How Much Does a Shower Installation Cost in San Francisco? [2025 Data]

San Francisco is one of the most expensive cities in the United States, which means that homeowners will need to account for higher prices for home renovations, such as installing a new shower. The average shower installation cost in San Francisco is around $5,041, but it can range between $1,217 to $8,865. The shower’s size, design, and materials will determine the price. Use this guide to learn the factors that affect the cost to install a shower in your San Francisco home.

Shower Installation Cost Factors 

The total for a shower installation in San Francisco depends on the type of shower, materials, and complexity of the job. A simple, prefab installation costs as low as $300, but a large shower with high-quality materials can be as much as $15,000. 

Size

The larger the shower, the more you’ll pay. The standard walk-in shower is 32-by-32 inches. The average cost range for this shower size runs between $800 and $1,400, not including labor. 

The average cost to install a tub shower is around $3,000. If the standard tub-shower combo is 30-by-60 inches, you’re looking at paying around $240 per square foot.

You also have the option of adding a shower to an existing bathtub. The simplest way is to install a diverter shower, which includes a valve that directs water to your tub’s spout, a handheld shower, or a showerhead. If that’s not possible, you’ll have to remove your old bathtub and install a model that supports a shower.

Here is a breakdown of the various shower sizes and their cost ranges:

Materials

High-end materials will increase the overall shower installation cost. The most common types of tile, such as porcelain, can cost anywhere from $15 to $50 per square foot, while cultured marble costs anywhere from $20 to $65 per square foot.

Here’s a breakdown of the different types of tile:

Shower Installation Cost by Type

Some people want only a shower, some want a tub-shower combo, and others might want a full-on steam shower that doubles as a home sauna. However, you prefer to get clean, here’s what you can expect to pay.

Demolition and Prep 

If you’re replacing your existing shower, you’ll need to remove your old shower. Removing a shower can cost between $90 to $400, or more if you need to demolish walls and replace pipes. You’ll also have to spend around $250 for cleanup, which involves hauling away the construction debris.

Shower Installation Pro Costs

If you’re installing a shower as part of a new-home build or a major remodel, it’s best to hire a local bathroom remodeler to oversee the project. These pros can handle your bathroom project from start to finish, including hiring specialized contractors when necessary. You can expect to pay bathroom remodelers $50 to $150 per hour.

Hiring a shower installation pro will cost around $60 per hour, but if the job requires plumbing changes or additions, then you will need to hire a licensed plumber to tackle the task. The average hourly rate for a plumber is between $45 to $200 per hour, depending on their experience and the job complexity. 

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring 

Since you’re upgrading your shower, consider taking the opportunity for additional upgrades.  Whether you’re thinking of swapping light fixtures or painting the bathroom, here are the pros to consider:

• Electrician: $165–$505

• Professional painter: $400–$1,600

• Handyman: $160–$560

• Interior designer: $50–$500 per hour

Does a Shower Installation Increase Home Value?

Installing a shower can increase the value of your San Francisco home, especially if you convert a half bath into a full bathroom. The return on investment for installing a shower is typically 55%, depending on the type of shower and materials. 

For example, installing a shower-tub combo in a house without an existing bathtub can make it more appealing to potential buyers. This can make your home much more marketable and potentially increase the value more than adding a standard walk-in shower. 

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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