What does well drilling cost per foot?

Most drillers charge $25 to $65 per foot for the borehole, with steel or PVC casing adding $10 to $50 per foot. Harder rock and wider diameters push the per-foot rate up. The pump, pressure tank, and electrical are separate, usually $2,000 to $5,000.

Why can't a driller give an exact price upfront?

Because depth to water is unknown until they drill. A good driller gives a per-foot rate, an estimated depth based on neighboring wells, and a not-to-exceed range. Get that in writing so a deeper-than-expected well doesn't become an open-ended bill.

How much does well drilling cost in 2026?

Q: How much does it cost to drill a well?

A complete residential water well typically runs $5,500 to $15,000 in 2026, or roughly $25 to $65 per foot drilled plus the pump, casing, and wiring. Depth is the biggest variable: a 150-foot well costs far less than a 400-foot one, and you don't know the depth until you drill.

A complete residential water well typically costs $5,500 to $15,000 in 2026, or about $25 to $65 per foot for the borehole plus the pump, casing, and wiring. Depth is the biggest variable, and you don't truly know it until you drill — which is exactly why getting the pricing structure right up front matters so much.

We build websites for trades, including well and water-system contractors, so we've seen how these quotes are structured. Here's the honest breakdown, what moves the number, and how to keep a deep well from becoming an open-ended bill.

Where the money goes

The borehole

$25–$65/ft

The drilling itself, priced per foot. A 150-foot well at $40/foot is $6,000 of drilling; a 400-foot well is $16,000 before anything else. Hard rock and wider diameters raise the per-foot rate.

Casing and grouting

$10–$50/ft

Steel or PVC casing lines the hole to keep it from collapsing and to seal out surface contamination. Required depth depends on your geology and local code. This is a real cost, not an upsell.

Pump, tank, and wiring

$2,000–$5,000

A submersible pump, pressure tank, control box, and the electrical to run them. A deeper well needs a stronger pump, which costs more. This is what turns a hole in the ground into running water.

Permits and testing

$300–$1,500

Most areas require a permit, a registered driller, and a water-quality test before use. Trenching the line to the house and any treatment system for hard or contaminated water are extra.

What moves the price

→ Depth to water — the single biggest driver, and the one nobody knows for sure beforehand.
→ Geology — soft soil drills fast; granite and hard rock are slow and pricey per foot.
→ Access and distance — a remote site or a long trench to the house adds equipment and labor.
→ Water treatment — high iron, hardness, or contamination means a filtration system on top.

When you should not drill, or do it differently

Honest guidance saves more than any negotiation:

• If a municipal water line is at your property line, connecting to it is usually cheaper and lower-maintenance than a well.
• If neighbors' wells are shallow and productive, you can estimate your depth and cost before committing.
• This is never a DIY job — it requires a rig, a licensed driller, and permits. The "savings" of an unlicensed driller can cost you a failed well.

Always get a per-foot rate, an estimated depth, and a not-to-exceed figure in writing so a deeper well doesn't turn into an open-ended bill.

Run a well drilling or water-systems business?

Well drilling is a high-ticket, considered purchase — homeowners compare a few drillers and read reviews before committing thousands. A clear website that explains your per-foot pricing, shows completed wells, and surfaces your license and reviews is how you win that comparison. See SEO for water-system trades, contractor website design from $249/month, more cost guides, what local SEO costs, and the AI receptionist for inquiries you'd otherwise miss.

Common questions

How much does it cost to drill a well?

A complete residential well runs $5,500 to $15,000, or about $25 to $65 per foot plus the pump, casing, and wiring. Depth is the biggest variable, and it's unknown until you drill.

What's the cost per foot?

Most drillers charge $25 to $65 per foot for the borehole, with casing adding $10 to $50 per foot. The pump, tank, and electrical are separate, usually $2,000 to $5,000.

Why no exact upfront price?

Because depth to water is unknown until drilling. A good driller gives a per-foot rate, an estimated depth from nearby wells, and a not-to-exceed range in writing.

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