United States calculator
French Drain Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost to install a French drain. Adjust the drain length, the depth and duty of the run, and whether you include a geotextile filter-fabric wrap and surface regrading to see an itemized low–high range for your project.
How this calculator is built
Unit costs with sources
This model cites 7 sources for its line-item cost and regional labor inputs.
Regional labor adjustment
The state table applies local labor indexes only to labor-heavy line items.
Published methodology
The methodology page lists the formula, size drivers, labor model, and source links.
How this estimate is calculated
The model prices 6 project line items from published cost inputs. Quantities are driven by the drain length, the depth and duty of the run, and whether the job includes a geotextile filter-fabric wrap and surface regrading. The selected scope and finish adjust those inputs, then the regional index changes only each line's labor share; material prices remain national.
The itemized midpoint is shown as a ±35% planning range. It is not a contractor quote: access, design choices, permits, availability, and site conditions can move the final price.
Read the full calculation notesEstimate your project
Change the default inputs to match your scope. The breakdown updates by line item.
French Drain Cost by state: typical ranges
Each range applies that state's labor index to the labor-share line items of the default project; materials stay at national prices. Select a state for its full local breakdown and calculator.
| State | Typical range | Labor index | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,352–$2,808 | 75% | Likely |
| Alaska | $1,876–$3,897 | 123% | Likely |
| Arizona | $1,516–$3,148 | 90% | Likely |
| Arkansas | $1,385–$2,876 | 78% | Likely |
| California | $1,843–$3,829 | 120% | Likely |
| Colorado | $1,636–$3,398 | 101% | Likely |
| Connecticut | $1,680–$3,488 | 105% | Likely |
| Delaware | $1,581–$3,284 | 96% | Likely |
| Florida | $1,407–$2,921 | 80% | Likely |
| Georgia | $1,374–$2,853 | 77% | Likely |
| Hawaii | $1,985–$4,123 | 133% | Likely |
| Idaho | $1,461–$3,035 | 85% | Likely |
| Illinois | $1,865–$3,874 | 122% | Likely |
| Indiana | $1,614–$3,352 | 99% | Likely |
| Iowa | $1,494–$3,103 | 88% | Likely |
| Kansas | $1,527–$3,171 | 91% | Likely |
| Kentucky | $1,450–$3,012 | 84% | Likely |
| Louisiana | $1,396–$2,899 | 79% | Likely |
| Maine | $1,581–$3,284 | 96% | Likely |
| Maryland | $1,680–$3,488 | 105% | Likely |
| Massachusetts | $1,854–$3,851 | 121% | Likely |
| Michigan | $1,570–$3,262 | 95% | Likely |
| Minnesota | $1,701–$3,534 | 107% | Likely |
| Mississippi | $1,352–$2,808 | 75% | Likely |
| Missouri | $1,614–$3,352 | 99% | Likely |
| Montana | $1,527–$3,171 | 91% | Likely |
| Nebraska | $1,450–$3,012 | 84% | Likely |
| Nevada | $1,691–$3,511 | 106% | Likely |
| New Hampshire | $1,603–$3,330 | 98% | Likely |
| New Jersey | $1,734–$3,602 | 110% | Likely |
| New Mexico | $1,494–$3,103 | 88% | Likely |
| New York | $1,800–$3,738 | 116% | Likely |
| North Carolina | $1,374–$2,853 | 77% | Likely |
| North Dakota | $1,494–$3,103 | 88% | Likely |
| Ohio | $1,570–$3,262 | 95% | Likely |
| Oklahoma | $1,363–$2,831 | 76% | Likely |
| Oregon | $1,712–$3,556 | 108% | Likely |
| Pennsylvania | $1,581–$3,284 | 96% | Likely |
| Rhode Island | $1,603–$3,330 | 98% | Likely |
| South Carolina | $1,450–$3,012 | 84% | Likely |
| South Dakota | $1,385–$2,876 | 78% | Likely |
| Tennessee | $1,428–$2,967 | 82% | Likely |
| Texas | $1,385–$2,876 | 78% | Likely |
| Utah | $1,450–$3,012 | 84% | Likely |
| Vermont | $1,559–$3,239 | 94% | Likely |
| Virginia | $1,450–$3,012 | 84% | Likely |
| Washington | $1,854–$3,851 | 121% | Likely |
| West Virginia | $1,374–$2,853 | 77% | Likely |
| Wisconsin | $1,614–$3,352 | 99% | Likely |
| Wyoming | $1,516–$3,148 | 90% | Likely |
Common questions
How much does a French drain cost?
An exterior French drain typically runs about $10–$50 per linear foot installed, so a standard 100-foot yard drain lands around $1,600–$3,400. Depth, rocky ground, and heavy-flow runs cost more per foot. Use the calculator above for a range matched to your drain length and depth.
What's the difference between the depth settings?
A shallow surface drain handles yard runoff and is the cheapest to dig. A standard curtain drain runs deeper alongside a foundation or wet area and is the baseline here. A deep, rocky, or heavy-flow run costs more per foot because the trenching is slower and it takes more gravel. Pick the option that matches your water problem.
Do I need the filter fabric?
In most soils, yes. Wrapping the gravel and pipe in a non-woven geotextile filter fabric keeps fine soil from washing into the drain and clogging it, which is the most common reason a French drain fails early. It's a small per-foot cost that meaningfully extends the drain's life, so it's on by default here.