How Much Does French Drain Installation Cost in Santa Barbara, CA?

Santa Barbara pricing is 40% above the national average. Updated for 2026.

Based on local labor rates, varied climate conditions, and Santa Barbara's diversified economy.See our methodology

Low End
$1,400
Average
$7,000
High End
$14,000
per project
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French Drain Installation Pricing in Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara is a high-cost market where french drain installation runs about 40% above the national average. The city's diversified economy supports higher wages, which translates to elevated contractor rates. With a population of 90K, competition among providers exists but demand keeps prices firm.

Local climate plays a direct role in french drain installation costs here. Varied climate depending on location; earthquake considerations in some areas.

Market-specific factors matter in Santa Barbara: higher cost of living in coastal areas; more affordable inland.

Santa Barbara has moderate permitting requirements. Depending on the scope of your french drain installation project, you may need local permits. A licensed contractor will handle the permitting process as part of the job in most cases.

Santa Barbara vs National Average

Santa Barbara Average
$7,000
National Average
$5,000
Difference
+40%
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What Affects French Drain Installation Cost in Santa Barbara?

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

Santa Barbara Market Conditions

higher cost of living in coastal areas; more affordable inland

Local Climate Impact

varied climate depending on location; earthquake considerations in some areas

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Top-Rated French Drain Installation Pros in Santa Barbara, CA

7 providers

BuildRight Renovations

๐Ÿ† SPONSORED
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…4(76 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 465 Washington Ave, Santa Barbara, CA๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 2005
โœ“ Licensedโœ“ InsuredBBB: Aโšก Usually responds in 2 hours

Serving Santa Barbara and surrounding areas since 2005. Licensed, insured, and committed to quality workmanship at fair prices.

Blueprint Interiors

โญ PREMIUM
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…4.6(99 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 210 Elm St, Santa Barbara, CA๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 1988
โœ“ Licensedโœ“ InsuredBBB: A+โšก Usually responds in 2 hours

Serving Santa Barbara and surrounding areas since 1988. Licensed, insured, and committed to quality workmanship at fair prices.

Renovation Builders

โœ… VERIFIED
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…4.2(16 reviews)
๐Ÿ“ 301 Oak Ave, Santa Barbara, CA๐Ÿ—๏ธ Since 2009
โœ“ Licensedโœ“ InsuredBBB: Aโšก Usually responds in 1 hours

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Tips to Save on French Drain Installation in Santa Barbara

  • 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
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๐Ÿ“ˆ French Drain Installation in Santa Barbara Cost Trends (2020โ€“2024)

Prices have increased +17.7% over the last 5 years

$5,945
2020
$6,195
2021
$6,598
2022
$6,783
2023
$7,000
2024
YearNational AvgYoY Change
2020$5,945โ€”
2021$6,195+4.2%
2022$6,598+6.5%
2023$6,783+2.8%
2024$7,000+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 Santa Barbara

$7,158
Avg Reported
$5,011
Lowest Reported
$10,379
Highest Reported

Recent Reports

$6,300
Dallas, TX ยท Jan 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†
$8,016
Chicago, IL ยท Feb 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†
$6,970
Phoenix, AZ ยท Mar 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜†โ˜†
$8,656
Denver, CO ยท Apr 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
$6,071
Atlanta, GA ยท May 2024
โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…
$8,854
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 Santa Barbara than other cities?

Santa Barbara's costs reflect local labor rates driven by the diversified economy, varied climate conditions that affect materials and scheduling, and moderate permitting requirements. The balanced labor market also influences competitive pricing.

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