on average, but it can range from $1,865 to $5,180. The price depends on various factors, including the shower size and the tile you choose. The cost of living in Chicago is slightly higher than the national average, so homeowners need a little more wiggle room in their budgets for this project. This guide covers all the factors that will determine the total price to tile a shower in Chicago so you can plan with your pro accordingly.

Shower Tiling Cost Factors

Labor rates, shower size, and material type will all affect the cost to retile a shower in Chicago, IL. For instance, a larger shower with high-quality materials, such as marble, will be more expensive than a smaller shower with less costly options like ceramic tiles.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles are a common choice for homeowners due to their durability and affordability. Demo and prep work can also drive up costs, especially if the walls behind the tile have water damage from any leaks.

Here’s a breakdown of the different factors that will impact the price.

Shower Size

A larger shower means more materials and more labor. The larger the shower size, the higher the overall cost will be. However, most shower installers will offer price breaks for larger projects, so you may end up paying less per square foot.

The sizes and average cost ranges below act as a helpful guide, but prices depend on the height of the walls and how far up your tiles go.

Tile Material

Since the price of the shower tile you choose will play a big role in your overall costs, let’s break down the most common types of tile.

Demolition and Prep

Removing old tiles before retiling your shower will cost an additional $2 to $5 per square foot. Whether you’re trying to save on your shower or the cost of tiling an entire bathroom, you can save by removing old tile yourself. However, it’s possible to damage your shower or flooring during this process, so you shouldn’t take it on unless you know what you’re doing.

If the previous shower tile wasn’t properly waterproofed or the wall behind the tile is damaged, you may be looking at adding wall repairs to the total cost. Water damage repair costs between $4 and $10 per square foot, but the actual cost will depend on the extent of the damage. A licensed water damage professional near you can be called in to assess the area and make recommendations for repairs.

Tile Pro Costs

Labor can account for 40% to 60% of the total project cost, and pros can charge by the hour or per square foot. Professional tile installers in Chicago, IL, typically charge around $10 to $15 per square foot or $60 to $120 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the job. Tiling a shower is tedious and requires specialized tools and skills, so it’s best to hire an experienced professional to tackle this task.

Does Tiling a Shower Increase Home Value?

Having a professional retile the shower in your Chicago home can increase its value and has a 60% to 70% return on investment. The ROI depends on the type of materials, but mid-range upgrades tend to have a higher ROI than luxury remodels because their timeless design appeals to a broader market than overly personalized upgrades.

Outdated showers are common in Chicago because most of the housing stock was built before the 1970s. Upgrading a bathroom, like tiling the shower, will make your home much more desirable in the competitive market.

How Angi Gets Its Local Cost Data 

To help homeowners plan their next project, Angi provides readers with carefully researched cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We start with national average project costs, which we collect by analyzing competitor information, retailer material costs, and input from professional contractors. We then apply local price index data to calculate location-specific estimates that reflect what homeowners typically pay in their local area. To do that, we use data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), including its Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which measure price differences across cities. This helps us account for differences in labor, materials, and overall cost of living, so estimates in higher- or lower-cost areas better reflect real-world local pricing.

Every estimate undergoes a thorough editorial review to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with observed market conditions.

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