Data sources
These are the sources the bathroom remodel cost model is built from, and what each one contributes. Listing a source does not mean its publisher endorses EstimateAhead. We do not republish third party datasets; we use them to set and calibrate our own model values.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
The model uses the May 2025 occupational wage reference period for state and national median wages of plumbers, tile setters, electricians, carpenters and construction laborers. These build the state labor index that adjusts the labor portion of every item. National median wages used in the current model range from $47,120 to $63,800 a year across these trades.
U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities
Regional Price Parities by state
The model uses 2024 state Regional Price Parities (RPP), released in 2026. RPPs measure broad relative consumer price levels rather than contractor or materials quotes. They contribute to the state labor factor and set the smaller adjustment applied to the materials portion of each item.
Consumer installed cost guides
Consumer installed cost guides, particularly Angi, provide directional benchmarks for many components. Some items rely on broader proxy ranges or internal allowances rather than verified, identically scoped contractor quotes. Inclusion of demolition, cleanup and routine installation connections varies across providers:
- Bathroom remodel costs · flooring, wall tile, painting, plumbing, electrical, exhaust fan, layout, sink and faucet, and permit allowances
- Walk-in shower costs · tiled walk-in shower
- Shower installation costs · prefabricated shower, tub and shower combination, tub to shower conversion
- Bathtub replacement costs · bathtub replacement
- Vanity installation costs · single and double vanities
- Toilet installation costs · toilet replacement
- Bathroom demolition costs · demolition allowances by scope
JLC Cost vs. Value
Whole-project remodeling figures provide a broad scale cross-check, but individual JLC projects do not exactly match the calculator's selectable options. The small fixtures and incidental hardware allowances are internally modeled and have not been independently validated as itemized contractor charges.
Methodology and disclosure references
- Homewyse: how costs are calculated · consulted as a reference on component based installed cost estimating
- FTC Endorsement Guides: what people are asking · guidance followed for our affiliate disclosure
For how these inputs are combined, see the methodology.