Fence Cost Calculator
Estimate fence installation cost per linear foot for chain link, wood, vinyl or aluminum. Get a low, typical and high price with gates, removal and the labor split.
Estimated total
- Low
- $2,350
- Typical
- $3,450
- High
- $5,400
$23.00 per linear ft all-in (range $15.67–$36.00)
Where the money goes (typical)
- Materials
- $1,770 (51%)
- Labor
- $1,680 (49%)
Line items (typical)
| Chain link, galvanized | $3,000 |
| Walk gate (about 4 ft wide) | $450 |
Cheapest and quickest to install. See-through, so no privacy without slats.
General U.S. estimates for installed cost, not quotes. We compared them with national per-linear-foot ranges from Angi and HomeGuide for chain link, wood, vinyl and aluminum fences. Prices reviewed November 2026. Get at least three local quotes before you commit.
Fence contractors price by the linear foot: the total length of fence along your property line. The installed price covers posts set in concrete, rails, panels or fabric, and labor. Gates, removing an old fence and permits are priced separately.
Pick chain link, wood, vinyl or aluminum and a height. The estimator shows the low, typical and high installed cost, how much goes to labor versus materials, and the price per foot so you can sanity-check quotes.
How the fence cost estimate works
- Enter the fence length in linear feet.
- Multiply it by the installed price per linear ft for the material you chose.
- Adjust for fence height and your local cost level.
- Add the extras you ticked, such as removal, and any permit fee.
- Show the result as a low, typical and high total, split into materials, labor and fees.
Walk the fence line with a measuring wheel, or measure it on a property map. Add each side separately and don't subtract gate openings; the gate price replaces that fence section but posts are still needed.
Fence Cost by material
| Material | Installed per linear ft | Labor share | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link, galvanized | $14.00–$30.00 | 50% | Cheapest and quickest to install. See-through, so no privacy without slats. |
| Wood privacy (pressure-treated or cedar) | $22.00–$45.00 | 50% | Classic privacy fence. Needs staining and lasts 15–20 years. |
| Vinyl privacy | $30.00–$58.00 | 40% | No painting or staining. Higher cost, 20–30+ year life. |
| Aluminum ornamental | $32.00–$68.00 | 40% | Looks like wrought iron without the rust. Popular around pools. |
Fence Cost by size
Typical total with the low–high range below it. Assumes 6 ft; average u.s.; walk gate (about 4 ft wide).
| Fence length | Chain link, galvanized | Wood privacy (pressure-treated or cedar) | Vinyl privacy | Aluminum ornamental |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 linear ft | $2,450$1,650–$3,900 | $3,650$2,450–$5,400 | $4,650$3,250–$6,700 | $4,950$3,450–$7,700 |
| 150 linear ft | $3,450$2,350–$5,400 | $5,250$3,550–$7,650 | $6,750$4,750–$9,600 | $7,200$5,050–$11,100 |
| 200 linear ft | $4,450$3,050–$6,900 | $6,850$4,650–$9,900 | $8,850$6,250–$12,500 | $9,450$6,650–$14,500 |
| 250 linear ft | $5,450$3,750–$8,400 | $8,450$5,750–$12,150 | $10,950$7,750–$15,400 | $11,700$8,250–$17,900 |
| 300 linear ft | $6,450$4,450–$9,900 | $10,050$6,850–$14,400 | $13,050$9,250–$18,300 | $13,950$9,850–$21,300 |
What affects fence cost
- Material. Chain link is the cheapest per foot. Wood sits in the middle, while vinyl and aluminum cost the most up front but need the least upkeep.
- Height. A 6 ft privacy fence costs noticeably more than a 4 ft fence, and 8 ft fences need heavier posts and often a permit or variance.
- Gates. Each walk gate adds a few hundred dollars and a double driveway gate often over a thousand, especially with heavy-duty hinges or automatic openers.
- Terrain and soil. Slopes need stepped or racked panels, and rocky soil or tree roots make post holes slower to dig.
- Removal and permits. Tearing out an old fence adds a few dollars per foot. Many towns require a permit, and a property survey may be needed to confirm the line.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a fence cost?
For 150 linear feet of 6 ft fence with one walk gate, expect about $2,400 to $5,400 for chain link, $3,500 to $7,700 for wood, and $4,700 to $9,600 for vinyl.
How much does a chain link fence cost per foot?
A galvanized chain link fence typically costs $11 to $24 per linear foot installed at 4 ft tall and $14 to $30 at 6 ft. Vinyl-coated black chain link costs more.
How much does a 6 ft wood privacy fence cost per foot?
Usually $22 to $45 per linear foot installed, depending on wood species, board style and local labor rates.
What is the cheapest fence to install?
Galvanized chain link is the cheapest installed fence. Among privacy fences, pressure-treated wood is the cheapest.
How many fence posts do I need?
Posts are usually spaced 6 to 8 feet apart. Divide the fence length by the spacing and add one, plus extra posts at corners and gates.
About these figures
General U.S. estimates for installed cost, not quotes. We compared them with national per-linear-foot ranges from Angi and HomeGuide for chain link, wood, vinyl and aluminum fences. Last reviewed November 2026. Your price depends on your home, your region and the contractor, so treat this as a budget range and compare it with written quotes.