Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost in Chicago
Angi’s Chicago data puts most tub-to-shower conversions between $1,554 and $8,288, averaging $3,108, with custom tiled builds reaching $18,000. Nationally, Angi lists $1,200 to $15,000 and Fixr averages $4,000. The big swing is prefab kit versus custom tile. These are planning ranges from published sources, not a quote.
Updated October 21, 2026. Every figure below names its source. Prices change, and what is behind your tub matters as much as the shower you choose.
Tub-to-shower conversion cost at a glance
Different sources count different things, so compare the scope column first. Some figures cover the shower unit only; others include removing the old tub and installing.
| Source | What it measures | Figure |
|---|---|---|
| Angi, Chicago tub-to-shower data | Typical conversions reported in Chicago | $1,554 to $8,288; average $3,108 (Chicago) |
| Angi, Chicago tub-to-shower data | Basic prefab stalls up to custom builds | $1,800 to $6,500 for basic stalls; up to $18,000 custom (Chicago) |
| Angi, national | Any conversion, overall | $1,200 to $15,000 (national) |
| Fixr, national | Conversion including removing the old tub | Average $4,000; most between $1,200 and $10,000; up to $20,000 with high-end materials (national) |
| Angi, shower remodel guide | Tub-to-shower conversion | $1,500 to $8,000 (national) |
Cost by type of conversion
| Shower type | What it is | Planning range (Chicago) |
|---|---|---|
| Alcove or rectangular stall | Prefab acrylic or fiberglass unit that fits the tub space | $1,000 to $3,500 |
| Small stall, 32×32 in. | Compact stall; needs the footprint to change | $1,800 to $4,000 |
| Large shower, 36×60 in. | Closer to the size of a standard tub | $3,500 to $6,500 |
| Curbless (barrier-free) stall | No step over a curb; floor is sloped | $3,500 to $7,500 |
| Custom tiled walk-in | Built on site with waterproofing and tile | $3,000 to $18,000 |
Angi’s national figures follow the same pattern at lower numbers: stalls from $1,000 to $8,000 and custom tiled walk-ins from $3,500 to $15,000. For a walk-in on its own, see walk-in shower cost in Chicago.
What drives the price
- Prefab versus tile. Fixr puts a prefab shower body at $2,000 to $3,000 in materials plus about $1,000 for installation. Fixr’s installed ranges for custom materials start at $6,000 for ceramic tile and run to $20,000 for natural stone.
- Labor. Angi’s Chicago page lists full labor for a conversion at $1,500 to $4,500, with plumbers at $90 to $150 per hour.
- Plumbing changes. Angi’s Chicago page puts plumbing updates at $500 to $2,500 for drain relocation or valve upgrades. Fixr adds $100 to $250 if the tub had no shower plumbing.
- Waterproofing. Angi lists $500 to $2,000 in Chicago, which protects the walls and floor.
- Removing the tub. $300 to $800 in Chicago per Angi; heavy cast-iron tubs and tight stairwells cost more.
- Doors and extras. Chicago shower door ranges run from $500 to $1,400 for framed doors to $1,200 to $4,000 for frameless (Angi). Grab bars and a seat add $900 to $1,800 together.
- A window above the tub. Fixr says a window set lower than 60 inches off the floor is a problem in a shower, and replacing it with a smaller, higher one can add $600 to $1,200.
What is usually included, and what is not
- Often included: demolition, tub removal, the new shower base or tile, valve and showerhead, waterproofing and finishing.
- Often extra: the glass door (most stall kits do not come with one, according to Angi), a window change, grab bars, new tile on surrounding walls, repair of water damage, and permit work.
Ask each remodeler to list these separately.
Chicago factors that move the cost
What is behind the tub
Once the tub is out, the framing, subfloor and drain are visible. Angi’s Chicago guide warns that conversions can reveal hidden plumbing problems once the wall is open to the studs, so keep room in the budget. See hidden bathroom remodel costs and bathrooms in older Chicago homes. Neighborhoods with older housing stock, like Portage Park and North Center, are where owners most often ask about this.
Condos
Angi notes that Chicago high-rises and multi-unit buildings add site preparation and access costs, and a leak can reach the unit below. Condo permit applications need an association approval letter. Read remodeling a condo bathroom in Chicago.
Resale
Angi reports an average return on investment of about 60% for conversions nationally, and notes some buyers prefer a home with at least one bathtub. Fixr advises keeping the tub if it is the only one in the home.
Permit costs in Chicago
A conversion replaces plumbing fixtures, so it needs a City of Chicago permit. For non-structural interior work in one dwelling unit, the Express Permit stand-alone fee under Chicago Construction Codes 14A-12-1204.2 is $250 up to 500 sq ft and $500 up to 2,000 sq ft. Other fees may apply. Cost sites list permit figures that differ from the City’s schedule, so use the City’s permit fee calculator for the current total. Read do you need a permit to remodel a bathroom in Chicago?
Ways to keep the cost down
- Choose a standard size that fits the existing tub space. Angi says standard sizes save money.
- Pick a prefab unit if you do not need custom tile or sizing.
- Keep the drain and valve where they are, so the plumber has less to change.
- Skip the extras you can add later, like a steam fixture or a bench.
- Do not trade away waterproofing or the permit to save money.
How to compare written scopes
- Decide kit or tile first. Written scopes for different shower types cannot be compared.
- Ask for an itemized written quote showing the shower unit, waterproofing, plumbing, door, disposal, permit and an allowance for hidden damage.
- Verify the licenses of the general contractor and the plumber. See how to verify a Chicago contractor license.
- Read the contract. Illinois requires a written contract for home repair and remodeling jobs over $1,000.
For the project itself, see tub-to-shower conversion, or compare with the full bathroom remodel cost in Chicago.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tub-to-shower conversion cost in Chicago?
Angi's Chicago data shows most conversions between $1,554 and $8,288, averaging $3,108, with custom tiled builds up to $18,000. National sources run similar: Fixr averages $4,000.
Is a prefab kit cheaper than a tiled shower?
Usually yes. Fixr puts a prefab shower body at $2,000 to $3,000 in materials plus about $1,000 for installation, while its installed ranges for custom tile begin at $6,000.
What extras should I plan for?
Angi's Chicago figures include $300 to $800 to remove and haul the old tub, $500 to $2,000 for waterproofing and $500 to $2,500 for plumbing updates. A glass door is separate because most stall kits do not include one.
Do I need a permit in Chicago?
Yes, because a conversion replaces plumbing fixtures. The Express Permit stand-alone fee is $250 up to 500 sq ft or $500 up to 2,000 sq ft in one dwelling unit, and other fees may apply.
Will removing my only tub hurt resale?
It might. Angi notes some buyers prefer a home with at least one bathtub, and Fixr suggests keeping the tub if it is the only one in the home.
Can an old Chicago home add to the cost?
Yes. With the tub out, remodelers can find water damage, a soft subfloor or corroded drains. Angi advises leaving room in the budget for hidden plumbing problems.
Does a window over the tub matter?
It can. Fixr says a window lower than 60 inches off the floor is a problem in a shower, and replacing it with a smaller, higher one can add $600 to $1,200.
Is this a quote?
No. These are planning ranges from published sources, collected October 2026. Only a licensed remodeler who has seen your bathroom can give you a price in writing.
Sources
- Angi, “How Much Does a Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost in Chicago, IL?” (updated July 9, 2026): angi.com. Accessed October 21, 2026.
- Angi, “How Much Does Tub-to-Shower Conversion Cost?” (updated July 8, 2026, national): angi.com. Accessed October 21, 2026.
- Angi, “How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost?” (updated August 1, 2026, national): angi.com. Accessed October 21, 2026.
- Fixr, “Bathtub to Shower Conversion: Cost, Tips & More” (January 2025): fixr.com. Accessed October 21, 2026.
- City of Chicago, Express Permit Program, interior alterations: chicago.gov. Accessed October 21, 2026.
- Chicago Construction Codes, 14A-12-1204.2, stand-alone permit fees: amlegal.com. Accessed October 21, 2026.
- Illinois Home Repair and Remodeling Act, 815 ILCS 513/15: ilga.gov. Accessed October 21, 2026.
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