How much does bathroom remodel cost in Chicago, IL?

Most Chicago homeowners spend between $7,400 – $43,300 on bathroom remodel, with an average around $14,200. Local labor prices 14% above the national average, so Chicago quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

Why is bathroom remodel more or less expensive in Chicago than elsewhere?

Chicago is a union-heavy market, so licensed trade labor prices well above average. Freeze-thaw, ice dams and lake-effect snow drive roofing and masonry spend.

Do I need a permit for bathroom remodel in Chicago, Illinois?

City permits, licensed-contractor registration and inspections are strictly enforced. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in Chicago?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Illinois contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Chicago market.

How much does a bathroom remodel cost?

$6,500 to $38,000 depending on size and scope, with most homeowners spending about $12,000 on a standard full bathroom.

What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?

Labor, at roughly 40% to 50% of the bill, followed by the shower or tub assembly. Moving plumbing is the single biggest cost multiplier.

Can I remodel a bathroom for $5,000?

Yes, as a cosmetic refresh: paint, new vanity, toilet, faucet, lighting, mirror and a reglazed tub while keeping the existing layout.

How long does a bathroom remodel take?

Two to three weeks for a standard pull-and-replace, four to eight weeks if the layout changes or custom glass and tile are involved.

Does a bathroom remodel add value?

A mid-range bathroom remodel typically returns 60% to 70% of its cost at resale; over-improving relative to the neighborhood returns much less.

Not for cosmetic work. You do need one to move plumbing or drain lines, add circuits, or change walls. Permits run $200 to $1,200.

Home/Cost guides/Bathroom Remodel/Chicago, IL

Chicago · Illinois

Bathroom Remodel cost in Chicago, IL

Chicago homeowners typically pay $7,400 – $43,300 for bathroom remodel. Local labor and materials price 14% above the national average.

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Chicago average

$14,200

Typical low

$7,400

Typical high

$43,300

Per square foot

$205 – $800

Sample ZIP

60601

What drives Chicago pricing

Local labor

Chicago is a union-heavy market, so licensed trade labor prices well above average.

Permits & code

City permits, licensed-contractor registration and inspections are strictly enforced.

Climate & conditions

Freeze-thaw, ice dams and lake-effect snow drive roofing and masonry spend.

Instant cost calculator

Adjust the inputs to see live pricing

Bathroom size50 square feet

Scope

Plumbing layout

Shower type

Home age

Estimated project cost

$9,738 – $14,013

Most homeowners pay around $11,875

Compare scope

Cost by material in Chicago

Installed Chicago pricing per square foot.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Acrylic tub and surround	$910 – $4,000	Fast install, easy to clean	Looks less custom than tile
Custom tile shower	$4,000 – $13,700	Fully custom, best resale look	Labor intensive, grout upkeep
Vanity with countertop	$685 – $5,150	Biggest visual change per dollar	Plumbing moves add cost
Tile flooring	$11 – $34	Waterproof and durable	Cold underfoot without heat mat
Luxury vinyl plank flooring	$6 – $16	Budget-friendly, warm, waterproof	Lower resale perception than tile
Quartz countertop	$68 – $135	Non-porous, no sealing	Costs more than cultured marble

Where the money goes in Chicago

A typical $14,200 Chicago project, broken down by line item.

Labor35% · $4,970
Tile, stone & flooring18% · $2,556
Fixtures & vanity18% · $2,556
Plumbing & electrical16% · $2,272
Cabinetry & counters8% · $1,136
Permits & disposal5% · $710

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on Chicago quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Tub-to-shower conversion

$4,000 – $10,300

Freestanding soaking tub

$1,350 – $6,850

Heated tile floor

Per square foot

$11 – $28

Double vanity upgrade

$1,350 – $5,700

Exhaust fan & venting

$285 – $1,050

Move plumbing stack

$1,150 – $5,700

Permit

$230 – $1,150

Ways to save in Chicago

Keep the toilet, tub and sink in their current locations — that single decision can save $3,000+.
Use a prefab shower base with tile walls instead of a fully custom mud-set pan.
Refinish the tub ($400–$700) instead of replacing it if the shell is sound.
Choose porcelain tile that mimics stone rather than natural marble.
Order fixtures early; back-ordered vanities are the #1 cause of stalled bathroom jobs.

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More Chicago research

Best bathroom remodel companies in Chicago Bathroom Remodel permits in Illinois Bathroom Remodel near me All Illinois prices

Bathroom Remodel cost near Chicago

Bathroom Remodel cost in Naperville, IL

$7,270 – $42,540

Bathroom Remodel cost in Aurora, IL

$6,881 – $40,261

Bathroom Remodel cost in Evanston, IL

$7,530 – $44,060

Bathroom Remodel cost in Schaumburg, IL

$7,075 – $41,401

Bathroom Remodel cost in Joliet, IL

$6,751 – $39,502

Bathroom Remodel cost in Elgin, IL

$6,816 – $39,882

More Illinois cities

Cicero Springfield Peoria Rockford Champaign

Other project costs in Chicago

Fence Installation in Chicago

$1,710 – $4,560

Roof Replacement in Chicago

$9,690 – $38,760

Kitchen Remodel in Chicago

$20,520 – $108,300

HVAC Replacement in Chicago

$6,270 – $20,520

Deck Building in Chicago

$5,016 – $13,680

Window Replacement in Chicago

$513 – $1,710

See every Chicago cost guide