SC By SCWS Team | January 30, 2026 | 10 min read
How Much Does Well Drilling Cost in San Diego?
Thinking about ditching those sky-high San Diego water bills? A private well could save you $1,000-$2,000 per year—but first, you need to know what you're getting into. Well drilling in San Diego County typically runs $15,000 to $50,000+, with most homeowners paying between $20,000-$35,000 for a complete, ready-to-use system. The wide range comes down to depth, geology, and location. Let's break down exactly what you'll pay and why.
💵 Quick Price Summary
- • Most common range: $20,000 - $35,000
- • Per-foot drilling: $35 - $85/ft
- • Complete system includes: Drilling, pump, tank, permits
For county-specific well data and resources, you can also explore the San Diego County groundwater information at California Groundwater.
San Diego Well Drilling Cost Overview
San Diego County presents unique challenges for well drilling. Our diverse geology—ranging from coastal sediments to mountain granite—means costs vary dramatically by location. Here's what you can generally expect in 2026:
📊 Typical San Diego Well Drilling Costs
Basic Residential
$18,000 - $28,000
300-400 ft depth
Standard Residential
$25,000 - $35,000
400-500 ft depth
Deep Residential
$35,000 - $50,000
500-700 ft depth
Agricultural/High-Capacity
$40,000 - $75,000+
Variable depth
*Prices include complete turnkey installation with pump and pressure system
These ranges represent complete, turnkey installations including drilling, casing, pump equipment, electrical connections, and permits. Budget quotes that seem too good to be true often exclude critical components—always ask for a detailed breakdown.
Factors That Affect Well Drilling Cost
1. Drilling Depth Required
Depth is the single biggest factor affecting well drilling cost. Every additional foot of drilling adds to your total. San Diego County well depths vary significantly by location:
- Coastal areas (Encinitas, Carlsbad): 150-300 feet typical
- Valley communities (Ramona, Valley Center): 300-600 feet typical
- East County (Alpine, Jamul): 400-600 feet typical
- Mountain areas (Julian, Palomar): 400-700+ feet typical
Learn more about typical well depths by San Diego location to estimate what your property might require.
2. Geology and Rock Type
The type of rock and soil on your property dramatically affects drilling cost and method:
⛏️ Cost Per Foot by Rock Type
- • Alluvial/decomposed granite: $35-$50/ft (easiest)
- • Sedimentary rock: $45-$60/ft (moderate)
- • Hard granite/metamorphic: $60-$85/ft (hardest)
Properties in Julian or Alpine with solid granite formations will cost more per foot than valley floor properties in Ramona or Fallbrook with softer decomposed granite.
3. Drilling Method
The geology dictates which drilling method we use:
- Mud rotary drilling: Best for softer formations, faster and less expensive
- Air rotary drilling: Required for hard rock, more equipment and time intensive
- Cable tool drilling: Traditional method, used for specific geological conditions
Our experienced drillers assess your site and choose the most efficient method for your specific conditions, keeping costs as low as possible while ensuring a productive well.
4. Site Accessibility
Well drilling rigs are large, heavy equipment. Easy access to your drilling site keeps costs down. Factors that can increase cost include:
- Narrow or winding access roads
- Steep terrain requiring special equipment
- Distance from main roads
- Overhead obstacles (power lines, trees)
- Need for temporary road construction
5. Casing and Well Construction
The materials used to construct your well affect both cost and longevity:
- Steel casing: Standard choice, durable, $15-$25/ft installed
- PVC casing: Used in certain formations, $10-$18/ft installed
- Casing diameter: 6" residential standard, larger for high-capacity wells
What's Included in Well Drilling Cost?
When comparing quotes, ensure you're comparing apples to apples. A complete well drilling project should include:
Drilling Phase
- Site preparation and mobilization
- Actual drilling to required depth
- Steel or PVC casing installation
- Well screen in water-bearing zones
- Gravel pack around screen
- Sanitary seal at surface
- Well development (cleaning and surging)
Pump Installation
- Submersible pump sized for your depth and demand
- Drop pipe to pump
- Electrical wiring and controls
- Pressure tank (typically 40-80 gallon)
- Pressure switch and gauge
- Check valve and pitless adapter
Permits and Testing
- County well permit ($200-$500)
- Well completion report filing
- Water quality testing (basic bacteria and minerals)
- Flow rate testing
Visit our well drilling services page for detailed information about our complete installation process.
Cost by San Diego Area
Here's a more detailed breakdown of typical complete well costs by specific San Diego County locations:
| Location | Typical Depth | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Ramona | 300-500 ft | $22,000 - $35,000 |
| Valley Center | 350-550 ft | $25,000 - $40,000 |
| Escondido | 250-450 ft | $18,000 - $32,000 |
| Fallbrook | 300-500 ft | $22,000 - $38,000 |
| Alpine | 400-600 ft | $30,000 - $45,000 |
| Julian | 400-700 ft | $35,000 - $55,000 |
| Poway | 300-500 ft | $23,000 - $38,000 |
Financing Options for Well Drilling
We understand that well drilling is a significant investment. Here are financing options many San Diego homeowners use:
Home Equity Loans or HELOCs
If you have equity in your home, a home equity loan or line of credit often provides the lowest interest rates for well drilling projects. The well adds value to your property, making this a sound investment.
Personal Loans
Many banks and credit unions offer personal loans that can cover well drilling costs. Terms typically range from 3-7 years with competitive rates for borrowers with good credit.
USDA Rural Development Loans
Properties in qualifying rural areas of San Diego County (much of East County and North County) may be eligible for USDA loans that can include well drilling costs. These loans often feature favorable terms and low down payments.
Contractor Financing
We work with financing partners to offer payment plans for qualifying customers. Ask about our financing options when you request your estimate.
How to Get an Accurate Estimate
Online calculators and generic pricing can only take you so far. For an accurate estimate specific to your property, you need a professional site assessment. Here's what our free estimate process includes:
- Property visit: We'll visit your site to assess terrain, access, and drilling location options
- Geological review: Analysis of local geology and water table data
- Neighbor well research: Review of nearby well depths and production rates
- Written estimate: Detailed quote with all costs itemized
- No obligation: Our estimates are free with no pressure
Why Well Drilling Is a Smart Investment
While the upfront cost may seem significant, a private well provides long-term value:
- No monthly water bills: Average San Diego water bills run $80-$150/month—that's $1,000-$1,800/year saved
- Water independence: No restrictions during droughts or rationing periods
- Property value: A producing well adds $10,000-$30,000+ to property value
- Agricultural use: Irrigate without worrying about tiered water rates
- Quality water: San Diego well water is often superior to treated municipal water
Compare the costs and benefits with our guide on well water vs city water in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drill a well in San Diego County?
Well drilling in San Diego County typically costs between $15,000 and $50,000 or more, depending on depth required, geology, and equipment needed. Most residential wells fall in the $20,000-$35,000 range for a complete turnkey installation including pump and pressure system.
What is the cost per foot to drill a well in San Diego?
Well drilling in San Diego typically costs $35-$85 per foot for drilling alone, depending on rock hardness and drilling method required. Softer alluvial soils cost less while hard granite formations require more expensive air rotary drilling methods.
Does well drilling cost include the pump installation?
Some quotes include pump installation while others don't—always ask. A complete turnkey installation should include drilling, casing, screen, well seal, submersible pump, pressure tank, electrical connections, and all permits. Budget an additional $3,000-$8,000 for pump equipment if not included.
Are there financing options for well drilling in San Diego?
Yes, many well drilling companies offer financing options. Some homeowners use home equity loans, personal loans, or credit lines. The USDA also offers rural development loans that can cover well drilling costs for qualifying properties.
Get Your Free Well Drilling Estimate
Every property is different. Learn more about our professional well drilling services, then get a detailed, no-obligation quote for your specific location with a free site assessment. We'll explain all costs upfront—no surprises.