Hilly land with lots of overgrown vegetation and rocky soil, for example, will cost more to prepare than land that's clear of obstructions and already relatively flat. Specifically, clearing vegetation alone can cost $20-$200 per acre, depending on the amount of vegetation present.A plot of land that's already hooked up to local utilities will also cost significantly less. Owners should budget for a soil test as part of assessing the plot's condition.he average cost ranges between $1.28 and $2 per square foot, meaning a half-acre of land (about 20,000 square feet) could cost as much as $40,000 to prep. There are many factors that can ultimately influence the total cost of preparing land for a construction site.