How Much Does Well Drilling Cost? (2026 Complete Price Guide)

The average cost to drill a residential water well in 2026 is $25 to $65 per foot, with most homeowners paying between $6,000 and $16,000 total for a complete 200-foot well with pump and casing. However, your actual cost depends heavily on well depth, soil conditions, your location, and the type of pump system you choose.

This guide breaks down every cost you'll encounter so you can budget accurately before hiring a well driller.

Average Well Drilling Cost by Depth

Depth is the single biggest factor in your total well cost. Deeper wells require more drilling time, more casing, and more powerful pumps.

Well Depth	Drilling Cost	Total Installed Cost
100 feet	$2,500 – $6,500	$5,000 – $10,000
200 feet	$5,000 – $13,000	$8,000 – $16,000
300 feet	$7,500 – $19,500	$12,000 – $23,000
400 feet	$10,000 – $26,000	$16,000 – $30,000

Total installed cost includes drilling, casing, grout, pump, pressure tank, electrical connections, and basic plumbing tie-in.

Well Drilling Cost by State

Costs vary significantly by state due to geology, labor rates, and permitting requirements.

State	Cost per Foot	Typical Depth	Average Total
Florida	$25 – $50	80 – 200 ft	$5,000 – $12,000
Texas	$30 – $55	100 – 300 ft	$7,000 – $15,000
North Carolina	$30 – $60	100 – 250 ft	$7,000 – $14,000
Pennsylvania	$35 – $65	150 – 300 ft	$9,000 – $18,000
Michigan	$30 – $55	80 – 200 ft	$6,000 – $13,000
Ohio	$30 – $55	100 – 250 ft	$7,000 – $14,000

What Factors Affect Well Drilling Cost?

1. Depth

Every additional foot of drilling adds $25–$65 to your bill. Depth is determined by your local water table and geology — you don't get to choose it.

2. Soil and Rock Type

Drilling through soft sand or clay is faster and cheaper ($25–$40/ft). Hitting granite, limestone, or other hard rock increases costs to $45–$65/ft due to slower drilling and more equipment wear.

3. Pump Type

A basic submersible pump runs $400–$1,200. A constant-pressure variable-speed system can cost $2,000–$4,000. Your well depth determines which pump you need.

4. Permits

Well permits range from $50 to $500 depending on your state and county. Some areas also require soil tests or environmental reviews.

State	Typical Permit Cost
Florida	$75 – $250
Texas	$50 – $150
North Carolina	$100 – $350
Pennsylvania	$50 – $200
Michigan	$50 – $150
Ohio	$50 – $200

5. Location and Accessibility

If the drill rig can't easily access your property — steep terrain, narrow driveways, or remote locations — expect to pay $500–$2,000 extra for site preparation.

What's Included vs. Extra Costs

Most well drilling quotes include:

Drilling the borehole
Steel or PVC casing
Grout sealing
Basic well cap

Common extras that are NOT included in many quotes:

Submersible pump and installation ($800–$2,500)
Pressure tank ($200–$600)
Electrical hookup ($500–$1,500)
Plumbing tie-in to house ($300–$1,000)
Water testing ($100–$500)
Water treatment system ($500–$3,000+)

Tip: Always ask for an all-inclusive quote so you can compare apples to apples between drillers.

How to Save Money on Well Drilling

Get 3+ quotes — prices vary widely between drillers
Drill in the dry season — drillers are less busy and may offer discounts
Bundle services — some drillers offer discounts when you buy the pump and pressure tank through them
Check for shared well options — splitting a well with a neighbor can cut costs significantly