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A walk-in shower typically costs $4,000 to $20,000 in the US. The average sits around $12,000. Fixr's estimate runs lower, at $5,000 to $11,000 with an $8,000 average.
Here's what that number actually covers. Four parts set most of the price: the shower base, the wall finish, the glass and any plumbing that moves. A prefab unit keeps all four simple. A custom tiled shower turns each one into a separate line on the quote.
If the shower is part of a bigger project, our full bathroom remodel cost guide shows how it fits into the total budget.
Typical cost, walk-in shower
$4,000 – $20,000
Average about $12,000
Source: This Old House (Oct 2026).
Prefab, tiled or custom: what does each cost?
The short answer: prefab is the lower-cost route, and custom tile is where budgets climb. The longer answer depends on how much of the room changes.
| Type | Typical installed cost | What you usually get |
|---|---|---|
| Basic prefab | $4,000–$7,000 | Prefab pan and modular surround in the existing space, little plumbing work |
| Midrange tiled | $8,000–$13,000 | Tiled walls and pan, waterproofing membrane, frameless or semi-frameless glass |
| High-end custom | $14,000–$20,000+ | Larger footprint, moved plumbing, heavy glass, bench and niches |
Source: This Old House, updated October 7, 2026.
In This Old House's homeowner survey, most people who installed a walk-in shower spent $10,000 to $20,000. That's above the prefab range. Most people end up with tile.
What does each part add?
These are the installed prices This Old House reports for each part.
The base. A prefab shower pan runs $800 to $1,500. A custom tile pan runs $1,200 to $3,000. The tile pan needs a sloped mortar bed and careful waterproofing, which is why it costs more.
The walls. Ceramic or porcelain tile runs $12 to $30 per square foot installed. Natural stone runs $20 to $50. Behind the tile, backer board and a waterproofing system add $800 to $1,500.
The glass. A framed door runs $500 to $1,200. A frameless enclosure runs $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Choosing framed over frameless is one of the simplest ways to trim this line.
The valve. A new shower valve and trim kit runs $500 to $1,200.
Labor sits on top of these parts. In the same survey, 56% of homeowners named labor as a major part of their cost.
What pushes the price up?
Moving the drain. Relocating a drain runs about $900 to $1,100, and new supply lines add $700 or more. Several plumbing changes together can pass $2,000.
Going curbless. A shower with no step at the entry needs work on the subfloor and wider waterproofing. That moves the project into a higher price tier. It's also the easiest shower to walk into as you get older.
Removing a tub first. If the walk-in shower replaces a tub, add demolition and haul-away. This Old House puts tub removal and disposal at $300 to $1,200. Fixr reports an average of $8,000 for converting a tub-and-shower combo into a walk-in shower.
Permits. A permit can add several hundred dollars, depending on your city.
What it gets you: a walk-in shower is easier to clean and easier to step into.
What to watch for: water. A tiled shower is only as good as the waterproofing behind it, and you won't see that layer once the tile is up.
How long does it take?
In This Old House's survey, 37% of renovations that included a walk-in shower took three to four weeks. Another 22% took one to two months. A prefab install in the same spot is the fastest route. A tiled shower needs time for the waterproofing and the mortar bed before any tile goes up.
How can you keep the cost down?
- Keep the drain where it is. It's the single biggest plumbing saving.
- Choose prefab or a tiled shower with a prefab pan. Going prefab saves around $5,000 on average compared with custom.
- Pick porcelain over stone. Porcelain tile starts at about $12 per square foot installed. Stone starts at about $20.
- Choose framed glass. A framed door runs $500 to $1,200, against $1,000 to $3,000 or more for frameless.
For the rest of the room, from the vanity to permits, see what a full bathroom remodel costs.
Sources
Figures checked on October 20, 2026.
- This Old House, "Walk-In Shower Cost," updated October 7, 2026. thisoldhouse.com/bathrooms/walk-in-shower-cost
- This Old House, "Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost," updated March 4, 2026. thisoldhouse.com/bathrooms/tub-to-shower-conversion-cost
- Fixr, "How Much Does It Cost to Install a Walk-In Shower?" updated March 4, 2025. fixr.com/costs/walk-in-shower
Common questions
How much does a walk-in shower cost?
Most cost $4,000 to $20,000, with an average around $12,000. A basic prefab unit runs $4,000 to $7,000.
Is a walk-in shower cheaper than a tub?
Not always. Converting a tub to a shower often costs more than replacing a tub in the same spot, especially once new plumbing, glass or tile are added.
How much does a frameless glass shower cost?
A frameless glass enclosure runs $1,000 to $3,000 or more installed. A framed door runs $500 to $1,200.
Do I need a permit for a walk-in shower?
Often, if plumbing changes. A permit can add several hundred dollars, depending on your city. Ask your contractor who pulls it.
