How Much Does It Cost to Drill a Well? (Price Guide)

A residential well price includes drilling, the casing that keeps the bore open, a pump, a pressure tank, and the wiring and piping that bring water to the house. Depth is the biggest driver, followed by the type of ground the drill has to pass through and how far the well sits from the home.

The figures below come from published guides and carry a check date of Oct 13, 2026. Local drillers set their own rates, so use these as a way to judge a quote, not as a firm price for your lot.

Most of the bill scales with depth, because the crew drills and cases more feet of bore. The ranges below show total installation cost at several common depths.

Depth depends on where the water is. A neighbor's well can hint at what to expect, but local geology varies, so a driller can only give a firm number after reading the site.

Drillers often quote a price per foot for the bore itself. That rate usually leaves out the pump, tank, and trenching, so it is not the full cost of the system.

Rock raises the rate, since harder formations take more time and wear on equipment. When comparing drillers, ask whether their per-foot price includes casing and what happens to the price if the bore needs to go deeper than planned.

The parts that make the well work are priced separately from drilling. Some are choices, such as water treatment, while others are required, such as permits and testing.

A good quote lists these items line by line. If a bid is a single number, ask what is and is not inside it.

• Depth. More depth means more drilling, more casing, and a longer pump line.
• Geology. Hard rock or clay can slow drilling and raise the rate.
• Distance from the house. Trenching and piping from the well to the home add cost.
• Casing material. Plastic casing and steel casing are priced differently.
• Pump size. Deeper wells and higher household demand call for stronger pumps.
• Water quality. Hard water, iron, or contaminants may require treatment.
• Permits and testing. Requirements differ by state and county.
• Access. Rigs need room to maneuver, and difficult access can raise the price.

Private wells are regulated differently depending on where you live. Many states require drillers to be licensed and require a permit before work begins. Some counties also set rules for how close a well can be to a septic system or property line.

Hire a licensed, insured driller, and ask for proof of both. A licensed driller knows the local rules for casing, grouting, and sealing the well, which protect the water supply from surface contamination. Well drilling uses heavy equipment and involves underground utilities, so it is not a do-it-yourself job.

Water testing matters just as much as the drilling. A new well should be tested before anyone drinks from it, and many owners retest on a regular schedule. Ask your local health department which contaminants are common in your area, and use a certified lab. The test price appears in the components table above.

Guides land in different places because they define the job differently. One may price a basic well with a pump, another may include trenching, a pressure tank, and treatment. Depth assumptions also change the total.

When you read a cost range, check whether it covers the drilling only or the complete system that delivers water to your tap.

• Is the price per foot, or a total for a set depth?
• What happens to the price if the drill goes deeper than the estimate?
• Does the quote include casing, grouting, the pump, and the pressure tank?
• Who handles permits, and are the fees included?
• Is trenching to the house included, and how far is the run?
• Does the contractor test water yield and quality after drilling?
• What is the warranty on the pump and the workmanship?

Collect at least three itemized quotes. Matching line items across bids shows which one is actually cheaper.