Well Drilling Cost Calculator
Estimate well drilling and installation cost by depth.
Well Drilling Cost
What This Calculator Does
The Well Drilling Cost Calculator estimates the cost of drilling a new water well based on depth, well type, and 2026 US national average pricing. Enter the estimated well depth and casing diameter to get a total cost estimate for drilling, casing, pump, and completion. This broad planning estimate helps you budget for your water well project.
Well drilling is a significant investment for properties without municipal water access. Costs are primarily driven by depth - deeper wells require more drilling time, more casing, and a more powerful pump. The type of soil and rock formations in your area also significantly affect drilling rates. Always get quotes from multiple licensed well drillers.
How to Use
- Enter the estimated well depth in feet (ask neighbors for typical depths in your area).
- Select casing diameter - 4-inch (standard residential) or 6-inch (higher flow).
- Select the pump type - submersible (standard) or jet pump (shallow wells under 25 ft).
- Click "Calculate" to see the total cost estimate.
- Add $500-$2,000 for water quality testing and permits.
Worked Examples
Residential Well for a 3-Bedroom Rural Property
A 3-bedroom rural property in the Southeast requiring a 200-ft deep well with 4-inch PVC casing and submersible pump.
- →Drilling: 200 ft at $40/ft (sand/clay geology) = $8,000. Casing (4-inch PVC): 200 ft at $15/ft = $3,000.
- →Submersible pump and motor: 1 HP pump suitable for 200 ft depth = $1,500-$2,500. Pressure tank: $400-$800.
- →Well cap, wiring, and control box: $500-$1,000. Water quality testing: $200-$500.
- →Permits and inspection: $200-$500. Total drilling + casing: $8,000 + $3,000 = $11,000.
- →Total complete system: $11,000 + $2,000 (pump) + $600 (tank) + $700 (wiring) + $350 (testing) + $350 (permits) = $15,000.
Result: A complete 200-ft residential well with 4-inch casing and submersible pump totals approximately $13,000-$18,000 as a planning estimate.
Ask the driller about guaranty periods — most reputable companies guarantee at least 0.5 gallons per minute yield. If the well produces less, they should drill deeper at no additional cost. Test water for bacteria, nitrates, and hardness before closing on the property.
Reference Table
| Depth | Drilling Cost | 4" Casing + Pump | 6" Casing + Pump | Complete System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,500-$6,500 | $1,500-$3,000 | $2,000-$4,000 | $5,000-$12,000 |
| 200 ft | $5,000-$13,000 | $2,000-$4,000 | $3,000-$6,000 | $8,000-$20,000 |
| 300 ft | $7,500-$19,500 | $3,000-$5,000 | $4,000-$8,000 | $12,000-$28,000 |
| 500 ft | $12,500-$32,500 | $5,000-$8,000 | $7,000-$12,000 | $20,000-$45,000 |
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