How Much Does a Walk-In Bathtub Cost in 2025?
Typical Range:
$2,900 - $32,000
Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.
Updated December 21, 2024
Reviewed by Jeff Botelho, Licensed Journeyman Plumber.Written by HomeAdvisor.
Highlights
Walk-in bathtub installations average $13,100, including labor and materials.
Homeowners pay between $4,000 and $22,100 for most installations.
Some walk-in bathtub styles, such as luxury or two-seater tubs, can drive costs higher, sometimes up to $32,000.
Labor costs can range from $700 to $3,000 for a walk-in tub installation but may vary by location.
The average cost to install a walk-in bathtub is $13,100, including labor, the bathtub, and other materials. Walk-in bathtub installation costs can vary by type, brand, size, and features, typically landing between $4,000 and $22,100, though installations for higher-end models can cost up to $32,000.
Average Walk-In Bathtub Installation Cost
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $13,100 | $32,000 | $2,900 |
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Walk-In Bathtub Installation Cost Factors
Walk-in tub installation costs can vary by type, add-ons, and other bathroom modifications, but labor and materials for an installation generally range from $2,900 to $22,100.
Labor
Hiring a contractor for bathtub installation accounts for between $1,000 and $6,000 of total walk-in bathtub installation. Standard installations require six to eight hours of labor and don’t usually exceed $2,000, which works out to about $125 to $335 per hour. More complex tasks may require additional labor or contractors, such as electricians or tilers.
In addition to standard bathtub installation costs for plumbers, consider rates for other professionals:
Electrician: $50–$120 per hour
Carpenter: $75–$125 per hour
Tiler: $60–$120 per hour
Handyperson: $50–$150 per hour
Bathroom Remodeling
In some cases, walk-in bathtub installation may involve more than just installing a new unit. Walk-in bathtubs often have a larger footprint compared to regular tubs—depending on the bathroom’s layout, a new walk-in tub may require reorganizing the layout, tearing down walls, and other bathroom remodeling tasks.
Many homeowners bundle installations with larger bathroom remodels as an opportunity to update the bathroom’s overall design and functionality. Depending on the extent of modifications, bathroom remodels cost between $75 and $250 per square foot, averaging $6,639 to $17,623.
Various tasks and projects make up bathroom remodels, such as:
Flooring: $6–$11 per sq ft.
Light fixtures: $50–$930 per light
Sink: $215–$2,200
Tiling: $400–$3,500
Plumbing and Electrical
Some walk-in bathtubs require additional plumbing and electrical work on top of standard installation.
For instance, walk-in tubs larger than regular bathtubs may require reorganizing your bathroom’s layout to accommodate the new tub’s footprint. If reorganizing your layout means moving your plumbing hookups by three feet or more, expect to pay up to an extra $1,000. Likewise, tubs with jets or heated seats may require professional electrical wiring.
Review these potential plumbing and electrical costs:
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pipe replacement | $1,250 |
| Plumbing relocation | $500–$1,000 |
| Shower installation | $8,200 |
| Rough-in plumbing | $6,500 |
| Dedicated circuit installation | $700–$1,100 |
| GFCI outlet installation | $150–$300 per outlet |
| Rewiring | $2–$4 per sq. ft. |
Whirlpool Jets and Other Features
Installation for units with extra features typically adds between $1,000 and $5,000 or more to overall costs. Walk-in bathtubs come with features designed to enhance comfort, functionality, and general therapeutic effects, such as hydrotherapy or hydrotherapy jets.
Accessibility Add-ons
Many walk-in bathtub installations are meant to support the accessibility needs of you or other members of your household. As such, some installations have add-on accessibility features that enhance safety and comfort, such as customized ADA-compliant seats and grab bars.
| Feature | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| ADA-compliant built-in seat | $300–$500 |
| Custom grab bars | $50–$700 |
| Fast fill faucet | $125–$475 |
| Fast drain | $200–$425 |
| Overflow protection | $15–$50 |
| Handheld showerhead | $50–$200 |
| Padded backrest | $50–$475 |
| Ozone sterilization system | $150–$525 |
| Slip-resistant floor | $30–$200 |
| Chromotherapy | $200–$350 |
| Aromatherapy | $200–$350 |
| Thermostatic valve | $250–$400 |
Walk-In Bathtub Cost by Type
The type of bathtub you select is the largest factor affecting installation costs. Walk-in tubs typically cost between $2,000 and $10,000 per unit, not including installation. The most affordable and basic options can cost as little as $1,500, while high-end walk-in bathtubs can reach $20,000 before installation.
This table breaks down walk-in tub costs by type, not including labor or materials.
| Walk-In Bathtub Type | Price Range | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard walk-in tub | $3,500–$7,500 | Basic soaker tub |
| Tub and shower combo | $3,300–$10,000 | Higher walls that allow for showering and standing |
| Long tub | $5,000–$10,000 | Longer dimensions to accommodate reclining |
| Two-seater tub | $5,500–$20,000 | Can fit two people at once |
| Hydromassage tub | $4,400–$12,500 | Uses water jets for bath massages |
| Whirlpool tub with air jets | $3,000–$10,000 | Uses air jets for bath massages |
| Water and air jet combo tub | $4,000–$12,500 | Combines air and water for multiple therapy options |
| Bariatric tub | $5,000–$11,500 | Designed for individuals weighing 300+ lbs |
| Wheelchair-accessible tub | $4,500–$11,500 | ADA-compliant |
| Luxury walk-in tub | $15,000–$20,000 | Multiple high-end features |
Standard Units
Basic walk-in tubs typically cost between $2,500 and $10,000. Though similar to regular bathtubs, a basic walk-in tub has a side door serving as a safety feature, allowing for easier entry and exit. Installation is typically easy because standard walk-in tubs fit most bathrooms and don’t include extra features.
Tub and Shower Combos
Tub and shower combos are versatile options, ranging from $3,300 to $10,000. These units allow individuals to shower sitting or standing, and many don’t cost more than a standard unit. Be prepared for the potential of additional plumbing and tiling costs compared to a standard unit, which can drive up installation costs.
Long Tubs
The unit cost of a long tub is typically between $5,000 and $10,000. These tubs allow individuals to lie down and stretch out comfortably. Because of their unique size and shape, long walk-in tubs might not fit your current bathroom layout without a remodel.
Two-Seater Tubs
Two-seater walk-in tubs cost between $5,500 and $20,000. Because these tubs can accommodate two individuals at once, they’re larger than the standard tub and can be trickier to install.
Hydrotherapy and Aerotherapy Tubs
A walk-in hydrotherapy bathtub typically ranges from $4,400 to $12,500. These tubs feature water jets that provide high-pressure therapeutic massages, helping to improve muscle relaxation and circulation.
Whirlpool aerotherapy tubs generally cost $3,000 to $10,000. Like hydrotherapy tubs, aerotherapy tubs feature jets that aid blood circulation. Instead of water jets, however, aerotherapy jets use water instead, making them a low-pressure alternative.
If you want the best of both jet systems, you’ll spend between $4,000 and $12,500 or more.
Bariatric and Limited Mobility Accessible Tubs
A bariatric tub can cost between $5,000 and $11,500, accommodating walk-in or additional support requirements for individuals who weigh 300 pounds or more. Wheelchair-friendly units allow users to slide in or transfer to the built-in tub seat.
Luxury Walk-In Tubs
Luxury walk-in tubs cost $15,000 to $20,000. Steeper prices come with high-end features, such as heated seats, curved backrests, chromotherapy lights, aromatherapy, and adjustable water jets.
Walk-In Tub Costs by Brand
The brand can have a significant impact on the final cost of your walk-in tub. Compares these costs for several popular tub brands:
| Brand | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Safe Step | $2,500–$10,000 |
| Kohler | $4,000–$15,000 |
| American Standard | $3,000–$11,000 |
| Universal | $2,000–$7,000 |
| Ella | $2,500–$10,000 |
Safe Step
You’ll spend between $2,500 and $10,000 on a Safe Step walk-in bathtub. These tubs are specifically designed for individuals with limited mobility and disabilities. Prices can tend toward the high side, but Safe Step offers a lifetime warranty for long-term use.
Kohler
Kohler models tend to be the more expensive option: A Kohler walk-in bathtub ranges from $4,000 to $15,000. The higher price tag accounts for standout features, including a 3-inch step (shorter than competitors), a fast-drain option, and a lifetime warranty.
American Standard
American Standard walk-in tubs cost $3,000 to $11,000. This brand offers a diverse selection of tubs and features, including water and air jets. American Standard also provides a lifetime warranty with bathtub purchases.
Universal
Universal walk-in bathtubs represent the lower end of cost ranges, from $2,000 to $7,000. Universal tubs are wheelchair-accessible and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant. Higher-end models are available with luxury features.
Ella
You’ll spend between $2,500 and $10,000 for a walk-in tub from Ella. Ella sells tubs with dual-drain technology that drain in as little as 80 seconds without any electrical pumps. Some Ella tubs feature add-ons, such as foot massage, heated seats, and aromatherapy.
Does Installing a Walk-In Bathtub Increase Home Value?
Installing a walk-in bathtub can increase home value, but the actual impact varies. Your local market is a factor—for instance, some communities are more health and safety conscious and may value these types of features more than others. Regardless of return on investment, walk-in bathtubs offer improved comfort, health, safety, and other benefits for your home.
Budgeting for a Walk-In Bathtub
Keep your walk-in bathtub installation costs low with these budgeting tips:
Opt for models that meet your specific needs, such as hydrotherapy jets, rather than those with numerous luxury features.
Choose a tub that fits your existing layout to avoid costly renovations or plumbing modifications.
Compare the prices of various brands and models to find the best value for your needs.
Get multiple quotes from contractors and compare their rates and included services.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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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FAQs
Does Medicare or Medicaid cover walk-in tubs?
Medicare doesn’t cover walk-in tubs because the agency doesn’t consider them durable medical equipment. However, if you can prove it is a medical necessity, you may get reimbursement after installation.
You’re likely to have more luck with Medicaid, but benefits vary by state. Check with your insurance carrier for details.
How long does it take to fill or drain a walk-in tub?
Depending on your home’s water pressure, a walk-in tub takes six to eight minutes to fill. A fast drain with an average-size water volume drains in two to three minutes, but slower drains and larger basins can take up to 15 minutes.
Remember that the individual must remain in the tub while it fills and drains to avoid spillage when the door opens.
How much water does a walk-in bathtub hold?
The average tub holds roughly 50 gallons of water. Exact capacities vary by product, typically between 40 and 80 gallons. In comparison, a standard bathtub typically holds 25 to 45 gallons.
Are walk-in tubs tax deductible?
If the IRS sees the purchase as a qualified medical expense, walk-in tubs may be tax-deductible. Alternatively, caregivers who install a walk-in tub may qualify for the Dependent Care Tax Credit.
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