Is a walk-in shower cheaper than a tub?

Author: Cortney Ebert MD  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

The Price. Overall a tub shower combo can be more affordable, ranging from $400 – $8000 installed, while showers can cost anywhere from $450 - $10,000 or more depending on the amenities. On the higher end of the range, you'll find whirlpool tubs and large walk-in showers.

Which is cheaper, walk-in shower or tub?

A shower enclosure (walk-in shower) is generally cheaper to install than a bath tub. If your shower enclosure have water jet settings at different temperatures for body massage and has a smart control panel, it may cost higher but still less costl...

What are the disadvantages of a walk-in shower?

Potential Drawbacks of Walk-in Showers

Excess Water: Because of the functionality of a shower (pressurized water falling from a high point to the surface) and fewer barriers (like tub walls and curtains), they are more susceptible to water splashing throughout your bathroom.

Is it better to have a bath or walk-in shower?

If there are children, going for the bathtub might be a better idea since bathing them in it is easier. If there are elderly people or people with mobility issues, a walk-in shower might be easier to walk in and out of.

Do walk-in showers lower home value?

In fact, for every dollar spent on adding a walk-in shower, the increase in home value can average $1.71, a return that's hard to ignore. Despite their appeal, walk-in showers can also present challenges. A bathroom equipped solely with a walk-in shower and no tub is labeled a three-quarter bath.

Bathroom Remodeling: Choosing Between a Tub or Shower

What is a fair price for a walk in shower?

You can either pick a prefabricated design to save money or can design the customized shower of your dreams. Due to the wide range of options, the cost of a walk-in shower spans from $1,000–$15,000, with an average cost of $6,700.

Is it wise to replace a tub with a walk-in shower?

Though trends come and go, it's safe to say that replacing a tub with a walk-in shower modernizes the overall look of your space. Offers better accessibility and safety. Stepping into a tub-shower combo is awkward and the surface could be slippery.

Do home buyers prefer tub or shower?

According to recent data, homes with at least one tub tend to sell for more money than those with showers – and the difference can be quite pronounced in some parts of the country. Keep in mind, though, that this is just one factor among many that you'll need to consider when making this decision.

How much should a walk-in shower be?

Installing a walk-in shower costs $9,000, on average, but your total could fall anywhere between $6,000 and $12,000. A pro will consider several factors like size and type to craft your specific quote.

How much does it cost to convert a bathtub to a walk-in shower?

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere between $1,200 and upwards of $10,000 for your tub-to-shower conversion project. Of course, with a price range that big, it can be very hard to determine a budget that you're comfortable spending.

Do you get cold in a walk-in shower?

With a walk-in shower you'll get too much water on the bathroom floor. You'll be cold in there without a full glass enclosure or shower curtains.

How do I keep water in my doorless shower?

Here are some of the best ways to prevent water from splashing out of your walk-in shower system:
  1. Consider Adding Shower Doors.
  2. Trench Drain Systems Can Help.
  3. Install a Shower Splash Guard.
  4. Install a Shower Pan With a Threshold.

What is the best type of walk-in shower?

For a walk-in shower, we recommend a shower enclosure of at least 85cm. This ensures easy entry and exit and is ideal for smaller bathrooms or making the best use of space. For larger bathrooms, consider double-sided walk-in showers or even U-shaped configurations, with wall lengths of up to 180cm.

Does Medicare pay for a walk-in shower?

Medicare does not usually cover the costs of a walk-in shower. Although a walk-in shower is often easier to navigate than a traditional shower or bathtub, Medicare does not cover it as medically necessary durable medical equipment (DME). Medicare typically considers a walk-in shower a home modification, not DME.

Does removing a bathtub devalue your home?

The short answer is, it depends. Understanding the potential buyer of your home is key. If your neighborhood attracts many young families, removing the tub could indeed lower your home's resale value. However, there are situations where this might not be a significant concern.

What is the cheapest way to do a shower?

Prefabricated shower kits are often more affordable than sourcing individual components separately. These kits provide a convenient and budget-friendly solution, as they are designed to work together seamlessly while minimizing costs.

What is the labor cost to install a walk-in shower?

On average, the labor for a walk-in shower project will cost about $400 to $2,000. 1 Labor costs may increase depending on the complexity of the job.

How long does it take to fit a walk-in shower?

After a site visit, we'll provide you with a free, no-obligation quote for your walk-in shower. Our team handles all aspects of the installation, from electrics to plumbing and joinery, so there's no need to bring in third parties. Our team can install your walk-in shower in as little as three days.

How much does a 10 minute shower cost?

The single, 10-minute long shower will cost you $0.46 or $168.93 if you repeat it daily for a full year.

Is it better to have a walk-in shower or tub?

Mobility - Getting into and out of a low-threshold shower is much easier than getting into and out of a tub. As we age and for homeowners choosing to age-in-place, a walk-in shower might be a better and safer choice.

Do people use bathtubs anymore?

A quarter of homeowners (24%) report having no bathtub prior to a renovation, the 2023 Houzz bathroom trend report found. But realtor.com does suggest keeping at least one tub in the home.

Does a house lose value if it doesn't have a tub?

Bathroom Features that Boost Resale Value

A home appraiser pointed out that having at least one tub is crucial since it appeals to a broader audience. Think about young families needing bath-time ease or just anyone looking forward to unwind; they're all eyeing that tub. Showers aren't slacking, though.

How much does it cost to remove a tub and install a walk-in shower?

You can either install a ready-made walk-in shower stall or get a complete bathroom makeover with luxury showerheads, marble tile, and other accessible features. Replacing an existing tub with a luxurious walk-in shower can cost about $15,000 or higher depending on the complexity of the project.

Does having a walk-in tub devalue your home?

The impact of a walk-in tub on home value depends on various factors, including market demand, demographic preferences, and overall home features. While some buyers may view it as a desirable accessibility feature, others might see it as a niche amenity, potentially limiting the pool of interested buyers.

Are curbless showers a good idea?

Open-concept, or curbless showers are a concept that's growing in popularity – and for good reason. They offer accessibility – and lots of flexibility in design. And when we remove the barriers for our shower, we can also create a seamless look in the bathroom, making it look and feel bigger.

Previous article
Why are drawer pulls so expensive?
Next article
What is the minimum thickness of a load bearing wall?