Quick answer: Most U.S. homeowners pay roughly $5,500 to $15,000 for a complete residential drilled well, or about $25 to $65 per foot when the price includes casing, pump, wiring and finishing. Simple, shallow wells in soft ground can cost under $5,000, while deep rock wells, remote sites and wells that need treatment can pass $25,000 to $40,000. Depth is the biggest factor, and you usually will not know it exactly until the rig is drilling. Get at least three written quotes that state the per-foot rate, the estimated depth and a not-to-exceed figure.
In this guide
- Typical well drilling costs at a glance
- Cost per foot: what is included (and what is not)
- Cost by well type
- What drives the price
- Cost by region and state
- Costs beyond drilling
- Three realistic cost examples
- How drillers price the job (and how to protect yourself)
- How to estimate your well depth
- Ways to lower the cost
- Ongoing costs of owning a well
- Financing and assistance
- Red flags when hiring a driller
- FAQ
1. Typical Well Drilling Costs at a Glance
Published cost guides vary widely, because they mix different well depths, regions and definitions of “complete.” The ranges below reflect the common overlap among 2026 cost guides and should be treated as planning figures, not quotes.
| Item | Typical range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Complete residential drilled well (drilling, casing, pump, tank, basic hookup) | $5,500 – $15,000 | Many projects fall in the middle of this range |
| Total range seen in the field | $4,000 – $25,000+ | Shallow soft-ground wells at the bottom; deep or difficult sites at the top and beyond |
| Per-foot price, all-in | $25 – $65 per foot | Includes the borehole and typical installed components |
| Drilling only (borehole) | Often $15 – $40 per foot | Hard rock and larger diameters cost more |
| Well casing | $10 – $50 per foot | Steel costs more than PVC; depth of casing varies by site |
| Pump and pressure tank | $600 – $3,500+ | Depends on depth, flow and horsepower |
| Permits, testing and inspection | $200 – $1,800 | Varies by state and county |
| Electrical trenching and water line | $500 – $4,000+ | Depends on distance to the house |
How to read this: A 200-foot well at a total installed rate of $30 to $50 per foot comes to $6,000 to $10,000 before extras. A 400-foot well at the same rates is $12,000 to $20,000, and it also needs a stronger pump.
2. Cost Per Foot: What Is Included (and What Is Not)
The most common source of confusion is that “cost per foot” can mean very different things.
- Drilling only: Rig time, labor, drill bits and the borehole itself. This rate is lower, and you pay separately for casing, pump and the rest.
- Drilling plus casing and grout: Pipe set in the hole and sealed so surface water cannot run down.
- Fully installed (“all-in”): Borehole, casing, well screen if needed, pump, wiring, pitless adapter, pressure tank, hookup and cleanup.
Always ask a driller: Does your per-foot price include the casing, the pump and the pressure tank? What happens if we hit bedrock? What if the hole is a dry hole?
When comparing quotes, convert them into one comparable number: the total expected installed price at the estimated depth. A lower per-foot rate can end up more expensive if everything else is billed on top.
3. Cost by Well Type
| Well type | How it is made | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drilled well | Rotary or percussion rig drills a narrow borehole, set with casing | $5,500 – $15,000+ for most homes | The standard modern well; protected from surface contamination when built correctly |
| Driven well (sand point) | A pipe with a screened tip is driven into shallow sand or gravel | Often about $1,500 – $4,000 | Only works where the water table is shallow and soils are soft; more vulnerable to contamination |
| Dug well | Excavated by hand or machine, lined with stone or concrete | Varies widely | Shallow, large diameter, high contamination risk, and often not accepted by lenders |
| Artesian well | Taps a confined aquifer under natural pressure | Roughly $30 – $85 per foot | Water may rise on its own; deeper and more specialized |
| Re-drilling or deepening an existing well | Extends or replaces a failing well | Roughly $35 – $85 per foot | Often chosen when a well runs dry or fails |
| Hydrofracturing an existing bedrock well | High-pressure water opens fractures to increase yield | Often $1,500 – $5,000+ | See our guide on hydrofracking a well |
4. What Drives the Price
1. Depth
Depth to a reliable aquifer sets both the number of feet you pay for and the pump you need. Water can be at 50 feet on one lot and at 500 feet a mile away.
2. Geology
- Soft soil, sand and gravel: Faster drilling, cheaper per foot, but may need a well screen.
- Clay and glacial till: Moderate difficulty.
- Hard bedrock (granite, basalt, quartzite): Slower drilling, more bit wear and fuel, higher per-foot prices.
3. Casing depth and material
Casing must extend through loose soil and into solid rock in most states, and local codes set minimum depths. More casing means more cost.
4. Well diameter
Most residential wells are 6 inches in diameter. Larger sizes for irrigation or high-yield wells cost more.
5. Yield target (gallons per minute)
A household typically needs a reliable few gallons per minute, plus storage. If the first hole produces too little, the driller may need to drill deeper or hydrofracture it.
6. Site access
Steep slopes, tight trees, wet ground and long driveways raise mobilization costs. A remote property can add a fee for moving a rig.
7. Pump and equipment
Deeper wells need higher-horsepower submersible pumps, longer drop pipe and more wire, all of which add cost.
8. Permits, regulations and testing
Some states require licensed drillers, permits, inspections, grouting standards and water tests. Costs and rules differ by county.
9. Local labor and fuel costs
Prices follow the local market. Busy seasons (late spring through fall) and scarce rigs can raise prices and lengthen wait times.
10. Treatment needs
If tests show iron, hardness, bacteria, arsenic or other issues, add treatment equipment. See our guide on well water treatment systems.
5. Cost by Region and State
Costs differ a lot between states because geology, depth, permitting and labor differ. Instead of a single “average by state” number, which can be misleading, use the regional pattern below to judge whether a quote looks reasonable, and then compare it with local quotes.
| Region (example states) | Typical well character | Typical cost pattern |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast (ME, NH, VT, MA, CT, NY, PA) | Mostly bedrock wells; often 150 to 500 ft | Mid to high per-foot rates; permits and testing add cost |
| Mid-Atlantic and Southeast coastal plain (NJ, DE, MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, FL) | Sand and limestone aquifers; often 50 to 300 ft | Generally lower to mid; iron and sulfur treatment is common |
| Appalachia and Piedmont (WV, KY, TN, western NC) | Hard-rock wells; 150 to 400 ft | Mid to high; yield can be unpredictable |
| Midwest and Great Plains (OH, IN, IL, IA, MO, KS, NE) | Glacial deposits and limestone; often 50 to 300 ft, deeper in some areas | Low to mid in many areas |
| South Central (TX, OK, AR, LA, MS, AL) | Highly variable; 100 to 600+ ft | Wide range; Texas has large differences by region |
| Mountain West and Southwest (CO, UT, NM, AZ, NV, ID, MT, WY) | Often deep wells; 300 to 800+ ft | High totals because of depth and rock |
| Pacific Northwest (WA, OR) | Variable; 100 to 400 ft | Mid to high |
| California and Hawaii | Often deep; strict permits | Typically the highest totals |
How to use this table: Find your region, then compare the depth and price pattern with your quote. If a driller quotes far above or below what neighbors paid for similar wells, ask why.
Where to find local numbers: Contact your state well drillers’ association, state geological survey or county health department. Many states keep public well log databases showing depth, yield and drilling date for nearby wells, which is the best predictor of both depth and cost.
6. Costs Beyond Drilling
| Extra cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Permit and inspection | $100 – $1,000 |
| Well testing and disinfection | $150 – $1,000 |
| Water treatment (softener, iron filter, UV, RO) | $500 – $5,000+ |
| Trenching for power and water line | $500 – $4,000+ |
| Pressure tank upgrade or constant-pressure system | $300 – $2,500 |
| Electrical work (breaker, disconnect, wiring) | $200 – $1,500 |
| Site clearing and access | $300 – $3,000+ |
| Abandoning and sealing an old well (if required) | $500 – $3,000+ |
| Surprises (extra casing, hydrofracturing, deeper pump) | Often 5 to 15 percent of the budget |
See our guides on well pressure tank costs and well water testing.
7. Three Realistic Cost Examples
These are illustrative scenarios, not quotes. They show how depth, geology and add-ons combine.
Example A: Shallow well in sandy soil (about 120 ft)
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Drilling and casing, 120 ft at $30–$45 | $3,600 – $5,400 |
| Pump, tank and hookup | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| Permit, testing and disinfection | $400 – $900 |
| Estimated total | $6,000 – $9,800 |
Example B: Bedrock well (about 280 ft)
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Drilling and casing, 280 ft at $30–$50 | $8,400 – $14,000 |
| Pump, tank, trenching and wiring | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Permit, testing and disinfection | $500 – $1,200 |
| Estimated total | $11,400 – $19,200 |
Example C: Deep rock well with treatment (about 500 ft)
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Drilling and casing, 500 ft at $35–$60 | $17,500 – $30,000 |
| Higher-horsepower pump and long drop pipe | $3,000 – $5,500 |
| Treatment (iron filter, softener or UV) | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Estimated total | $22,000 – $40,500 |
8. How Drillers Price the Job (and How to Protect Yourself)
Common pricing structures
- Per-foot pricing: You pay for each foot drilled. Flexible, but the final bill depends on depth.
- Fixed-price or turnkey: One price for a specified depth, with extra footage billed at a stated rate. Gives more certainty, but check what is excluded.
- Time and materials: Less common for new wells.
Get these items in writing
- The per-foot rate and what it covers (casing, grouting, pump, tank, wiring).
- The estimated depth and the basis for it (nearby well logs).
- A not-to-exceed amount, or a clear process for approving extra depth.
- What happens with a dry or low-yield hole: Do you pay for the drilled footage? Is there a re-drilling credit?
- Casing and grouting specifications that meet your state code.
- Who pulls the permit and files the well log.
- The license number, insurance and any warranty on workmanship and equipment.
- A minimum yield (GPM) you expect, and the cost of hydrofracturing if the well falls short.
After drilling, ask for a copy of the well log and the pump and equipment specifications. You will need them for future service.
9. How to Estimate Your Well Depth
- Look up your state’s well log database (often run by the geological survey or the department of natural resources or environment). Search for wells within a mile of your property.
- Ask neighbors about their well depth, yield, drilling date and cost.
- Call two or three local drillers. They know the aquifers and typical depths for your area.
- Note the geology. Bedrock near the surface usually means deeper, harder drilling.
- Consider a hydrogeologist for difficult sites or high-demand uses such as irrigation.
Be cautious about anyone promising a guaranteed depth or water before drilling. Nobody can know exactly what is underground.
10. Ways to Lower the Cost
- Get three or more written quotes and compare on the same scope.
- Choose the right size. A household does not need an irrigation-grade well or an oversized pump.
- Prepare the site. Clear access and provide a flat working area to reduce rig time.
- Do the trenching yourself where local rules allow, but have a licensed professional connect the electrical and well components.
- Schedule in the off-season, when drillers are less busy, if your situation allows.
- Drill before you build, so a rig can reach the site easily.
- Ask about bundled pricing for drilling, pump and treatment.
- Do not cut corners on casing, grouting or sealing. A cheap well that gets contaminated costs more over time.
11. Ongoing Costs of Owning a Well
| Ongoing cost | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Annual water testing | $50 – $200 for a basic panel; more for a broad one |
| Electricity for the pump | A few dollars to around $20 a month for most households |
| Basic professional inspection | Every few years, often $100 – $300 |
| Filter, salt and cartridge replacements | $100 – $1,000 a year depending on treatment equipment |
| Pump replacement | Roughly every 8 to 15 years; see our pump replacement cost guide |
| Pressure tank replacement | Roughly every 10 to 15 years |
A private well has no monthly water bill, and over decades this often offsets part of the upfront cost compared with municipal water. See our guide: Is Well Water Cheaper Than City Water?
12. Financing and Assistance
- Home equity loan or line of credit, or a personal loan.
- Contractor financing offered by some drilling companies.
- Construction or renovation loans when building a new home.
- Government programs: The USDA Rural Development home repair loans and grants, and some state and local programs, may help eligible low-income or older homeowners with well repair or replacement. Programs, income limits and funding change, so check current rules.
See our guide: Grants and Loans for Well Repair and Replacement.
13. Red Flags When Hiring a Driller
- No state license, or reluctance to show a license number.
- No written estimate, or a price that is unusually low.
- Pressure to sign immediately or pay all costs upfront.
- Vague answers about casing, grouting and sealing.
- Promises that water is guaranteed or that the well will “never” run dry.
- No insurance or workers’ compensation.
- No plan to file the well log and permits as required.
- Unwillingness to provide references or recent local jobs.
14. FAQ
What is the average cost to drill a residential well?
A complete residential drilled well commonly falls between about $5,500 and $15,000, with an all-in rate of roughly $25 to $65 per foot. Costs can be lower in shallow, soft ground and much higher for deep or hard-rock wells.
Why do wells cost more in some states?
Deeper water, harder rock, strict permitting and higher labor and fuel costs push prices up. Mountain, Southwest and coastal California locations tend to be on the higher end, while shallow sandy or glacial areas are often cheaper.
Does the per-foot price include the pump?
Not always. A drilling-only price excludes casing, pump, tank and wiring. Ask for a total installed price.
How long does it take to drill a well?
Drilling often takes one to three days once the rig arrives, but scheduling, permitting, trenching and equipment installation can add days or weeks.
What if the driller doesn’t find water?
That depends on your agreement. Many drillers charge for the footage drilled, even if the hole is dry, so discuss the policy and options (re-drill, deepen, hydrofracture) before signing.
Is a well cheaper than hooking up to city water?
It depends. Where a municipal line is available, connection fees can be lower than drilling a well, but in some areas tap and extension fees can be very high. Over the long term, a well has no monthly water bill but does have maintenance costs.
Do I need a permit to drill a well?
Most states and many counties require permits and licensed drillers. See our guide: Do You Need a Permit to Drill a Well? Rules by State.
How deep should a well be?
It should reach a reliable aquifer with enough yield, and it varies by location. Your state’s well logs and a local driller are the best sources.
Related Guides
- How Deep Is the Average Water Well?
- Drilled vs. Dug vs. Driven Wells: Differences and Costs
- Well Pump Replacement Cost in 2026 (By Pump Type and Depth)
- Well Pressure Tank Replacement Cost (and When to Replace)
- Hydrofracking a Well: Cost, Process and Results
- Do You Need a Permit to Drill a Well? Rules by State
- Grants and Loans for Well Repair and Replacement
- Is Well Water Cheaper Than City Water? Full Cost Breakdown
Sources
- Aggregated 2026 well-drilling cost guides (national per-foot and total-installation ranges)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Private Drinking Water Wells
- National Ground Water Association: Well owner resources
- State geological surveys and state well driller associations (well logs and licensing rules)
- USDA Rural Development: Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants
Disclaimer: Costs in this article are approximate planning ranges based on published 2026 estimates and vary by location, depth, geology and contractor. They are not quotes. Always obtain written estimates from licensed local well drillers, and confirm current permit and licensing rules with your state or county.