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Fence Cost Calculator

Estimate what a new fence will cost in your area — by material, length, and height. Adjusted to local prices with your ZIP. Free and instant.

Estimated fence cost
$1,950 – $7,300
Most homeowners pay around $4,025
Enter your ZIP above for a local estimate (showing national average)
Cost breakdown (typical)
  • Wood fence, 6 ft (installed)$3,750
  • Gate$275

Estimate only — actual price depends on your site, access, and local labor. Get exact numbers from local pros below.

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How much does a fence cost?

A new fence typically costs $15 to $45 per linear foot installed, so a standard 150-foot backyard fence usually lands somewhere around $2,500 to $6,500. The two biggest drivers are the material you choose and how many linear feet you need to cover. Height, gates, terrain, and old-fence removal move the number from there — and where you live matters, because labor and material costs vary a lot by region. That is why the calculator above adjusts your estimate to your ZIP code instead of showing a flat national average.

Fence cost by material (installed, per linear foot)

MaterialTypical installed cost / ftBest for
Chain-link$10 – $30Budget, pets, security, back property lines
Wood (pine / cedar)$12 – $45Classic privacy fencing, wide style range
Vinyl (PVC)$15 – $55Low-maintenance privacy, clean look
Composite$18 – $60Premium privacy, wood look without upkeep
Aluminum$20 – $70Decorative, pool code, sloped yards
Wrought iron$25 – $80Ornamental, high-end curb appeal

These are installed prices — materials plus professional labor. Doing it yourself removes the labor portion (usually 40–60% of the total) but adds the work of digging post holes, setting concrete, and keeping the line straight and plumb.

What drives the price up or down

How to use this estimate

Treat the range as a planning number, not a bid. Enter your ZIP for a local figure, then get quotes from a few licensed fence installers in your area to confirm — real prices depend on your exact site, access, soil, and current material costs. When you are ready, you can request free quotes from local pros right in the tool above.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a new fence cost?

For most homes, a new fence runs about $2,000–$6,500 installed, or roughly $15–$45 per linear foot depending on the material and height. Chain-link is the cheapest (around $10–$30/ft installed) and aluminum or wrought iron the priciest ($35–$80/ft). Use the calculator above with your length, material, and ZIP for a local estimate.

What is the cheapest type of fence to install?

Chain-link is almost always the cheapest fence to install, followed by wood (pressure-treated pine or cedar). Vinyl, aluminum, composite, and wrought iron cost more up front but need far less maintenance, so they can be cheaper over 15–20 years.

Does fence cost include installation?

Yes. The estimates above are installed prices — they include materials, posts, concrete, hardware, and professional labor. If you install it yourself you can cut labor (often 40–60% of the total), but you take on the digging, setting, and any permit or property-line work.

How much does labor cost to install a fence?

Labor is typically 40–60% of the installed price, or roughly $10–$30 per linear foot. Sloped or rocky ground, hard digging, and old-fence removal all push labor higher.

Do I need a permit to build a fence?

Often yes — many cities require a permit for fences over a certain height (commonly 6–7 ft), and HOAs may have their own rules on materials, height, and setback. Permit fees are usually $20–$150. Always check with your local building department and locate your property lines before digging.

How can I lower my fence cost?

Choose a lower-cost material like chain-link or wood, keep the run straight with fewer corners and gates, reuse existing posts if they are sound, and get 3+ quotes from local installers. Off-season (late fall/winter) scheduling can also bring better pricing.