The answer to 'average cost of water softener' is that the typical range for a water softener installation can vary greatly, but generally falls between $500 to $3,000. The cost is influenced by factors such as the type of water softener, the size of your home, the complexity of the installation, and your local market rates.
Whole-house water softeners are the most common type, which treat all the water entering your home. These can range from $500 for a basic model up to $2,000 or more for a high-capacity, high-efficiency system. The installation costs can add another $500 to $1,000 on top of the equipment. Factors like the difficulty of accessing plumbing, the need for electrical work, and disposal of an old unit can all impact the final price.