How much does it cost to install a fence?
Fence cost is best measured per linear foot, and it runs anywhere from about $10 to $70 per foot installed depending on the material. For a typical yard of 150–200 linear feet, most homeowners spend $2,000–$8,000. Material is the biggest lever, with chain link and wood at the budget end and vinyl, aluminum, and composite at the top.
Cost by fence material
Installed cost per linear foot (materials plus labor), for a standard residential height:
| Material | Installed / linear ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $10–$25 | Cheapest, durable, no privacy |
| Wood (pressure-treated) | $15–$35 | Popular privacy option; needs sealing |
| Cedar | $20–$45 | Better looks and rot resistance |
| Vinyl (PVC) | $25–$60 | No painting; higher upfront |
| Aluminum / ornamental steel | $25–$60 | Decorative, low-maintenance |
| Composite | $30–$70 | Privacy + low upkeep, priciest |
Cost by fence length
The other big driver is how much perimeter you're enclosing. Using a typical $15–$60 / linear foot range for a privacy-grade fence:
| Fence length | Installed cost |
|---|---|
| 100 linear ft | $1,500–$6,000 |
| 150 linear ft | $2,250–$9,000 |
| 200 linear ft | $3,000–$12,000 |
| 300 linear ft | $4,500–$18,000 |
To measure your perimeter and count posts, rails, and pickets, see our fence posts guide and the calculator below.
Get your material take-off first
The fence calculator turns your total length into posts, panels or pickets, and concrete per post — with an editable price so you can compare materials.
Open the Fence CalculatorWhat changes the price
- Height. A 6-ft fence uses more material and bigger posts than a 4-ft one, so per-foot cost rises with height.
- Gates. Each walk gate adds $150–$600, and wide driveway gates far more — they need heavier posts and hardware.
- Terrain. Slopes, rocky or clay soil, and tree roots slow down digging and post-setting.
- Old fence removal. Tear-out and disposal of an existing fence is an extra line item.
- Layout. Lots of corners and ends use more posts and bracing than a long straight run.
- Region & permits. Labor rates and permit fees vary, and corner lots often have stricter height rules.
DIY vs. hiring a pro
Since labor is roughly half the cost, building it yourself can save thousands. Chain link and wood fences are realistic DIY projects for a fit weekend worker — the real skill is digging post holes and setting every post plumb, straight, and at consistent spacing in concrete, because crooked posts show on the whole run. Rent a powered auger for the holes. Before you start, confirm your exact property line (get a survey if there's any doubt), call 811 to locate buried utilities, and check permit and HOA rules. For long runs, heavy gates, or tricky terrain, a pro crew is faster and gets the lines dead straight.