Walk-In Shower vs. Bathtub: Which Adds More Value?

If you’re buying or designing a home, you may be wondering if a walk-in shower or a bathtub is better for usability and resale value. Should you go with one or the other, or instead install a shower/bath combo? Below, I’ll quickly break down a walk-in shower vs. bathtub comparison to help you decide and share which adds more value for your situation.

The short answer

Homes with only one bath: Keep a tub and shower combo. According to Realtor.com, you’ll appeal to the widest pool of buyers and protect your resale value with a combination shower/tub. This targets those with families, and pets and provides what they’re looking for, both options.

Homes with 2+ baths: Go with one luxury walk-in shower in the primary bath and one other bathtub somewhere else in the home is a solid choice for both livability and future resale value. Recent surveys of buyers from the NAHB show that having both a shower & tub in the primary bath is among the top bathroom desires. 

ROI During Home Sales: Having done a recent bathroom remodel boosts your home’s marketability more than they fully “pay for themselves.” You can expect to recoup about a range of 45% to 60% of the typical cost for bath remodels, depending on your current area’s market conditions and features, according to the JLC (Journal of Light Construction). They recommend you spend on the upgrade features that buyers actually notice, like a spacious shower, quality tile, and lighting.

What the market data says 

Buyers’ preferences

In the NAHB’s 2024 buyer research study, having both a shower & tub in the primary bath ranks among the most desired features you can add (with strong “essential/desirable” ratings). Translation: if you have room, having both is safest for your home’s long term resale value.

Trend studies show many renovators remove a tub to enlarge the shower, but that’s typically in homes that still have another tub in the house somewhere. Houzz’s 2024 Bathroom Trends (report) mentions that 79% of homeowners who removed a tub enlarged the shower. However, those who kept the bathtub reported that soaking tubs remain the most popular and sought-after type overall. 

Real-estate guidance continues to advise keeping at least one tub in the home for use by families with young kids, guests, and to appeal to a broader buyer base. 

Return on investment (national averages)

Here’s a quick look at the return on investment one can expect from remodeling the bathroom.

Midrange bath remodel: Expect to recoup about 48% to 60% of cost, depending on your local region/scope of project.

Upscale bath remodel: For higher-end jobs, one can look forward to a 45% cost recoup. To get the maximum amount for a luxury project, focus on addons that photograph well, look and feel spacious, and solve functional annoyances, like humidity, storage, and lighting issues.

When a walk-in shower adds more value

Choose a curbless or low-threshold walk-in shower inside the primary bath if you have another tub elsewhere. It’s also recommended if you want to emphasize “luxury” in your listing photos. In this case, you should add elements like frameless glass, larger tile, accessory niches, and upgraded faucet fixtures to boost the appeal. You may also want to improve accessibility & aging-in-place, which targets a broader range of potential buyers. To do this, install low threshold entries, benches, and handheld and sprayer heads. It makes sense to make your small bath feel bigger as an upgrade as well. Removing the tub often results in a wider shower, which opens up the floor plan and makes it more appealing.

Value-forward spec list for the shower:

• Aim for 42 to 48 in. of interior width, or more, with an integrated niche or shelf, and a bench or fold-down seat.
• Install quiet ventilation, dimmable lighting, and attractive, slip-resistant floor tile.
• Keep plumbing along the same wall if possible to help control costs.
• Upgrade your surfaces and fixtures first, instead of undergoing expensive reconfiguration of plumbing and remodeling.

When a bathtub adds more value

Keep or add a tub if you want to target the largest buyer pool, who is likely a family, and if the home only has one full bath. Especially pay attention to whether the neighborhood leans toward move-up buyers with kids.

The best all-around choice is a 60″ alcove tub/shower combination with a quality surround constructed from porcelain, ceramic tile, or solid surface. If space allows in a primary suite, go with a freestanding soaking tub (flat-bottom styles are popular) and a separate shower.

Bottom line

The best setup for resale value, which prioritizes your home’s marketability over total return on your investment for most U.S. markets is:

• For the Primary bath: Install a high-impact walk-in shower that looks and photographs beautifully.
• Somewhere in the home, add at least one tub.

This mix serves the most buyers and helps your listing stand out without concern of shrinking your potential buyer audience. 

How we know

• • 2025 Remodeling Impact Report, National Association of REALTORS®, April 9, 2025. National Association of REALTORS®
  • 2024 U.S. Bathroom Trends Study, Houzz (PDF), July 30, 2024. st.hzcdn.com
  • 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, Zonda/JLC & Remodeling Magazine (national ROI benchmarks for bath remodels). Journal of Light Construction
  • Buyer preference snapshots, NAHB blog summary of What Home Buyers Really Want (2024)—“both a shower & tub in the primary bath” rates highly. Eye On Housing