Fence cost by material (2026)
National average ranges per linear foot, installed. Local pricing varies by labor rates and permit complexity — use the calculator above for a city-specific estimate.
| Material |
Cost per linear foot |
Lifespan |
Best for |
| Wood (cedar/pine) | $15–$45 | 15–25 yrs | Privacy, lower upfront cost |
| Vinyl (PVC) | $25–$60 | 25–40 yrs | Low maintenance, modern look |
| Chain link | $8–$25 | 15–30 yrs | Cheapest, security/pet containment |
| Aluminum | $30–$70 | 30–50 yrs | Decorative, pool fencing |
| Wrought iron | $45–$130 | 50+ yrs | Premium aesthetic, high security |
| Composite | $25–$55 | 25–30 yrs | Wood look without maintenance |
Cost of wood fencing
Wood is still the most popular fencing material in the US, accounting for roughly 60% of new residential installations. The two most common species are pressure-treated pine ($15–$30 per linear foot installed) and cedar ($25–$45 per linear foot installed). For a typical 150-foot backyard fence at 6 feet tall, expect $2,250 to $6,750 total. Cedar costs more upfront but lasts 5–10 years longer than pressure-treated pine before needing replacement.
Wood fence costs are driven by 4 factors: lumber grade (premium cedar runs 30–50% more than knotty), height (each additional foot adds ~15% to cost), terrain (sloped lots add 10–25% in labor), and gates ($150–$500 each, more for double drive gates). Removal of an existing fence typically adds $3–$8 per linear foot.
Cost of vinyl fencing
Vinyl (PVC) fencing runs $25–$60 per linear foot installed. A 150-foot backyard vinyl fence costs $3,750–$9,000. Vinyl is more expensive upfront than wood but requires zero maintenance — no staining, no rotting, no termites. Most quality vinyl fences carry 20–30 year manufacturer warranties.
Cost of chain link fencing
Chain link is the cheapest fencing option at $8–$25 per linear foot installed. A 150-foot chain link fence runs $1,200–$3,750. Galvanized steel is standard; vinyl-coated chain link costs 30–50% more but lasts longer in coastal or humid climates.
Fence installation cost factors
Linear footage
The single biggest cost driver. Measure your property line carefully — it’s easy to underestimate by 20%.
Fence height
Standard 6-foot privacy fence is the baseline. 4-foot is ~25% cheaper, 8-foot adds ~40%, and you’ll need a permit for anything over 6′ in most cities.
Terrain
Sloped or rocky yards add 10–25% to labor. Tree roots, irrigation, and underground utilities add to dig time.
Gates
$150–$500 per pedestrian gate, $400–$1,500 per drive gate. Heavier materials (wrought iron, wood) drive cost up.
Removal of old fence
$3–$8 per linear foot. Concrete-set posts cost more to remove than direct-bury.
Permits + survey
$50–$400 depending on city. Property surveys are $300–$800 if you don’t already have one and need to confirm exact property lines.
Fence cost by city
Local fence pricing benchmarks across major US metros.
New York, NY
Los Angeles, CA
Chicago, IL
Houston, TX
Phoenix, AZ
Dallas, TX
Austin, TX
San Antonio, TX
Jacksonville, FL
Atlanta, GA
Miami, FL
Tampa, FL
Charlotte, NC
Raleigh, NC
Nashville, TN
Denver, CO
Seattle, WA
Portland, OR
Columbus, OH
Indianapolis, IN
Minneapolis, MN
Boston, MA
Philadelphia, PA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently asked questions about fence cost
How much does fence installation cost on average?
For a typical 150-foot backyard residential fence, expect $2,500 to $9,000 installed. Wood is the cheapest at $2,250–$6,750, vinyl runs $3,750–$9,000, and chain link comes in lowest at $1,200–$3,750. Local labor rates and permit costs cause meaningful regional variation.
What’s cheaper, wood or vinyl fencing?
Wood is cheaper upfront ($15–$45/ft vs $25–$60/ft for vinyl), but vinyl wins on lifetime cost. Over 25 years, wood needs staining every 3–5 years ($300–$800 each time) and replacement around year 20. Vinyl just needs occasional cleaning. Total 25-year cost is usually similar; vinyl wins if you don’t want to maintain.
Do I need a permit to install a fence?
Most cities require a permit for fences over 6 feet tall, fences in front yards, fences near sidewalks or property lines, and any fence in a flood zone or HOA-managed community. Permits typically cost $50–$400. Skipping the permit can mean expensive removal orders later. Always check your city’s building department before signing.
How long does fence installation take?
A standard 150-foot residential fence takes 2–4 days for a 2-person crew. Wood and chain link install fastest. Vinyl and aluminum require more precise post setting. Concrete-set posts add a day for curing. Removal of an old fence adds 1–2 days.
Should I install a fence myself to save money?
DIY fence installation can save 40–60% on labor (typically $8–$25/ft of total cost). The trade-off: it requires post-hole digging, concrete setting, and accurate measurement. Renting a powered post-hole digger is essential ($75–$150/day). Most people find chain link and pre-fab wood panels DIY-friendly; vinyl and aluminum are harder due to precise post placement requirements.
