All fence types
Privacy Fence Cost in 2026
Privacy fences block visibility from neighbors and passersby. Typically 6-8 feet tall. Available in wood, vinyl, and composite materials.
Cost per foot
$20 - $60
150 ft fence
$3,000 - $9,000
Lifespan
15-30 years
Average / foot
$40
How much does 100, 200 or 500 feet of privacy 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 | $1,000 - $3,000 | $2,000 |
| 100 ft | $2,000 - $6,000 | $4,000 |
| 150 ft | $3,000 - $9,000 | $6,000 |
| 200 ft | $4,000 - $12,000 | $8,000 |
| 300 ft | $6,000 - $18,000 | $12,000 |
| 500 ft | $10,000 - $30,000 | $20,000 |
Privacy 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 | Wood (Pine) | Wood (Cedar) | Vinyl | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft | $16 - $43 | $19 - $52 | $24 - $57 | $24 - $62 |
| 6 ft | $17 - $45 | $20 - $55 | $25 - $60 | $25 - $65 |
| 8 ft | $22 - $59 | $26 - $72 | $33 - $78 | $33 - $85 |
Privacy Fence pros & cons
Pros
- Complete visual and sound barrier
- Increases property value and usability
- Blocks wind for more comfortable outdoor spaces
- Multiple material options (wood, vinyl, composite)
- Reduces road noise
Cons
- Higher cost due to height and solid panels
- May require permits (6+ ft fences)
- Can make small yards feel enclosed
- Wood privacy fences need regular maintenance
- May block sunlight in the yard
Best for
BackyardsHot tub/pool areasHomes near busy roadsClose neighbors
Not ideal for
Front yards (often restricted)Small lotsOpen-feel properties
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
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
Fence cost by state
AlabamaALAlaskaAKArizonaAZArkansasARCaliforniaCAColoradoCOConnecticutCTDelawareDEFloridaFLGeorgiaGAHawaiiHIIdahoIDIllinoisILIndianaINIowaIAKansasKSKentuckyKYLouisianaLAMaineMEMarylandMDMassachusettsMAMichiganMIMinnesotaMNMississippiMSMissouriMOMontanaMTNebraskaNENevadaNVNew HampshireNHNew JerseyNJNew MexicoNMNew YorkNYNorth CarolinaNCNorth DakotaNDOhioOHOklahomaOKOregonORPennsylvaniaPARhode IslandRISouth CarolinaSCSouth DakotaSDTennesseeTNTexasTXUtahUTVermontVTVirginiaVAWashingtonWAWest VirginiaWVWisconsinWIWyomingWY
Frequently asked questions
How much does a privacy fence cost?
A privacy fence costs $17-$60 per linear foot installed, depending on material. Pine costs $17-$45/ft, cedar $20-$55/ft and vinyl $25-$60/ft. A 150-foot cedar or vinyl privacy fence runs $3,000-$9,000.
How much does a 6-foot privacy fence cost per foot?
A 6-foot privacy fence costs $17-$45 per linear foot installed in pressure-treated pine, $20-$55 in cedar, $25-$60 in vinyl and $25-$65 in composite. An 8-foot fence runs about 30% more per foot and usually needs a permit.
What is the best material for a privacy fence?
Cedar wood offers the best balance of cost, appearance, and durability. Vinyl is best for zero maintenance. Composite is best for eco-friendliness. All three provide excellent privacy at 6 ft height.
How tall should a privacy fence be?
6 feet is the standard privacy fence height and the maximum allowed without a permit in most areas. 8-foot fences provide more privacy but typically require a permit and cost 30% more.
Do I need a permit for a privacy fence?
Most areas don't require a permit for fences 6 feet or under. Fences over 6 feet usually need a permit ($20-$400). Always check local codes and HOA rules before building.