How Much Does Bathtub Replacement Cost in New York City? [2025 Data]

New York City’s high cost of living makes even routine home improvements expensive, and bathtub replacement is no exception. Bathtub replacement in New York costs $1,393 on average, with most homeowners spending between $949 and $1,876. Manhattan tends to be pricier than the outer boroughs due to access challenges and higher operating costs for contractors. Pre-war buildings with outdated plumbing limit your options and present unique challenges, too.

Bathtub Replacement Cost Factors 

When estimating bathtub replacement costs in New York City, New York, lightweight fiberglass and acrylic work well in walk-up buildings. Heavy cast iron or stone tubs may require elevator access and structural reinforcement, driving up costs. Beyond the tub itself, factor in the cost to demo a bathroom, disposal fees, and potential plumbing surprises common in older structures.

Bathtub Type

Many tub styles balance aesthetics and utility to bring comfort and relaxation, each with its own costs. 

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 $2,000 to $5,500, 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 select 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 $300 to $1,500, 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. Most cast-iron bathtubs cost between $400 and $4,000.

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 between $5,000 and $15,000, with similar 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 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. Water damage restoration costs an average of $3,850. Smaller cases cost an average of $450, while extensive damage and repairs can cost over $14,000.

Bathtub Replacement Pro Costs

Local labor costs in New York are among the highest in the country, and hiring a NYC bathtub installer is no exception. You'll need a licensed plumber at minimum, and more complex installations require electricians for jetted tubs or structural engineers for floor reinforcement. Add in permits, insurance requirements, and potential co-op board fees, and professional costs mount quickly in NYC's tightly regulated construction environment.

Labor

Deciding who to hire for a bathroom remodel means shopping for experience at premium prices. The labor cost to replace a bathtub averages $800 to $3,500, reflecting the higher cost of living in New York City. Skilled NYC plumbers charge $150 to $250 per hour, sometimes even more in Manhattan. 

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. Buildings without service elevators add more labor hours: carrying a cast-iron tub up four flights costs substantially more than wheeling it down a hallway.

Permits

The NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) requires permits for plumbing work when new plumbing lines are installed or modified, or when fixtures are moved or changed in a significant way. 

Building permits cost about $130 to $280 for simple plumbing work and $10 to $500 for electrical work, like for jetted tubs. More substantial jobs may add upwards of $2,000 in permit and regulatory costs. The Limited Alteration Application (LAA) category for plumbing alterations without structural changes may cost less. Ask your contractors about the necessary permits, and don’t start work until you secure them, even if you’re DIYing.

Building Requirements

Co-ops and condos often require additional paperwork beyond DOB permits, including alteration agreements, insurance certificates, and board approvals that extend timelines. You may need to submit a deposit check, up to $5,000 in some cases, that is held until the project is complete. Some buildings charge daily elevator reservation fees.

Parking and Logistics

NYC's urban density creates unique challenges that suburban homeowners never encounter. Street parking is scarce, forcing contractors to budget for expensive garage parking or risk tickets and towing. Buildings without loading docks mean materials arrive via sidewalk delivery. Expect $200 to $800 in additional charges for challenging access.

Bathtub Refinishing vs. Bathtub Replacement

Depending on its current condition, you can 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?

As with many high-cost metros, the ROI for bathroom upgrades in NYC tends to be lower percentage-wise than regions with a lower cost of labor and materials. Buyer expectations are already high, and the marginal cost is large. Homeowners may recoup 45% to 60% of bathroom remodel costs at the time of sale.

Buyers in NYC prioritize updated bathrooms because renovation logistics here are particularly challenging. A move-in-ready bathroom with a new tub eliminates headaches around board approvals, contractor coordination, and living through construction in tight quarters. In pre-war buildings, a modern bathtub signals that other systems might be updated too, reducing buyer concerns about aged infrastructure.

Space limitations in NYC apartments mean tub replacements rarely expand bathroom footprints. Instead, value comes from improved aesthetics, better materials, and modern functionality.

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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