Bathroom costs
Walk-in Shower Cost
Walk-in shower cost runs about $4,000 to $20,000 installed, with a typical project near $12,000, according to This Old House. A basic prefabricated unit sits at the low end; a custom tiled shower with glass sits at the top.
- Low
- $4,000
- Midpoint
- $12,000
- High
- $20,000
Cost by Type
| Type | Range |
|---|---|
| Basic prefabricated | $4,000 to $7,000 |
| Midrange tiled | $8,000 to $13,000 |
| High-end custom | $14,000 or more |
This Old House, Walk-In Shower Cost (Updated 2026-10-07 (shown as 10/07/2026))
Why Sources Disagree
HomeAdvisor’s shower page puts a walk-in shower at $1,200 to $8,000, while its bathroom remodel page cites an average of $14,300 for a new installation (HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does Shower Installation Cost? (Updated 2026-06-17); HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), Bathroom Remodel Cost (Updated 2026-06-17)). The low figures usually mean swapping a unit into an existing space; the high ones include tile, glass and moved plumbing. Compare quotes on the same scope, not the headline number.
What a Proper Build Includes
- A waterproof pan or liner under a tiled floor, sloped to the drain, often flood-tested before tile (City of Pleasanton, California, Building and Safety Division, Residential Bathroom Alteration Requirements (2026-01 (revision JLA 01.26))).
- A water-resistant wall finish at least 6 feet above the floor over approved backer board; a full waterproofing membrane on the walls is best practice and many backer makers require it.
- An exhaust fan of at least 50 cfm vented outdoors unless code allows a window instead (City of Boise, Planning and Development Services, IRC Code Handout Section R303: Light & Ventilation (#433) (2022-01)).
- A plumbing permit if the drain or valve moves (City of Benson, Arizona, Work not requiring a Permit, according to the 2024 IRC (undated handout quoting the 2024 IRC)).
How Long It Takes
HomeAdvisor puts a shower installation at 2 to 5 days (HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does Shower Installation Cost? (Updated 2026-06-17)). Tiled showers with a flood test and grout cure take longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a walk-in shower cost?
About $4,000 to $20,000, typically near $12,000 (This Old House, Walk-In Shower Cost (Updated 2026-10-07 (shown as 10/07/2026))).
Is a walk-in shower cheaper than a tub?
Not always. A basic prefab unit can be, but a tiled walk-in shower with glass usually costs more than a standard tub.
Does a walk-in shower need a door?
No. A fixed glass panel works when the shower is large enough to keep spray inside; the floor still has to slope to the drain.
Do I need a permit for a walk-in shower?
Usually when the drain, valve or wiring changes. Check with your building department (City of Benson, Arizona, Work not requiring a Permit, according to the 2024 IRC (undated handout quoting the 2024 IRC)).
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Sources
- This Old House, Walk-In Shower Cost (Updated 2026-10-07 (shown as 10/07/2026))
- HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), How Much Does Shower Installation Cost? (Updated 2026-06-17)
- HomeAdvisor (Angi Inc.), Bathroom Remodel Cost (Updated 2026-06-17)
- City of Pleasanton, California, Building and Safety Division, Residential Bathroom Alteration Requirements (2026-01 (revision JLA 01.26))
- City of Boise, Planning and Development Services, IRC Code Handout Section R303: Light & Ventilation (#433) (2022-01)
- City of Benson, Arizona, Work not requiring a Permit, according to the 2024 IRC (undated handout quoting the 2024 IRC)