How Much Does Bathtub Replacement Cost in San Francisco? [2025 Data]

Bathtub replacement in San Francisco, California costs an average of $1,502, with most homeowners paying between $1,030 and $2,017 for a complete installation. These cost estimates reflect the Bay Area's notoriously high labor rates and premium material costs, resulting in prices 30% to 50% above national averages. The city's iconic Victorian and Edwardian homes present particular complications, including steep staircases and century-old plumbing.

Bathtub Replacement Cost Factors 

Like in other markets, the tub style and material are two of the biggest factors driving the cost to replace a bathtub in San Francisco, California. The city’s strict building codes add a layer of complexity, and the mild but moisture-laden climate means your bathtub installation needs robust moisture protection and proper ventilation.

Bathtub Type

Many tub styles balance aesthetics and utility to bring comfort and relaxation. Here’s a look at the average prices for different bathtub types. 

Standard Tub 

A standard bathtub is one of the least expensive options, with costs ranging from $200 to $800, depending on the tub material. General-purpose tubs are rectangular or oval-shaped and have a showerhead above. You may also need to install a surround for an additional $500 to $2,000. 

Soaking Tub

Deep-basin soaking tub costs range from $600 to $13,000. Like other styles, the price of soaking tubs is mainly determined by material and size. Because these are deeper than standard tubs, confirm that the tub will fit your space before purchasing.

Jet and Whirlpool

Bathtubs with jets help soothe stiff muscles and sore joints. The average Whirlpool-style tub costs $1,000 to $4,000, and these come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit your needs. Jets require electricity, so additional work is required to install these tubs, which means higher labor costs and possibly a more substantial remodel.

Freestanding

Freestanding bathtubs have space to move around on all sides. They make for a distinctive element to your bathroom, especially if you’re accustomed to traditional built-in tubs. Freestanding tubs average $2,500, but ensure you have enough space before committing.

Walk-In

Walk-in tubs offer safety and comfort features, including a door, and allow for easier access for older adults and people with disabilities. They cost between $4,000 and $22,100 and can increase your home’s value. 

Accessible Bathtub 

While walk-in tubs offer one form of accessibility, accessible bathtubs can offer more features (including walk or slide-in functions). Most accessible bathtubs are larger and may include a wider, sometimes motorized, entryway. The cost of accessible bathtubs ranges from $4,000 to $12,000. 

Clawfoot

Distinctive clawfoot tubs can cost $10,000 or more, but you can find options that fit just about any price range. Depending on the material used, the job may require flooring reinforcement.

Bathtub Material

The bathtub material you choose is a major factor in how much it costs to replace a bathtub.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass tubs are an affordable option. They’re lightweight and come in a variety of colors. You'll pay between $200 and $800 to install a new fiberglass bathtub. Unlike some other materials, fiberglass is not great at retaining heat.

Ceramic 

Adding a ceramic tub to your bathroom costs anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000, with prices varying based on the colors and styles of ceramic tile you choose. Ceramic tubs offer unique bathtub design choices, but you will have to clean the grout and repair chips.

Acrylic

Acrylic is a popular material for families due to its resistance to bath toys and dog paws. Standard acrylic tubs cost $700 to $1,000, with high-end models approaching $14,000. Opt for acrylic for a lightweight, durable bathtub option.

Steel

Enameled steel is a lighter and more cost-efficient alternative to cast iron, with a price range of $200 to $1,000. However, steel drawbacks include the risk of chipping, and they can make a cacophony of sounds while filling.

Copper 

Copper bathtubs cost $2,000 to $5,000. In addition to its chic appearance, copper is a durable, long-lasting material that’s resistant to mold and bacteria. This material also holds heat well, making it ideal for long, hot baths.

Cultured Marble

Stylish marble makes for a show-stopping bathroom. Installing a marble tub will run between $2,000 and $5,000. Unlike acrylic, marble is heavy and susceptible to cracks. Ask your pro about extra care and reinforced flooring when you opt for marble.

Cast Iron

Porcelain enamel-coated cast-iron tubs come in a range of styles to fit your dream bathroom. They retain heat well, but cast iron is heavy and may require extra reinforcements. Cast-iron bathtubs cost between $400 and $14,000.

Granite 

If you want a bathtub that doubles as modern decor, you can install a granite tub for $10,000 to $20,000. This material is incredibly durable and long-lasting, but can be heavy and difficult to install.

Additional Bathtub Replacement Costs 

Removing the old tub and inserting the new one isn’t always as easy as it sounds, and there are plenty of additional costs.

Old Tub Removal and Disposal

The cost to remove and dispose of an old bathtub depends on its type. Fiberglass tubs, which are lighter in weight, cost $50 to $100 to remove. Hauling away a heavy cast-iron bathtub could cost $300 or more.

Shower-to-Tub Conversion Cost

Converting a shower into a bathtub costs about $2,000 to $10,500, in the same range as tub-to-shower conversion cost estimates. You’ll need to remove the shower—and since tubs are larger than showers—you might have to remove walls, relocate plumbing, or move electrical wiring to make room for a tub.

Subfloor Preparation and Reinforcement

Heavy tubs need structural support underneath, which can cost $300 to $800. Repairing floor joists costs $4,000 to over $12,000, depending on the condition of the existing floor joists. The cost of subfloor replacement due to damage under your old tub is $3 to $10 per square foot, but your bathroom remodeling project may not require it. 

Surround 

Installing a bathtub surround costs $500 to $2,000. For bathtub-shower combos, you’ll want to install a surround consisting of waterproof panels to protect the drywall from shower water. 

Bath Liner

Bath liners cost $6,400 on average, but they range from $2,700 to over $10,000, depending on the size of your existing tub. A bath liner is a customized acrylic layer that fits over an existing tub to give it a new look and feel.

Faucets 

Adding a new faucet or other bathtub hardware costs an average of $50 for basic options to over $900 for hardware made from copper or porcelain. You can spend over $700 for high-end faucets, like waterfall or spa-style faucets.

Electrical Upgrades

Upgrades to an electrical panel cost $1,600 on average. You may also need to upgrade or add electrical wiring to your bathroom. This may be necessary if you install a jetted or Whirlpool-style bathtub or a tub with high-tech features, like lighting or speakers. If you’re adding a jetted tub, you’ll need a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), which costs an average of $210 to install. 

Water Damage Repairs 

When you take out the old tub or shower, you may encounter water damage in the floors or walls, adding to the cost to demo a bathroom to your overall project. Water damage restoration costs an average of $3,850. Smaller cases cost as little as $450, while extensive damage and repairs can cost over $14,000.

Bathtub Refinishing vs. Bathtub Replacement

Depending on its current condition, you may choose to refinish or replace a bathtub. Refinishing involves sanding the tub and coating it with primer and paint to remove any small dents or scratches and give it a clean and fresh appearance. Bathroom contractors can complete the refinishing process in a day, and it costs an average of $480. 

If your bathtub is severely damaged or has major leak issues, it might not be in good enough shape to refinish, making bathtub replacement a better option. If leaks have damaged the flooring or surrounding wall, you’ll need to make repairs and remove mold. Depending on the new tub, you might need to reroute plumbing to make the bathtub replacement work. Bathtub replacement is another job for a qualified bathroom contractor and possibly an electrician or plumber.

Bathtub Replacement Pro Costs

Professional bathtub installation means dealing with the city’s complex permitting and historic preservation requirements. San Francisco’s older housing often requires floor reinforcement for cast-iron or stone tubs. 

Labor

Labor costs are significantly higher for San Francisco bathtub replacement pros than in many U.S. cities, reflecting both wage rates and complex building environments. Expect to pay 30% to 50% more than in other markets due to the Bay Area's elevated cost of living. The labor cost to replace a bathtub averages between $100 and $2,000. Second-floor or top-floor installations often cost more due to staging and access. Costs go even higher if you relocate plumbing lines, remove or install a heavy bathtub, or make repairs to subflooring.

If you’re installing a different type of tub than the existing one or placing the new one in a different spot, you might need some plumbing work. Budget $400 to $1,900 to move plumbing lines and pipes.

Permits

The Department of Building Inspection (DBI) requires permits for bathtub replacement projects that involve plumbing or electrical modifications beyond simple fixture swaps. Building permits cost $50 to $500 for plumbing and electrical work. Permit fees vary based on project scope and valuation.

When deciding who to hire for a bathroom remodel, choose contractors who will pull the necessary permits on your behalf. For projects requiring plan review rather than over-the-counter approval, homeowners should anticipate two to 12 months for complete permit approval and inspection cycles. Don’t start any work until you secure the required permits, as unsanctioned work can result in serious insurance headaches or problems at resale later on.

Historic Preservation

San Francisco's character derives largely from its preserved historic architecture, but this charm comes with renovation challenges. If your home sits within one of the city's historic districts or special design areas, your bathtub replacement may require additional approvals beyond standard building permits. These reviews don't necessarily add dramatic permit costs, but they do extend timelines.

Getting a new tub into the narrow hallways and steep staircases of Victorian and Edwardian homes requires creative problem-solving (and additional labor hours). Budget a contingency of $500 to $2,000 for unexpected complications in older homes. Common surprises include deteriorated cast-iron drain pipes, inadequate subfloor support for heavy modern tubs, and knob-and-tube electrical wiring that needs updating.

Moisture Management

While the city enjoys mild temperatures year-round, its persistent fog, coastal dampness, and limited air circulation in densely packed neighborhoods make moisture management critical.

If your current bathroom lacks adequate ventilation or has an outdated fan, upgrading costs $100 to $500 but represents essential protection against mold issues that plague poorly ventilated San Francisco bathrooms.

Does Bathtub Replacement Increase Home Value?

San Francisco has an average return on investment (ROI) of 55% to 65% for bathroom remodel costs for midrange replacements. Higher-end tubs, like accessible tubs for aging-in-place or clawfoot for spa-like luxury, can help boost design appeal in the Bay Area’s competitive real estate market, especially in renovated historic homes.

In a city where housing moves quickly and often receives multiple offers, an outdated or poorly maintained bathroom can become a deal-breaker during showings. Conversely, a well-executed bathtub replacement helps your home stand out in a crowded market, potentially reducing time on market and strengthening negotiating position.

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 survey 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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