Fence cost calculator 2026
How Much Does a Fence Cost?
Price your fence in seconds: pick a material, set the height and length, and see materials, labor and gates broken out. Free, no sign-up.
- 8 materials
- 50 state price guides
- Materials + labor split
- No email required
$15-$75
per linear foot, installed
From chain link at the low end to wrought iron at the top. Most homeowners land between $25 and $45.
55-65%
of the bill is labor
Digging post holes and setting them in concrete is the expensive part. Slopes and rock push it higher.
0.85x-1.5x
depending on your state
The same fence costs noticeably more in Hawaii or California than in Arkansas. See your state.
By material
Explore fence types
Wood Fence
$17 - $45 / ft
Lasts 10-25 years
Cedar Fence
$20 - $55 / ft
Lasts 15-25 years
Vinyl Fence
$25 - $60 / ft
Lasts 20-30 years
Chain Link Fence
$15 - $40 / ft
Lasts 15-20 years
Aluminum Fence
$25 - $55 / ft
Lasts 20-30 years
Wrought Iron Fence
$30 - $75 / ft
Lasts 50+ years
Split Rail Fence
$12 - $30 / ft
Lasts 15-25 years
Composite Fence
$25 - $65 / ft
Lasts 25-30 years
Privacy Fence
$20 - $60 / ft
Lasts 15-30 years
Average fence cost by type (2026)
| Fence type | Cost per linear foot | 150 ft fence | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chain Link | $15 - $40 | $2,250 - $6,000 | Budget, security |
| Wood (Pine) | $17 - $45 | $2,550 - $6,750 | Privacy, classic look |
| Wood (Cedar) | $20 - $55 | $3,000 - $8,250 | Durability, natural |
| Vinyl | $25 - $60 | $3,750 - $9,000 | Low maintenance |
| Aluminum | $25 - $55 | $3,750 - $8,250 | Decorative, pool |
| Wrought Iron | $30 - $75 | $4,500 - $11,250 | Security, elegant |
| Composite | $25 - $65 | $3,750 - $9,750 | Eco-friendly |
| Split Rail | $12 - $30 | $1,800 - $4,500 | Rural, decorative |
How the estimate works
- 1
Material and labor per foot
Each material carries a low and high price for panels, posts and the crew's time.
- 2
Scaled by height
A 6 ft fence is the baseline. 4 ft costs about 15% less, 8 ft about 30% more.
- 3
Adjusted for ground
Slopes add around 15%, rocky soil around 35%, for stepped panels and harder digging.
- 4
Plus gates
$150-$400 for a walk gate, up to $1,500 for a sliding driveway gate.
By location
Fence cost by state
AlabamaALAlaskaAKArizonaAZArkansasARCaliforniaCAColoradoCOConnecticutCTDelawareDEFloridaFLGeorgiaGAHawaiiHIIdahoIDIllinoisILIndianaINIowaIAKansasKSKentuckyKYLouisianaLAMaineMEMarylandMDMassachusettsMAMichiganMIMinnesotaMNMississippiMSMissouriMOMontanaMTNebraskaNENevadaNVNew HampshireNHNew JerseyNJNew MexicoNMNew YorkNYNorth CarolinaNCNorth DakotaNDOhioOHOklahomaOKOregonORPennsylvaniaPARhode IslandRISouth CarolinaSCSouth DakotaSDTennesseeTNTexasTXUtahUTVermontVTVirginiaVAWashingtonWAWest VirginiaWVWisconsinWIWyomingWY
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a fence?
The average fence costs $1,800 to $11,250 for 150 linear feet, depending on the material. Chain link is the cheapest at $15-$40 per linear foot, while wrought iron is the most expensive at $30-$75 per foot. Labor typically adds 50-100% to the material cost.
How much does a new fence cost?
A new fence for a typical 150 ft backyard costs $1,800-$11,250 installed, or $12-$75 per linear foot: split rail and chain link at the low end, pine, vinyl and composite in the middle, wrought iron at the top. Each walk gate adds $150-$400, and replacing an old fence adds $3-$8 per foot for tearing it out.
What is the cheapest fence to install?
Chain link fencing is the most affordable option at $15-$40 per linear foot installed. Split rail fencing is also budget-friendly at $12-$30 per foot but doesn't provide privacy. For a privacy fence on a budget, pine wood fencing at $17-$45 per foot is the best value.
How much does a 6-foot privacy fence cost per foot?
A 6-foot privacy fence costs $17-$55 per linear foot for wood (pine or cedar) and $25-$60 per foot for vinyl. For a typical 150-foot fence, expect to pay $2,550-$9,000 total including materials and labor.
How much does it cost to fence a yard?
Most backyards need 150-200 linear feet of fence. At $17-$45 per foot for a 6-foot pine privacy fence that comes to $2,550-$9,000. Chain link runs $2,250-$8,000 for the same yard and vinyl $3,750-$12,000. Measure only the sides you need: the house or an existing neighbor's fence often closes one of them.
Does terrain affect fence installation cost?
Yes. Sloped terrain adds about 15% to the installation cost due to extra labor for stepped or racked panels. Rocky soil can add 35% or more because of the difficulty in digging post holes - sometimes requiring specialized equipment.
How long does a fence last?
Fence lifespan varies by material: chain link lasts 15-20 years, pine wood 10-15 years, cedar wood 15-25 years, vinyl 20-30 years, aluminum 20-30 years, wrought iron 50+ years, and composite 25-30 years. Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan significantly.
Do I need a permit to build a fence?
Most municipalities require a permit for fences over 6 feet tall. Some areas require permits for all fences. HOA communities may have additional restrictions on height, material, and style. Always check with your local building department before starting. Permit costs typically range from $20 to $400.