How Much Does a Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis System Cost?
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Last Updated: Apr 28, 2023
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If you’re planning to install a reverse osmosis system and/or a water softener in your home, you’re probably wondering how much that would cost.
The prices for both systems can vary according to different factors, and it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the current state of the market before proceeding with your search.
So without further ado…
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Key Takeaways
- A point-of-use reverse osmosis system can cost between $100 and $600. Whole house RO systems go into the thousands.
- Water softeners cost between $700 and $2,000.
- If you want to use both, $2,000 is a good starting point.
How Much Does a Water Softener and Reverse Osmosis System Cost?
How much does a water softener and a reverse osmosis system cost?
A water softener and a reverse osmosis system cost somewhere around $800-$2,600, with $2,000 being a common average.
Generally, you can expect to spend between $100 and $600 on a reverse osmosis system. There are various cheap models available on the market, including countertop models that go for less than $150. Under sink systems tend to cost around $300-500. On the other hand, if you want to go for a whole house RO system, you should expect to pay a couple of thousand dollars. Some more advanced RO systems can even cost more than $10,000.
Water softeners cost between $700 and $2,000, depending on the specific design and features you’re looking for.
In total, you should anticipate spending at least $1,000 on a combined setup of water softener and RO system. That price can easily go up to $2,000 and more if you need more advanced features or if you insist on point-of-entry filtration.
Further Reading:
RO System Cost by Type
As you’re probably guessing, under sink and countertop reverse osmosis systems cost significantly less than whole house solutions. That’s because they are smaller and have a lower filtration rate.
Average Price Points of Under Sink and Countertop Reverse Osmosis Systems
Generally, under sink reverse osmosis systems cost between $150 and $500. Countertop models are usually cheaper, with some units available for as little as $100. More advanced countertop models, on the other hand, might cost more than $500.
Whole House Reverse Osmosis System Cost
A whole house reverse osmosis system is significantly more expensive. Expect to spend at least $500, and that’s at the very low end of the price range. You’ll probably want to use various additional equipment like an atmospheric tank and storage pump, which can bring the price up to more than $1,500. If you need a larger model, you can spend $5,000-10,000 on it or even more.
Water Softener Cost by Type
Water softeners also vary in price according to their type. The price for one can range anywhere between $150 for a cheap portable model, to over $2,000 for an advanced model with all the bells and whistles.
Ion Exchange Water Softener Cost
A standard ion exchange water softener can cost between $700 and $2,000, depending on the features you’re looking for and the size of the unit. This is probably the most common type of model available on the market, so finding one at a good price shouldn’t be too difficult.
Salt-Free Systems
Salt-free water softeners are also available, costing between $1,000 and $2,000. Since they are more expensive, you might need to pay more attention to certain features to ensure that you’re getting a good deal.
Magnetic Water Conditioners
Magnetic water conditioners are pretty cheap, with some units available for as little as $50. More expensive ones go for up to $200.
RO and Water Softener System Cost Factors
Various factors affect the price of a water softener and reverse osmosis system. Some of those are not immediately obvious. You should familiarize yourself with the full list of these factors if you want to navigate the market more efficiently and identify the best deals.
System Type
The type of your system is probably going to be the main factor that influences its price. Both reverse osmosis systems and water softeners have their different variants that you should explore in detail to ensure that you’re not only getting a good price, but also something that fits your current requirements.
Size
Understandably, larger systems cost more by default. That’s because of all the materials required in their construction, but also because of the higher complexity of their operation.
Filtration Process
A reverse osmosis system with additional filtration stages or features to refilter water will normally cost a lot more. This might be necessary if you’re dealing with water that is particularly heavily contaminated.
NSF Certifications
NSF certifications are also important to look at as they indicate how effective the unit is in certain regards. For water softeners, NSF certifications usually identify the salt efficiency of the system. On the other hand, with reverse osmosis systems, an NSF certification indicates that the system can deal with specific types of contaminants, and at certain guaranteed levels.
Brand
And of course, some brands simply cost more than others by default. You should not go for the cheapest brands on the market if you can afford a more expensive model though. In many cases, spending extra on a model from a more renowned brand gives you additional benefits like more reliable customer support, better warranty, and in general a better build quality.
Additional Features
Both types of systems can be customized with various extra features, for example a storage tank for your whole house reverse osmosis system. The more of these you need, the more expensive your overall system will be.
Installation Costs
You should also prepare some money for the installation costs of the system you’re buying. While it’s possible to do that yourself, for people without prior experience with tools it’s generally recommended to work with a professional.
Besides, doing the installation yourself might even affect your warranty in some cases.
Job Complexity
Installing a simple under sink RO unit is understandably more straightforward than installing a whole house filtration system. If you’re planning to buy a more expensive system that filters your whole household water, you should anticipate spending more on its installation.
Regional Labor Costs
Labor might be more expensive in your area compared to other parts of the country. That’s why you should always do your own local research instead of going by price estimates you see in other places.
Inspections and Permits
You might also have to pay for inspections and certain permits, depending on the laws of your local area. You should never skip that part of the process because it can end up being significantly more expensive for you down the road.
DIY Install vs. Hiring a Contractor
As we mentioned above, you can go with a DIY approach instead of paying a contractor. This will generally be cheaper – however, in some cases, it might actually end up more expensive. If you mess something up during the installation process, you might still end up calling an expert, only this time it will cost you a lot more.
Maintenance & Operating Costs
With both water softeners and reverse osmosis, you should also prepare for some long-term costs for their maintenance. That’s one reason to spend a bit more on a more advanced system, because it usually means having to spend less on it in the long term.
Filter & Membrane Replacements
You have to occasionally replace the membrane of your reverse osmosis system. Compared to other types of water filtration, this is not really expensive and you can easily plan ahead for it, including by buying membranes at a discount. Pre and post-filters also need to be replaced once or twice a year.
Softening Salt
Softening salt is an ongoing expense when it comes to water softeners. You should be careful about buying too much unless you’re absolutely certain you can store it properly.
Water
Using a reverse osmosis system might make you spend more money on your water bills, because the process wastes some water. That’s inevitable, and the only thing you can do is invest in a more expensive reverse osmosis system, which might come with additional filtration features that reduce water wastage. In the end though, it’s impossible to reduce that to zero.
A water softener will increase your water use as well. The machine will use extra water during its regeneration process. How much will depend on your water hardness level as well as the softener model used.
If you have any questions about cost of a water softener and a reverse osmosis system please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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