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

Bathtub replacement costs in Baltimore, Maryland range from $858 and $1,813 for most homeowners, with an average price of $1,294. Labor costs tend to be higher than the national average in the Baltimore metro area, plus the city’s historic rowhouses often require structural work and plumbing updates to support heavier tubs. Factor in the region’s humidity, and you’ll want tub materials that hold up well to moisture year-round.

Bathtub Replacement Cost Factors 

Material choice makes up a significant portion of how much bathtub replacement costs in Baltimore, Maryland. Basic fiberglass tubs can be had for as little as $200, whereas premium options like granite can exceed $20,000. The style of tub you choose affects both material and installation complexity. The Mid-Atlantic's humid summers and freezing winters mean selecting materials that resist mold and temperature fluctuations.

Bathtub Type

Many tub styles balance aesthetics and utility to bring comfort and relaxation. Here’s a look at the costs associated with different bathtub styles.

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 jetted tub costs $1,000 to $7,000, 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 $1,500, 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 $5,000 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 with good mold resistance if properly sealed, perfect for Baltimore’s hot and humid summers. 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 Baltimore families, as it holds up well against the region’s humid summers and mild winters. The nonporous surface resists mold, mildew, and moisture absorption. 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 $2,000 to $10,500, about the same as tub-to-shower conversion costs. 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 about $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. Water damage restoration costs about $3,850. Smaller cases cost an average of $450, while extensive damage and repairs can cost over $14,000.

Bathtub Refinishing vs. Bathtub Replacement

The decision to refinish or replace your bathtub depends on its current condition and your preferences. 

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

Hiring professionals for bathtub replacement in Baltimore involves understanding local labor rates, licensing requirements, and permitting processes. The city's robust construction industry maintains high standards for tradespeople, which translates to quality work but higher hourly rates compared to some regions.

Labor

Baltimore bathtub installers charge $90 to $110 per hour, going as high as $200 per hour for master plumbers with advanced licensing. The total cost adds up to between $100 and $2,000 to replace a bathtub. Costs go higher if you relocate plumbing lines, remove or install a heavy bathtub, or reinforce subflooring, like in a historic rowhouse.

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. Expect to pay toward the higher end of the range if your home was built before 1950 or if you're changing the tub's location.

Permits

Baltimore requires permits for all plumbing work, and only licensed plumber contractors can apply for plumbing permits. Building permits cost $30 to $200 for plumbing work and $10 to $500 for electrical work. Permit costs are similar in neighboring Clavert and Anne Arundel Counties. You may also have to pay inspection or reinspection fees of up to $100. Ask your contractors about the necessary permits, and don’t start work until you secure them, even if you’re DIYing.

Historic Housing 

Many of the city's iconic rowhouses were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, presenting distinct challenges for bathtub replacement. Narrow doorways, steep staircases, and cramped bathrooms mean contractors sometimes need to cut cast-iron tubs into pieces for removal, just like with the cost to demo a bathroom in an older building.

Older homes may also have outdated plumbing that needs upgrading to meet current code, adding $400 to $1,900 to your budget for line relocation or replacement.

Ventilation

Baltimore's humid summers create ideal conditions for mold growth, making proper bathroom ventilation essential when installing any new tub. If your bathroom lacks adequate ventilation, budget an additional $300 to $1,500 for exhaust fan installation or upgrades. Your new tub will last longer and perform better with proper moisture control.

Does Bathtub Replacement Increase Home Value?

Bathtub replacement offers solid returns in Baltimore's competitive housing market, particularly in neighborhoods experiencing revitalization. Updated bathrooms consistently rank among the top features buyers seek, and a fresh tub can help your home stand out in listings.

The return on investment varies based on the scope of your project and your neighborhood. A straightforward tub replacement typically recoups 60% to 70% of bathroom remodeling costs at resale. More extensive bathroom renovations can return 50% to 80% of the investment, especially in hot markets like Federal Hill or Mount Vernon.

When choosing who to hire for a bathroom remodel, stick to trusted pros. A permitted, professionally installed tub replacement shows buyers they won't inherit deferred maintenance issues.

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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