How Much Does a Bathroom Remodel Cost in Chicago? [2026 Data]

With the Windy City’s mix of classic brick bungalows, vintage walk-ups, and modern high-rises, Chicago homeowners often remodel bathrooms to boost value on the resale and rental market. The average bathroom remodel cost in Chicago is $10,939, with most homeowners spending between $6,677 and $16,542. Pricing varies based on your home's age, existing plumbing, and the scope of your design. This guide outlines what you can expect to spend for a Chicago bathroom remodel.

Bathroom Remodel Cost Factors in Chicago

In Chicago, bathroom remodel costs can vary significantly based on your home’s age, floorplan, and the scope of the project. Vintage bungalows and two-flats may need plumbing reroutes or structural adjustments, while newer builds often allow for simpler upgrades. These are the key factors that play into your final cost.

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

In Chicago, installing a new shower costs about $8,200 on average, with most homeowners paying between $500 and $17,000 depending on the scope of the remodel. 

Bathtub replacement costs in Chicago range from $2,300 to $10,500 on average. Budget materials like fiberglass and steel are the most affordable, while more durable or stylish options like high-end acrylic, cast iron, or cultured marble come at a higher cost.

Tile and Flooring

In Chicago, most homeowners spend about $12.50 per square foot to cover the cost of new bathroom flooring, though intricate tile jobs cost a premium due to longer labor time. 

Sinks

In Chicago, installing a sink will likely cost around $250 to $680, depending on your setup and fixture choice. Here are the average costs by sink style:

• Wall-mount sink: $310–$580

• Drop-in sink: $53–$445

• Undermount sink: $150–$1,780

• Farmhouse sink: $320–$1,780

• Pedestal sink: $290–$650

• Vessel sink: $400–$4,450

Faucets and Plumbing

In Chicago, the cost of upgrading your bathroom faucets averages $165 to $355. Final pricing depends on how the faucet is mounted and its finish. A countertop-mounted faucet generally runs between $40 and $195, while a wall-mounted version may cost over $735.

If you’re moving plumbing or upgrading fixtures, a plumber might need to adjust the existing system. Rough-in plumbing for a remodel averages about $6,860. New pipe installation runs around $0.50 to $7.85 per linear foot (materials only). You can expect to spend $780 for standard plumbing upgrades.

Toilet

In Chicago, the cost to install a midrange toilet averages about $375, which closely aligns with the national average. 

Cabinets and Shelving

In Chicago, new bathroom cabinets cost between $90 and $36,180, with average costs per unit from $180 to $515. Custom vanities add up to $8,550 to your costs. DIY shelving units range from $45 to $90, while professional installation costs can reach $1,245.

Countertops

In Chicago, replacing a bathroom vanity countertop averages between $450 and $4,900, including labor and materials.

You should also budget about $300 to remove and dispose of your old countertop and $200 to $1,000 for installation labor. Plumbing adjustments to accommodate the new countertop may add to the total expense.

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.

Doors and Windows

Insulated, energy-efficient windows and doors are especially valuable in Chicago’s climate, reducing heat loss in winter and managing humidity during the summer. Chicago’s glass block windows are a popular choice for privacy as well as a nod to the city’s architectural history, especially in first-floor or basement bathrooms.

• New door installation: $375–$1,300

• Trim installation: $2–$3 per linear foot

• New bathroom hardware: Around $200

• Replace an existing window: $100–$300 per window

• Install glass block windows: $460–$980

Paint or Wallpaper

In Chicago, you can expect to pay around $150 to $900 to repaint a bathroom, while wallpapering ranges from $2 to $6 per square foot for materials, plus $1 to $7 per square foot in labor. If you're handy with a roller, DIY painting can save you money and deliver a big visual payoff.

Extras and Accessories

From modern lofts in the West Loop to classic brick bungalows on the North Side, Chicago homeowners often seek a balance between comfort and style when selecting accessories. Consider adding these luxurious extras to your Chicago bathroom remodeling budget:

• Towel racks (heated and non-heated): $100–$500

• Showerhead: $75–$700

• Cabinet hardware installation: $3–$200 per piece

• Bidet installation: $40–$2,000

• Install a bathroom vent fan with a light: $400

• Install a new light fixture: $200–$600

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 Chicago, a local bathroom remodeler usually makes up around 20% of the total bathroom remodeling cost. Since most bathroom overhauls involve structural or plumbing work, labor from multiple professionals can make up roughly 40% to 60% of your full budget.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring 

Your contractor can take care of hiring additional tradespeople, but if you’re hiring individually, these are average Chicago-area rates: 

• Hourly rate plumbers charge: $45–$200 per hour

• Cost to hire an interior designer: $50–$200 per hour

• Cost to hire an electrician: $50–$200 per hour

• Hourly rate for HVAC repairs: $100–$250 per hour

Does a Bathroom Remodel Increase Home Value?

Chicago’s housing stock includes everything from early 20th-century bungalows to contemporary high-rises, many of which can majorly benefit from updated bathrooms. A bathroom remodel in Chicago can significantly boost property value and appeal, especially in older homes with outdated layouts or finishes.

Homeowners in the area can expect to recoup about two-thirds of their investment on average, with mid-range remodels delivering the best returns. Even budget-friendly upgrades, like refreshed tile, new vanities, or energy-efficient lighting, can go a long way in creating a more attractive, market-ready space.

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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