Cost to Build a Fence
The national average cost to build a fence is about $22 per linear foot installed, with most projects landing between $15 and $45 per foot depending on material.
Installed fencing runs about $22 per linear foot on average, or roughly $3,300 for a typical 150-foot residential run. Material is the biggest lever: a wood privacy fence costs two to three times a chain-link one of the same length, and terrain, gates, and local labor rates move the number from there.
Cost breakdown
Material and labor line items. Ranges reflect quality grade and job complexity.
| Item | Spec | Low | High | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chain link | 4 ft · Galvanized | $9.00 | $20.00 | per ft |
| Chain link | 6 ft · Vinyl-coated | $13.00 | $28.00 | per ft |
| Wood picket | 3–4 ft · Pressure-treated pine | $12.00 | $27.00 | per ft |
| Wood privacy | 6 ft · Pressure-treated pine | $17.00 | $35.00 | per ft |
| Wood privacy | 6 ft · Cedar | $22.00 | $45.00 | per ft |
| Vinyl / PVC | 6 ft · Privacy panel | $25.00 | $40.00 | per ft |
| Aluminum | 4–5 ft · Ornamental | $26.00 | $55.00 | per ft |
| Composite | 6 ft · Privacy panel | $30.00 | $60.00 | per ft |
| Gate | Single walk · Matching material | $150.00 | $600.00 | each |
| Gate | Double drive · Matching material | $400.00 | $1,500.00 | each |
Regional pricing
Adjusted against the national typical of $22 per linear foot installed.
| Region | Index | Adjusted typical | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | 1.15× | $25per linear foot installed | Higher labor and permit costs in dense metros |
| Midwest | 0.92× | $20per linear foot installed | Lower labor rates and shorter hauls |
| South | 0.95× | $21per linear foot installed | Competitive labor; frost depth rarely a factor |
| West | 1.12× | $25per linear foot installed | Coastal labor rates and stricter wind/setback codes |
What drives the price
Material
The single biggest factor. Chain link is cheapest, pressure-treated wood mid-range, and cedar, vinyl, aluminum, and composite command a premium for looks and low upkeep.
Height and length
Taller fences use more material per foot, and longer runs need more posts and concrete. Privacy height (6 ft) costs noticeably more than a 4 ft yard fence.
Terrain and soil
Slopes, rock, and tree roots slow post-setting. Racked or stepped panels on a grade add labor, and hard digging can require an auger or hand work.
Gates and hardware
Each gate adds posts, framing, and hardware. A double drive gate can cost as much as 40–80 feet of fence line on its own.
Local labor and permits
Labor is roughly half the installed price and swings with region. Permits, HOA rules, and utility locates add fixed costs before a post goes in.
Frequently asked
- How much does it cost to fence a yard?
- A typical 150-foot residential fence runs about $2,300 to $6,800 installed depending on material and height, with wood privacy and vinyl at the higher end.
- What is the cheapest fence to install?
- Galvanized chain link is the cheapest at roughly $9 to $20 per foot installed, followed by pressure-treated wood picket.
- How much of the cost is labor?
- Labor is usually about half of the installed price. DIY installation can cut the total significantly, but post-setting and grading are the hardest parts to do well.
- Does fence height change the price much?
- Yes. Moving from a 4 ft to a 6 ft fence adds material on every foot and often stronger posts, typically raising the per-foot price by 25% to 40%.