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How Much Does Well Drilling Cost? (2026 Guide)

Per foot: $25–$65. Avg depth 100–400 ft. Pump: $1K–$2K extra.

Updated Mar 2026Home & Energy$5K–$10K
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Well Drilling Costs

TypeCostDetails
Shallow well (under 50 ft)$3,000–$5,000Simple, low cost
Standard well (50-150 ft)$5,000–$12,000Most residential
Deep well (150-400 ft)$12,000–$25,000Rock, deep water table
Well pump installation$1,000–$3,000Submersible pump
Water treatment system$500–$3,000Filtration, softener
Annual maintenance$100–$300/yrTest + inspect
How Costs Compare
14%
23%
52%
Shallow well (under 50 ft 14%
Standard well (50-150 ft) 23%
Deep well (150-400 ft) 52%
Well pump installation 5%
Water treatment system 3%
Annual maintenance 3%

Pro Tips

Get 3+ quotes — well drilling prices vary wildly — The same well can be quoted at $5,000 by one driller and $15,000 by another. Pricing depends on their equipment, workload, and drilling method
Per-foot pricing is standard: $15-$60/ft — Shallow/soft ground: $15-$30/ft. Deep/rock: $30-$60/ft. The total cost depends on how deep they need to go to hit good water — which no one knows until they drill
Test the water BEFORE drinking it — $50-$150 for a comprehensive water test (bacteria, minerals, pH, contaminants). Well water is unregulated — testing is your only protection. Test annually
A well eliminates monthly water bills forever — Average municipal water: $50-$100/month = $600-$1,200/year. A well pays for itself in 5-15 years with no ongoing water cost except pump electricity ($5-$15/month)
Well permits are required everywhere — Your state or county must approve well location, depth, and construction standards. The driller usually handles permits but verify. Unpermitted wells create massive problems at resale
Budget $500-$3,000 for water treatment — Well water often needs treatment: iron filter, water softener, UV sterilization, or reverse osmosis. Have the water tested first, then size treatment to the actual issues

What You Need to Know

Well drilling costs $3,000-$25,000 depending on depth, geology, and location. Most residential wells are 50-150 feet deep at $15-$60 per foot. A complete system (well + pump + pressure tank + treatment) runs $5,000-$30,000 but eliminates monthly water bills permanently. Annual costs are minimal: $100-$300 for testing and maintenance, $5-$15/month for pump electricity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does well drilling cost?▼
See the cost table above for detailed pricing. Costs vary significantly by location and provider — get multiple quotes for accurate local pricing.
Is this a good investment?▼
Most home improvements return 50-80% at resale. The real value is often in quality of life, energy savings, or solving a specific problem rather than pure financial return.
Should I hire a professional?▼
Complex installations involving electrical, plumbing, or structural work should be done by licensed professionals. Simpler projects can often be DIY with proper research and tools.
How do I find a good contractor?▼
Get 3+ written quotes, verify licenses and insurance, check online reviews, ask for references, and never pay more than 30% upfront. The cheapest quote is rarely the best value.
What permits do I need?▼
Requirements vary by jurisdiction. Most permanent structures, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work require permits. Check with your local building department before starting.
How long will this last?▼
Lifespan depends on quality of materials, installation, and maintenance. See specific product lifespans in the cost table. Regular maintenance extends the life of almost everything.
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📊 Data Sources
Pricing from provider surveys, RealSelf, and industry reports. Updated March 2026.