Scraping wallpaper might not be your idea of fun, but there’s something deeply satisfying about planning a remodel. Whether you want to simply swap out a builder-grade vanity and cabinets or create a spa-like sanctuary with heated floors and a rainfall shower, one big question always pops up: How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom? 

The short answer: It depends. 

In this guide, we’ll break down how much a bathroom remodel is — from cozy powder rooms to sprawling full baths — and what influences those price tags. We’ll uncover average price ranges by bathroom size, renovation scope, and new fixtures, plus practical tips to help you save smartly. Let’s get into it so you can get back to your bathroom mood board. 

Understanding average bathroom remodel costs

When it comes to remodels, size matters. While the final cost depends on the exact fixtures and finishes you choose, the square footage of your bathroom can give you a good starting point for an estimate. 

Powder room remodel cost

A powder room (sometimes called a half bath) usually includes a toilet and sink. Typically, a renovation or remodel for this bathroom type costs between $2,000 and $10,000. 

At the lower end, you’re just covering cosmetic refreshes like a fresh coat of paint, a new bathroom mirror, and upgraded faucets or light fixtures. Swapping out the toilet, sink, or vanity, replacing the flooring or tile, and hiring a contractor to handle plumbing and demolition will push you closer to the $10,000 mark. 

5x7 bathroom remodel cost 

A small bathroom — usually around 5x7 feet — includes a toilet, sink, and shower or tub-shower combo. Whether it’s a small Jack and Jill or a shared bathroom in the hallway, remodeling typically costs between $3,500 and $20,000. 

On the lower end, you’re likely making surface updates like swapping a new vanity or upgrading new shower doors, shower heads, and towel racks. Moving up the scale, you might invest in custom storage solutions, replace the tub with a walk-in shower, or reconfigure the layout slightly to improve flow. 

10x10 bathroom remodel cost

Master bathrooms, or primary en suites, are typically the biggest and most customizable bathrooms in the home. Remodel costs usually range between $10,000 and $30,000, although high-end finishes and features can push a remodel above $50,000. 

On the more affordable side, you might update fixtures, install a new vanity and mirror, or refresh tiling. At the higher end, you’re looking at a large renovation full of luxury touches like a spacious contemporary walk-in shower with frameless doors and heated flooring, as well as replacing plumbing and electrical work. 

Since master bathroom remodels tend to involve more customized work and premium materials, hiring a skilled contractor is a smart move, although that will also push up the cost. 

Bathroom renovation cost by feature

Whether gut-renovating or replacing a few key fixtures, knowing the average cost of individual items helps you plan more strategically. Some upgrades — like a modern walk-in shower or custom vanity and mirror — pack visual impact but come with higher price tags. Others, like a new toilet or updated faucets, are small swaps that can freshen things up without breaking the bank. 

Here’s a look at the most common changes and their costs in a bathroom remodel.

Tubs and showers

Replacing a bathtub or shower can run anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000+ depending on the materials, features, and plumbing work. Showers and tubs aren’t DIY-friendly, so you’ll need to budget the cost of a contractor. 

On the low end, prefab units are the most affordable and easy to install, although they aren’t as durable and may go out of fashion in a few years. Mid-range functionally designed upgrades (like grout-free marble or solid surface shower panels) fall between the $3,500 to $7,000 range. Custom tile showers, upgraded shower heads, and built-in seating will push the price much higher. 

Sinks and faucets

A basic drop-in sink might cost $100 to $300, while a farmhouse or undermount option can range between $1,000 and $2,000. Factor in a few hundred dollars for installation, particularly if your plumbing needs adjustments. 

Cabinets and vanities

Vanities are the visual anchor of the bathroom — and tend to take up the most square footage. There’s an enormous range of prices, from $300 stock units to $10,000 custom cabinetry. 

Anticipate about $600 per unit as a starting point, adding more to the budget if you include dual sinks, built-in storage, or high-end materials. Likewise, installation and plumbing rerouting will add to your remodel estimate. 

Explore bathroom vanities on Onton

Flooring

On average, retiling an entire bathroom costs about $2,000, although this can dip as low as $500 and as high as $10,000. Expect to pay anywhere between $10 and $50 per square foot. The most affordable option is vinyl, which is both inexpensive to purchase and easy to install on your own. High-end materials like pebble, porcelain, and ceramic cost more and likely require a professional contractor. 

Toilets

Replacing a toilet can be surprisingly affordable. Standard models begin around $150 to $500, plus installation. High-efficiency or smart toilets with bidets, heated seats, and lighting can run well over $1,000. 

Shop for bathroom accessories on Onton

Average bathroom remodel cost by scope

The cost to redo a bathroom depends on the scope. A bathroom remodel isn’t always a total gut job — some bathrooms just need a few smart updates, while others call for a full-on demolition. 

Here’s how the numbers tend to break down. 

Full bathroom remodel

A full bathroom remodel means starting from scratch — new flooring, a reconfigured layout, updated plumbing and electrical, and brand-new fixtures from the toilet to the shower. This kind of top-to-bottom renovation costs anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 and beyond, depending on the size and finishes you choose. Custom work, layout changes, and hiring a licensed contractor all increase the budget. 

Partial bathroom renovation 

A partial renovation focuses on the most visible or outdated elements, like a new vanity, fresh tiles, or swapping a bathtub for a walk-in shower. Partial remodels keep the existing footprint and plumbing in place, which helps cut down on labor costs while still delivering a fresh look. These projects tend to cost about $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the upgrades. 

Minor renovation costs

If you’re happy with the bones of your bathroom and just want to freshen things up, a minor renovation can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000. These updates are mostly cosmetic, like changing the faucets, hardware, mirrors, or paint color. It’s the most budget-friendly way to boost function and appearance and can often be done yourself. 

Key factors that influence bathroom remodel costs

A few key variables can swing your budget dramatically, especially once you dig into the details. Beyond the obvious (like bathroom size and project scale), local labor rates or a tricky floorplan can quickly add an extra zero to your total. 

Keep the following in mind when budgeting for a bathroom refresh:

• Layout complexity: A large, open layout is generally easier to work with than a compact bathroom full of awkward nooks or odd angles. Odd shapes, sloped ceilings, or limited access can drive up labor hours and even require specialty materials or custom cuts for tile and flooring. 

• Scope of work: A remodel that sticks to surface-level changes will always be cheaper than one that involves plumbing, demolition, and permits. Scope can also include surprises that show up as the project evolves, like fixing water damage or bringing electrical up to code.

• Labor rates and local pricing: Where you live determines how far your money goes. In areas with a high cost of living, expect higher contractor and labor costs. Likewise, in hot markets where good contractors are in high demand, you may end up paying a premium just to get on someone’s schedule. 

Quick tips to save on bathroom remodel costs

Where there’s a will, there’s always a way to save money. Here are a few tips:

• Keep the layout as-is: Moving a toilet, shower, or sink means rerouting plumbing and electrical. That’s a fast track to burning through a small budget. 

• Refinish instead of replace: Reglazing a tub or repainting cabinets can give your bathroom a fresh look for a fraction of the cost of new fixtures. 

• Accessorize: Swapping out cabinet knobs, towel bars, and faucets can change the entire design aesthetic without breaking the bank. 

Design your bathroom remodel smarter with Onton

Worried about how your dream bathroom will impact your bank account? With Onton, you can set a specific price range when searching for items. Try prompts like “bohemian tub” or “wall-mounted toilet” and set your price to scope out options within your budget. 

Once you save your faves, use Onton’s Imagine tool to see how everything comes together. Upload a picture of your bathroom and play around with different fixtures and layouts. It’s an intuitive way to brainstorm a remodel.

Dream up your ideal bathroom aesthetic with Onton.