Deep Well Cost (400 ft+)
Deep wells in hard rock: the budget case.
Indicative estimate · not a survey or a design · see methodology
Where does the well go? Place it on the plot with the required distance from the septic field and the boundary.
Place it on the plotWell cost by depth (complete system, US 2026)
| Depth | Soft ground | Sedimentary rock | Hard rock |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $5,250 – $10,200 | $6,250 – $11,700 | $8,250 – $14,700 |
| 200 ft | $7,750 – $14,200 | $9,750 – $17,200 | $13,750 – $23,200 |
| 300 ft | $10,250 – $18,200 | $13,250 – $22,700 | $19,250 – $31,700 |
| 400 ft | $12,750 – $22,200 | $16,750 – $28,200 | $24,750 – $40,200 |
Source: HomeGuide "Well Drilling Cost" 2026 ($25–65/ft complete, $6,000–16,000 for a 200 ft well); Angi 2026 (pumps $900–2,500); geology bands from The Well Guide 2026 · verified 2026-08-22 · Includes pump ($900–2,500), pressure tank + piping + electrical ($1,500–3,000) and permit/testing ($350–700).
How the estimate is built
total = depth × per-foot rate for the ground type (drilling + casing) + pump + pressure tank/piping/electrical + permit and water testing
A 200 ft well in sedimentary rock: 200 × $35–55 = $7,000–11,000, plus pump $900–2,500, system $1,500–3,000 and permit $350–700 → about $9,750–17,200.
- Per-foot rates: $25–40 soft ground, $35–55 sedimentary, $55–85 hard rock (2026 guides); remote sites and large diameters cost more.
- Depth is the biggest unknown: neighbours’ well logs (state databases) are the best predictor.
- A dry hole is paid for; some drillers charge a reduced rate for it.
What people use it for
Buying land without municipal water
Check well depths in the area before you offer; a 400 ft well in granite changes the budget by $20,000.
Homestead
Size the pump for the garden and livestock, not just the house.
Replacing a failed well
Drilling a new one nearby is often cheaper than rehabilitating an old shallow one.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to drill a well?
Typically $6,000 to $16,000 for a 200 ft residential well with pump and pressure system; $25 to $65 per foot all-in.
How much does well drilling cost per foot?
$15–30 per foot for drilling only; $25–65 per foot complete. Hard rock pushes it to $55–85.
How deep does a residential well need to be?
Most are 100 to 400 ft; depth depends on the local water table. Ask the county for nearby well logs.
How much does a well pump cost?
$900 to $2,500 installed for a submersible pump; more for deep wells needing higher horsepower.
Do I need a permit to drill a well?
Almost everywhere, yes: $350–700 including the water quality test most health departments require.
How far must a well be from a septic system?
Commonly 50 to 100 ft from the drain field and 50 ft from the tank; your health department sets the exact distances.
Related tools
Sources and author
Terramify editorial team · Research and data verification · Updated August 22, 2026
Source: HomeGuide "Well Drilling Cost" 2026 ($25–65/ft complete, $6,000–16,000 for a 200 ft well); Angi 2026 (pumps $900–2,500); geology bands from The Well Guide 2026
Indicative estimate · not a survey or a design · see methodology