Cost to Drill a Well 2026: Per Foot Pricing & Total Costs
Cost Per Foot to Drill a Well
Drilling costs vary by geology and method:
| Formation Type | Cost Per Foot | Drilling Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Sand/Gravel | $25-$35 | Fast (50-100 ft/day) |
| Clay/Sediment | $30-$45 | Moderate (40-80 ft/day) |
| Decomposed Granite | $40-$55 | Moderate (30-60 ft/day) |
| Hard Rock/Granite | $50-$75 | Slow (20-40 ft/day) |
Drilling Method Costs
- Rotary (most common): $25-$55/ft
- Cable tool: $30-$60/ft
- Air rotary (hard rock): $40-$75/ft
Total Project Costs
Complete well installation includes more than drilling:
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Drilling (200 ft example) | $8,000-$12,000 |
| Well casing | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Pump system | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Pressure tank | $500-$1,000 |
| Electrical | $500-$1,500 |
| Permits/testing | $800-$1,500 |
| Total (200 ft well) | $14,000-$24,000 |
Costs by Depth
| Depth | Drilling Cost | Total Project |
|---|---|---|
| 100 feet | $3,500-$5,500 | $8,000-$15,000 |
| 200 feet | $7,000-$11,000 | $15,000-$25,000 |
| 300 feet | $10,500-$18,000 | $22,000-$38,000 |
| 400 feet | $14,000-$26,000 | $30,000-$50,000 |
| 500 feet | $17,500-$35,000 | $40,000-$65,000 |
How Geology Affects Your Drilling Cost
San Diego County
Mixed geology—decomposed granite common in inland areas, requiring $40-$55/ft. Coastal areas often have softer formations at $30-$45/ft.
Riverside County
Variable conditions. Valley floors often sandy ($25-$40/ft), while mountain areas have harder rock ($45-$60/ft).
San Bernardino County
High desert requires deep drilling (300-500+ ft). Rock conditions vary widely—budget for mid-range to hard rock pricing.
How to Estimate Your Geology
- Ask neighbors with wells about their drilling experience
- Request well logs from county records
- Get multiple contractor estimates (they know local geology)
Additional Costs Beyond Drilling
Often Included in Quotes
- Well casing and screen
- Basic well development
- Mobilization/demobilization
Usually Additional
- Permits: $500-$1,500
- Pump system: $1,500-$4,000
- Electrical work: $500-$2,000
- Water testing: $100-$400
- Water treatment: $1,500-$5,000 (if needed)
- Piping to house: $1,500-$5,000
Potential Hidden Costs
- Deeper drilling than estimated (add 20% buffer)
- Dry hole (second location needed)
- Storage tank for low-yield wells
- Site prep for difficult access
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drill a well?
Drilling costs $25-$65 per foot, with total projects ranging from $5,000-$50,000+. Most residential wells cost $15,000-$35,000 complete.
What is the average cost to drill a well per foot?
$25-$65 per foot depending on geology. Soft formations cost less, hard rock costs more.
How deep do most residential wells need to be?
100-400 feet in Southern California, varying by location. Coastal areas are shallower; mountain/desert areas are deeper.
How long does it take to drill a well?
1-3 days for drilling. 2-4 weeks for the complete project including permits.
Can I drill my own well?
California requires licensed C-57 contractors for wells over 50 feet deep. DIY is not legal or practical for most wells.
Get Your Free Drilling Estimate
See our well drilling services for a free site evaluation.