OUTDOOR
Well Drilling Cost: Per Foot in 2026
Estimate water well drilling cost per foot — with the free landscaping calculator.
A private well is freedom from the water bill — but drilling into the ground is a five-figure gamble. Here's what it actually costs per foot in 2026.
THE SHORT ANSWER
The short answer
Well drilling runs $25–$65 per foot in 2026. A fully equipped well (casing, pump, install) runs $8,000–$15,000 typical. Shallow wells start at $5,500; deep or rocky sites run $15,000–$30,000.
What it costs
Drilling alone runs $25–$65 per foot depending on soil and depth. The casing runs $10–$20 per foot. The pump and installation add $1,500–$5,000. A complete, ready-to-use well runs $8,000–$15,000 on average.
- Drilling: $25–$65 per ft
- Casing: $10–$20 per ft
- Pump + install: $1,500–$5,000
- Complete well: $8,000–$15,000
The real gamble
You pay for depth — but nobody knows the depth until drilling starts. A dry hole still costs money. Get a hydrogeologist or the driller's local success rate before you commit. Neighboring wells are your best predictor.
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