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

Replacing a bathtub in Seattle, Washington costs $1,460 on average, with most homeowners spending between $910 and $2,074. These figures reflect the city's higher-than-average labor costs, stringent building codes, and the practical demands of working in one of the Pacific Northwest's most established urban areas.

Bathtub Replacement Cost Factors 

Seattle, Washington grapples with over 150 days of rain annually, making moisture resistance a critical factor in bathtub material selection. Mold-resistant materials like acrylic and copper are particularly valuable for long-term durability.

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 mold-resistant material that’s well-suited for Seattle’s damp weather. 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, appealing to higher-end buyers and homeowners in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill. 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, an appealing option in higher-end neighborhoods like Queen Anne. 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 conversions cost about the same.

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. Addressing water damage may mean adding the cost to demo a bathroom to your bathtub replacement 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

You may choose whether you’d rather 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

Many Seattle neighborhoods feature homes with original plumbing from the early 1900s, which can complicate installations and drive up costs when outdated systems need upgrading alongside your tub replacement. Working with experienced local contractors matters for this investment.

Labor

Labor costs run higher than national averages, reflecting Seattle's skilled workforce and cost of living. Professional bathtub installers in Seattle charge $150 to $200 per hour, adding up to $150 to $2,000 in total labor costs for most tub replacement projects. 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

Simple tub-for-tub swaps may not require a permit, but moving plumbing or adding jets will. Building permits cost $150 to $500 for plumbing work, with a base fee of $132, plus $26 per fixture. Expect to pay $10 to $500 for electrical permits.

Because of stricter building codes and environmental requirements, like local water efficiency standards, projects involving new plumbing fixtures often face additional inspection steps. Ask your contractors about the necessary permits and inspections. Don’t start work until you secure them, even if you’re DIYing.

Local Housing 

Because many older Seattle homes built before the 1960s have original plumbing, hidden repair costs are more common than in newer markets. Bringing these up to standard adds cost but ensures safety and prevents future problems. Budget 15% to 25% extra for possible subfloor water damage and galvanized pipe replacement.

When deciding on who to hire for a bathroom remodel, look for pros who have experience with your specific type of home. They’d be most familiar with potential issues you may uncover during your bathtub replacement project.

Moisture Resistance

With over 150 days of rain each year, Seattle is marked by persistent dampness that underscores the importance of proper moisture resistance. Bathroom materials face constant exposure to humidity, which is why mold-resistant materials like acrylic with protective coatings are so popular here. 

Moisture-resistant materials, waterproofing membranes, and proper ventilation are non-negotiable when living in the Pacific Northwest. Your contractor should incorporate these elements into any bathtub replacement to prevent the mold and mildew issues that thrive in Seattle's wet conditions.

Does Bathtub Replacement Increase Home Value?

Seattle homeowners get between 65% and 80% back on midrange bathroom remodel costs at resale time. A simple bathtub replacement alone can boost marketability, but it has an overall lower return on investment (ROI) of 35% to 60% compared to more substantial updates, like new fixtures and cosmetic changes.

Accessibility features like walk-in tubs can add appeal to multigenerational buyers in neighborhoods with aging populations, including Ballard and West Seattle. Updated bathrooms signal that major systems have been modernized and brought to current code standards. This becomes a significant selling point for buyers concerned about maintenance and hidden costs.

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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