How much does a bathroom remodel cost in Chicago, IL?

The average bathroom remodel in Chicago, IL costs $24,746 in 2026. Costs range from $8,249 for a basic project to $68,738 for a high-end renovation. Chicago is 37% more expensive than the national average of $18,000.

What is the labor rate for contractors in Chicago?

The average contractor labor rate in Chicago, IL is $44.35/hour, compared to the national average of $30/hour. For a bathroom remodel, labor typically accounts for 45% of the total cost, which is approximately $11,136 in Chicago.

Are materials more expensive in Chicago?

Chicago has a material cost index of 129 (national average = 100). Materials cost about 29% more than the national average. For a bathroom remodel, materials account for 55% of the cost, approximately $13,610.

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

Yes, a bathroom remodel typically requires building permits in Chicago, IL. The average permit cost in Chicago is $1,503. Always confirm requirements with the Chicago building department before starting work.

Is a bathroom remodel a good investment in Chicago?

A bathroom remodel provides an estimated 68% ROI nationally. In Chicago, where the median home price is $238,022, this project costs about 10.4% of your home value. This is a moderate investment relative to home value — focus on features that appeal to buyers in the local market.

Bathroom Remodel in Chicago, IL — Costs $8,249 to $68,738

What does bathroom remodel cost in Chicago? Average $24,746, ranging $8,249–$68,738. Labor runs $44.35/hr locally — 37% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Chicago, IL Market

+37% vs national

Labor Rate

$44.35/hr

Material Index

129

Avg Permit Cost

$1,503

Median Home Price

$238,022

As one of the largest metros in Illinois, Chicago has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. At 37% above the national average, Chicago is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. At a median home price of $238,022, homeowners in Chicago should weigh the project cost (10.4% of home value) carefully against expected returns to avoid over-improving for the local market.

Low Estimate

$8,249

National: $6,000

Mid-Range

$24,746

National: $18,000

High End

$68,738

National: $50,000

Per Sq Ft

$165

National: $120

Duration: 2-4 weeks

DIY: Medium

Permits: Required

ROI: 68%

Bathroom Remodel Cost Calculator for Chicago

Adjusted for Chicago's labor rate ($44.35/hr) and material costs (index 129).

Project Size: 200 sq ft

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Quality Level

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total in Chicago

$24,746

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Chicago market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (45%)$11,136

At Chicago's average rate of $44.35/hr (48% above national avg)

Materials (55%)$13,610

Material cost index 129 (29% above national baseline of 100)

Bathroom Remodel vs. Home Value in Chicago

Metric	Chicago	National Avg
Bathroom Remodel (Mid-Range)	$24,746	$18,000
Median Home Price	$238,022	$350,000
Project as % of Home Value	10.4%	5.1%
Estimated ROI	68%	68%
Median Household Income	$65,469	$75,000

What Affects the Price in Chicago

1Local labor rates ($44.35/hr in Chicago)
2Material cost index (129 vs national 100)
3Bathroom size
4Fixture quality
5Tile selection
6Plumbing relocation

Popular Upgrades

Walk-in shower
Heated floors
Double vanity

Other Projects in Chicago, IL

Bathroom Addition

$62,711

HardROI 58%

Kitchen Remodel

$57,344

HardROI 72%

Master Bathroom Remodel

$38,493

HardROI 65%

Mudroom Addition

$20,763

HardROI 55%

Second Story Addition

$276,833

HardROI 60%

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Construction

$207,625

HardROI 80%

Room Addition

$124,575

HardROI 55%

Home Addition

$109,980

MediumROI 60%

Bathroom Remodel in Other Illinois Cities

Aurora, IL

$20,447

-17%Pop. 180,542

Joliet, IL

$19,482

-21%Pop. 150,362

Naperville, IL

$22,204

-10%Pop. 149,540

Rockford, IL

$19,321

-22%Pop. 148,655

Elgin, IL

$21,849

-12%Pop. 114,797

Springfield, IL

$22,016

-11%Pop. 114,394

Peoria, IL

$21,153

-15%Pop. 113,150

Waukegan, IL

$19,031

-23%Pop. 89,078

Planning a Bathroom Remodel in Chicago

Building permits are typically required for a bathroom remodel in Chicago. The average permit fee in this area is $1,503, though costs vary based on project scope. Permit fees in this market are above average — factor them into your total budget. Plan for 2-4 weeks from start to finish.

A bathroom remodel is a complex project best left to licensed professionals. In Chicago, skilled contractors charge an average of $44.35/hr, and the specialized nature of this work means cutting corners on labor can lead to costly rework.

For the median Chicago household earning $65,469/year, this project at $24,746 represents a significant investment. Consider financing options or phasing the work to spread costs over time.

Bathroom Remodel — National Guide

See the full national cost guide with DIY tips, cost factors, and ROI analysis.

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