How Much Does It Cost to Get Utilities on Land? [2026 Data]

When a fresh start on new property also means getting utilities on land, you could pay anywhere from $100 to $60,000 to set everything up. The average cost to set up utilities on land is $20,400, but the topography, soil type, land location, and the types of utilities you need can all dictate what getting your new digs connected will cost.

Cost to Install Water and Septic on Land

Transporting water and wastewater is one of the first things you’ll need to install on your land for a functioning home.  

If your property is near a city or town, connecting to the municipal water supply and sewer system might be the easiest option. The cost of hooking up your property to city water ranges from $1,000 to $6,000, while installing sewer lines costs $1,500 to $5,700. 

For more remote properties, it’s best to install a well and septic tank. Drilling a well costs between $5,000 and $10,000 on average, and the cost of a new septic system is between $3,400 and $11,500 on average.

Expect to pay more if you have very deep or very shallow groundwater. Both make it harder for local septic companies to install septic systems. Also, your price will increase if you’re adding water and septic near existing systems close to your property.

Cost to Run Electricity to Your House

If power lines exist at or near your property line, getting an electricity hookup is simple. Expect to pay around $1,000 if this is the case, or about $5 to $15 per linear foot.

If you pay to hire an electrician, the hourly rate is $50 to $100. Factors that can increase the cost for a new electricity hookup include the distance from the nearest pole, the amount of trenching needed, how much vegetation needs to be cleared, and overhead wires versus underground wires. Also consider these electrical factors:

• Trenching cost: $400–$1,200 per 100 linear feet 

• New transformer cost: $3,000–$7,000

Cost to Install Natural Gas on Land

If your property is near existing natural gas lines, the cost to connect ranges from $500 to $2,000, depending on the distance and local fees. 

If you're hooking up natural gas with help from local gas plumbers, expect to pay between $15 and $25 per linear foot for underground installation. While the average price for a new natural gas hookup is $540, people connecting a property to natural gas for the first time may pay up to $3,500.

A propane tank is a viable alternative if natural gas lines don’t service your property. Of course, the cost to install a propane tank varies significantly depending on the size of the tank and whether it’s above or underground, but in general expect to pay between $600 to $2,500. 

Cost to Run Phone and Cable TV Lines

If streaming hasn’t yet caught on in your household or you still want a landline, getting your property hooked up with a telephone line and cable costs between $100 and $200. 

If you extend the line more than a house or two away, you may pay on the higher end of that range. If you're installing a landline, expect to pay between $50 and $80 per hour for wiring and phone-jack installation services.

Additional Cost Factors for Getting Utilities on Land

There are a few different factors that you should consider when budgeting for the cost to get utilities on land.

Distance From Nearest Connection

The biggest cost factor when connecting utilities to new land is the distance from the nearest connection. Contractors handling utility hookups typically charge by linear foot for trenching and pipe installation. 

For instance, natural gas lines may cost $5 to $25 per linear foot, and trenching for electrical lines or other utilities that need lines buried underground may cost $400 to $1,200 for every 100 linear feet. Installing a septic system and well typically costs about $60 to $120 per linear foot, while connecting to public water can cost up to $200 per linear foot.

Here's what you can expect to pay for installing utilities per linear foot:

While you may not want your home to be too far from public utility lines when you’re being charged by linear foot, you’ll also need to keep in mind that some utilities, like a septic system, require some additional distance from nearby homes. So you don’t always want to install with the shortest distance possible.

Soil Type

Soil conditions and topography can impact contractors' prices for trenching. They may charge premiums if you build a home on rocky, hilly terrain that's hard to access. On the flip side, land that’s flat and has minimal rocks and other obstacles (like trees) will mean a lower cost for you.  

Permits

You may want to start by contacting a local architect or civil engineer to help you create a checklist for all utility connections needed on your land. These pros typically charge $100 to $200 per hour. They can also help you initiate the permit process by letting you know which hookups require permits and applying for them (but you’ll still have to pay for the permits). 

Here's a look at common permit costs when connecting utilities to new land:

Why You Should Hire a Utilities Installation Pro

Installing new utilities requires specialized knowledge, permits, and equipment that go far beyond a typical DIY project. While professional labor can add several thousand dollars to your total cost, this investment protects you from far more expensive problems, such as leaks, power surges, contamination, or property damage caused by improper installation.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire a utilities installation pro

Connecting utilities safely involves multiple systems working in sync. Here’s why hiring a licensed professional is essential:

• Utility pros understand local regulations, zoning restrictions, and permitting requirements.

• They coordinate with utility companies to ensure lines are properly located and connected.

• Licensed installers have the tools and expertise to dig, trench, and lay pipes and cables safely.

• DIY errors can lead to gas leaks, electrical shorts, water contamination, and fines for code violations.

• Professionals, such as natural gas plumbers, are knowledgeable about installing meters, shutoff valves, and grounding systems to meet inspection standards.

• Reputable contractors carry insurance and offer warranties, providing peace of mind in the event of any issues.

• Experts can finish the job efficiently while minimizing disruption to your property.

If you want to DIY part of your utilities installation

Utility work itself must be handled by licensed professionals, but you can take on small prep tasks to help streamline the process:

• Mark your preferred meter and hookup locations before the crew arrives.

• Clear brush, rocks, and debris from access areas and trenches to ensure safe and clear pathways.

• Coordinate with your contractor to determine the location of future connections or appliances.

• Paint or stake out trench routes for easier visualization.

• Research local rebate programs for energy-efficient upgrades, such as smart meters and solar-ready wiring.

How to Save on the Costs of Setting Up Utilities

Getting utilities on land is a large but necessary investment. While you won’t be able to DIY this project, you can save on some costs by planning your layout wisely and taking advantage of alternative energy sources. Here are some tips:

• Combine utility trenches: If you’re installing multiple utilities like water, electricity, and phone lines, coordinate the installation so that a single trench can be used for all the lines.

• Plan utility placement carefully: Keep utility hookups in mind when designing your property layout. Position the hookups as close as possible to existing utility lines to minimize the distance—and therefore cost—of extending them. 

• Drill a shared well: If you have neighbors who also need a water source, consider drilling a shared well to split the cost of the well and its maintenance.

• Choose a tankless water heater: When installing a new water system, opt for a tankless water heater. These heater systems can be more cost-effective by saving you money on utility bills over time. 

• Bundle services: Many service providers offer discounts if you bundle certain utilities, such as phone, internet, and cable TV.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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