Last updated October 2026 · Reviewed by the CostWise Lab team
How much does a fence cost in 2026?
Most residential fences cost between $10 and $60 per linear foot installed, depending mainly on the material. For a typical backyard of 150 feet, that means roughly $1,500 for basic chain link up to $9,000 or more for cedar, aluminum or composite.
| Material | Installed cost per foot | 150 ft fence |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link | $10 – $30 | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| Pressure-treated wood privacy | $18 – $40 | $2,700 – $6,000 |
| Vinyl | $28 – $55 | $4,200 – $8,250 |
| Cedar privacy | $30 – $60 | $4,500 – $9,000 |
| Aluminum / ornamental steel | $30 – $60 | $4,500 – $9,000 |
| Composite | $31 – $59 | $4,650 – $8,850 |
What changes the price
- Height. The ranges above are for common 4–6 ft fences. Taller privacy fences need longer posts and more material.
- Gates. Each walk or drive gate adds hardware and labor that is not included in the per-foot price.
- Terrain. Slopes, rocky soil and tree roots slow down post-hole digging.
- Removing an old fence. Tear-out and haul-away are usually quoted separately.
- Permits and HOA rules. Many towns require a permit and limit height near the street.
How to measure your fence line
Walk the line where the fence will go and measure each straight run, then add them together. A long tape or a measuring wheel works best; you can also measure on an online map and confirm on site. Call 811 before digging so underground utilities are marked for free.
Methodology
The calculator multiplies your fence length by a national installed price range for the chosen material, then adjusts it to your state.
sections = ⌈length ÷ 8⌉ · posts = sections + 1
The price ranges are national 2026 installed costs (materials and labor) compiled from the cost guides listed below. The state adjustment uses the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, which compare each state's overall price level to the national average (100). Building costs follow it only loosely, so treat the result as a planning range, not a quote.
Sources
- NerdWallet — How much does it cost to install a fence in 2026?
- Inch Calculator — Cost to install a fence (2026)
- QuoteIQ — Free fence cost calculator (2026 prices)
- HomeGnome — Privacy fence cost (2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis — Regional Price Parities by state (2024, via FRED)
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest type of fence?
Chain link is usually the cheapest to install, at roughly $10 to $30 per foot. Pressure-treated wood is the cheapest privacy option.
How much does a 100-foot wood fence cost?
At $18 to $40 per foot installed, a 100-foot pressure-treated privacy fence typically costs $1,800 to $4,000 before gates, permits or removal of an old fence.
Does the estimate include gates?
No. Gates are priced separately because the hardware and labor vary a lot. Ask contractors to list each gate as its own line item.
Why does my state change the price?
Labor and materials cost more in high-cost states. We scale the national range by your state's price level from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.