How Much Does French Drain Installation Cost in San Jose, CA?

San Jose pricing is 52% above the national average. Updated for 2026.

Based on local labor rates, mediterranean climate conditions, and San Jose's tech-manufacturing economy.See our methodology

Low End
$1,520
Average
$7,600
High End
$15,200
per project
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French Drain Installation Pricing in San Jose, CA

San Jose is a high-cost market where french drain installation runs about 52% above the national average. The city's tech-manufacturing economy supports higher wages, which translates to elevated contractor rates. With a population of 1.0M, competition among providers exists but demand keeps prices firm.

Local climate plays a direct role in french drain installation costs here. Mild climate reduces weather-related emergency repairs; earthquake preparedness adds to construction costs.

Market-specific factors matter in San Jose: highest cost of living in the US means premium pricing for all services; tech worker salaries drive up contractor rates.

San Jose has strict permitting requirements. Budget an additional 5-15% for permits, inspections, and code compliance when planning your french drain installation project. Licensed contractors familiar with local codes can navigate this process efficiently.

San Jose vs National Average

San Jose Average
$7,600
National Average
$5,000
Difference
+52%
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What Affects French Drain Installation Cost in San Jose?

Type

Interior: $40-$100/linear ft. Exterior: $60-$120/linear ft. Full perimeter: $5,000-$12,000

Additions

Sump pump: $500-$1,200. Drain tile: $20-$40/linear ft. Channel drain: $30-$75/linear ft

San Jose Market Conditions

highest cost of living in the US means premium pricing for all services; tech worker salaries drive up contractor rates

Local Climate Impact

mild climate reduces weather-related emergency repairs; earthquake preparedness adds to construction costs

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Top-Rated French Drain Installation Pros in San Jose, CA

3 providers

Modern Edge Builders

โญ PREMIUM
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…3.9(8 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 456 Commerce Dr, San Jose, CA๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 2011
โœ“ Licensedโœ“ InsuredBBB: A+โšก Usually responds in 1 hours

Serving San Jose and surrounding areas since 2011. Licensed, insured, and committed to quality workmanship at fair prices.

Blueprint Home Design

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…4.8(164 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 296 Business Park Dr, San Jose, CA๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 2009
โœ“ Licensedโœ“ InsuredBBB: A+

Signature Renovations

โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…4.2(131 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 446 Center St, San Jose, CA๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 2017
โœ“ InsuredBBB: A+

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Tips to Save on French Drain Installation in San Jose

  • 1.Interior French drains are cheaper ($40-$100/linear ft) than exterior ($60-$120/linear ft)
  • 2.DIY is possible for simple exterior drains
  • 3.Address grading issues first โ€” sometimes regrading alone solves drainage
  • 4.Bundle with waterproofing for better pricing
  • 5.In San Jose, verify your contractor handles local permits โ€” the permitting process here is more involved than average and DIY permit applications can cause delays.
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๐Ÿ“ˆ French Drain Installation in San Jose Cost Trends (2020โ€“2024)

Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years

$6,455
2020
$6,726
2021
$7,163
2022
$7,364
2023
$7,600
2024
YearNational AvgYoY Change
2020$6,455โ€”
2021$6,726+4.2%
2022$7,163+6.5%
2023$7,364+2.8%
2024$7,600+3.2%

Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.

๐Ÿ’ฌ What Did You Pay?

Real costs reported by homeowners for French Drain Installation in San Jose

$7,186
Avg Reported
$5,030
Lowest Reported
$10,420
Highest Reported

Recent Reports

$7,038
Dallas, TX ยท Jan 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
$7,478
Chicago, IL ยท Feb 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
$6,161
Phoenix, AZ ยท Mar 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†
$8,284
Denver, CO ยท Apr 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
$7,460
Atlanta, GA ยท May 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†
$7,927
Seattle, WA ยท Jun 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…

Frequently Asked Questions

Do French drains really work?

Yes. A properly installed French drain is one of the most effective solutions for redirecting groundwater. They typically last 30-40 years with minimal maintenance.

Why does french drain installation cost different in San Jose than other cities?

San Jose's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the tech-manufacturing economy, mediterranean climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and strict permitting requirements. The expensive labor market also influences competitive pricing.

French Drain Installation Cost in Nearby Cities

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