Independent and unbiased 2026 pricing data
HouseProjectCalc

Fence Installation Cost Calculator

Fencing adds privacy, security, and curb appeal. Use the calculator to estimate your project by length and material, then read the cost-per-foot tables and key cost drivers.

Estimate your cost

Based on national average pricing.

Estimated cost range

$2,250$9,000

BudgetTypicalPremium

An estimate for planning, not a quote. Get written quotes from local pros below.

Estimate, not a quote. These figures are 2026 national-average placeholders for planning only. Your actual price depends on your specific project and local market. Get written quotes from licensed contractors before you budget.

Quote too high? DIY your fence installation

Amazon picks · Sponsored

A contractor quote is mostly labor. If that estimate felt steep, here is the exact gear to tackle this job yourself. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Heavy-Duty Post Hole Digger
VEVOR Heavy-Duty Post Hole Digger

$125.90

Manual post hole digger sets fence posts without renting an auger.

View on Amazon
Instant Anchoring Cement
H.B. Fuller Instant Anchoring Cement

$27.99

Fast-setting concrete mix anchors fence posts in the hole.

View on Amazon
Wood Fence Panel
Enclo Privacy Screens Wood Fence Panel

$94.99

Pre-built fence panels speed up a yard fence install.

View on Amazon
Magnetic Post Level
Swanson Tool Co., Inc Magnetic Post Level

$8.99

A post level keeps fence posts plumb on two faces at once.

View on Amazon

Free, no obligation

Get matched with local fence installation pros

Tell us about your project and we will help you get free quotes from vetted contractors in your area.

By clicking the button below, I agree that HouseProjectCalc and up to four home-improvement providers matched to my project may contact me at the phone number and email I provided, including by automated telephone dialing system, prerecorded voice, text message, and email, about my project, even if my number is on a Do Not Call list. Consent is not a condition of any purchase. Message and data rates may apply. I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Secure form. We only share your details with pros you ask to be matched with. See our Privacy Policy.

Fence Installation cost breakdown

At a mid-range, national-average baseline, a typical fence installation project is estimated at $2,250 to $9,000. The table below breaks the cost down so you can see where your project is likely to land.

Fence cost per linear foot by material (2026 estimate, installed)
Fence material Installed cost per ft Typical total (150 ft)
Chain-link $10 to $25 About $1,500 to $3,750
Wood (privacy) $18 to $45 About $2,700 to $6,750
Vinyl $25 to $60 About $3,750 to $9,000
Aluminum or steel $26 to $70 About $3,900 to $10,500
Wrought iron $30 to $100 About $4,500 to $15,000

Fence Installation cost by project size

Most of your fence installation cost scales with size. Here is the estimated national-average range at a few common project sizes.

Fence Installation cost by size (2026 national-average estimate)
Fence length (linear feet) Estimated total cost Scale
80 linear feet $1,200 to $4,800 Smaller project
150 linear feet $2,250 to $9,000 Typical project
260 linear feet $3,900 to $15,600 Larger project

What drives fence installation cost

  • Fence length in linear feet.
  • Material: chain-link is cheapest, then wood, vinyl, metal, and wrought iron.
  • Height: taller fences use more material and labor.
  • Terrain: sloped or rocky ground slows installation.
  • Gates, post setting, and old fence removal.
  • Regional labor rates and permits.

Key cost factors

Material sets the price

Chain-link is the budget option. Wood is the popular mid-range privacy choice. Vinyl and metal cost more but last longer with less maintenance, and wrought iron is the premium tier.

Length and gates

Cost scales with length, and every gate adds hardware and labor. Corners and end posts also add to the total on shorter runs.

Terrain and removal

Sloped, rocky, or root-filled ground slows post setting. Removing and hauling an old fence is a common added cost.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a fence cost in 2026?

A new fence typically costs $15 to $60 per linear foot installed, or about $2,250 to $9,000 for a 150 foot run. Chain-link is cheapest and wrought iron is the most expensive.

What is the cheapest fence to install?

Chain-link is the most affordable fence at about $10 to $25 per linear foot installed. Wood is the cheapest privacy option, while vinyl and metal cost more but need less maintenance.

Do I need a permit to build a fence?

Many areas require a permit for fences above a certain height, and HOAs often have rules on style and placement. Check with your local building department and HOA before you start.

Fence Installation cost by city

See localized fence installation estimates for major US metros.

Compare your fence installation options

Related cost calculators