Well Drilling Cost Calculator
Most complete residential well systems land between $5,500 and $9,000, but depth and rock type can push a project anywhere from $3,000 to $15,000+. Answer four quick questions for a realistic range for your situation.
Drillers price per foot, and your local water table sets the footage — so treat this as a planning number and get a written per-foot quote from a driller who knows your county's well logs.
How this works
This estimate multiplies your depth by 2026 per-foot drilling-and-casing rates published by Angi, HomeGuide, and HomeAdvisor, broken out by geology: $25–$40/ft through sand and gravel, $35–$55/ft through sedimentary rock, and $55–$85/ft through granite and other crystalline rock. When geology is unknown we use a $30–$65/ft band, which covers the large majority of residential jobs.
On top of the borehole we add the items that appear on nearly every drilling quote: a county well permit ($100–$500, varies widely by jurisdiction), and — when selected — an installed pump ($1,000–$2,500) and pressure tank ($400–$1,500). The same sources put complete residential systems at a $5,500–$9,000 national average within a $3,000–$15,000+ range, which is why depth and rock type dominate the final number.
What this calculator can't know is your actual depth-to-water. State anchors show how much that matters: Mississippi's shallow water tables make it the cheapest state for a complete well (around $6,200), while deep hard-rock states like Hawaii, New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts can run $32,000–$38,500. A licensed local driller estimates your depth from nearby well logs before drilling — insist on a written per-foot quote that spells out casing, permit, and what happens if the well comes in low-yield.
Estimates only — independent local providers quote their own pricing. Data last reviewed 2026-07.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drill a well?
Most complete residential well systems cost $5,500–$9,000, with a full range of $3,000 to $15,000+. Drilling itself runs $25–$85 per foot depending on geology, plus $1,000–$2,500 for an installed pump, $400–$1,500 for a pressure tank, and $100–$500 for the permit.
How much does it cost to drill a well per foot?
Roughly $25–$40 per foot through sand and gravel, $35–$55 through sedimentary rock like limestone or shale, and $55–$85 through granite. Quotes usually cover drilling plus standard casing per foot; extra casing through unstable formations is billed separately.
How deep does a well need to be?
Whatever depth reaches a reliable aquifer under your property — the national average is around 150 ft, but Gulf Coast wells often finish at 85–100 ft while New England and Rocky Mountain wells commonly run 300–800 ft. Local drillers estimate from nearby well logs before drilling.
Does the drilling quote include the pump and pressure tank?
Often not — many drillers quote the borehole, casing, and grouting per foot and price the pump system separately. Ask for a complete-system quote so you can compare apples to apples: pump ($1,000–$2,500 installed), pressure tank ($400–$1,500), trenching, and the permit.
Prefer to just talk to someone?
Call or send the short form — we'll route you to an independent local pro.