How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost in Chicago, IL? [2026 Data]

A shower remodeling project in Chicago, IL, costs an average of $7,252, with a range of $2,072 to $9,324. These costs are slightly higher than the national average, which is in line with the area’s cost of living. Find all the details you need to budget for your project, tailored to your needs and preferences, so you know what to expect before getting started on the remodel.

Shower Remodel Cost Factors

Consider these main cost factors when planning your shower remodel in Chicago, IL, including the scope of your project and the materials you want to use.

Project Scope

The scope of the remodel will dictate the amount of work needed and the cost to do it. Different project costs include:

Shower Size

The cost to purchase the shower largely depends on its size, though materials also play a large part. Here’s a breakdown of what a shower may cost by size:

Materials

Materials have a significant impact on the final cost of a shower remodel. When considering different bathroom remodel ideas, you can choose between prefabricated options that come as one unit or you can choose custom tile.

In Chicago, IL, popular shower remodels incorporate large-format tiles and tile drenching, in which the floors, walls, shower walls, and even ceilings are covered with tile. Porcelain tiles that look like real stone are more commonly used because they require less upkeep.

The following table breaks down the average cost for prefabricated shower materials:

The following table breaks down the cost per square foot for custom shower materials:

Shower Type

You can choose from different shower types based on your budget or visual aesthetic. In Chicago, IL, remodels right now lean toward spa-inspired bathrooms, featuring walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads and freestanding tubs.

Bathroom Condition

The initial condition of the bathroom can also impact your bathroom remodel costs. If the bathroom is in good shape and you’ll just be remodeling the shower, the total cost will be lower than if there are other significant issues to address.

However, if you have unseen mold growth that’s discovered by your remodeler, you’ll need to pay for mold remediation, which costs $400 to $675, depending on the severity. This issue is fairly common in bathrooms, particularly due to high moisture levels. However, Chicago, IL, homeowners need to take extra precautions due to the high humidity levels in the summer and below-freezing winter temperatures that may cause burst pipes.

Moreover, replacing drywall costs between $1.55 and $3 per square foot, including materials and labor. New plumbing costs between $1,550 and $3,000 for a bathtub and between $1,550 and $3,500 for a shower.

Shower Remodel Pro Costs

When you hire a shower remodeler in Chicago, IL, labor accounts for 40% to 60% of the project’s budget. While this is a large chunk of your total costs, hiring a pro is the best way to get the job done in a timely and safe manner that meets local codes. From helping you finalize your design to putting the final touches on your shower, they’ll take care of every detail.

Permits

Your shower remodeler will secure the necessary permits for the project from the City of Chicago. Expect this to cost $500 to $1,500 or more, depending on the scope of the work you’re getting done.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

Your shower remodeler is likely to bring on board all of the additional pros needed for the job, such as:

• Electrician cost: $50–$100 per hour

• Plumber cost: $45–$200 per hour

• Tile installer cost: $60–$120 per hour

Does a Shower Remodel Increase Home Value?

A bathroom remodel in Chicago, IL, can increase your home’s value, and the project offers a high return on investment (ROI) of 60% to 70%. A shower remodel on its own offers a 45% to 75% ROI. However, your ROI can be higher if your current bathroom is outdated, and your home is in a highly desirable area like the West Loop, Lincoln Square, or Logan Square.

If you’re looking to sell your home and your bathroom hasn’t been updated recently, it's one of the best ways to increase your chances of a quick sale.

How Angi Gets Its Local Cost Data 

To help homeowners plan their next project, Angi provides readers with carefully researched cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We start with national average project costs, which we collect by analyzing competitor information, retailer material costs, and input from professional contractors. We then apply local price index data to calculate location-specific estimates that reflect what homeowners typically pay in their local area. To do that, we use data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), including its Regional Price Parities (RPPs), which measure price differences across cities. This helps us account for differences in labor, materials, and overall cost of living, so estimates in higher- or lower-cost areas better reflect real-world local pricing.

Every estimate undergoes a thorough editorial review to verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with observed market conditions.

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