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Well Drilling Cost Guide
What a residential well actually costs, broken down by component, so you can spot a quote that's missing something.
Quick answer: Most homeowners pay $3,000–$9,000 to drill a residential well (national average ~$5,500), or $25–$65 per foot for drilling alone, per HomeAdvisor. That figure doesn't include casing, pump, pressure tank, or water testing - a complete installation commonly runs well above the drilling-only range. See the full breakdown below.
Want a number for your own project instead of national averages? Try the well drilling cost estimator - enter your depth, formation type, and casing choice for an instant planning-grade range.
National Average Costs
Nationally, most homeowners spend between $3,000 and $9,000 to drill a residential well, with an average around $5,500, according to HomeAdvisor's well drilling cost data. Per-foot pricing typically runs $25 to $65 per foot for the drilling itself. These are national averages, not a quote for your property: actual cost depends on how deep the driller has to go, what the ground is made of, and your local market. Treat these figures as a starting point for budgeting, and get quotes from a few licensed local contractors before you commit.
Factors That Affect Cost
Depth. Depth is usually the single biggest driver of cost. Per HomeAdvisor, in some areas groundwater sits 200 to 300 feet below the surface, which raises both drilling and casing costs since there is simply more well to drill and case.
Geology. What the drill bit has to pass through matters as much as how far it has to go. HomeAdvisor notes that drilling through rocky soil, stone, or bedrock significantly increases the time it takes to drill a well, and that added time gets passed on in the contractor's rate.
Casing material. The well's casing, the pipe that lines the borehole, comes in different materials with very different costs per foot. HomeAdvisor lists PVC casing at $6 to $10 per foot (valued for corrosion resistance), versus galvanized steel or stainless steel casing at $36 to $140 per foot.
Pump installation. A well pump typically runs $900 to $2,500 installed, per HomeAdvisor, with the price depending on pump type and the depth it has to lift water from.
Region and local rates. Labor rates, drilling-crew availability, and local permitting requirements all shift the total cost from one market to another, even for wells of similar depth.
Cost Breakdown by Component
Beyond the drilling itself, a full well installation typically includes several other line items. Figures below are national averages from HomeAdvisor's cost data:
| Component | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Well permit | $200–$500 (check your local health department or water authority for the exact fee) |
| Drilling | $25–$65 per foot |
| Casing - PVC | $6–$10 per foot |
| Casing - galvanized or stainless steel | $36–$140 per foot |
| Pump, installed | $900–$2,500 |
| Pressure tank and switch | $300–$500 |
| Water testing | ~$100 for a DIY kit, or $50–$600 for professional lab testing |
| Water treatment system (if needed) | $1,000–$15,000 plus $200–$400 labor |
Adding these up, a complete well project, drilling plus casing, pump, tank, and testing, commonly lands well above the $3,000 to $9,000 drilling-only range, which is why it pays to ask contractors for an itemized quote rather than a single lump-sum number.
Getting an Accurate Quote
Because depth and geology can only be confirmed once a driller is on site or has reviewed local well records, treat any quote given before drilling starts as an estimate. Ask each contractor what happens to the price if they hit rock or have to drill deeper than expected, and get that answer in writing. See our guide to hiring a licensed well driller for what to check before you sign a contract, or browse contractors by state to find a licensed driller near you.
Cost figures on this page are sourced from HomeAdvisor's well drilling cost guide and reflect national averages, not a quote for any specific property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drill a well?
Nationally, most homeowners spend $3,000 to $9,000 to drill a residential well, with an average around $5,500, according to HomeAdvisor. Per-foot drilling costs typically run $25 to $65. These are national averages, not a quote for your property - get quotes from a few licensed local contractors before you commit.
What is included in a well drilling quote?
A full well installation usually includes more than just the drilling: the permit, casing (PVC or steel), the pump, a pressure tank and switch, and water testing. Ask each contractor for an itemized quote covering these components separately so you can compare like for like, rather than one all-in price against another drilling-only estimate.
Why do well drilling quotes vary so much?
Depth and geology drive most of the variation. Groundwater can sit 200 to 300 feet down in some areas, and drilling through rock or bedrock takes longer than drilling through soil, which raises the price. Casing material also matters: PVC casing runs $6 to $10 per foot, versus $36 to $140 per foot for galvanized or stainless steel.
How much does a well pump cost to install?
A well pump typically costs $900 to $2,500 installed, per HomeAdvisor, depending on the pump type and how deep it has to lift water from.
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