Understanding the average cost of a land survey is key when buying, developing, or subdividing property. Whether you’re pricing out a residential lot in North Carolina or reviewing survey fees in Texas, costs can vary significantly based on location, property type, and even who you hire.
This guide breaks down average land survey prices by U.S. state, land type, and acreage. You’ll find examples from over a dozen regions, including Florida, New York, Missouri, Ohio, and California. We’ll also cover the cost of residential and farm land surveys, special cases like Lagos and Toronto, and what to expect in a full-service quote. Use this to budget accurately and avoid costly surprises in your land deal.
What is the average cost of a land survey in 2025?
To understand land survey costs in 2025, you should expect to pay between 500 and 1,200 for most standard surveys. This covers basic boundary confirmation, document filing, and corner marking. Costs rise with land size, terrain complexity, and survey type.
Factors that affect land survey cost
Several factors determine how much your survey will cost. These include:
- Acreage: More land means more time, especially if corners must be located or staked.
- Terrain: Wooded, sloped, or inaccessible land is harder to survey.
- Location: Costs are higher in urban areas or states with fewer licensed surveyors.
- Survey type: Boundary surveys are less expensive than ALTA or topographic surveys.
- Legal work required: A plat map or written legal description can add fees.
- Timing: Rush jobs, weekend visits, or closing deadlines can raise prices.
For example, a 1-acre residential land survey in Ohio might cost around 750 dollars. A 40-acre farmland boundary in Texas could cost 3,000 to 5,000 dollars depending on prior survey history.
How much does a land survey cost by U.S. state?
Land survey prices vary significantly by location. In 2025, most states fall within the $500 to $1,200 range for standard 1-acre residential lots, but larger or rural properties can range much higher. Here’s how the average cost of a land survey compares across specific regions.
What is the average cost of a land survey in Texas?
In Texas, land surveys typically cost between $700 and $1,300 for residential lots. A farm land survey in Texas, especially in rural areas like Lula, may range from $2,500 to $4,000 depending on acreage and boundary conditions.
How much does a land survey cost in Florida?
The average cost of a land survey in Florida is $600 to $1,100, with slightly higher prices in cities like Tampa or Orlando. Residential surveys in flood zones or areas requiring elevation certificates cost more.
What is the average cost of a land survey in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, expect to pay $750 to $1,400, depending on county and topography. Average cost of land survey NC properties is higher in mountain or coastal zones with difficult access.
How much does a land survey cost in Ohio?
A standard residential land survey in Ohio costs between $650 and $1,000. Average cost in Maineville or rural lots may rise due to lot shape and vegetation density.
What does a land survey cost in New York?
In New York, average survey prices range from $800 to $1,500. Urban parcels (NYC) often require specialized ALTA surveys, while counties like Ulster may vary based on terrain and lot age.
What is the average land survey cost in Pennsylvania?
Bristol and Wyomissing, PA typically see survey costs between $700 and $1,200. Historical parcels, steep lots, or legacy legal descriptions increase workload and price.
How much does a land survey cost in California?
Southern California prices are among the highest. The average cost of land survey in San Bernardino County or Brentwood is $950 to $1,800, driven by zoning density and topography.
What’s the average cost of a land survey in Georgia?
Georgia pricing ranges from $650 to $1,100, including areas like Lula. Irregular lot lines or wooded terrain increase the final cost.
How much does a land survey cost in Alabama?
In Alabama, most surveys fall between $600 and $1,000. The average cost of land survey in Jackson County may increase for mountain lots or farms with few boundary markers.
What is the average land survey cost in Michigan?
Michigan’s pricing averages $700 to $1,200. Waterfront or forested properties add time to the process. Local zoning also influences required documentation.
How much does a land survey cost in Massachusetts?
A land survey in Massachusetts (e.g., Groton or Boston suburbs) costs $850 to $1,500. Smaller residential parcels cost less, but permit-heavy zones drive the price up.
What is the average land survey cost in Maine?
Surveying land in Maine typically costs between $800 and $1,400, especially in forested or hard-to-access areas. Cost rises with lot complexity and slope.
How much does a land survey cost in Missouri?
Missouri surveys range from $650 to $1,200. Surveyors often charge more for larger rural parcels or farmland requiring multiple corner markers.
What is the average land survey cost in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, land surveys cost between $600 and $1,000. Coastal regions often require floodplain analysis, which can increase the fee.
What’s the average cost to survey land in Hawaii?
A 10-acre land survey in Hawaii costs around $3,000 to $6,000. Remote access, slope, and island-specific zoning make the process complex and costly.
What’s the average cost by land type?
Land survey pricing is also influenced by the type of property being surveyed. Residential lots, farm land, and raw or vacant parcels all require different levels of work and expertise, which impacts cost.
What is the average cost of a residential land survey?
The average cost of a residential land survey in 2025 is $600 to $1,200 for standard 1-acre lots. This includes corner staking, a boundary sketch, and legal documentation. Common use cases:
- Real estate sales
- Fence installation
- Subdivision or setback compliance
In states like Massachusetts or North Carolina, older homes with missing plat maps may cost more to survey.
How much does a home land survey cost?
A home land survey costs around $700 to $1,100 and may be required before installing a driveway, fence, or pool. The term “home land survey” is often used interchangeably with “residential land survey.”
What is the average cost for a full land survey?
A full land survey, including boundary, topographic, easement, and legal description, typically costs $1,200 to $2,500. This type of survey is common for development land or rural parcels with unclear title history.
What is the average cost of a land survey for raw or vacant land?
Surveying raw or vacant land often costs more than residential land, especially when no previous survey exists. Prices range from $900 to $2,000, depending on access, terrain, and parcel size.
What’s the average cost of a farm land survey in Texas?
A farm land survey in Texas can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on acreage, fences, and whether a prior legal description exists. These surveys often span 10–100 acres and take multiple days to complete.
What is the average cost for a land survey of 6 acres?
For a 6-acre lot, the average survey cost ranges from $1,500 to $2,800, with variation based on land use and geography. Surveyors may charge per acre beyond a standard base rate.
What is the average cost to survey land?
The phrase “cost to survey land” typically refers to general pricing for undeveloped or mixed-use property. Expect $700 to $1,400 for smaller parcels and more for commercial or rural sites.
What is the cost of hiring a professional to conduct a land survey?
Professional land surveyors often charge $100 to $250 per hour, with flat rates starting around $600 for basic work. Always confirm whether deliverables (plats, legal docs) are included in the quote.
What about international land survey costs?
Survey costs outside the U.S. vary widely depending on land systems, local regulations, and document requirements. Although data is less standardized than in the U.S., the following examples illustrate key international markets.
What is the average cost of a land survey and CofO in Lagos?
In Lagos, Nigeria, the cost to complete a land survey and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) typically ranges between ₦350,000 and ₦750,000, or roughly $700 to $1,200 USD, depending on the location (e.g., Lekki vs. Badagry) and surveyor fees. Government registration fees are separate and can vary by district.
To avoid disputes, always hire a licensed surveyor recognized by the Lagos State Surveyor-General and confirm that the land is free from encumbrance.
What is the average cost of a land survey in Toronto?
In Toronto, Canada, a land survey generally costs CAD 1,500 to CAD 2,500, or approximately $1,100 to $1,800 USD. Factors affecting this include the age of prior surveys, size of the lot, and the type of survey needed (boundary vs. topographic). Prices are higher in downtown zones due to permit requirements and lot complexity.
What is the land survey cost in international rural areas?
In countries like India, Brazil, or South Africa, rural land surveys may be more affordable, typically ranging from $200 to $800 USD, but local legal fees, notarization, or zoning documents can raise total costs. However, timing and corruption risks are sometimes greater than in U.S. or Canadian markets.
While international land survey prices vary, the core due diligence remains the same: verify title, boundaries, encumbrances, and ensure the surveyor is licensed and legally recognized.
How to get an accurate quote for your land
To get an accurate land survey quote, you should gather key property details and request itemized estimates from at least two licensed surveyors in your region. Prices can vary by hundreds of dollars for the same property depending on local demand, workload, and service scope.
What information do I need to get a quote?
Before contacting a surveyor, prepare the following:
- Property address or parcel number Surveyors use this to locate your lot on GIS systems or tax maps.
- Acreage and land type Clearly state the size (e.g., 0.5 acres or 20 acres) and whether it’s residential, raw land, farmland, or commercial.
- Intended use Let them know if the survey is for buying, selling, building, fencing, subdividing, or title work.
- Previous survey documents (if any) If you have an older plat, deed, or survey sketch, provide it — it can lower the cost if corner markers still exist.
- Timeframe Share your target date. Rush jobs often cost more.
What should I ask the surveyor?
When you receive a quote, ask these key questions to avoid surprise charges:
- What’s included in the price? Will they mark property corners with stakes? Provide a formal plat? File with the county if needed?
- Is this a flat fee or hourly? Flat fees are more predictable. Hourly quotes often apply to large or complex parcels.
- Are travel fees included? Especially important in rural areas where the site may be far from the surveyor’s office.
- Will the surveyor contact the county or title office on my behalf? Some surveyors handle these steps; others leave it to you.
- Are any local permits or filings required? In some counties or cities, filing a new plat may come with additional fees.
Example: 1-acre residential land survey quote in North Carolina
Here’s a sample breakdown of a quote provided by a licensed surveyor in Wake County, NC:
|
Service |
Price |
|
Boundary survey (1 acre) |
$825 |
|
Plat map with legal description |
Included |
|
Corner staking (4 markers) |
$75 |
|
County filing fee |
$40 |
|
Total (flat fee) |
$940 |
Timeframe: 10–12 business days Deliverables: PDF plat, 2 physical copies, GIS map overlay
This example shows why you should ask for itemized pricing. Some surveyors bundle services, while others add fees for each output.
Tip: Ask for multiple quotes
Get quotes from at least two surveyors in your area. Ask each one the same questions. Comparing how they respond helps you gauge not just price but professionalism and thoroughness.
Mini FAQ
What is the average cost of a residential land survey?
The average cost of a residential land survey ranges from $600 to $1,200 for a standard 1-acre lot. This includes a boundary map, corner staking, and documentation needed for closing or fencing.
How much does it cost to survey 6 acres of land?
Surveying 6 acres typically costs between $1,500 and $2,800 depending on terrain, prior records, and surveyor access. Larger lots are often priced per acre.
What is the average cost to have a land survey done?
In most U.S. markets, the average cost to have a professional land survey completed is $700 to $1,400, but this can vary based on land type and location.
How much does an average land survey cost in NC?
In North Carolina, land surveys average $750 to $1,400, with higher prices in mountainous or coastal areas. Counties like Wake and Buncombe often command premium fees.
What is the average cost for a land survey in Texas?
A land survey in Texas usually costs between $700 and $1,300 for residential land. For large farm parcels, expect $2,500 to $5,000 depending on size and region.
How much does a land survey cost in SoCal or Brentwood, CA?
Southern California land surveys typically cost $950 to $1,800. Brentwood and San Bernardino County prices may vary based on terrain and zoning complexity.
What does an average land survey cost in Maine or Massachusetts?
In Maine, average costs are $800 to $1,400, while Massachusetts averages $850 to $1,500, especially in towns like Groton where regulations are strict.
What’s included in the average cost of a land survey?
Most survey quotes include:
- Boundary measurements
- Legal descriptions
- Corner markers
- A plat map or digital file
Optional services like filing, topographic data, or additional visits may cost extra.