A full bathroom remodel in the Boston area runs from the high $20,000s for a midrange update of a standard bath to $80,000 and up for an upscale primary bath, based on the 2025 Cost vs. Value report. Here is what each level includes and what drives your own number.
Key points
- In the 2025 Cost vs. Value report, a midrange remodel of a 5x7-foot bathroom averaged $27,681 in Boston.
- An upscale remodel that grows the bath to 100 square feet inside the existing footprint averaged $84,165.
- A universal design remodel, with a level-entry shower and an accessible vanity, averaged $43,256.
- Layout changes, tile, the shower, cabinetry and radiant heat are what move a bathroom from one level to the next.
Bathroom remodel cost in Boston: the 2025 numbers
Cost vs. Value, published by the Journal of Light Construction, prices the same projects in 119 U.S. markets. Its 2025 edition, the most recent, has a Boston report with New England and national figures beside it.
| Project | Boston | New England | National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midrange bath remodel | $27,681 | $27,559 | $26,138 |
| Universal design bath remodel | $43,256 | $43,119 | $42,183 |
| Upscale bath remodel | $84,165 | $83,877 | $81,612 |
What each level includes
The report describes exactly what it prices, which makes it easier to compare with your own plans.
- Midrange: an update of an existing 5x7-foot bathroom with a new 30x60-inch tub, ceramic tile surround, standard toilet, solid-surface vanity top with integral sink, recessed medicine cabinet and ceramic tile floor.
- Universal design: the same 5x7-foot space made wheelchair-accessible, with a level-entry shower and fold-out seat in place of the tub, a comfort-height toilet, an accessible vanity and a luxury vinyl tile floor over radiant heat.
- Upscale: a 35-square-foot bath expanded to 100 square feet within the existing footprint, with a frameless glass tile shower, a freestanding soaker tub, a stone counter with two sinks, custom cabinetry and in-floor heat.
What moves the price of your bathroom
Most of the difference between a $28,000 bath and an $84,000 one comes from a few decisions you make early.
- Layout: keeping the toilet, tub or shower and sink where they are costs less than moving plumbing.
- The shower: a tiled walk-in shower with glass costs more than a tub with a tile surround.
- Tile and finishes: how much wall gets tiled, and with what, adds up quickly.
- Cabinetry and counters: stock vanities cost less than custom cabinetry and stone tops.
- Comfort features: in-floor heat, better ventilation and lighting add cost and are easiest to add during a full remodel.
Questions about this topic
What is the average bathroom remodel cost near Boston?
In the 2025 Cost vs. Value report, a midrange remodel of a 5x7-foot bathroom averaged $27,681 in Boston, and an upscale one averaged $84,165. Your own cost depends on size, layout and finishes.
Does a bathroom remodel pay off at resale?
Partly. In Boston, the midrange remodel recouped 65.3% of its cost at resale in 2025 and the upscale remodel 34.5%. Most people remodel for how they will use the room, not only for resale.
How do I get a cost estimate for my bathroom?
Contact RFS Builders for a free estimate. We look at the room, talk through your style and how you use the space, and price the remodel from there.
Bathroom Remodeling from RFS Builders
Whether you want a modern look or a classic feel, we design each bathroom around your style and the way you use it, with top-quality materials and guidance on every detail.
Sources
- Cost vs. Value 2025, Boston, MA (with New England and national figures), Journal of Light Construction
- Cost vs. Value 2025: Bath Remodel, Midrange, project description, Journal of Light Construction, June 20, 2025
- Cost vs. Value 2025: Bath Remodel, Universal Design, project description, Journal of Light Construction, June 21, 2025
- Cost vs. Value 2025: Bath Remodel, Upscale, project description, Journal of Light Construction, June 20, 2025