How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in San Francisco? [2025 Data]

In a city with a high cost of living and a competitive real estate market, bathroom remodels in San Francisco often call for a high budget—but can still yield a high reward. The average bathroom remodel cost in San Francisco is $19,923, with most projects ranging from $11,599 to $28,247. Here’s what to expect from your remodeling budget in the City by the Bay.

Bathroom Remodel Cost Factors in San Francisco

The cost of remodeling a bathroom in San Francisco depends on the project scope, along with other factors like layout complexity and premium finish selections. These are the main cost elements to keep in mind when estimating your budget.

Size

The size and layout of your bathroom are the first places to start when estimating the cost of renovations. Bathroom remodels range from $70 to $250 per square foot, depending on the type of bathroom and whether you opt for basic or designer finishes. 

Materials

In addition to defining the scope of your project, you’ll want to decide which type of materials you’ll be investing in for your remodel. There are three different levels to choose from, with their own benefits and drawbacks:

Tub and Shower Costs

The average cost to install a new shower in San Francisco is about $7,800, with most projects falling between $540 and $16,800, depending on materials and layout changes. 

Bathtub replacement costs in San Francisco range from $2,500 to $10,200 on average. Lower-cost options include fiberglass and steel tubs, while premium choices like acrylic, cast iron, or cultured marble will come at a higher price.

Tile and Flooring

In San Francisco, expect to pay around $19.50 per square foot for the cost of new bathroom flooring.

Sinks

Sink installations in San Francisco average $335 to $905 for mid-range models. Consider these average material costs for each sink style:

• Wall-mount sink: $515–$1,000

• Drop-in sink: $89–$769

• Undermount sink: $250–$3,080

• Farmhouse sink: $515–$3,080

• Pedestal sink: $470–$1,115

• Vessel sink: $660–$6,150

Faucets and Plumbing

In San Francisco, the cost of replacing bathroom faucets averages $270 to $570. Prices vary depending on how the faucet mounts and the type of finish. A standard countertop-mounted faucet may cost $40 to $210, while wall-mounted faucets can exceed $795.

If new fixtures require plumbing changes, a professional may need to reroute pipes. Rough-in plumbing for a major remodel averages about $11,700. Pipe installation materials run from $0.79 to $13.40 per linear foot. Basic plumbing updates cost approximately $1,340.

Toilet

Installing a mid-range toilet in San Francisco costs around $1,100, reflecting the city’s higher-than-average remodeling expenses. 

Cabinets and Shelving

San Francisco homeowners pay between $140 and $55,000 for bathroom cabinets, averaging about $270 to $790 per unit. Cabinets, vanities, and medicine cabinets take up a significant portion of bathroom space beyond plumbing fixtures. Custom vanities can add roughly $13,000 to your budget. For DIY shelf units, expect costs around $75 to $140, while professional installation may run as high as $1,900.

Countertops

Replacing a bathroom vanity countertop in San Francisco averages between $660 and $7,100, including labor and materials. Stock vanities with built-in tops usually range from $150 to $3,800, while custom countertops cost about $750 to $4,200, depending on your material choice. 

You’ll want to budget roughly $450 for removal and disposal of the old countertops, and $300 to $1,500 for installation labor. If plumbing adjustments are needed for the new vanity, hiring a plumber will add to your costs.

Type of Remodel

Defining the scope of your bathroom remodeling project will help you set a realistic budget, depending on your goals. For example, the extent of the work being done and the brand, model, and color of items like new toilets and faucets factor into the scope. 

Ventilation and Lighting

San Francisco’s humid coastal climate makes proper bathroom ventilation essential to prevent mold and maintain air quality, especially in older homes with limited airflow. Retrofitting ventilation systems here may also require electrical upgrades or other solutions to meet local building codes.

• Install a bathroom vent fan with a light: $580

• Install a vent with a heating lamp: $615

• Install a wall-mounted vent: $190

• Install a new light fixture: $290–$875

Doors and Windows

Replacing old windows or doors in San Francisco can improve energy efficiency, an important factor given the city’s damp coastal climate.

• New door installation: $545–$1,895

• Trim installation: $3–$4.50 per linear foot

• New bathroom hardware: Around $290

• Replace an existing window: $145–$435 per window

• Install glass block windows: $670–$1,420

Paint or Wallpaper

Bathroom painting in San Francisco costs between $220 and $1,320. Wallpaper installation averages $3 to $9 per square foot for supplies and $1.50 to $10.50 per square foot for labor. For a budget-friendly update, you can save big with a DIY paint job.

Extras and Accessories

Along with the major updates to the bathroom, additional features can add an extra touch of luxury to the space. Here are some common options to consider:

• Towel racks (heated and non-heated): $145–$730

• Showerhead: $110–$1,020

• Cabinet hardware installation: $4–$290 per piece

• Bidet installation: $60–$2,900

Project Scope

Defining the scope of your bathroom remodeling project will help you set a realistic budget, depending on your goals. For example, the extent of the work being done and the brand, model, and color of items like new toilets and faucets factor into the scope. Determine whether your project is a minor, partial, or full remodel: 

• Full remodel: A full remodel includes stripping everything out of an existing bathroom and replacing every fixture and surface without altering the plumbing. The three main fixtures in a bathroom are the toilet, sink, and tub or shower. This level of work is an investment but could have some return if you’re updating an old bathroom. 

• Partial remodel: A partial remodel includes replacing at least one of the three main bathroom fixtures. Planning a partial remodel is a way to start upgrading your bathroom without breaking the bank. Some examples are replacing the sink, updating countertops, and replacing outdated floors. 

• Minor remodel: A mini remodel includes retaining or refinishing the existing fixtures, new paint or wallpaper, replacing the vanity, or adding accessories, like towel bars and rings, robe hooks, grab bars, bath exhaust fans, or other minor items.

Demolition and Prep 

The demolition of your old bathroom will add between $1,000 and $2,300 to your bill. Make sure to double-check that these costs are in your contractor’s estimate. Your contractor will charge their hourly rate to clean up your space after the remodel, but you may have to hire a junk removal service to dispose of your old tiles, flooring, and fixtures for about $100 to $800.

Bathroom Remodeler Pro Costs in San Francisco

Local remodeling contractors in San Francisco charge about 20% of the total bathroom remodeling cost. Full renovations often involve electricians, plumbers, and tile installers, with labor accounting for approximately 40% to 60% of the overall budget.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

If you work with a bathroom contractor, they’ll usually subcontract specialists as needed. If you hire these pros directly in San Francisco, here are the average costs:

• Cost to hire a plumber: $50–$270 per hour

• Cost to hire an interior designer: $65–$270 per hour

• Cost to hire an electrician: $60–$270 per hour

• Cost to hire a HVAC repair pro: $130–$330 per hour

Does Bathroom Remodel Cost Increase Home Value?

In San Francisco, where many homes range from older Victorians to modern condos, bathroom remodels can significantly enhance both your home’s value and your daily comfort. A well-executed bathroom renovation often allows homeowners to recoup about 60% to 65% of their investment through increased resale value and improved appeal.

Mid-range remodels tend to deliver the best return on investment in San Francisco’s competitive market, while luxury upgrades may attract a smaller segment of buyers. Even minor cosmetic updates, such as replacing outdated fixtures or enhancing lighting, can make a bathroom feel fresh and more inviting to potential buyers.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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