Collecting Rainwater: What’s the Cost of a Cistern? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to install a cistern is $4,000. Most homeowners spend between $3,000 and $5,000, with the final price driven by tank material, size, and whether the cistern is installed above or below ground.

Cistern Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

The total cost of a cistern depends on the size, type, and materials you choose, with installed systems ranging from $3,000 to $21,000 for larger tanks.

Cistern Type

The type of cistern you choose is one of the biggest drivers of your total project cost, with above-ground models typically ranging from $1,500 to $4,500 depending on size. Installing an underground cistern generally runs more than $5,000 because of the specialized equipment and additional labor required. Costs vary by cistern type as shown below.

Cistern Size

Cistern size has a direct and significant impact on price, with smaller tanks under 200 gallons ranging from $120 to $600 and larger tanks above 5,000 gallons ranging from $3,000 to $21,000.

Cistern Materials

The material your cistern is made from meaningfully affects the price, with polyethylene and fiberglass being the most budget-friendly options and concrete or steel carrying a higher upfront cost. Costs vary by material as shown in the breakdown below.

Cistern System Complexity

More complex cistern systems, such as direct-pumped setups, include filtration devices, UV bulbs, and electric pumps, which raise both upfront and ongoing costs. These systems may also require new pipes, gutter downspouts, or a new gutter system, with gutter installation averaging $1,030. Annual UV bulb replacement adds $250 per year to your maintenance budget.

Labor

Labor costs for cistern installation can reach up to $230 to connect your system, but related tasks can add significantly to that total. Gutter cleaning runs $160, gutter repairs range from $180 to $530, and new concrete work costs $4 per square foot.

Filtration Systems

Filtration systems on higher-end cisterns cost about $740 per year to maintain, covering replacement bulbs and filters. Choosing a basic cistern model eliminates most of that ongoing expense, since basic units only require an annual cleaning.

Rainwater Collection Systems: How Do Types Compare?

The two main types of rainwater collection systems are barrels and cisterns, and they differ primarily in size, placement, and installation complexity. Cisterns hold 1,000 to 6,000 gallons, can be installed above or below ground, and are well-suited for larger households looking to meaningfully offset city water use. Rain barrels typically hold 50 to 90 gallons, sit above ground against the home, and work best for modest, targeted water storage needs.

Rainwater Collection System Cost by Budget

The cost of each system depends on the size and materials used. Rain barrels range from free to $2,160, while cisterns range from $150 to $21,000.

While cisterns cost more, they provide additional benefits like:

• Significantly more storage

• Pressurized distribution of water

Here’s a breakdown of the four price ranges you can expect when shopping for your next rainwater collection system, whether it be a rain barrel or a cistern.

Under $500

For under $500, homeowners can find both barrels and cisterns up to 150 pounds, with plastic models for each available for around $120. Some local water departments also offer programs where qualified residents can receive a simple rainwater barrel at no cost, so it's worth checking with your municipality before purchasing.

$501 to $2,500

In the $501 to $2,500 range, you can find larger rain barrels up to 5,000 gallons, and some brands offer smaller cisterns up to 2,000 gallons for just under $2,300. Choosing a basic barrel over a cistern saves money upfront, but keep in mind that barrels do not provide pressurized water distribution.

$2,500 to $12,000

For under $12,000, homeowners can choose from a range of above-ground barrels and cisterns, and the budget may stretch far enough to purchase two or three smaller barrels to increase total holding capacity. This price range also opens the door to more complex installation options, such as connecting tanks to gutter downspouts or integrating them with a lawn irrigation system. For a single-tank setup, pouring new concrete for an in-ground cistern may also be achievable at this budget if you compare quotes carefully.

$12,000 or More

High-end underground cisterns start around $12,000 and can reach $22,000 once labor and additional features are factored in. At this investment level, you are typically building a full off-grid water system with filtration capabilities that can supply a significant share of your household's water needs, functioning similarly to well water. If you are weighing your options, drilling a new well costs $15 to $60 per linear foot, which may be worth comparing against a high-end cistern system depending on your long-term water goals.

Why You Should Hire a Pro to Install a Cistern

Installing a small cistern can be much different than installing a large off-grid cistern system. Depending on the type and size you need, you can install some cisterns on your own. With the right tools and knowledge, you can take on the job of installing an above-ground cistern yourself.

Be sure to check local guidelines around rainwater collection systems before you begin. Some states set limits on how much rainwater you can collect. In Colorado, it’s actually illegal for most homeowners to harvest their own rainwater.

However, if you feel hesitant about adding your own cistern to your property, call a local well-pump contractor near you to help. They’ll be able to complete the installation, help you choose the right tank, and ensure everything is working properly.

If you’re going with an underground cistern, it will require complex equipment and advanced techniques and should almost always be done by a professional.

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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