All fence types
Chain Link Fence Cost in 2026
The cheapest fence that fully encloses a yard, also called cyclone or frost fence. Chain link is durable, low-maintenance, and ideal for security and pet containment. Available with privacy slats for more coverage.
Cost per foot
$15 - $40
150 ft fence
$2,250 - $6,000
Lifespan
15-20 years
Average / foot
$28
How much does 100, 200 or 500 feet of chain link fence cost?
Installed price on flat ground, materials and labor included, no gates. Add $150-$400 for each walk gate.
| Fence length | Total installed | Typical average |
|---|---|---|
| 50 ft | $750 - $2,000 | $1,375 |
| 100 ft | $1,500 - $4,000 | $2,750 |
| 150 ft | $2,250 - $6,000 | $4,125 |
| 200 ft | $3,000 - $8,000 | $5,500 |
| 300 ft | $4,500 - $12,000 | $8,250 |
| 500 ft | $7,500 - $20,000 | $13,750 |
Chain Link Fence cost per foot by height
Installed price per linear foot. Taller fences need longer posts and more material, and most towns ask for a permit above 6 ft.
| Height | Chain Link |
|---|---|
| 4 ft | $13 - $34 |
| 5 ft | $14 - $38 |
| 6 ft | $15 - $40 |
| 8 ft | $20 - $52 |
Compare prices: fence cost per foot for every material and height.
Chain Link Fence pros & cons
Pros
- Most affordable fence type
- Very durable - galvanized steel resists rust
- Low maintenance
- Quick and easy installation
- See-through design for security monitoring
Cons
- No privacy (unless adding slats or screens)
- Not aesthetically appealing
- Can rust over time if coating is damaged
- Lowers curb appeal for some homes
- Easy to climb
Best for
Budget fencingPet containmentSecurityCommercial properties
Not ideal for
PrivacyFront yardsUpscale neighborhoodsHOA communities
Other 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
Aluminum Fence
$25 - $55 / ft
Lasts 20-30 years
Wrought Iron Fence
$30 - $75 / ft
Lasts 50+ years
Split Rail Fence
$10 - $26 / ft
Lasts 15-25 years
Composite Fence
$25 - $65 / ft
Lasts 25-30 years
Privacy Fence
$17 - $65 / ft
Lasts 15-30 years
Fence cost by state
AlabamaALAlaskaAKArizonaAZArkansasARCaliforniaCAColoradoCOConnecticutCTDelawareDEFloridaFLGeorgiaGAHawaiiHIIdahoIDIllinoisILIndianaINIowaIAKansasKSKentuckyKYLouisianaLAMaineMEMarylandMDMassachusettsMAMichiganMIMinnesotaMNMississippiMSMissouriMOMontanaMTNebraskaNENevadaNVNew HampshireNHNew JerseyNJNew MexicoNMNew YorkNYNorth CarolinaNCNorth DakotaNDOhioOHOklahomaOKOregonORPennsylvaniaPARhode IslandRISouth CarolinaSCSouth DakotaSDTennesseeTNTexasTXUtahUTVermontVTVirginiaVAWashingtonWAWest VirginiaWVWisconsinWIWyomingWY
Frequently asked questions
How much does a chain link fence cost?
Chain link fencing costs $15-$40 per linear foot installed. A 150-foot chain link fence typically costs $2,250-$6,000. Only split rail costs less, and it doesn't keep pets in.
How much does a cyclone fence cost?
Cyclone fence and frost fence are other names for chain link, so the price is the same: $15-$40 per linear foot installed. A 200 ft cyclone fence costs $3,000-$8,000 including posts, fabric and labor; black vinyl-coated fabric sits at the top of that range.
How much does a black chain link fence cost?
Black vinyl-coated chain link usually adds $2-$6 per foot over plain galvanized, which puts it in the upper half of the $15-$40 per foot installed range. The coating hides the fence better against plants and resists rust longer.
How long does a chain link fence last?
Galvanized chain link fences last 15-20 years. Vinyl-coated chain link can last 20+ years. Rust is the main issue - repairing damaged coating early prevents deterioration.
Can you add privacy to a chain link fence?
Yes. Privacy slats ($3-$10/ft), mesh screens ($1-$5/ft), or growing vines along the fence can add privacy. Slats are the most popular option and come in various colors.
Is chain link cheaper than wood?
Yes, but only by about 10-15% at the same height: a 150-foot chain link fence costs $2,250-$6,000 vs $2,550-$6,750 for pine. The bigger savings come from building chain link at 4 ft instead of 6 ft.