Well Drilling Cost Calculator
Get an instant free estimate for water well drilling based on depth, diameter, geology, and system scope.
How is Well Drilling Cost Calculated?
Well drilling is priced per foot of depth. The geology sets the per-foot rate — from ~$25/ft in soft soil to $55/ft in bedrock — scaled by the well diameter. On top of the drilling and casing, the system scope (adding a pump, or a complete pump-tank-plumbing system) is a major cost. A typical 200 ft residential well runs $5,000-$12,000, or more with a full water system.
Estimate Your Project Cost
Project Location
Enter your state and zip code for a localized estimate.
Well Depth
Enter the estimated well depth in feet. Residential wells are commonly 100-400 ft deep; depth varies by local water table.
Well Diameter:
Ground / Geology:
System Scope:
Additional Services:
Key Factors Influencing Well Drilling Cost
Depth & Geology
Depth is the single biggest factor, since drilling is priced per foot and is dictated by how deep the water table sits in your area. The geology then sets the rate per foot: soft soil drills fast and cheap, while bedrock is slow, equipment-intensive, and the most expensive. Many wells pass through both, landing in the "mixed" range.
Diameter & System Scope
- Diameter: A 4-inch bore is standard for homes; 6-inch and 8-inch bores yield more water but cost more for casing and labor.
- Drilling Only: The borehole, casing, and seal — not yet usable water.
- With Pump: Adds a submersible pump and controls (~$2,200) to make the well operational.
- Complete System: Pump, pressure tank, plumbing, and wiring to deliver water to the house (~$4,800).
Average Well Drilling Cost by Depth & Geology
| Depth | Soil (~$25/ft) | Mixed (~$38/ft) | Bedrock (~$55/ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,500 | $3,800 | $5,500 |
| 200 ft | $5,000 | $7,600 | $11,000 |
| 300 ft | $7,500 | $11,400 | $16,500 |
| 400 ft | $10,000 | $15,200 | $22,000 |
*4-inch diameter, drilling & casing only. Add ~$2,200 for a pump or ~$4,800 for a complete water system.
Common Add-Ons
| Add-On | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Treatment / Filtration | ~$2,000 | Softener / filtration for hard or contaminated water. |
| Waterline Trench to House | ~$1,500 | Trench & bury the supply line from well to home. |
| Electrical Hookup | ~$1,200 | Wiring and trenching to power the pump. |
| Well Permit | ~$400 | State/county permit and well-log filing. |
| Water Quality Testing | ~$250 | Lab test for potability and contaminants. |
How to Estimate Well Drilling Cost Manually
Well drilling is priced per foot of depth. The geology sets the per-foot rate, diameter scales it, and the system scope (pump, tank, plumbing) adds to the drilling cost.
Step 1: Estimate Depth
Depth is the dominant cost factor and depends on your local water table. Residential wells are commonly 100-400 ft. Ask neighbors with wells or your county water department for typical local depths — you won't know the exact depth until drilling reaches water, so estimate conservatively.
Step 2: Per-Foot Rate by Geology
The ground type sets the drilling rate per foot:
- Soil / Sand: ~$25/ft — soft, fast drilling
- Mixed: ~$38/ft — soil with some rock layers
- Bedrock: ~$55/ft — slow, hard, most expensive
Then apply the diameter multiplier: 4-inch 1.0×, 6-inch 1.30×, 8-inch 1.70×.
Step 3: Add the System Scope
Drilling & casing only is the base. Add a submersible pump (+$2,200) to make the well operational, or a complete system (+$4,800) that includes the pump, pressure tank, plumbing, and wiring to deliver water to your home.
Step 4: Apply the Formula
Depth × (Per-Foot Rate × Diameter) + System Scope + Add-ons = Total
Example: 250 ft, 6-inch well in bedrock ($55/ft × 1.30), complete system: 250 × $71.50 + $4,800 = $17,875 + $4,800 = ~$22,675.
Frequently Asked Questions
In 2026, drilling a residential water well costs $3,500-$15,000 for most projects, with the national average around $5,500-$9,000. Drilling itself runs roughly $25-$65 per foot depending on geology and diameter, so a typical 150-300 ft well costs $5,000-$12,000 just for the hole and casing. Adding a pump, pressure tank, plumbing, and electrical to make it a functional water system adds $2,000-$5,000+. Total cost depends heavily on depth (driven by your local water table), the ground you drill through, and how complete a system you need.
Well depth is set by the depth of the water table and a reliable aquifer in your area — you must drill deep enough to reach a sustained water supply below the water table, with extra depth as a buffer for seasonal fluctuation. This varies enormously by region: some areas hit good water at 50-100 ft, while others require 300-600+ ft. Local geology, elevation, and drought conditions all affect it. The best predictors are nearby existing wells (drillers and county records often have this data) and your local water authority. Because the exact depth isn't known until water is reached, many drillers quote per-foot and the final cost depends on actual drilled depth.
The per-foot drilling rate depends heavily on what the drill bit has to cut through. Soft soil and sand drill quickly with standard equipment, keeping costs low (~$25/ft). Solid bedrock (granite, limestone, etc.) is slow, hard work that wears out drill bits faster, requires more powerful air-rotary or hammer drilling rigs, and takes more time and fuel — pushing rates to $50-$65+/ft. Many wells pass through layers of soil and then rock, which is the 'mixed' scenario. Since you can't change the geology, it's the main reason well costs vary so much between properties and regions.
'Drilling only' gets you the borehole, casing (the pipe lining the hole), and a grout seal — essentially a hole to water, but not usable water at your tap. To use the well you need a water-delivery system: a submersible pump (drops into the well to push water up), a pressure tank (maintains household water pressure), a pressure switch and control box, plumbing from the well to the house, and electrical wiring to power the pump. 'With pump' adds the pump and controls (~$2,200); a 'complete system' adds the pressure tank, plumbing, and electrical (~$4,800 total) so you have running water. Many quotes are 'turnkey' (complete), but always confirm exactly what's included.
Almost always, yes. Most states and counties require a well permit before drilling, and the work must be done by a licensed well driller who files a well log/report with the state. Permits ensure proper setbacks from septic systems and property lines, correct casing and sealing to protect groundwater, and compliance with water-rights rules (some areas restrict or meter private wells). Permit fees vary ($100-$500+) and the driller usually handles the application. There may also be required water-quality testing before the well is approved for potable use. Check your state's environmental or water-resources department for specific rules.
The actual drilling of a typical residential well usually takes 1-3 days, depending on depth and geology — shallow wells in soft ground can be done in a day, while deep wells in bedrock take longer. However, the full project timeline is longer: you'll need the permit approved first (days to weeks), then drilling, then installing the pump and pressure system, running plumbing and electrical, and finally water testing before use. Start to finish, plan for 1-3 weeks. Weather, rig availability, and how deep you have to go before hitting water all affect the schedule.
A properly constructed water well can last 30-50+ years, and the borehole itself often lasts the life of the property. However, the components have shorter lifespans: submersible pumps last about 8-15 years, pressure tanks 5-10 years (bladder tanks) to 20+ years (some types), and the well may need periodic maintenance like cleaning/redevelopment if yield drops or sediment builds up. Water quality can also change over time, requiring testing and possibly treatment. Budget for eventual pump replacement and ongoing water testing as part of well ownership. Steel casing may corrode over decades, while PVC casing is more corrosion-resistant.
It depends on your situation. A well has a significant upfront cost ($5,000-$15,000+) but no monthly water bill — you only pay for the electricity to run the pump and periodic testing/maintenance, which is often far cheaper long-term than municipal water bills. Connecting to city water can also be expensive if the main is far from your property (tap fees plus trenching can run thousands), and you then pay monthly usage and sewer charges. In rural areas where city water isn't available, a well is often the only option. Over many years, a well frequently costs less than city water, but the large upfront investment and responsibility for water quality/maintenance are the trade-offs.