Cost to Bathtub to Shower Conversion in Chicago, IL (2026)
If you’re budgeting a bathtub to shower conversion in Chicago, most projects run $3,004-$12,015, 20% above the $5,500 national average. What moves that number most is usually one thing: Prefab Unit vs Custom Tile. On its own it can swing the cost by $800 - $10,000, so that’s the decision to slow down on before you sweat the smaller stuff.
Easiest place to save: Keep the drain in or near its current position - repositioning a shower drain adds $500-$2,000 depending on floor type
In the Midwest (where Chicago sits): Competitive contractor market keeps prices 10-18% below national average.
$3,004-$12,015 in Chicago
20% above the national average · 1.20x cost multiplier
In Chicago, a bathtub to shower conversion runs $3,004 to $12,015 on average - about 20% above what homeowners pay nationwide. The Midwest market's labor costs account for most of the gap, with material pricing and local permitting fees adding to the spread. Use the cost table below to compare budget, mid-range, and premium options side by side.
Cost Breakdown in Chicago
| Line Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per project | $1442 | $6608 | $21627 |
| Materials | $872 | $2,725 | $6,540 |
| Labor | $1,603 | $3,340 | $6,680 |
| Permits | $218 | $436 | $654 |
| Total | $2,693+22% vs. national avg | $6,501+20% vs. national avg | $13,874+20% vs. national avg |
Budget
Prefab shower unit, keep existing drain, new fixtures.
Mid-Range
Custom tile shower, new drain, glass doors, recessed niche.
Premium
Walk-in, frameless glass, custom tile, linear drain, bench.
Material Options
Material prices below are national averages; availability in Chicago may shift costs slightly.
| Material | Cost/Unit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Prefab Acrylic Surround | $400-$1,000 unit | Rentals, quick flips, budget conversionsLow cost, fast installation, seamless surface, no grout to clean |
| Custom Tile | $1,500-$6,000 for standard size (materials + setting) | Primary bathrooms, design-forward remodelsUnlimited design options, durable, increases home value |
| Cultured Marble | $800-$2,500 unit | Mid-range conversions where low maintenance is a priorityNon-porous (no grout), custom-cut to fit, durable and easy to clean |
| Frameless Glass Enclosure | $1,500-$4,500 installed | Mid-range to premium custom tile conversionsOpen, airy look; easy to clean; premium appearance |
| Sliding Glass Door | $400-$1,200 installed | Small bathrooms, budget conversionsAffordable, space-efficient (no swing clearance needed) |
Other Projects in Chicago
Chicago Estimate
Typical Range
$3,004-$12,015
vs. National Average
20% above national
Cost Multiplier
1.20x
Cost Per project
$1442-$21627
This 1.20x estimate prices Chicago labor from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025) and applies a lighter regional adjustment to materials and permits, which vary less by metro than labor does. Actual bids vary by contractor, project scope, and timing.
See national average costs →