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

Bathtub replacement in Austin, Texas costs between $627 and $1,557 for most homeowners, with an average cost of $1,086. Your final price depends heavily on material choice and any plumbing modifications needed. While fiberglass tubs offer budget-friendly appeal, they don't retain heat as effectively as acrylic or cast iron. That’s something worth considering when you're looking to unwind after a long day.

Bathtub Replacement Cost Factors 

Material choice makes the biggest difference in what you’ll pay for bathtub replacement in Austin, Texas. A basic fiberglass tub costs substantially less than a luxurious clawfoot or granite option. Budget for potential subfloor repairs that Austin's humidity can sometimes necessitate.

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. When deciding who to hire for a bathroom remodel, an experienced plumber and installer can recommend options best suited for your home and budget.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass tubs are an affordable option. They’re lightweight and come in a variety of colors. You'll pay between $200 and $1,000 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 $2,000, 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. 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. Tub-to-shower conversion costs are similar.

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. 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. Severe damage may mean adding the cost to demo a bathroom to your overall budget. 

Bathtub Refinishing vs. Bathtub Replacement

Depending on your situation, you may decide 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.

Bathtub Replacement Pro Costs

Professional installation ensures your bathtub replacement meets Austin's building codes and performs reliably for years. Labor costs among Austin bathtub installers reflect the city's strong economy and competitive construction market, where experienced professionals stay in high demand.

Labor

Labor rates in Austin vary between $45 and $200 per hour, with a total labor cost to replace a bathtub of $100 to $2,000. Most bathtub replacements take four to eight hours for straightforward swaps, though you'll face higher costs if plumbing lines need relocation or if you're installing a jetted tub requiring electrical work. Many Austin contractors charge trip fees between $100 and $250, particularly for smaller projects.

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

Trade permits from Austin's Development Services Department are required for most tub or shower remodeling projects. Building permits cost $50 to $500 for plumbing work and $50 to $350 for electrical work. 

There is an Express Permit path for simpler projects that don’t involve relocating plumbing fixtures. By contrast, plan reviews and larger projects can incur fees of over $1,000. Ask your contractors about the necessary permits. Skipping permits risks fines and complications during future home sales.

Cost of Living

Austin's cost of living sits above the national average, reflected in both materials and labor pricing. The city's booming population has increased demand for skilled tradespeople, keeping wages competitive. While this means slightly higher costs than smaller Texas cities, project costs are still typically reasonable, given the quality of workmanship available.

Does Bathtub Replacement Increase Home Value?

Austin residents can expect to recoup 60% to 75% of midrange bathroom remodel costs when it comes time to sell their home. A bathtub replacement as a single component of a bathroom project generally captures less than a full midrange remodel, about 30 to 50%, but it can still deliver meaningful buyer appeal if the rest of the bath is in good shape.

Local demand and neighborhood price points matter. In higher-end Austin neighborhoods buyers expect higher finishes and will pay more, improving returns proportionally. With hot summers that keep air conditioning running, features like good heat retention are appealing. Acrylic and cast iron tubs that maintain water temperature require less frequent hot water refills, a practical benefit that resonates with environmentally conscious Austin homeowners.

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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