Toilets last a long time, but eventually they will wear out. Whether you’re replacing an old toilet, removing broken one, or doing a complete bathroom renovation, there are 100’s of toilets to choose from.
But are their toilets that come at a budget price? You bet!
If you’re on a budget, there are a number of toilets that will give you good quality at an affordable price. To be clear, the best toilets on a budget will cost around $150. I’ll include a few toilets around $200 that are still reasonably priced.
Don’t be mistaken, the budget toilets I mention still come from high-quality brands like American Standard, Kohler, and Toto. At a $150 price point, you’ll be getting their base models, not their designer or modern options, however, if you want an affordable toilet you probably want the traditional look.
In the sections below, I’ll share the information you need to get started. I’ll cover the expected prices for buying and installing a new toilet and I’ll list the options to look for when buying a new toilet (surprising there are a lot of options).
Lastly, I’ll share the best toilet on a budget with a list of options between $150-200. Let’s get started.
Expected Price Range and Cost For Budget Toilet
Most people have no idea where to start or what to expect when buying and installing a new toilet. I’ll admit, it can be surprising to learn how much toilets cost – they aren’t cheap!
But it’s not just the cost of the toilet. Pipes and flooring may need to be adjusted, many toilets don’t come with a toilet seat (which is frustrating), and professional installation further increased the overall price.
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Tank and Bowl
At first, you’ll probably only consider 1 price, the cost of the toilet and bowl. Most traditional toilets come in 2 pieces; bowl and tank. There are two screws that connect the toilet.
The toilet’s description will list “1 piece” or “2 piece” so you know what you’re getting. 2 piece toilets are usually more affordable and there are more options. A 2 piece toilet will range from $150 to $400 dollars or more.
The cost will depend on the brand and style. Unique and modern toilets will cost more than traditional options.
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Seat
It’s tough to accept, but many toilets don’t come with a seat. Check the product description to see if your toilet includes the seat. A seat can be a significant cost if bought separately ($30-50).
If I were to buy a toilet on a budget I’d make sure to get a toilet that includes a seat. Seat options include plastic, wood, soft, slow-close, and bidets.
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Pipes, flooring
If you’re purchasing a toilet on a budget it’s probably a traditional-style toilet that fits with your existing pipe system.
If you’re remodeling or changing the position of the toilet in the bathroom you’ll need a plumber to adjust the pipes. This can be expensive but it won’t be a factor if you’re using a traditional toilet in the same location.
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Installation
The good news is that installing a toilet can be done on your own. It takes muscle, patience, and the ability to follow directions.
Most people, however, will choose to use a professional. The last thing you want in a leaking toilet, right? A plumber will ensure the job is done right and it takes 1-3 hours to install depending on how much prep work is required. It can cost between $100-300 to have a professional install a toilet.
If you’re on a budget I recommend prepping the area before the plumber arrives. It’s easy to turn off the water and remove the old toilet.
You can clean the area and purchase a new wax seal so it’s ready when the plumber arrives for installation. Unbox your new toilet and have it ready to go!
Options To Look For In A Budget Toilet
In addition to the toilet seat I mentioned above, there are a number of options to look for. If you’re on a budget it’s important to know the extra options available to you.
Some of the toilets on this list come with extra options while others don’t. Be aware of what you’re paying for!
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Elongated or Round
Did you know there are different size toilets?
Round toilets use a round toilet bowl. They are the “standard size” and may feel small to larger, taller individuals.
Many people prefer elongated toilet bowls, which offer more length and space while sitting.
When possible I opt for an elongated toilet bowl because it’s more comfortable, however, round toilets are usually better priced. Make sure you check the toilets on this list to know if they offer an elongated toilet for the same price as the round option.
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Is the seat included
I mentioned above that some toilets include the seat, while others don’t. I get annoyed at the added cost of a seat so I tend to prefer toilets that include the seat.
If you want a padded, wood, or bidet toilet seat you’ll likely need to make a separate purchase (seats that are included are simple, yet quality plastic). Check out my article on the best toilet seats.
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Are installation parts included (wax etc.)
Rarely will a wax ring be included with your toilet purchase. This will need to be done separately and the cost is minimal.
The rest of the installation parts will likely be included. If you’re having your toilet installed, a professional will likely come with extra materials but it’s always good to buy your own to avoid the cost the professional might charge.
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Dual flush
Is the toilet you’re buying a standard 1 flush toilet or a dual flush? For people on a budget, a dual flush toilet is a wise decision because the water-savings alone can pay for the cost of the new toilet in a few months.
In the list below I highlighted a dual flush option. It can reduce water consumption by as much as 70%, which translates to huge savings on your water bill. It’s also good for the environment!
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Water conservation
Do you support the green movement toward natural products and conservation? Then a water-saving toilet is something you should consider. A toilet that is WaterSense certified means it saves a lot of water.
Look for the WaterSense mark on the toilet or in the description. Dual flush toilets are usually WaterSense certified! Check out my article on dual flush toilets.
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Style and Colors
If you’re buying a toilet on a budget you’ll likely be okay with the traditional white porcelain toilet (why are toilets always white?). Some toilets have a variety of colors including beige, bone, white, and black).
At first glance, the models on this list may look identical but they aren’t. Notice the curves and the shape of the tank.
I prefer toilets with a full skirt around the base of the toilet but those are usually more expensive. Find a toilet on this list that matches your bathroom’s style.
Best Toilet On A Budget (6 Toilets Between $100-200)
#1 American Standard Colony, WaterSense Toilet (221DA.104.020)
You’ve likely heard of American Standard Toilets. They’re a well-known brand and one that budget-conscious shoppers will prefer because they offer quality products with a great warranty.
This toilet comes at a great price but has the features you’d expect in a toilet.
Highlights:
- Optional 10” or 12” rough-in (for installation)
- Optional 1.28 or 1.6 gallons per flush
- 2 piece
- WaterSense certified
- 3 color options
- Does not include toilet seat
- 2-year warranty / 1 year for seats
For the brand and price, you won’t find a better toilet. It’s affordable, but it will also save you money because it uses much less water than older model toilets (check colors and sizes on Amazon).
It’s not a flashy toilet but it still looks good for being a budget toilet. The color options are a nice touch and the WaterSense certification means it meets or exceeds the standards required by many U.S. States.
If you want the best bang for your buck, this is the toilet for you!
#2 American Standard H2Optimum Siphonic (288DA114.020)
Yet another inexpensive product from American Standard, it ranks as the number 2 option for the best budget toilet. Like the other toilets in this list, it is a 2 piece and there are a few main differences from the #1 ranked toilet.
One difference is its “ultra-efficient” water use (only 1.1 gallons per flush, which saves you more water). Another is the shape of the tank (more square). This option only comes in the 12” rough option and 1 color.
Highlights:
- California compliant + WaterSense
- 2 piece
- 12” rough-in
- 1 gallon per flush
- 15” rim height
- 1 color
- Round bowl
- Toilet seat not included
- Limited lifetime warranty on porcelain / 5 year on mechanical / 1 year on seat
Even though these toilets come from the same brand, this toilet’s warranty is a bit better than the #1 ranked toilet. Overall, this is a great toilet that will save money with water after it’s installed. It has a reasonable price point and the best warranty on our list (check American Standard H2O on Amazon).
Consider this budget toilet if you want to maximize the water-saving ability and if you want a toilet that lasts decades!
#3 American Standard Cadet w/ oversized 3” flush valve
Another American Standard toilet! Can you tell this company makes affordable toilets? The Cadet model provides another twist on the traditional white porcelain toilet.
It comes in at a price slightly above the #1 and #2 options. In my opinion, the other 2 are better options.
Highlights:
- 2 piece
- 28 gallons per flush
- 1 color
- Round bowl
- WaterSense
- 3” flush valve
- Seat not included
- Limited lifetime warranty on porcelain / 5 year on mechanical / 1 year on seat
What I like about this toilet is the design. There’s a thin connection between the tank and bowl and it gives it a thin, sleek look. This might be a good toilet for a small space or bathroom (check American Standard Cadet on Amazon).
The high-efficiency flush isn’t as good as the #2 ranked toilet but it still is WaterSense certified and only uses an average of 1.28 gallons per flush. Purchase this toilet and watch your water bill suddenly decrease.
#4 Kohler K-3977-0 Budget Friendly Toilet (1.6 gallons per flush)
Finally, another brand makes the list. Kohler is another legacy brand based out of the U.S. They are well known for their toilets but also make faucets and shower products. Chances are, you have a Kohler product in your home.
This toilet comes at a reasonable price under $200 and has many of the same great features you’ll find on similar toilets.
Highlights;
- 1 color
- 12” rough-in
- Round bowl, standard height
- 3 both installation (easy)
- Not WaterSense certified
- 6 gallons per flush
- No seat
- 1 year limited warranty
I like the look of this Kohler budget toilet, however, it’s very similar to the American Standard toilets mentioned above. What I don’t like about the toilet is the fact it’s not WaterSense certified (may not work with certain U.S. States). It also uses quite a bit of water for a newer model toilet (1.6 gallons per flush).
If you like this toilet but want the more efficient flushing options, consider buying a dual flush adapter separately (about $30). A dual flush adapter can be installed inside most tanks and will save a lot of money without having to change the entire toilet (check Kohler budget toilet on Amazon)!
Kohler is a good brand and this toilet is well-priced but I’d definitely choose the American Standard toilets over this option because it lacks the features I’d expect to see.
#5 Toto Entrada CST243EF-01 Small Budget Toilet
Of all the brands on this list, Toto might be my favorite. They’re one of the oldest toilet companies in the world and got their start in Japan.
The Japanese are known for their attention to detail and quality products – these toilets are no exception. Toto’s American division makes all their toilets right here in the U.S.A (check Toto Entrada toilet on Amazon).
Highlights:
- 2 piece
- Round
- Great company
- 12” rough-in
- 3” wide flush for extra water power
- Water efficient – 1.28 gallons per flush
- Seat not included
- Compact design
- 1 year limited warranty
The Entrada model is a smaller option so it works great in bathrooms with limited space. It has the certification for California Green and WaterSense (only uses 1.28 gallons per flush).
I like the look of the toilet and the brand, but it doesn’t offer anything that the American Standard toilets don’t offer. With this in mind, I’d stick to the other options on the list.
#6 American Standard H20 Dual Flush Toilet
Yes, I came back to an AS toilet. Even though this one cost just over $200 I had to include it because it offers the dual flush option at a reasonable price.
The other options, including the design, aren’t much different from the other toilets.
Highlights:
- Dual flush (buttons)
- WaterSense
- .92/1.28 gallons per flush
- 3 color options
- Seat not included
- Limited lifetime warranty on porcelain / 5 year on mechanical / 1 year on seat
This toilet might be over-budget since it’s the priciest option on the list, however, it is still reasonable and it will save you money on your water bill. If 200 bucks is reasonable, consider this toilet and remember you’ll still need to purchase a seat (check out the American Standard Dual Flush on Amazon)!
My Pick
My pick is the #2 option (American Standard H2Optimum Siphonic). It uses the least amount of water, which equals the most savings on your water bill. It has an awesome limited lifetime warranty too.
All of the toilets on this list have “no frills” and they don’t include the seat. As someone looking for the best toilet on a budget, it’s not about the look or design, rather, it’s more about the functionality of the toilet.
Conclusion
Looking for the best toilet on a budget? Hopefully, this article guides you in the right direction.
Buying a toilet doesn’t happen often because toilets last a long time. Occasionally you’ll need to replace an old toilet or renovate an old bathroom and a new toilet will be in order.
The problem with toilets is they can be expensive. Most toilets range in price from 200-400 dollars, but if you search carefully you can find options below $200.
The toilets I mentioned in this article range from $100-200. You’ll be surprised to learn that they come from well-respected companies like American Standard, Kohler, and Toto.
Buy a toilet from these companies and chances are it will last a lifetime. I like all the toilets on this list but especially like the #2 option because it saves the most water. If you’re on a budget you’ll want to save money on water too, right?
Thanks for reading another Toilet Travels article. I do my best to answer all questions related to toilets.