How Much Does Bathtub Replacement Cost in Raleigh, NC? [2025 Data]

The expected bathtub replacement cost in Raleigh, North Carolina averages $1,098, with most projects falling between $723 and $1,495. The final price hinges on tub style, material choice, and whether you’re swapping like-for-like or switching to a different configuration. Labor costs in the Triangle have increased recently, but Raleigh remains more affordable than coastal metros.

Bathtub Replacement Cost Factors 

Material choice drives much of your bathtub replacement cost in Raleigh, North Carolina. Fiberglass and steel offer budget-friendly durability, while granite delivers luxury at a premium. Moisture resistance is essential for surviving Charlotte’s humid summers. For aging-in-place, walk-in models can be a sound investment in comfort and accessibility.

Bathtub Type

Many tub styles balance aesthetics and utility to bring comfort and relaxation. Here’s a look at the average prices for different tub 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 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 soaking tubs, trending in upscale Wake County neighborhoods, 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 that you choose is a major factor in how much it costs to replace a bathtub. Durability is a priority in North Carolina’s humid climate. Non-porous surfaces like acrylic and enameled cast iron are good at resisting moisture and mold. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass tubs are an affordable option. They’re lightweight and come in a variety of colors. You'll pay between $300 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 $500 to $1,200, 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 about $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 $200 to $500 to remove. Hauling away a heavy cast-iron bathtub could cost more.

Shower-to-Tub Conversion Cost

Converting a shower into a bathtub costs $2,000 to $10,500, about the same as how much a 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 about $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 $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). 

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 around $450, while extensive damage and repairs can cost over $14,000. At that point, you may have to consider the cost to demo a bathroom for a more comprehensive upgrade. 

Bathtub Replacement Pro Costs

Local labor rates for Raleigh bathtub installers remain competitive compared to other fast-growing cities in the Southeast. Most jobs need a licensed plumber, and jetted or whirlpool tubs require an electrician, plus the necessary permits and inspections to meet North Carolina building standards.  

Labor

The labor cost to replace a bathtub is $200 to $2,500, working out to $90 to $150 per hour on average. Simple tub swaps where the new unit drops into the existing footprint cost less in labor, but costs go 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

Raleigh requires permits for most bathtub replacements that involve moving or modifying plumbing. Building permits cost $50 to $200 for plumbing work and $10 to $500 for electrical work, depending on the scope of the project. Wake County has specific guidelines, and working with a licensed professional ensures compliance.

Additional Repairs and Upgrades

Many Raleigh homes built in the 1970s and 1980s have original infrastructure ripe for a bathroom remodel. These projects sometimes uncover outdated plumbing or subfloor issues that increase costs. 

The area's humidity affects who to hire for a bathroom remodel. You'll want contractors experienced with moisture mitigation; proper ventilation and water-resistant materials prevent costly problems down the road.

Bathtub Refinishing vs. Bathtub Replacement

You may choose to refinish or replace your 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. 

Does Bathtub Replacement Increase Home Value?

Mid-range upgrades recoup 50% to 65% of the bathroom remodel cost at resale, including new bathtub replacements, depending on the neighborhood and quality. Buyers appreciate move-in-ready spaces with modern fixtures and quality materials, and an updated bathroom helps your property stand out.

Walk-in tubs appeal to Raleigh's aging population and buyers planning to age in place, adding both safety and marketability. Freestanding tubs create a spa-like atmosphere that photographs well and elevates perceived quality, important in areas like North Hills and Wade where buyers expect upscale finishes. Focus on durability and timeless design rather than trendy styles that might age poorly.

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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