Basic
$15 – $39 per sq ft
Glossy white 3x6 in ceramic subway tile in an offset pattern, white grout, plain cut edges caulked at the counter
How Much Does Subway Tile Backsplash Cost in Chicago, Illinois?
Ceramic or porcelain subway tile kitchen backsplash installed in a straight or offset pattern with thinset, grout and outlet cuts, per square foot of backsplash.
Subway Tile Backsplash in Chicago, Illinois typically costs $17 to $46 per sq ft as of 2026. Prices reflect local labor and material rates. Use our calculator below for a detailed, ZIP-code-adjusted estimate.
Subway Tile Backsplash in Chicago, Illinois
$17 – $46
per sq ftPrices in Chicago are 19.0% higher than the national average for subway tile backsplash.
National average: $15 – $40 per sq ft
What you get at each price level
Standard
$17 – $46 per sq ft
3x6 in beveled ceramic subway tile, offset pattern, contrasting grout, bullnose edge trim
Premium
$22 – $58 per sq ft
3x12 in glazed porcelain subway tile in a herringbone pattern, slim metal edge trim
Cost Breakdown in Chicago
| Component | Category | Price Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | material | $7.22 – $19 | sq ft |
| Labor | labor | $6.83 – $18 | sq ft |
| Supplies & Other | supplies | $1.93 – $5.14 | sq ft |
| Equipment & Disposal | equipment | $1.28 – $3.42 | sq ft |
Prices adjusted for Chicago local market conditions.
Design styles
See how subway tile backsplash looks in each style, with photos of real projects by working designers.
Chicago style: Greystone traditional and industrial loft
Chicago's housing stock sets the style: greystones and two-flats call for traditional millwork, while converted lofts in Bucktown and the West Loop call for exposed brick, steel and open plan. Prairie School detail and mid-century bungalows are the third reference.
Work by Chicago designers first, then the styles Chicago draws from.
Built fromMid-Century Modern
Scandinavian kitchen
Photo: Studio Novo · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Angela Rennie Design · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Jennifer Taylor Design · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Jo Lyle & Co. · Profile
Traditional bathroom: Modern Glamour Bath
Photo: Kaelyn Schmidt Design
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Studio Catherine Rose · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Studio Palindrome · Profile
Traditional bathroom
Photo: Studio Steidley · Profile
Traditional kitchen
Photo: Cabana Home · Profile
Cost Factors in Chicago, Illinois
What Affects Pricing
- Materials ($6.75-$18.00 per square foot)
- Labor ($5.25-$14.00 per square foot)
- Supplies & Other ($1.80-$4.80 per square foot)
- Equipment & Disposal ($1.20-$3.20 per square foot)
Local Price Adjustments
Material costs7.0% above avg
Labor costs30.0% above avg
Labor costs in Chicago run proportionally higher than materials, which may favor material-heavy solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
References
- Primary source data for this cost guide, trustpatrick.com/feeds/blog/backsplash-tile-installation-cost
- Construction wages by metro and rural area, used for the labor adjustment by ZIP code, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- Regional price parities for goods, used for the materials adjustment by ZIP code, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2024
Get Free Estimates in Chicago
Connect with local subway tile backsplash contractors in Chicago for personalized quotes based on your specific project.