How Much Does a Fence Cost Per Foot? (2026 Price Comparison)

Fence Cost Per Foot by Material

Chain link fence: $10-$20 per linear foot installed. The most affordable option for boundary fencing. Lifespan: 15-20 years. Best for: property boundaries, pet containment, sports areas.

Wood privacy fence (pressure-treated pine): $15-$30 per linear foot installed. The most popular residential fence. Lifespan: 15-20 years with maintenance. Best for: privacy, traditional aesthetics.

Cedar fence: $20-$35 per linear foot installed. Natural rot resistance, no chemical treatment. Lifespan: 15-25 years. Best for: privacy with natural beauty.

Vinyl/PVC fence: $20-$40 per linear foot installed. Zero maintenance and very durable. Lifespan: 20-30+ years. Best for: low-maintenance privacy fencing.

Aluminum fence: $25-$45 per linear foot installed. Decorative and rust-free. Lifespan: 20-30 years. Best for: front yards, pools, decorative borders.

Wrought iron fence: $25-$50+ per linear foot installed. Maximum durability and security. Lifespan: 50+ years with maintenance. Best for: security, historic homes, high-end properties.

Composite fence: $25-$50 per linear foot installed. Eco-friendly, made from recycled materials. Lifespan: 25-30 years. Best for: modern aesthetics with low maintenance.

Total Project Cost Examples

A standard residential backyard (150 linear feet of fencing) costs approximately:

Chain link: $1,500-$3,000 total installed.

Wood privacy (6-foot): $2,250-$4,500 total installed.

Vinyl privacy: $3,000-$6,000 total installed.

Aluminum decorative: $3,750-$6,750 total installed.

These totals include posts, panels, hardware, concrete for post holes, and professional installation labor.

Hidden Costs to Budget For

Permits: $50-$500 depending on jurisdiction. Many areas require permits for fences over 6 feet tall or in front yards.

Property survey: $200-$600 if your property lines are unclear. Building a fence even 6 inches on a neighbor's property can require costly removal.

Gate hardware: Each gate adds $100-$500 for quality hardware. Automatic gate openers cost $500-$2,500 installed.

Ground conditions: Rocky soil, tree roots, or steep grades can add $5-$15 per linear foot in extra labor costs. Fence installers may charge extra for difficult ground conditions.

Old fence removal: $3-$5 per linear foot. A 150-foot old fence costs $450-$750 to remove professionally, or you can DIY with a few hours of labor and a dumpster rental ($200-$400).

DIY vs. Professional Fence Installation

DIY fence installation saves 40-60% on labor costs. For a 150-foot wood privacy fence, materials cost approximately $1,200-$2,200, while professional labor adds $1,000-$2,300.

The most time-consuming part of DIY fence installation is digging post holes. Consider renting a two-person power auger ($50-$75/day) instead of using a manual post hole digger — it will save hours of backbreaking work.

Even if you hire a professional, you can save money by doing the prep work yourself: clearing the fence line, removing old fencing, and marking post locations. This can save $200-$500 in labor charges.

Which Fence Material Should You Choose?

Choose wood if: you want the best value, don't mind annual maintenance, and prefer a traditional look. Wood is the most customizable — you can stain it any color and choose from dozens of styles.

Choose vinyl if: you want zero maintenance and are willing to pay more upfront. Vinyl never needs painting, staining, or sealing, and it won't rot, warp, or attract termites.

Choose chain link if: budget is your top priority and privacy is not a concern. Chain link is the fastest to install and requires virtually no maintenance.

Choose aluminum if: you need a decorative fence for a front yard or pool area. Aluminum provides a wrought-iron look without rust or heavy maintenance.

Use our free fence calculator to get an exact cost estimate based on your specific project dimensions and material choice.