2026 Bathroom Cost Guide:
Minneapolis Edition

Updated for the Twin Cities Market • January 2026

2026 Bathroom Cost Guide: Minneapolis Edition

So, you’ve finally decided to do it. You’ve stared at that cracked seafoam green tile from 1954 long enough. You’ve accepted that the "charming" pedestal sink in your South Minneapolis bungalow offers zero storage for your skincare routine. And frankly, after another legendary Minnesota winter, the idea of a heated floor sounds less like a luxury and more like a human right.

Welcome to the 2026 Bathroom Remodel Guide. If you’re living in the Twin Cities, you know our homes have character (read: old pipes) and our weather is relentless. Here is what it actually costs to turn your bathroom into a sanctuary in 2026, from the North Loop lofts to the classic Victorians of Summit Avenue.

Modern Minimalist Bathroom
Modern Minneapolis bathrooms in 2026 prioritize clean lines and high-efficiency fixtures.

The Reality Check: 2026 Pricing Tiers

In 2026, the supply chain has smoothed out, but skilled labor in Minnesota remains at a premium. Here is how the investment breaks down:

1. The "Fresh Paint & Porcelain" (Cosmetic Refresh)

Price Range: $18,000 – $28,000

This is for the homeowner who likes their layout but hates their style. You’re looking at a new vanity, upgraded lighting, a modern toilet, and perhaps a professional tile reglazing.

2. The "Full Rip-and-Replace" (Mid-Range)

Price Range: $35,000 – $60,000

This is a total gut job. You get a walk-in tiled shower with a glass enclosure, a double vanity with quartz countertops, and high-end matte black or champagne bronze fixtures.

3. The "Linden Hills Luxury" (High-End/Expansion)

Price Range: $75,000 – $130,000+

We’re talking "wet rooms" (a shower and freestanding tub behind a single glass wall), heated floors, custom cabinetry, and steam shower capabilities.

Luxury Spa Bathroom with Freestanding Tub
The "Wet Room" layout is the most requested luxury feature for Twin Cities homeowners this year.

Insider Knowledge: Twin Cities Secrets

To save you money and headaches, here’s the "insider" scoop that local contractors usually wait until the second meeting to tell you:

The "Exterior Wall" Curse: In Minnesota, never put your plumbing on an exterior wall. If you’re remodeling a 1920s home, moving pipes to an interior wall might cost an extra $2,000, but it will save you $20,000 in water damage when we hit a -20°F polar vortex in January.
The "Toilet Tax": Want to move your toilet three feet to the left? In a Minneapolis basement or a second-story Victorian, that move can cost $4,000–$7,000 alone due to re-coring concrete or cutting load-bearing joists. Keep the "wet" fixtures where they are to save a fortune.

What’s Trending in the Cities for 2026?

  • Biophilic Design: Minnesotans crave green in the winter. We're seeing a surge in skylights and forest green cabinetry.
  • Zero-Entry Showers: Sleek, trip-free, and perfect for "aging in place."
  • High-Tech Toilets: Japanese-style bidet toilets are now a resale necessity in the local market.
Bathroom with plants and natural wood
Biophilic design: Bringing the nature we miss during MN winters inside.

ROI: Is It Worth It?

In the 2026 Twin Cities real estate market, a bathroom remodel remains one of the highest-return investments. On average, you can expect to recoup 62% to 70% of the cost in immediate home value. More importantly, it’s often the difference between a house sitting for 60 days or selling in a weekend.