how much is a water softener

A water softener system in 2025 typically costs between $200 and $6,000, depending on the system type, size, brand, and installation. The average price is around $3,100. Common types include magnetic systems ($200–$600), single- tank ion exchange systems ($500–$1,700), dual-tank ion exchange systems ($1,000–$5,000), salt-free systems ($800–$4,000), and water distillers or reverse osmosis systems which can be even more expensive. Installation costs and the specific features of the system also influence the total price. For example, professional-grade systems often cost around $4,000 to $7,000, while basic units start as low as $400 to $800 for smaller households. Installation labor and materials typically add a few hundred dollars to the total cost. In summary, the cost varies widely based on system complexity, size, and brand, with basic residential models costing around $500 to $2,500 and higher-end models costing significantly more.