Well drilling costs $3,000 to $16,000 a well in 2026
Well drilling costs $3,000 to $16,000 for a typical home well in 2026. Angi lists an average of $5,500 and $25 to $65 a foot. HomeGuide lists $6,000 to $16,000 for a 200 foot well and an average of $10,500. Depth is the biggest factor. Soil, rock, casing and the pump add more. Get a written quote that lists every part.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| HomeGuide | HomeGuide lists $30 to $80+ per foot, $6,000 to $16,000 for a 200 foot well and a national average of $10,500, updated July 2025. |
| Angi | Angi lists a national average of $5,500, a range of $3,000 to $9,000 and $25 to $65 per foot for 2026. |
| HomeServe | HomeServe lists $6,000 to $16,000 for a 200 foot well, drilling only at $20 to $30 per foot, published April 2026. |
Well drilling price by depth
| Depth or type | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 50 feet, complete install | $1,500 to $4,000+ | HomeGuide |
| 100 feet, complete install | $3,000 to $8,000+ | HomeGuide |
| 200 feet, complete install | $6,000 to $16,000+ | HomeGuide |
| 400 feet, complete install | $12,000 to $32,000 | HomeGuide |
| 100 feet, 4 inch PVC casing | $3,550 | Angi |
| 100 feet, 6 inch steel casing | $6,120 | Angi |
| 200 feet, 4 inch PVC casing | $7,100 | Angi |
| Drilling only, per foot | $20 to $30 | HomeServe |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Depth | HomeGuide lists $3,000 to $8,000 or more for 100 feet and $6,000 to $16,000 or more for 200 feet. Each foot adds cost. |
| Ground type | Rocky or remote land costs more. Angi lists $50 to $75 a foot in hard ground, against $25 to $65 for typical homes. |
| Casing | Angi lists 100 feet at $3,550 with 4 inch PVC casing and $6,120 with 6 inch steel casing. |
| Pump and tank | Angi lists well pumps at $900 to $2,500 and pressure tanks at $300 to $500. HomeGuide lists pumps at $400 to $2,500. |
| Extras | Permits, water tests and power work add to the bill. HomeGuide lists electrical work at $1,000 to $3,000 and filters at $800 to $4,000. |
What the price includes
The drilling price covers the crew, rig and the hole. Total install adds casing and sometimes a cap. Pumps, pressure tanks, wiring, permits, water tests and filters are often priced apart. The first number you hear may be only drilling, which HomeGuide lists at $20 to $30 a foot. Ask for the full install price. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
DIY or hire a pro
Drilling a well is not a DIY job for most homeowners. It takes a large rig, deep knowledge of the ground and safe handling of power and water lines. A bad well can pull in dirty water, fail early or hurt the water supply for you and your neighbors. Many places need a licensed driller and a permit. You can save money by planning, comparing quotes and preparing the site. Hire a licensed pro for the drilling and the pump work.
How to tell you need it
You may need a new well if your home has no public water line, your old well runs dry, the water turns cloudy or smells bad, or a test shows it is not safe. A pump that runs all the time or low water pressure can also mean a problem. A pro can tell if the old well can be fixed or if a new one is needed.
How to judge your quote
- Ask for the total price for your depth, with casing, pump, tank, wiring and permits.
- Ask what the price per foot is if the driller must go deeper than planned.
- Ask if the driller is licensed and insured, and if there is a water flow or yield guarantee.
- Ask for a water test after the well is done.
- Compare the total with the range above: $3,000 to $16,000 per well for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Ask for quotes that list drilling, casing, pump, tank, wiring and permits separately. This helps you compare apples to apples.
- Get at least three quotes from licensed local drillers. Prices and depth vary by region, so a local driller knows your ground best.
- Ask neighbors about the depth of their wells. A nearby well can show the depth you are likely to need.
- Choose the right pump, not the biggest. Angi lists pumps from $900 to $2,500, so a better fit can save money.
- Ask about yearly upkeep and a water test. Angi lists upkeep at $200 to $900 a year, and early checks avoid big bills.
Why this costs more in 2026
Trade labor now runs about $75 to $150 an hour in most of the US. Lumber, steel, copper, PVC and concrete all cost more than in 2024, and freight went up after the oil shock that began with the Iran war in February 2026. Well drilling costs more in 2026 because drilling crews, steel casing, pumps and fuel for the rigs all cost more.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from HomeGuide, Angi and HomeServe. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does it cost to drill a well?
Most home wells cost $3,000 to $16,000. Angi lists an average of $5,500. HomeGuide lists $6,000 to $16,000 for a 200 foot well.
How much is well drilling per foot?
Angi lists $25 to $65 per foot for typical home wells. HomeGuide lists $30 to $80 or more for a full install. HomeServe lists $20 to $30 per foot for drilling only.
How deep is a typical home well?
Angi says most home wells are 50 to 200 feet deep with a 4 to 8 inch casing. Your depth depends on the ground and the water level where you live.
What else costs money besides the drilling?
Angi lists pumps at $900 to $2,500, pressure tanks at $300 to $500, permits at $200 to $500 and water testing at $50 to $600. HomeGuide lists electrical work at $1,000 to $3,000.
How long does it take to drill a well?
HomeServe says drilling takes 1 to 3 days. A full install can take 1 to 2 weeks. Weather and ground type can add time.