Cost Guide · Updated May 2026

How much does fence installation cost?

Fence installation costs $1,800–$4,500 on average, or about $15–$60 per linear foot installed. Chain link runs $10–$25/ft, wood $15–$45/ft, and vinyl $25–$60/ft. Most quarter-acre yards land between $3,000 and $8,000.

Cost by material

Material	Per linear ft	Notes
Chain link	$10–$25	Cheapest; security & pets
Wood (pine/cedar)	$15–$45	Most popular for privacy
Vinyl / PVC	$25–$60	Low-maintenance, long-lasting
Aluminum	$25–$40	Decorative, rust-free
Wrought iron	$30–$60	Premium, ornamental
Composite	$30–$65	Privacy, minimal upkeep

Cost by fence length

Length	Installed cost
100 ft	$1,500–$6,000
150 ft	$2,250–$9,000
200 ft (¼-acre lot)	$3,000–$12,000
300 ft	$4,500–$18,000

Ranges span budget chain link to premium vinyl/iron at each length. Height, gates, terrain, and removal of the old fence move the final price.

What's included

Materials (posts, panels/pickets, concrete, hardware)
Layout, post-hole digging, setting, and installation labor
Often separate: old-fence removal, gates, permits, and surveys

What moves the price

Material and fence height (6 ft costs more than 4 ft)
Sloped, rocky, or hard-clay terrain
Number of gates and corners
Permits, HOA rules, and property surveys

How to save on a fence

Install in the off-season (late fall/winter) when crews are slower.
Split the cost with neighbors on shared property lines.
Choose a lower-maintenance material if you'll keep the home long-term.
Get 3 quotes — per-foot pricing and labor vary widely by contractor.

FAQ

How much does fence installation cost?

A typical fence costs $1,800–$4,500 installed, or about $15–$60 per linear foot depending on material. Chain link is cheapest at $10–$25/ft, wood runs $15–$45/ft, and vinyl is $25–$60/ft. Most quarter-acre yards land in the $3,000–$8,000 range.

What's the cheapest fence material?

Chain link is the most affordable at $10–$25 per linear foot installed. For privacy on a budget, pressure-treated wood is the usual choice at $15–$45/ft, though it needs sealing every few years.

Does the cost include labor?

Yes — the per-foot ranges above are installed prices, and labor is roughly half the total. Labor rises with hard soil, sloped or rocky ground, old-fence removal, and any permits or surveys required.

What extra costs should I expect?

Old-fence removal ($3–$5/ft), gates ($150–$600 each), permits ($20–$400), a property survey ($350–$700 if lines are unclear), and grading on sloped lots can all add to the base price.

For fence & outdoor contractors

Measure, quote by the linear foot, and collect a deposit on site. JobStack builds the itemized estimate, takes the deposit, and follows up on the bid until it closes.

Try the free estimate generator

Cost ranges are national estimates compiled from cost-data sources including HomeAdvisor and industry fencing cost guides (2025–2026). Actual prices vary by material, height, terrain, and region. This is a planning guide, not a quote. See all cost guides.