Quick Answer: How Much Does It Cost to Drill a Well?
The all-in cost of a new drilled water well — permits, drilling, casing, pump, pressure tank, and wiring — typically runs $5,000-$15,000 for a standard residential installation.
- Drilling alone: usually quoted $25-$65 per foot (some regions $15-$80/ft)
- A common 150-foot well: $3,750-$9,750 for drilling
- Pump + pressure tank + controls: $700-$1,700 extra
- Permits: $100-$500
Depth is the single biggest cost driver, but geology, region, and whether you hire a pro all matter. Here’s the full picture. First time doing this? Our well drilling guide covers the whole process.
Cost Per Foot by Region (Typical Ranges)
| Region | Drilling Cost per Foot |
|---|---|
| Southeastern US | $30-$50/ft |
| Midwest | $25-$45/ft |
| Northeast | $35-$60/ft |
| Southwest / Texas | $25-$50/ft |
| Mountain West | $40-$80/ft |
| West Coast (California) | $50-$80/ft |
| US Rounded Average | $30-$60/ft |
These are drilling-only figures. Add in casing, gravel pack, well development, and the top-seal — the “finished hole” portion is often included in the per-foot price, but always confirm exactly what’s included in a written quote.
Why Regional Prices Vary So Much
Understanding why the price swings helps you sanity-check any quote:
- Geology: Soft alluvial/sandy ground drills fast and cheap ($25-$45/ft); hard granite or basalt is brutal on bits and rigs ($60-$80+/ft).
- Depth to water: In the Mountain West, aquifers sit deep, so you pay more per foot and drill more feet.
- Access and mobilization: Remote sites, steep terrain, or long travel for the rig add setup fees.
- Aridity and demand: In drought-prone, water-hungry regions, drillers stay busy and can command higher rates.
- Permitting and labor costs: State licensing, insurance, and local wage levels all factor into the per-foot rate.
A driller who knows your local aquifer is worth more than a cheap quote from someone unfamiliar with the area — that local knowledge is often what separates a good well from a dry hole.
Total Cost by Well Depth
Here’s an estimate for a complete, equipped well (drilling + casing + pump + pressure tank + wiring), assuming a typical finished cost per foot.
| Well Depth | Drilling (at ~$45/ft) | Equip (pump+tank) | Rough Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | $2,250 | $900 | $4,500-$6,000 |
| 100 ft | $4,500 | $1,100 | $6,500-$8,500 |
| 150 ft | $6,750 | $1,200 | $8,500-$11,000 |
| 200 ft | $9,000 | $1,300 | $10,500-$13,500 |
| 300 ft | $13,500 | $1,500 | $15,000-$19,000 |
| 500+ ft | $22,500+ | $1,800+ | $25,000-$35,000+ |
These are planning estimates; actual quotes vary widely. Deep bedrock wells in the Mountain West routinely exceed $30,000, while shallow sandy-region wells can come in under $6,000.
The Complete Cost Breakdown
A well is several line items, not one price. Here’s what each costs:
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permits | $100-$500 | State/county groundwater permit |
| Mobilization / site setup | $300-$1,000 | Rig arrival and setup fee |
| Drilling | $25-$65/ft | The main cost; geology-dependent |
| Casing (steel or PVC) | Built into per-foot or $10-$30/ft extra | Protects borehole |
| Gravel pack & seal | $200-$600 | Around screen + top seal |
| Well screen | $100-$500 | Lets water in, blocks sediment |
| Well development | $200-$500 | Pumping until clear |
| Submersible pump | $300-$900 | Size depends on depth/yield |
| Pressure tank | $200-$500 | Maintains pressure |
| Pressure switch & controls | $100-$300 | Pump operation |
| Piping/wiring to house | $300-$1,000 | Trench and plumbing |
| Water testing | $50-$300 | Bacteria + chemistry |
Pro tip: Ask the driller for a “turn-key” or complete quote that bundles drilling and equipping. Two separate quotes (driller + plumber) often leave you coordinating and paying more.
Treatment Costs by Contaminant
Well water often needs treatment, and that adds real money. Budget ranges by common issue:
| Contaminant/Issue | Typical Treatment | Added Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Iron | Iron filter/softener | $500-$1,500 |
| Hardness | Water softener | $700-$2,500 |
| Sulfur smell | Carbon/oxidation filter | $600-$2,000 |
| Arsenic | RO or adsorption filter | $800-$2,500 |
| Bacteria | UV disinfection + check | $500-$1,500 |
| High sediment | Sediment filtration | $200-$800 |
Test your water first (guide) so you size treatment correctly instead of guessing. Many wells in certain regions almost certainly need at least a softener and an iron filter. Getting the full testing kits picture now avoids twice the cost later.
DIY vs Professional Drilling
Can you drill your own well to save money? Here’s the honest comparison:
| Factor | DIY Roll-Your-Own | Licensed Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower (equipment rental $200-$500/day or buy a rig) | $6,000-$15,000 typical |
| Permits | Often still required & may restrict DIY | Handled by driller |
| Guarantee | None — dry hole = lost money | Some offer dry-hole terms |
| Safety | High injury/equipment risk | Professional safety standards |
| Risk of contamination | High if done wrong | Low (code compliance) |
| Water quality | Unverified | Tested per code |
| Resale/value | Questionable | Property value plus |
Reality check: Drilling is arguably the one “water sourcing” task where DIY rarely makes sense. State regulations frequently require licensed drillers, the equipment is dangerous, and a botched well can ruin the aquifer and cost far more to fix. Renting a machine and drilling a 150-ft hole through rock by hand is not a weekend project.
If you only need a small amount of water (e.g., a livestock trough in sandy soil), a shallow driven point well can sometimes be done DIY for a few hundred dollars — but check local regulations first.
Hidden and Additional Costs to Watch For
Beyond the headline price, budget for:
- Dry-hole costs: Many drillers charge per foot even if they don’t hit water, or charge a reduced dry-hole fee. Always ask about the dry-hole policy in writing.
- Water treatment: If your well water tests high in iron, manganese, hardness, sulfur, or arsenic, add $500-$3,000+ for a treatment system. Very common in certain regions.
- Trenching for the supply line: Getting water from the wellhead to your house costs $300-$1,000 in labor + materials, depending on distance and depth.
- Abandoned-well decommissioning: If you’re swapping an old well, properly sealing it runs $500-$2,000 (often required by law).
- Electrical service: Running power to a remote wellhead may need a trench and panel work — $500-$2,000.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
- Get 2-3 quotes from licensed, insured local drillers with good references.
- Ask what’s included — drilling only, or fully equipped (pump, tank, controls, wiring, test)?
- Clarify per-foot vs flat pricing, dry-hole policy, and any mobilization fees.
- Ask to see previous local wells — a driller’s knowledge of your region’s aquifer is as valuable as the price.
- Confirm permit responsibility — who pulls the permit, and who pays?
- Verify licensing and insurance before signing anything.
Cost-Cutting Without Compromise
You can trim the total without cutting corners:
- Compare inclusions, not just price: the lowest bid isn’t always the best — evaluate what’s actually covered.
- Bundle permits/plumbing with the driller if offered, to avoid coordinating separate contractors.
- Buy a modest pump/pressure tank sized to your real depth and yield — oversized hardware wastes money with no benefit. Compare well pumps and pressure tanks on Amazon to understand what a reasonable setup runs.
- Do the trenching/supply-line labor yourself if you’re handy and the local code allows it.
What About Drilling a Second Well?
If you’re adding irrigation, a livestock trough, or a separate outbuilding, a second smaller well is sometimes cheaper per gallon than expanding one system — shallow secondary wells in sandy soil can come in under $5,000. But weigh it against the permanent overhead (a second casing, pump, and controls). Run both total costs before committing. If you only need modest supplemental water, rainwater harvesting might cost far less than a second well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drill a 100-foot well?
A complete, equipped 100-foot well typically runs $6,500-$8,500 (drilling ~$4,500 + pump/tank ~$1,100 + permits). Costs vary by region.
How much do you pay to drill a well per foot?
Most drillers charge $25-$65 per foot for drilling alone, depending on geology and region. Mountain and bedrock sites are at the high end.
Is it cheaper to drill my own well?
DIY is cheaper upfront but is often illegal/uninsured, risky, and unguaranteed. Licensed professional drilling typically costs $6,000-$15,000 but is strongly recommended for a safe, lasting water supply.
What is the average total cost of a residential well?
The all-in average for a standard drilled well is about $8,000-$12,000, covering drilling, casing, pump, pressure tank, and wiring.
Why is well drilling so expensive?
The rig, specialized labor, casing/well screen materials, and the depth involved all drive cost. Deeper or harder rock = more cost per foot. Drillers also carry liability and licensing overhead.
Do I need a new well pump?
New wells are almost always equipped with a new submersible pump ($300-$900). If you only mean drilling, many drillers contract the pump installation separately or as an add-on.
How much does it cost to drill in rock (hard bedrock)?
Drilling through hard rock is at the top of the range — $40-$80+/ft. Bedrock wells are among the most expensive, and Mountain West sites can exceed $30,000 total.
What is the most expensive part of drilling a well?
Depth is the biggest driver (per-foot cost adds up fast), but mobilization fees and water treatment can be significant surprises. Equipping (pump + tank) is a fixed few thousand.
Can I drill into an existing well to deepen it?
Sometimes. Deepening an existing well (drilling deeper into the same borehole to reach better or more water) can cost less than a fresh well if the casing is sound, but it’s not always possible — collapsed or damaged casing can make it unworkable. A hydrogeological assessment plus driller inspection will tell you whether deepening (often $40-$70/ft) or a new well is the better value.
Do I need a well permit and how much is it?
In most states, yes. Groundwater permits typically run $100-$500, and a licensed driller usually handles the paperwork. Permitting requirements and fees vary by state/county, so confirm with local authorities early — an unpermitted well can cause fines and resale issues.
What yield is considered a good well?
Yield (gallons per minute) depends on local aquifer conditions and your household use. A good residential well generally produces 5-10+ gallons per minute — well above the 1-3 GPM needed for typical household demand with a pressure tank. Wells producing less can still work with oversized storage tanks, but lower yield may affect pressure during heavy simultaneous use and is a factor worth discussing with your driller.
Final Verdict
Plan for $8,000-$12,000 for a typical equipped residential well, but get granular quotes because depth and region move that number a lot. Get everything in writing, confirm the dry-hole policy, and use licensed pros.
A well is a serious investment but one of the most reliable and lowest-operating-cost water sources long-term — and it anchors nearly every serious off-grid water system.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.